While I do like my Kindle Fire stick, I feel that I’ve outgrown it and need something more robust. Something that I can place videos and music on just in case of internet outages (which seem to be getting more frequent here after Ida). So here’s what I’m looking for in a set top box. Any help would be appreciated.
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Takes SD cards (can read at least a terabyte but more would be nice for future-proofing).
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Not locked down or at the very least easy to jail break or side load apps into.
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Does not have ads all over the home screen (if this isn’t possible, I’ll deal with it).
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Possible to upgrade the android version of.
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Doesn’t go over $250.
Since I’m new to this sort of thing and don’t know enough to tell a “good” set top from a “bad” set top, I figured I’d ask here.
It doesn't need to be "jail breaked", you just can install smartphone apps on it, do note you need a mouse to move around the interface, some apps may not work.
Ads on the home screen is the new normal, there isn't a formal way to remove them, there's just some workaround on this sub to try to hide them.
Most OEMs are getting better at updating their devices to a recent Android version, Nvidia, and Xiaomi have always been diligent at releasing updates followed by Mecool and Tivo.
This is a recommended list of devices, take into account that dongles don't have microSD card slots but you can add a USB hub with support for it.
CERTIFIED ANDROIDTV/GOOGLETV BOXES WITH NETFLIX AND PRIME VIDEO FOR THE UNITED STATES ONLY:
- AirTV Mini (More info at airtv.net/products)
- AT&T TV (More info at http://att.com/tv/device-features )
- Tivo Stream 4K (More info at http://tivo.com/products/stream-4k )
- T-Mobile TVision HUB (More info at http://t-mobile.com/tvision/services/hub )
- Verizon Stream TV (AV1 hardware decoding. More info at http://verizon.com/products/verizon-stream-tv-gen-2 )
CERTIFIED ANDROIDTV/GOOGLETV BOXES WITH NETFLIX AND PRIME VIDEO FOR THE US, EUROPE AND THE REST OF THE WORLD:
- Chromecast with Google TV (more info at http://tv.google )
- Dynalink TV dongle (More info at http://dynalink.life )
- Homatics Box Q (More info at http://homatics.tv/products/homatics-box-q )
- Homatics Dongle Q (More info at http://homatics.tv/products/homatics-dongle-q )
- JBL Link Bar (More info at http://jbl.com/refurbished-home-speakers/JBL+LINK+BAR-.html )
- Mecool KM2 (More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
- Nvidia Shield TV (The most expensive but powerful, recommended for gaming. More info at http://shield.nvidia.com )
- Walmart Onn (More info at http://walmart.com )
CERTIFIED ANDROIDTV/GOOGLETV BOXES WITH ONLY PRIME VIDEO FOR THE US, EUROPE AND THE REST OF THE WORLD:
- Formuler GTV (Gigabit ethernet. Exclusive MYTVOnline2 app for IPTV. More info at http://formuler.tv/gtv )
- Mecool KM6 Classic Edition (AV1 hardware decoding. More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
- Mecool KM6 Deluxe Edition (AV1 hardware decoding. Gigabit ethernet. WiFi 6. 4GB of RAM. More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
- Mecool KT1 (AV1 hardware decoding. DVB-T2/S2/C tuner built-in. More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
- Mecool Now (An Android TV device with a built-in camera and microphone, suitable for videoconferencing. More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
- Mecool KD1 TV Stick (More info at http://mecoolonline.com where you can get a 10% off with the code "mecoolbox" at checkout)
CERTIFIED ANDROID TV BOXES WITH NETFLIX AND PRIME VIDEO CERTIFICATIONS THAT USE THE NOW OLD AMLOGIC S905X SoC:
- Xiaomi Mi Box S (More info at http://mi.com/global/mi-box-s )
- Ematic Jetstream (More info at http://androidtv-guide.com/streaming-gaming/ematic-jetstream-tv-box )
For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to www.androidtv-guide.com website.