Customisable Android TV devices

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Customisable Android TV devices

freakalad

236 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#259812 23-Oct-2019 11:44

I'm looking for a affordable decent Android-based device I gave have a play with - preferably something I can flash Lineage ROM or some equivalent.

I see there's a Vodafone TV ($180) box on the market, as well as SmartVU X ($100-140).

Both are pretty low-spec ("lean"), but probably better geared to my needs than my OSMC on a RPi3.

Questions for anyone that's had a play:

Can I get root?
Custom ROM available?
if not, can I sideload my own apps? Looking to load Adblock, Yatse, AirServer, Spotify, VLC, etc
support for HDMI-CEC? Looking at reducing my remotes
Any other devices better suited to my needs? The NVidia Shield comes out top, no argument there, but price-tag's a bit rough to have a go at.

Anyone on here have a general hacky play with some of these boxes able to offer some guidance, please?

FLOSS'er, aspiring Maker

KrazyKid

1247 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 616

#2342462 23-Oct-2019 13:53

Fully admit I don't customize my box very heavily, but the fireTV 4K stick works at treat for me. Can sideload apps. Has HDMI-CEC.

I run Kodi on it and now has You Tube native and can chromecast to it.
Also with Kodi can access my NAS files.

FireTV has a spotify app, but a quick google showed at least 2 people have issues with it, so buyer beware :)

Only thing it can't do is play NZ Amazon prime. LOL.
American Prime is the only option & I've not bothered with that yet.

driller2000

936 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 374

ID Verified

#2342481 23-Oct-2019 14:51

This is not a direct answer as it is Kodi focussed - but it does give some good info regarding the capabilities of various boxes:

https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=252916

FWIW - I have a Shield, MiBox and Sony TV as I am fan of Android TV and I have not tried to root these as I am OK with what it comes with standard and what I have been able to sideload onto all 3 of these devices - incl. YT, NF, Kodi(incl IPTV and on demand addons via MattH and Apsattv), Amazon Video, Lightbox, PLEX, FreeviewApp, Spotify, Google Music, Spark Sport, SkySportNow, Stremio, RedboxTV, Mobdro, MAME, CloudRadio (Soundcloud), Blockada etc.

So yeah I don't believe I NEED root, or a custom rom - as the above apps provide a TRUCKLOAD of content - and Pie is a great 10 ft interface as well IMO.

The MiBox is great value IMO and can be got from GBest for $87 NZD right now.

But if you did want to root it I suspect one of the other chinese sourced boxes running std Android might be more what you are looking for.

woodson

234 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 14

#2342961 24-Oct-2019 12:06

BIG +1 for the Mi Box!

freakalad

236 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 9

#2343428 25-Oct-2019 11:08

Chur.

driller2000:

The MiBox is great value IMO and can be got from GBest for $87 NZD right now.

But if you did want to root it I suspect one of the other chinese sourced boxes running std Android might be more what you are looking for.

What's the model number of the device is?

I mostly want root so that I can flash the device with a stripped down ROM, without any potentially... questionable bloadware (I'm aware of the irony), and then do other things like load adblockers & the like.

FLOSS'er, aspiring Maker