Android Box with NZ apps and Optical out

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Android Box with NZ apps and Optical out

CokemonZ

1051 posts

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#303044 12-Jan-2023 12:25

Hi team,

I use a projector with a soundbar, currently use an xbox one for streaming but it's showing it's age.

Don't really use for gaming so don't need a console.

Keen to get an Android TV box - not in the apple ecosystem.

The soundbar I have works easiest with optical - ARC (HDMI Audio Return) is challenging with device positioning. Supports 5.1 and I have wireless rear speakers so I don't want to use 3.5mm.

Needs very high WAF and kid usability, so not super keen on something thats a bit shady.

So - anyone have any recommendations?

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#3020430 12-Jan-2023 12:45

Have you checked if your TV has an optical out or perhaps connect the device via the sound bar?

If that would work then Chromecast with Google TV or the new Amazon Fire TV stick?

MikeAqua

7773 posts

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#3020447 12-Jan-2023 13:43

I think the Optical Out will be a challenge. Everything I've seen has HDMI because Android supports that very easily. Perhaps you can get some sort of splitter.

If you can resolve the optical out issue, the MiBox is great little unit. Works with a standard remote. I've had one for years and still use it when I travel. Plug it into a hotel room TV, long into WiFi and I'm away. It even plays nicely with my bluetooth earplugs.

Mike

richms

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#3020454 12-Jan-2023 13:58

I have only seen it on older ones, and questionable aliexpress ones that also still have a 3.5mm on them carrying analog video and audio.

I would just get a HDMI audio extractor with optical and put it on whatever device suits you. Can get pricey for one with 4k and HDR support tho, 1080p SDR is well covered with stuff off aliexpress.

Richard rich.ms

CokemonZ

1051 posts

Uber Geek

#3020462 12-Jan-2023 14:20

For some more context:

Projector doesn't have optical out - or the ability to output audio of any form (including no ARC support).

Soundbar supports arc, which AFAIK is designed for the tv to output audio to the soundbar. Soundbar only has one HDMI, so can't use that as the input device.

So for the HDMI suggestion to work I'd need an HDMI splitter box - google tv to hdmi splitter, then one cable to projector and one to soundbar.

Second issue is the way cables are run I'd need an 9m+ long HDMI cable and from what I'v read cables that long can be a bit fiddly.

I already have optical run so kinda prefer that for that reason too - though yeah looking increasingly unlikely.

CokemonZ

1051 posts

Uber Geek

#3020465 12-Jan-2023 14:28

Reckon one of these splitter type boxes would work with a google tv or Mi box?

Shop Simplecom CM425 HDMI 2.0 Audio Extractor Optical SPDIF + 3.5mm Stereo with ARC 4K@60Hz - Dick Smith. .

Can't see why not......

Rikkitic

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#3020472 12-Jan-2023 14:39

I have used both HDMI splitters and audio extractors from Aliexpress in different configurations and they have always worked well for me.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

CokemonZ

1051 posts

Uber Geek

#3020477 12-Jan-2023 14:49

Rikkitic:

I have used both HDMI splitters and audio extractors from Aliexpress in different configurations and they have always worked well for me.

Ok, will try and find a local one, rather than the month long wait from Aliexpress

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huckster

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#3020491 12-Jan-2023 15:29

I had an original Fire TV and I'm pretty sure that had Optical out. Sold it a while back though. So maybe hunt one of those down?

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#3020493 12-Jan-2023 15:32

The original Fire TV won't have access to NZ streaming apps, only the new ones bought from Amazon AU (yes, you could sideload on old ones, etc but talking about apps from the Amazon store).

CokemonZ

1051 posts

Uber Geek

#3020506 12-Jan-2023 16:25

Yeah, not really looking for a solution that will require maintinance so sideloading apps while not hard is not something I'm super keen on.

Ideally if the rest of the family wants an app they should just be able to download it.

Atm looking at Google TV and one of those splitter boxes.