Help selecting Android tv box over Apple Tv

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SouthernGeek

68 posts

Master Geek

#215026 8-Jun-2017 21:46

Hi guys,
My Aunt wants something to be able to watch netflix, lightbox, neon, TV nz on demand etc on her non smart TV with hdmi.
A friend of hers has an apple tv gen4 and she wanted that, but does have much money. I said I would research it and find out what those android boxes on trademe are like. I've never used one. I think she would need something she can plug a wireless keyboard combo into....

How do these boxes work? Is it just like an android phone and all the apps can be downloaded and installed just like my Android phone?

She doesn't really need it, but could we add kodi and PIA VPN like phones to have a VPN with kodi access?

Her TV is an older full 1080 flatscreen.

Does anyone have advise which trademe boxes are good?

Something like this?
https://trademe.co.nz/1339408711

Thanks
Bri

butlerboy

457 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1797091 9-Jun-2017 09:54

I can't help with a recommendation on which box is best but would suggest having a look on aliexpress.com . You'll pick up an equivalent box for a lot less $$$.

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797094 9-Jun-2017 09:59

mi box. running proper android tv, and not just android. a proper android tv device gives you full control via a remote, voice search etc, with no need for a keyboard/mouse.

davidcole

6029 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797097 9-Jun-2017 10:02

reven:

mi box. running proper android tv, and not just android. a proper android tv device gives you full control via a remote, voice search etc, with no need for a keyboard/mouse.

What about access and use of the vendor supplied apps, as I note the OP says TVNZ ondemand etc.

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reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797099 9-Jun-2017 10:05

davidcole:

reven:

mi box. running proper android tv, and not just android. a proper android tv device gives you full control via a remote, voice search etc, with no need for a keyboard/mouse.

What about access and use of the vendor supplied apps, as I note the OP says TVNZ ondemand etc.

you can side load apks, or use kodi for tvnz on demand. there may be an android tv app already for tvnz on demand, honestly ive never checked, ive never cared to check, only old people still watch broadcast tv :P

davidcole

6029 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797110 9-Jun-2017 10:22

But isn't that the problem with android tv, the fact you have to side load stuff? For some reason these boxes seem to fall into a gap where they're not quite considered a phone or anything else. I had one. I could load tvnz (for example) but I wasn't allowed to use HDMI output.

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797113 9-Jun-2017 10:26

android tv, i havent had to side load anything. it has an app for everything i personally use

- netflix
- plex
- kodi
- youtube
- lightbox
- google movies (for renting movies)
- built in chromecasting

the interface, ease of use, apps available, price of a mibox make android tv hard to beat. fire tvs are also very good, but voice search/interface isnt as good since its too tightly integrated with amazon.

steve2222

498 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1797776 10-Jun-2017 17:36

reven:

android tv, i havent had to side load anything. it has an app for everything i personally use

- netflix
- plex
- kodi
- youtube
- lightbox
- google movies (for renting movies)
- built in chromecasting

the interface, ease of use, apps available, price of a mibox make android tv hard to beat. fire tvs are also very good, but voice search/interface isnt as good since its too tightly integrated with amazon.

where did u find an android tv app for lightbox?

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reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797778 10-Jun-2017 17:48

its on my sony bravia.

BuzzLightyear

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1797834 10-Jun-2017 21:35

SouthernGeek: Hi guys,
My Aunt wants something to be able to watch netflix, lightbox, neon, TV nz on demand etc on her non smart TV with hdmi.
A friend of hers has an apple tv gen4 and she wanted that, but does have much money. I said I would research it and find out what those android boxes on trademe are like. I've never used one. I think she would need something she can plug a wireless keyboard combo into....

How do these boxes work? Is it just like an android phone and all the apps can be downloaded and installed just like my Android phone?

She doesn't really need it, but could we add kodi and PIA VPN like phones to have a VPN with kodi access?

Her TV is an older full 1080 flatscreen.

Does anyone have advise which trademe boxes are good?

Something like this?
https://trademe.co.nz/1339408711

Thanks
Bri

If you want something that's idiot proof you should just get a second hand ATV. Otherwise you'll spend your life being her IT support. Agree there are plenty of alternatives that are great but not many pass the grandma test for me.