I currently have a Jetstream Android TV box from Walmart and was looking to upgrade. Box has been giving me problems lately so wanted to know what everyone thinks is the next step up. I know Nvidia shield TV is the best of the best but its always sold out. Any suggestions on a box that is better than this one?
I have a Mi Box S, can't complain works well.
I'm looking for the same but the shield it's out of the question for me since I just stream stuff. So I think I'm going to wait for the Google Android TV or give the TiVo a try. I was very happy with my Jetstream till I couldn't get prime video to work and I haven't even get the update.
Wait for the Shield, it's worth the wait. Just go the Nvidia site and add yourself to the Waitlist and you'll get an email once they have stock. I was able to get one that way.
I have the TiVo and the Nvidia shield. The TiVo is pretty good and inexpensive.
I would wait a few months, if you can. Google is apparently putting out their own unit with a remote here shortly. https://www.droid-life.com/2020/06/02/googles-upcoming-android-tv-dongle-and-ui-leak/ this will likely be your best option between the value Mi box and the Shield.
I have a MiBox and it works awesome. I am aware that the Nvidia Shield is better, but for 50$ MiBox does the job pretty well.
Shield and it's not even close
At this point I would hold off and see what the Google branded box offers.
Buy another cheap box now... or keep using the sketchy Walmart box, and buy the Google TV stick at Xmas or early next year (release date unconfirmed) ?
This will be 90% as good as the Nvidia Shield, but at 1/3-1/4 of the price. Which should force all other makers to smarten up their act and release compliant Google TV boxes for a reasonable price (There are too many Chinese designed junk on the market that doesn't work well and costs far too much).
NVidia Shield. Even if it costs more, they update their boxes to newer versions of Android TV than the other guys.
Get a 2015 Shield. The difference between the 2015 and the 2019 is pretty minimal, and 2015's are much easier to get.
The Tube is in stock most places. Don't let anybody tell you it's not an excellent device also.
It’s in stock @ my local BB and online for the US. What’s the issue?
The Shield has had supply issues lately due to coronavirus. I think I read that production is ramping up again, so hopefully that will be resolved soon. It's worth waiting for it, or hell, pick up a used one off of eBay or Swappa. The 2015 and 2017 models are still very good, and still actively supported; the only major loss you have going with one of those over a 2019 is the AI upscaler. Hell, I'd actually rather have one of those than the 2019 tube, since that is 32-bit only (which poses a problem for some programs, most notably Dolphin).
I do also have an AirTV Mini, and it's decent enough, but I can't speak to how its performance compares to the Jetstream. I just think that, if you're having performance issues, you might as well go for the best performer you can get.
You're right. I haven't benchmarked them but I haven't experienced a scenario where the s922z was any slower than tegra X1.
I'm still on Nexus Player. Works well.
I have both a Jetstream and a Shield TV. I'd like to know what problems you're having with the Jetstream though. I don't see much of a difference in either other than extra features on the Shield and it being faster.
Get the TiVo dongle
Mi Box S isn't necessarily a hardware upgrade, but it does at least run Pie and seem to have active software/update development. I have the Jetstream, Mi Box S, Shield Pro '17, and Hisense 50H8F. All have occasional minor issues and quirks but, honestly, none any more than the other (Shield included).
Prior to the Sabrina leaks intensified, my money for a newer box would have been the TiVo Stream 4K and hope the software caught up a bit. That said, I don't see how it would be feasible for TiVo to update that box to the next AndroidTV UI and maintain any relevance for the TiVO app and it will likely never see the UI update... so unless you're a Sling user, that device seems like a non-starter.
So, given that, if your Jetstream is mostly functional, I'd just wait for whatever Sabrina turns out to be since it will likely be a sub-$80 device, have the latest UI, and have several years of updates/support.
The next step up is a faster AMLogic S905X2/Y2 chipset device like the AirTV Mini or Verizon Stream 4K. The new TiVo Stream dongle also has that chipset but it is too buggy currently.
Ultimately it’s the Nvidia Shield the rules the Android TV roost.
Fire TV cube is my runner up if the Nvidia shield tv isn’t available.
For those who downvoted me: what is your argument? I'm genuinely curious.
I wonder what problems are you having?
Did you receive the recent Android 9 update?
Anyway, you can replace it with any of these options:
Certified Android TV devices WITH Netflix and Prime Video certifications:
- AirTV Mini
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Tivo Stream 4K
- Verizon Stream TV
- Xiaomi Mi Box S
- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
Certified Android TV devices with Netflix ONLY certification:
- AT&T TV
- JBL Link Bar
Certified Android TV devices with Prime Video ONLY certification:
- Mecool KM1
- Mecool KM3 (With Android 10 update available at mecoolonline.com )
Certified Android TV devices WITHOUT Netflix and Prime Video certifications:
- Channel Master Stream Plus (with built-in ATSC dual tuner)
- Mecool KM9 Pro
- Minix Neo T5
For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to Android TV Guide website.
Looking at your situation (since you are unhappy with this box), in androidtv, it's either nvidia shield or nothing.
If money or availability is the issue, then go for firestick 4k (no Chromecast though, so don't buy if you rely on cc too much) but please don't buy another cheap androidtv device.
Years ago I used a local product to Taiwan called Zinwell. It was good as a basic TV box. I upgraded last year to one of those H96 Max+ Android boxes and it was a bit wonky from the very start with Google Play Services issues. I tried to upgrade the firmware and ended up bricking the damn thing. Adios. No more fooling around. I bought the Nvidia Shield TV Pro and it arrived this past week. Amazing unit. I am extremely impressed. I would recommend Nvidia's choices for sure.
Fire Stick 4K. Not pure android but has all the apps that I need along with dolby vision, dolby Atmos, etc.
Nvidia shield no point to get weaker boxes they are all a waste of time