Need an android box to replace my old and trusted WD tv live

by _therealERNESTO_

Hello everyone, as stated in the title I think it's time to retire my WD TV live. It served me well in these years, but I think it's time to change for two main reasons: it doesn't support 4k output and can't read h265 encoded files, and modern streaming services don't work on it. I need the android box to have the following features:

-android TV certified os -under 80€ (I live in Italy If it can help) -certified for Amazon, Netflix and YouTube HD -SMB/CIFS network protocol support.

I was tempted by the mi box S but I noticed it doesn't have wired ethetnet connection. I'm worried because I need it to be able to read the video files shared on my local network that I store on my computer, and I fear that a wireless connection could cause problems, since some of them are very big 4k files, but if I'm wrong correct me. Anyway, any kind of help will be appreciated, thanks a lot in afvance.

newyorkrican76

Nvidia shield over and out 😎

mrrask

The Shield is afaik the best developed box there is.. I have a dirt cheap xiaomi mi box s in my bedroom tho, which I also recommend, if it's just for media consumption

BiggussDikkuss

Not Android TV, but more powerful and better Firmware vs budget Android TV devices....

The cheapest way to do it is get a Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and a cheap 480Mbps Ethernet adapter as mentioned in here:

https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=336151

The benefits are HD audio support in the form of LPCM and auto Frame Rate Matching for Apps like Kodi, Plex & Amazon's own Prime Video.

If you value smooth video playback these are the devices to look at, and you definitely DO need 24p and 25/50fps auto Frame Rate Matching support living in Europe.

The Fire TV Stick Wireless remote is excellent and it will even control other devices.

If you really want a snappy device, that nearly as powerful and snappy as a Nvidia Shield then the 2019 Amazon FireTV Cube should be considered.

latinriky78

Thank you u/rk_29 for refering me to OP 👍🏼

You can use an ethernet adapter with the Mi Box S as well as the other devices without ethernet port, but I recommend using a device with a more recent processor like the one inside the new Chromecast or the one in the new Mecool KM6, anyway, here's my recommendation, you can check out each one so you can decide what's the best option for you:

Certified AndroidTV/GoogleTV boxes organized in alphabetical order:

- AirTV Mini (US only)

- AT&T TV (US only. Netflix only) (10/100 ethernet)

- Chromecast with Google TV

- Ematic Jetstream (Engel EN1015K for Europe) (10/100 ethernet)

- JBL Link Bar (10/100 ethernet)

- Mecool KM6 Classic Edition (Prime Video only. 10/100 ethernet. AV1 hardware decoding. 2GB of RAM. Available soon at mecoolonline.com )

- Mecool KM6 Deluxe Edition (Prime Video only. Gigabit ethernet. AV1 hardware decoding. 4GB of RAM. Available soon at mecoolonline.com )

- Minix Neo T5 (No Netflix/Prime Video. Gigabit ethernet. Remote control doesn't have a microphone)

- Nvidia Shield TV (The most expensive but powerful)

- Tivo Stream 4K (US only)

- Verizon Stream TV (US only), 10/100 ethernet)

- Xiaomi Mi Box S/4K

- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (1080p only)

For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to Android TV Guide website.

BiggussDikkuss

Just be aware if you plan on streaming high bitrate 4K Bluray Rips/Remux’s from Network Storage, their peak streaming Bitrates exceed 100Mps and will lead to annoying buffering during playback on 100M ethernet devices.

rk_29

u/latinriky78 might be able to help you out. He has a brilliant list.

You could also checkout androidtv-guide.com for a list of all devices, including certifications and features.

newyorkrican76

I have two of the first generation I paid full price. The second generation I got it on sale on black Friday which is rapidly approaching us. I picked up two more used one for my mom and one for my dad on Facebook market place. 80 and 60 bucks people give them away. If cost is your issue keep an eye out on there and offer up app. Hope this helps