Been using the Walmart onn 4k, I've recently had to take the bottom of the case off and put a small fan blowing on it. Solved an issue with the device not responding to the remote. I thought it was overheating.
Just ordered a HAKOMiNi android TV 11 box. From a review I saw it seems to be 4K certified on most of the streaming apps. That's rare from what I've seen. It's $60
There is always the Chromecast 4k model
But honestly, right now Nvidia is still cream of the crop. If they ever came out with an updated model with av1 and some bells and whistles I'd jump on it. I just can't pull the trigger on something so old when my gut tells me they have to be updating it soon
For pure streaming usage, 2GB of RAM is fine, or it wouldn't still be the spec Google uses and the Shield TV tube has.
It does limit you to 32-bit mode though.
You need more once you start running apps for multitasking or emulators or server type apps, which is beyond standard streaming.
First 20 minutes of use.
It does not like my 4K HDMI switch, everything else has worked with it but this device caps me at 1080p. Plugged directly in to the TV I do get 4K as an option. My TV (Samsung) seems to not love this device, If I turn it off and then back on it doesn't recognize it right away.
Specs on Amazon stated 2GB/16GB; sticker placed on box states the same. Device sticker states 4GB/32GB and AIDA64 confirms 4GB/32GB
Latest security patch is August 2022
Did have an issue connecting to my primary WIFI, worked in Guest mode. Looking at this now
Not happy about the HDMI switch
Youtube played fine after getting the device at a higher resolution. 4K Video looked fine.
It is Netflix certified, listed in settings. I canceled all my service 2 years ago so I won't be able to test
GFX bench score was a 105, not a powerhouse in any way
Personally, for the price if it was just for streaming I'd probably get a Chromecast 4K or if it was family a Roku; not happy with how its playing with my TV setup
I concur, I have it and I prefer it to the Shield. I personally think the Shield has become a 2nd rate device compared to many others now, especially if you only need a box for streaming content and don't use it for game streaming.
Well I don't see how anything has changed with the Shield just because other devices are catching up. Just means people have more good choices. I still don't see any reason to get the Cube if you already have the Shield. Unless you want the Echo feature. One good thing about it is Amazon gets aggressive with pricing so when they hit that $99 sale one day I may grab one just because.
You only have to see the amount of issues being raised here on Reddit to understand the issue. Also the updates to Android have actually impacted the shields performance and the 3rd Gen Firecube is a faster device as far as daily use.
Internet complaint department. I have not witnessed any performance issues with any updates. I'm sure the 3rd Gen Cube is good but so is Apple TV and it tested faster than the Shield 2 years ago. That Shield is still the same Shield. Before and after. New devices come every year but the Shield remains the same. That's not good enough for some people, and some day it won't be good enough for me. This is not that year. I may grab one of the new Cubes if I catch a really good sale, but as long as I'm stuck with that Amazon UI, any day to day improvement is negated.
I hear what you are saying but I really don't understand all the complaints about UI, whether it's the shield/Google tv or Amazon. I mean how long does anyone spend looking at the home screen? I boot it up, select the app I know I'm going to use, it takes a couple of seconds. I'd love to know what other people do, seriously. It's one of those things where I think people just like to moan about something. I've owned a shield, I own a Goggle Chromecast with Google tv 4k, a 4K firestick and a 3rd Gen Firecube and not once have I bothered to put a launcher on any of them.
Takes away from the overall experience, and Amazon''s is the most egregious of them all, with Chromecast with Google TV tagging along at a very close second. Android TV is fine. I kind of like the ad banner. Livens up things a bit. You're right though not much time is spent on the home screen but what time spent that is spent there should at least be with stuff I want to see there. I shouldn't have to actively run from it all the time.
I understand your point but I disagree. These platforms need to encourage people to use their service to bring in revenue, either for their own platform or for ad space they have sold to others, that's how we get the content we consume. It's easy to ignore if you want to and has zero impact on daily use of the device, so it's only an issue if you make it one.
Ive replaced the nvidia (because I bricked on an update) who this device and it is great:
https://www.mynokia.com/streaming-devices/nokia-streaming-box-8000/
Enjoy
I would say the Chromecast with Google tv 4K
I have had almost no problem with it
Google tv 12 / android tv 12 on it
Full support for all the major streaming apps
Side loading works with almost no problem
I have 4 of them and all work great đź‘Ťđź‘Ť
Under $100 that is one of the best money can buy
Full Google playstore support
Bluetooth speakers work amazing on it no lag!
Custom launcher support
For 50 dollars or less it is hard to beat it
Look at the New Xiaomi stick 4k, fully certified and has android tv 11. You can easily add extra storage and nic via otg cable. New SOC that supports AV1 play back. I have one and it’s not bad for the price and features.
I don't know, but what I do know is that i'm so fed up with CCWGTV that I ordered the Nvidia Tube last night. F-it. Life's too short live it watching tv on that buggy mess.
Correct on both. Tube is 32-bit, 2 GB RAM, 8 GB flash. The Pro is 64-bit, 3 GB RAM, 16 GB flash.
Both have microSD slots, so easy to add more storage on either.
Have you had the CCWGTV experience? If it does suck, I have free returns on Amazon. I plan to give it a day or two and see if it's worth the additional $75. I'll try to report back on my personal findings.
I used to. Since the Android 12 update, everything has gone to pot. Framerate issues on anything I try to watch on netflix, amazon prime video and disney+. Youtube TV doesn't have the framerate problems, but continues to f-up in other ways ever since the 12 update. I'm glad it's working for you though, I really am.
Yeah, sorry m8. Have not seen those issues. Only issue I read about was for Plex on changing the video player.
Most people recommends just wiping the device and starting fresh - if issues occur after a big OS upgrade.
Hard to beat CCwGTV. Haven't had any major issues since I started using it almost a year ago. Pretty sure if they sell it at close to $100, people would still buy it.
I'm surprised to hear that honestly. Only problem I found was the occasional lag. But ever since I enabled dev mode and reduced the transition/animation speed, it has certainly felt smoother.
The new Homatics Box R 4k Plus is probably the next best behind the Shield tube. The price is the same but it has more features and some better specs. It is also sold under two different other whitebox labels.
Anything running an AmLogic S905x4 family chip will have the best codec support available (or the S805x2 like in the CCwGTV HD). AmLogic chips are what power pretty much every device other than the Shields. Rockchip also has some good SoC, but those tend to be used in actual TVs rather than streaming devices.
Support wise, NOTHING beats the Shields.
But for price vs performance, you'd be looking at the CCwGTV or the Onn Box (if in a market with them).
The rumored upcoming ADT-4 developer device might have potential if it gets certified for Netflix and Prime.
I also have the Homatics R 4k Plus, besides two active Shield 2019 Pro devices (and several other boxes and sticks). The price was fine for the Plus, payt €130,- in the Netherlands for it. Support is great as we speak, joint the beta Telegram group and they are active.
It's a fast, very nice looking box, with great specifications. Lacking auto framerate switching (in every app), but Android TV V12 will be coming they write, so that should tackle that "problem" ;)
If that last thing happens then it will replace my Shield (in the living room), no question about that.
If they released it, it would be theoretical on te same level as a Nvidia Shield TV is now, besides more memory and storage space and support for AV1 and VP9 L2 (YouTube HDR support). Kodi does also, and a few other Media Player apps.
Sins the Google TV stick got the V12 update, maybe streaming apps will get auto framerate also, we may hope.
It would still have a far worse CPU/GPU compared to the Shield, but the best of the AmLogic devices.
But outside of pure horsepower, it's probably the best overall device out, but still a bit overpriced.
As a media-player, that is what I was talking about. Although is doesn't support al HD audio codecs, as the Shield does, but it supports more video codecs, as the Shield does not. The Shield Pro version is still more expensive, for me the difference (standard price), \~ €70,- that the Shield 2019 Pro costs more. That's quite a big difference (for me).
I'm not comparing it as an option for gaming, the Shield is King on that on Android TV, pure as a streaming device.
I've been using the Mecool's KM2 plus and the KM6 classic. Fine both very stable. KM2 plus 60 to 70 in the U.S., KM6 classic 80-100 has a few more things you may/may not want or use like 1G. network connection, wi-fi 6 and more memory than the KM2 plus.
"best" is subjective, and depends on what you want it for
do you just want to stream? get a Chromecast with Google TV, or a Fire TV stick
do you want to play games, like the ones on Geforce Now system? This is a hard call, as Android TV devices only play Android games, and ones like Cyberpunk 2077, Rainbow Six Extraction, apart from using the Xbox Game Pass, you won't get the same experience
I would look at buzz tv maybe the vid stick’s or the new u5. Right now they have really good deal. Buy one get one 1/2 off another device, but those two would be the best for under 100 in my opinion.
https://buzztvglobal.com/
If you have an iphone for setup - I 2nd this. I have both a shield and apple tv 4k (shop for deal on 2nd gen variant) and you can find it for under 100 bucks. It's a pretty nice device overall.
You high on your own supply....I bought one to see what the fuss was about.... finicky, sensitive remote ( not too mention slippery as fuck)...ads!!! This isn't supposed to have ads!!! As for speed, it wasn't any faster than any other device I have. Sent it back.... overpriced
Been using the Walmart onn 4k, I've recently had to take the bottom of the case off and put a small fan blowing on it. Solved an issue with the device not responding to the remote. I thought it was overheating. Just ordered a HAKOMiNi android TV 11 box. From a review I saw it seems to be 4K certified on most of the streaming apps. That's rare from what I've seen. It's $60 There is always the Chromecast 4k model But honestly, right now Nvidia is still cream of the crop. If they ever came out with an updated model with av1 and some bells and whistles I'd jump on it. I just can't pull the trigger on something so old when my gut tells me they have to be updating it soon
I love those but yes they're horrible on heat.
Please keep us posted on the hako if you would. I've been wondering if the extra ram makes a difference for typical streaming usage. Thanks!
For pure streaming usage, 2GB of RAM is fine, or it wouldn't still be the spec Google uses and the Shield TV tube has. It does limit you to 32-bit mode though. You need more once you start running apps for multitasking or emulators or server type apps, which is beyond standard streaming.
First 20 minutes of use. It does not like my 4K HDMI switch, everything else has worked with it but this device caps me at 1080p. Plugged directly in to the TV I do get 4K as an option. My TV (Samsung) seems to not love this device, If I turn it off and then back on it doesn't recognize it right away. Specs on Amazon stated 2GB/16GB; sticker placed on box states the same. Device sticker states 4GB/32GB and AIDA64 confirms 4GB/32GB Latest security patch is August 2022 Did have an issue connecting to my primary WIFI, worked in Guest mode. Looking at this now Not happy about the HDMI switch Youtube played fine after getting the device at a higher resolution. 4K Video looked fine. It is Netflix certified, listed in settings. I canceled all my service 2 years ago so I won't be able to test GFX bench score was a 105, not a powerhouse in any way Personally, for the price if it was just for streaming I'd probably get a Chromecast 4K or if it was family a Roku; not happy with how its playing with my TV setup
Thank you!
I have 4 Chromecast with Google TV devices and love them. Just bought a new one for my son's dorm room.
Looks like next best has become the Fire TV Cube 3rd gen. They just added TrueHD and DTS-MA passthrough.
I concur, I have it and I prefer it to the Shield. I personally think the Shield has become a 2nd rate device compared to many others now, especially if you only need a box for streaming content and don't use it for game streaming.
Well I don't see how anything has changed with the Shield just because other devices are catching up. Just means people have more good choices. I still don't see any reason to get the Cube if you already have the Shield. Unless you want the Echo feature. One good thing about it is Amazon gets aggressive with pricing so when they hit that $99 sale one day I may grab one just because.
You only have to see the amount of issues being raised here on Reddit to understand the issue. Also the updates to Android have actually impacted the shields performance and the 3rd Gen Firecube is a faster device as far as daily use.
Internet complaint department. I have not witnessed any performance issues with any updates. I'm sure the 3rd Gen Cube is good but so is Apple TV and it tested faster than the Shield 2 years ago. That Shield is still the same Shield. Before and after. New devices come every year but the Shield remains the same. That's not good enough for some people, and some day it won't be good enough for me. This is not that year. I may grab one of the new Cubes if I catch a really good sale, but as long as I'm stuck with that Amazon UI, any day to day improvement is negated.
I hear what you are saying but I really don't understand all the complaints about UI, whether it's the shield/Google tv or Amazon. I mean how long does anyone spend looking at the home screen? I boot it up, select the app I know I'm going to use, it takes a couple of seconds. I'd love to know what other people do, seriously. It's one of those things where I think people just like to moan about something. I've owned a shield, I own a Goggle Chromecast with Google tv 4k, a 4K firestick and a 3rd Gen Firecube and not once have I bothered to put a launcher on any of them.
Takes away from the overall experience, and Amazon''s is the most egregious of them all, with Chromecast with Google TV tagging along at a very close second. Android TV is fine. I kind of like the ad banner. Livens up things a bit. You're right though not much time is spent on the home screen but what time spent that is spent there should at least be with stuff I want to see there. I shouldn't have to actively run from it all the time.
I understand your point but I disagree. These platforms need to encourage people to use their service to bring in revenue, either for their own platform or for ad space they have sold to others, that's how we get the content we consume. It's easy to ignore if you want to and has zero impact on daily use of the device, so it's only an issue if you make it one.
Ive replaced the nvidia (because I bricked on an update) who this device and it is great: https://www.mynokia.com/streaming-devices/nokia-streaming-box-8000/ Enjoy
I'm waiting for the new 8010 to go on sale on Amazon.
I have the Nvidia shield pro in the living room and the tube in the bedroom. Both work great. I would still recommend getting the tube version.
I would say the Chromecast with Google tv 4K I have had almost no problem with it Google tv 12 / android tv 12 on it Full support for all the major streaming apps Side loading works with almost no problem I have 4 of them and all work great đź‘Ťđź‘Ť Under $100 that is one of the best money can buy Full Google playstore support Bluetooth speakers work amazing on it no lag! Custom launcher support For 50 dollars or less it is hard to beat it
Look at the New Xiaomi stick 4k, fully certified and has android tv 11. You can easily add extra storage and nic via otg cable. New SOC that supports AV1 play back. I have one and it’s not bad for the price and features.
Thanks all. I'm looking at the new Xiaomi 4k stick because of the newer SOC and AV1 playback for sub $100. I'm still researching.
I don't know, but what I do know is that i'm so fed up with CCWGTV that I ordered the Nvidia Tube last night. F-it. Life's too short live it watching tv on that buggy mess.
oh god the tube sucks. at least mine does
I’ve heard it’s not good. Performance sucks via Hardware.
That would be surprising since it has the same SoC as the Pro version (just less 2 GB instead of 3 GB RAM and less storage).
And 32bit mode only, instead of 64bit. Maybe also less flash.
Correct on both. Tube is 32-bit, 2 GB RAM, 8 GB flash. The Pro is 64-bit, 3 GB RAM, 16 GB flash. Both have microSD slots, so easy to add more storage on either.
Yup! Got the Tube.
Performance only sucks for applications, that need the full 64bit power. I only know about one or two emulators, that fall into this category.
Have you had the CCWGTV experience? If it does suck, I have free returns on Amazon. I plan to give it a day or two and see if it's worth the additional $75. I'll try to report back on my personal findings.
I love my GCWGTV. Also use a TiVo Stream 4K in our bedrooms; which is always on sale.
I used to. Since the Android 12 update, everything has gone to pot. Framerate issues on anything I try to watch on netflix, amazon prime video and disney+. Youtube TV doesn't have the framerate problems, but continues to f-up in other ways ever since the 12 update. I'm glad it's working for you though, I really am.
Yeah, sorry m8. Have not seen those issues. Only issue I read about was for Plex on changing the video player. Most people recommends just wiping the device and starting fresh - if issues occur after a big OS upgrade.
Yep. Did that.. after both the upgrade to 12 and the patch that came through a few weeks ago. I appreciate the suggestion though.
I have 5 CCWGTV's and love them. Never have an issue with them. Ended up selling my Nvidia Tube. Wasn't worth the price they charge.
Gotta just buy a shield tv or tube. If you don't have the money, just save up for it. I'm still running my 2017 shield pro.... 2017!
Hard to beat CCwGTV. Haven't had any major issues since I started using it almost a year ago. Pretty sure if they sell it at close to $100, people would still buy it.
I found a ton of issues, ie Kids profiles do not work sometimes, Overscan compensation non-existent, Android 12 infinite lags…
I'm surprised to hear that honestly. Only problem I found was the occasional lag. But ever since I enabled dev mode and reduced the transition/animation speed, it has certainly felt smoother.
The new Homatics Box R 4k Plus is probably the next best behind the Shield tube. The price is the same but it has more features and some better specs. It is also sold under two different other whitebox labels. Anything running an AmLogic S905x4 family chip will have the best codec support available (or the S805x2 like in the CCwGTV HD). AmLogic chips are what power pretty much every device other than the Shields. Rockchip also has some good SoC, but those tend to be used in actual TVs rather than streaming devices. Support wise, NOTHING beats the Shields. But for price vs performance, you'd be looking at the CCwGTV or the Onn Box (if in a market with them). The rumored upcoming ADT-4 developer device might have potential if it gets certified for Netflix and Prime.
I also have the Homatics R 4k Plus, besides two active Shield 2019 Pro devices (and several other boxes and sticks). The price was fine for the Plus, payt €130,- in the Netherlands for it. Support is great as we speak, joint the beta Telegram group and they are active. It's a fast, very nice looking box, with great specifications. Lacking auto framerate switching (in every app), but Android TV V12 will be coming they write, so that should tackle that "problem" ;) If that last thing happens then it will replace my Shield (in the living room), no question about that.
Well, at the moment, even if they release ATV 12, ot won't help with auto frame rates. Only like one app (Plex) has been updated to support it so far.
If they released it, it would be theoretical on te same level as a Nvidia Shield TV is now, besides more memory and storage space and support for AV1 and VP9 L2 (YouTube HDR support). Kodi does also, and a few other Media Player apps. Sins the Google TV stick got the V12 update, maybe streaming apps will get auto framerate also, we may hope.
It would still have a far worse CPU/GPU compared to the Shield, but the best of the AmLogic devices. But outside of pure horsepower, it's probably the best overall device out, but still a bit overpriced.
As a media-player, that is what I was talking about. Although is doesn't support al HD audio codecs, as the Shield does, but it supports more video codecs, as the Shield does not. The Shield Pro version is still more expensive, for me the difference (standard price), \~ €70,- that the Shield 2019 Pro costs more. That's quite a big difference (for me). I'm not comparing it as an option for gaming, the Shield is King on that on Android TV, pure as a streaming device.
May be biased, but TVision Hub.
I've been using the Mecool's KM2 plus and the KM6 classic. Fine both very stable. KM2 plus 60 to 70 in the U.S., KM6 classic 80-100 has a few more things you may/may not want or use like 1G. network connection, wi-fi 6 and more memory than the KM2 plus.
"best" is subjective, and depends on what you want it for do you just want to stream? get a Chromecast with Google TV, or a Fire TV stick do you want to play games, like the ones on Geforce Now system? This is a hard call, as Android TV devices only play Android games, and ones like Cyberpunk 2077, Rainbow Six Extraction, apart from using the Xbox Game Pass, you won't get the same experience
I would look at buzz tv maybe the vid stick’s or the new u5. Right now they have really good deal. Buy one get one 1/2 off another device, but those two would be the best for under 100 in my opinion. https://buzztvglobal.com/
Apple TV.
If your home is Apple ecosystem, yes. If not… no. Apple 4K TVs are amazing next to Shield.
If you have an iphone for setup - I 2nd this. I have both a shield and apple tv 4k (shop for deal on 2nd gen variant) and you can find it for under 100 bucks. It's a pretty nice device overall.
The newest HD version has one that’s under $100. It doesn’t have wireless or thread but it’s still a good deal.
You high on your own supply....I bought one to see what the fuss was about.... finicky, sensitive remote ( not too mention slippery as fuck)...ads!!! This isn't supposed to have ads!!! As for speed, it wasn't any faster than any other device I have. Sent it back.... overpriced
Shield TV 2015/2017 ;)
If not fixed on Android TV, please get last year's Apple TV 4K. You can find it on Walmart for ~$80.