Constantly On The Move, But Feeling a Little Restless? There May Be A Solution In This Article!

You’re always on the go, yet you’re becoming a little restless? This article may include a solution!

Introducing you to the Android TV Boxes. Because you’re usually on the go, I’m sure you’ve never heard of it. That’s all right. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, such as if Android TV is better than satellite, free TV, or cable. What you need to know about Android TV boxes is outlined below.

The popularity of Android TV boxes is immense. They’re ideal for cable cutters, anyone who wishes to boost the smart capabilities of their TV, anyone who manages their own media with Kodi or Plex, frequent travellers, and more.

But, first and foremost, what is an Android TV box? What are the features of Android set-top boxes? Who should purchase an Android TV box in Malaysia, anyway? Playboy, take a deep breath and relax. I’ve taken care of you.

How Does an Android TV Box Work?

A set-top box or a dongle that plugs into your television is an Android TV device. You can stream on-demand video apps, video sites, and network TV programming on the box.

The term “Android TV box” isn’t well defined. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their capabilities vary greatly. The only thing they have in common is that they are all capable of running the Android TV operating system.

The Android TV operating system is a variant of the Android operating system that is meant to run on televisions. It’s been around since mid-2014, when it replaced Google TV, which is now dead.

Smart TVs come with the Android TV OS pre-installed. At various times, Sharp, Sony, Philips, and Hisense have all used Android TV OS to power their smart TVs.

What Is Available on Android TV?

The Google Play Store is available to Android TV users. If you’re an Android user, though, it won’t be the Google Play Store that you’re used to.

The list of available apps has been drastically altered. To be listed in the TV edition of the market, an app developer must make their applications Android TV compliant. As a result, many smaller developer’s apps aren’t available.

Nonetheless, you’ll discover all of the apps you’d anticipate. Many more services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crackle, YouTube, HBO Go, NBC, ABC, BBC iPlayer, MLB.TV, and others, are available for download and streaming. Geo-restrictions apply to some of the apps. To get around the blocks, use a high-quality VPN service like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost.

Android TV sets, on the other hand, allow you to sideload apps, despite the fact that the Google Play Store is smaller than the mobile version. It implies you can download and install the APK file of any app you wish to run on your box.

Just keep in mind that sideloaded programmes may not work with your remote. Download an Android TV remote app for your smartphone, which allows you to use your finger as a mouse cursor.

Is There Any Other Content on Android TV Boxes?

Android TV is more than just a video player. There are also utility programmes like file explorers and sideload app launchers, as well as music apps like Spotify and Pandora, movie players like VLC, and utility programmes like file explorers and sideload app launchers.

Games, on the other hand, are the most popular kind of alternative content on Android TV. The Nvidia Shield, for example, has its own app store where you can download and play games like Grand Theft Auto and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Things to Consider:

It’s essential to pay attention to the technical specifications when selecting an Android TV box. There are many factors to consider, and there is no such thing as an “ideal” TV box that fulfils all of your needs. You may make a better purchase for your house and family by familiarising yourself with some of the more crucial features in an Android TV box.

  1. Operating System (OS)

Like all modern devices, TV boxes have their own operating system. The operating system, on the other hand, is much more than a nice face and a set of programmes. The OS has an impact on the optimization and speed of your TV Box, including memory utilisation and OpenGL support.

Your TV box’s operating system affects any smart hubs you have in your house. To ensure compatibility, double-check that your TV box is compatible with all of your other smart appliances. If you utilise Amazon Alexa with your Fire TV, you’ll receive the best results. If your home is connected via Apple technology, you’ll need an Apple TV for compatibility.

A TV box will function with any operating system, but for best results, choose one with the most recent version of the OS. If you have a smart home, having your TV box and smart hub run on the same operating system will provide better synergy.

  1. Audio Streaming

The sound of a video file – such as a Blu-ray ripped to PC – can “pass through” the TV box and onto a home theatre receiver that can better decode and translate the compressed sound data.

Audio passthrough is a function that enhances the quality of your movies, television shows, and even music. When it comes to KODI, audio passthrough is a standard feature because of its versatility, and some TV boxes even have 5.1 audio passthrough built-in. This functionality isn’t required for all users, but it’s something to keep in mind.

  1.  Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching

The term “Dynamic Refresh Rate” is another one that you may or may not be familiar with. How rapidly your TV or computer processes and displays what you’re seeing is determined by its dynamic refresh rate. At 60 Hz, the human eye is unable to discern blinking or how quickly the computer redraws the images.

Due to the fact that not all films are encoded at 60Hz, watching a movie at 30Hz on 60Hz settings would result in a mediocre visual experience. By matching your movie’s frame rate with your TV’s frame rate, the TV Box can increase your movie’s visual appeal.

However, dynamic refresh rate switching must be allowed in your software (such as KODI), hardware (Android, Fire TV, etc.), and your television in order for this functionality to work. You’ll have to manually adjust the frame rate if only one of them has it.

  1. USB ports, HDMI, and WiFi

In order to save money, I’ve combined several important connectors including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB into a single group. No matter how different these ports are, they are all critical to the operation of your set-top box.

It’s the HDMI port that’s the most crucial of the bunch.’ HDMI 2.0 is required if you want to watch 60 frames per second on a 4K TV. HDMI 2.0’s bandwidth is 18GB/second, while HDMI 1.4’s is just 10GB/second. Despite the fact that an older HDMI model can process 4.0 video, a more recent HDMI will offer higher performance and quality.

In addition, a gigabit ethernet cable is required. To reduce video buffering while streaming video, the most advanced Gigabit Ethernet connection is used. Additionally, USB 3.0 gadgets should be on your shopping list. Streaming video files from a flash drive or portable hard drive will benefit from USB 3.0, which transfers data 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

  1.  KODI

Using KODI is like using OpenOffice or Mozilla for your computer’s office software or web browsers. KODI is a free and open-source media centre that lets you do everything from watching YouTube videos to listening to music to playing DVDs. When it comes to your audio and video needs, KODI is an open-source media centre that can handle it all. Whether you’re using it to watch YouTube videos or listen to music on your computer, it’s a great alternative to Microsoft’s proprietary media players like Windows Media Player and Microsoft Edge.

Apple devices aren’t supported by KODI in the same way as other operating systems. Installing KODI on an iPhone or iPad is more challenging than it is on a Mac or PC. If you don’t have a lot of technical knowledge, you won’t be able to use KODI on your iPhone.

Malaysia’s Top 5 Android TV Boxes in 2021

Now that you know how to spot the most impressive features of a streaming device, let’s have a look at the finest Android TV box Malaysia has to offer right now.

  1. T9 TV Android Box 
ProsCons
A simple, plug-and-play configurationNavigation can be difficult
Affordable; a good investmentRemote can be unresponsive at times.
Lags are minimal at best
Has a version of Android 9.0 OS
Streaming has very few commercials.
4K display
Only 4GB RAM variants with dual-band 5G WiFi and Bluetooth

Are you looking for an Android TV box with a good value for money? The T9 might be a good option for you. From the start, it makes a positive impression thanks to its simple, plug-and-play (with an attached HDMI connection) setup. As far as I know, that’s all there is to it.

Features:

Even though there are three storage options for the T9 Android TV box, we recommend the combination of 4 GB and 32 GB. Lag shouldn’t be an issue now, thanks to the device’s four ARM Cortex-A53 processing cores. T9 has an Android 9.0 OS and dual-band 5G WiFi to assist optimise its 4K-resolution display.

Performance:

Even though the streaming service claims to have very few ads, getting around can be difficult. Users have noted that they need to practise switching between the remote control’s default mouse mode and the mouse mode that can be used with the mouse. In addition, the remote may become unresponsive from time to time.

  1. X96 MAX Plus (4GB + 32GB) 
ProsCons
Value for money Sluggish cooling system (solve with cooling fan)
4K at 60fps and 8K at 24fpsNo status or navigation bar.
HDR+ is supported
Runs on latest Android, version 9.0 OS
Apps and movies that come preinstalled
Only 4GB RAM variants with dual-band 5G WiFi and Bluetooth
The option of playing games like PUBG on a PC  (low settings) 

Consider the X96 MAX Plus, a premium Android TV box that streams content. At a relatively reasonable price, it’s got a lot to offer. There are certain unique features that make X96 MAX Plus a better Android TV box than others on the market.

Features:

The X96 MAX Plus Android TV box has a Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, Android 9.0 OS, and dual-band 5G WiFi. Because it supports 8K resolution and HDR+ content, it provides a more defined and realistic image quality than most other display technologies. That doesn’t mean Bluetooth communication isn’t an option.

Performance:

PUBG runs smoothly on the Android box thanks to the Mali-G31 MP2 GPU and 4GB of RAM, but the highest settings are not supported. The lack of a navigation bar and a status bar is a drawback of the minimalist user interface. In addition, the basic cooling system has recorded greater than typical temperatures during normal use.

  1. Nvidia Shield TV Pro 
ProsCons
No lags or slow visuals Very expensive
PUBG and other demanding games function smoothly on it.Might take up space
Compatible with controllers for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Dolby Vision and Atmos
Improved AI upscaling and a 4K HDR display
Chromecast 4K built-in
Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistants

No other Android TV box can compete with the NVIDIA SHIELD TV PRO when it comes to gaming capabilities. When it comes to high-end gaming products, NVIDIA has always been the leader. As a result, they pounced on the rising market for powerful Android TV boxes for gaming.

Features:

A strong NVIDIA Tegra X1+ CPU and Android 9.0 OS means that there will be no lags or slow visuals at any time. Built-in Chromecast 4K and Google Assistant/Alexa integration are also included!

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV PRO is also compatible with PS4 and XBox One gaming controllers, which is good news for experienced gamers.

Performance:

In games like PUBG and Fortnite, where performance is critical, this TV Box performs admirably. Additionally, you can watch Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR resolution when you’re not gaming. With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at the helm, its visual and sound quality are exceptional. 

  1. MXQ Pro 4K (2GB+16GB) 
ProsCons
Very affordableThe 2GB + 16GB package with Bluetooth may be difficult to locate
2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WiFi are supported.
Able of play 4K content
A powerful CPU and GPU
Contains the Android TV 10.0 OS
Beginner-friendly — Simple setup
Exceptionally good results when converting 2D images to 3D

The fact that the MXQ Pro 4K is so inexpensive does not exclude it from being considered an acceptable Android TV box of ordinary quality. Do not underestimate its potential because it is a low-cost device; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Features:

In addition to providing exceptional visual quality, the Android box has a powerful quad-core processor and a quad-core graphics processor. An updated version of Android TV OS is included.

Performance:

It’s simple enough for a novice to use. For those who don’t mind shelling out for 3D glasses, it’s also rumoured to feature exceptional quality 2D to 3D image conversion. Not only that, but also has dual-band Wi-Fi to offer a smooth and enjoyable experience for its users.

  1. MECOOL KM2 
ProsCons
Netflix-certified; plenty more streaming services are accessible too8GB of internal storage might not be enough for some people’s needs.
Aesthetically-pleasing design
Running on the Android 10.0 OS
Chromecast is built in, and Google Assistant is supported.
Streams 4K HDR at 60 fps
Dolby Audio included
Dual-band 5G WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity

What if you want to watch Netflix in HD? The MECOOL KM2 is a viable option. It is the first Netflix-4K approved Android TV box from MECOOL, and it can stream 4K HDR content at 60 frames per second. Netflix isn’t really your thing? There is no need to fear, since other famous streaming services like Disney+ and HBO are also participating in the fun.

Features:

The KM2 stands out because of its white casing with rounded edges. The Android 10.0 operating system and the Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU power this device, resulting in a responsive and steady experience. Some have complained about the 8GB of internal storage. But you can expand it.

Performance:

Dolby Audio is a must-have if you want to get the most out of your home theatre system. The device’s dual-band 5G WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity ensures customers enjoy lightning-fast performance. The Chromecast and Google Assistant features of this dongle also demonstrate its usefulness.

Closing

Android TV boxes are becoming increasingly popular, which shows just how beneficial they can be on a daily basis. What’s the point of having so many people use this in their homes if it doesn’t have any entertainment value? Initially, I was sceptical, but after using it for myself, I realised its potential. Since then, I’ve had no issues with Android TV. It looks like I can view anything I want with this compact and convenient device. It’s possible that joining the movement will be the best thing you’ve ever done!

Read more articles like this here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Android TV Box

What does an Android TV box do?

What we mean by “set-top box” here is something like an Android TV box. On their televisions, customers have access to a wide variety of entertainment options, including live sporting events, movies on demand, web series, and even video games. You only need a reliable internet connection and a streaming TV that is compatible with Android to get started.

What’s the difference between an Android TV and Smart TV?

Android TV, like its name, is powered and run by the Android operating system. Smart TV, on the other hand, uses a variety of operating systems for it to function as it does not have a specific system like Android TV. The difference between both of them is, that with Android TV, you can have various options for customizations; whereas, for Smart TV, you’re able to integrate it with other devices more easily than Android TV.

Are there any disadvantages to Android TV?

Like many other electronic devices, Android TV has its own disadvantages too. However, some of the disadvantages can be fixed with a few tips. Some of the disadvantaged of Android TV is having few manufacturers and it has a complicated interface for people who aren’t used to Android software.

What to consider when getting an Android TV?

There are a few aspects that you should consider before getting an Android TV. You will need to look for an Android TV box that operates on an operating system that is more recent than Android 5.0. (Lollipop). Other than that, an Android TV box with version 6.0 or later is also recommended for a better viewing experience.

How do I get an Android TV?

Chromecast is already set up on your Android TV device. Chromecast is a dongle made by Google that allows you to stream media from your computer or mobile device to your TV without needing an Android TV-compatible set.

Sarmilan Gaijandren
Sarmilan Gaijandren
Just an English Major from UTAR who is a part time rapper

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