Purchased my first android TV box thanks to your review. I've followed you for a while and appreciate your informative and honest product reviews. The tv box is working and meets expectations. The 128GB storage is more than sufficient since I do not download shows. I also ordered a mini keyboard and a USB 3.0 hub. Keyboard dongle and USB flash drive are plugged into the hub. Bypassed the micro SD card because the box transmits heat when it is turned off. Main selling points were 1000M ethernet, 4GB RAM, and optical audio. Purchased for a non-smart tv because Blu-ray streaming apps were no longer supported by the manufacturer. Works well on 5G wifi. Smooth switch between wired and wifi networks. Bluetooth works fine with my sound bar. My internet security software installed with included VPN. APK's were downloaded directly and installed from flash drive. Don't own a 4k TV or have a 7.1 soundbar system. The price was right despite the 17 day trip from China. This was the best bang for the bucks for a first android tv box.
This box has a major issue - when WIFi us used the CPU works always at 100% of power causing more heat and performance drops. There is no issue at Ethernet connection btw.
Same box i am using it. what player u r using for playing videos KODI?. you can try this setting for KODI player for optica audio output working well. theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/problem-with-kodi-wont-sound-decoding-e-ac3-dolby-digital-plus.1892/
Just got this box and for some bizarre reason google play store is an old version 12 from 2008 ! Tried to update to version 20 but it failed. Anyone had this problem?
Thanks for mentioning our exchange about the optical cable :) However i think that testing this outpout could still be relevant if your viewers have "old" receiver without HDMI ports. It could proove that the boxes can provide regular Dolby or DTS directly from an ATMOS or X soundtrack. If i may also ask, could it be possible to test some ATMOS soundtracks that are not include into Dolby Digital + ? I think that on some boxes, it works only in this case, and not when the ATMOS is include into True HD. Thanks again ;)
No it's a waste of time. Someone contacted me yesterday with the same issue with his receive not getting Atmos from his BluRay player, and as soon as he switched to HDMI he got it. So I am not going to lead viewers into believing that you can get Dolby and DTS audio via optical cable.
@@tvboxstop I understand, but in fact, THEY CAN have Dolby or DTS :) but only downgraded to standard format : Dolby Digital AC3 et DTS are extract by TV Boxes directly from ATMOS and DTS X soundtracks. Of course it's your choice to test that or not, i just want to let you know ;) If i may also ask, could it be possible to test some ATMOS soundtracks that are not include into Dolby Digital + ? I think that on some boxes, it works only in this case, and not when the ATMOS is include into True HD. Thanks again ;)
I see this TV box has a Gigabit LAN port. I wonder if it can reach at least 750Mbps on a home network, assuming the home network is equipped with top tier router and good quality CAT6E cables.
@@tvboxstop That's alright, you've been a big help, so thank you. I've just ordered one, let's see if it can reach at least 700Mbps. Will update here again when I get the results.
have this box but the 64gb version,it doesn't come with the bottom bar and has an annoying feature where it display technical infomation at the top of the screen which you can't remove.
Hi, is there a way for third party apps to write to the USB connected external storage? Right now, it is really a pain and inconvenient to copy to internal storage then transfer to external.
The box is rooted and it has a root switch, so that would have to be a feature of the app for you to grant permissions to or to set defaults. Other than that I don't see any other way. Maybe there might be an app to redirect or manage where storage goes on the play store.
@@tvboxstop it might be rooted but it doesn't provide any benefit for 3rd party apps, at least that's what I observed. Unless I can install SuperSU through the recovery, which I don't think I can on this box.
It's called Menu Button on the Google play store - play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jettoast.menubutton&hl=en Alternative TV Box Navigation Bar - ruclips.net/video/KgbCTnzyiqk/видео.html
Nice review although I tried all these in another tvbox and I wasn't able to set the live wallpapers .Also I can't find the cached data so I can delete them , can you please help ? Thank you.
@@tvboxstop I was hoping to find the clear cached data like I used to on "storage and reset - internal shared storage ", which cleans everything and not each one individualy but it's ok , thank you so much. About The live wallpapers even though they are installed both on nova launcher and adw launcher (I tried them both with the same results ) when I press to set them as wallpapers it says app not installed .Do have any idea why this is happening .The android is 7.1.2 and all the apps and everything is installed without any issues . I hope I am not confusing you and again thank you so much for your time.
I bricked my x99 max+, can you make video how unbricked with amlogic sd card burning tool 2.0.3 or amlogic usb burning tool better sd card because i do not know how connect pc and x99 max+ (can you explain this)
Use these videos as a guide. Same process just use the correct firmware for the X99 Max+ if you have it. ruclips.net/video/hnliXmly7WY/видео.html ruclips.net/video/3Qc5KEGqtoU/видео.html Firmware update here - blog.geekbuying.com/2020/10/x99-max-plus-amlogic-s905x3-android-tv-box-firmware-update-20201012/
CPU Temp - play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kami.cputemp&hl=en enable special permissions manually, like draw over other apps for the over lay to work. It doesn't work as soon as you install. Settings area, Apps, Special app permissions,
Well that would be the Nvidia Shield, the Amazon FireTV Cube, Amazon FireTV Stick, The Xiaomi Mi Box S. There is one more just can't remember off hand.
Good prices for this at the moment, does the latest firmware ever change the Antutu scores on these s905x3 boxes ? score 58,999 is really poor compared to others
@@tvboxstop how do you update ? All I know is the April 2020 firmware update. I have this and can get into recovery mode on the x99 max plus but what option do I use to update?
@@tvboxstop i checked and it says 20200515-1620 so it seems it is up to date which doesn't explain why Google play is stuck on version 12.4 and can't be updated and security patch level says August 5th 2918
OK to fix the play store open Chrome and search and install APKpure. Open APKpure and in the top right corner open the hamburger menu. There you will see updates for apps on the box. There should be an update for the Play Store. Complete it to fix your issues. There will be ads during the install process from APKpure.
Same box i purchased from aliexpress but VLC player HDMI pass through only supporting Dolby digital and DTS. like Eac3, AAC, or other formats only i am getting stereo. how to change setting.
It doesn't work like that. Decoders are part of the firmware when it's being compiled, also the hardware must be able to support it. So I don't think the hardware in this box could support hirers audio, and there is no way to install additional decoders unless it's part of a brand-new firmware update.
@@tvboxstop i got settings from here theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/problem-with-kodi-wont-sound-decoding-e-ac3-dolby-digital-plus.1892/ it worked with optical output all audio format. custom audio setting in KODI player. you can try this option for optical output, audio formats working with actual 5.1 output.
I got this box and it works great ..I have one issue and it is with HBOMAX at start up audio may not play. Tried to change audio out put settings , restart device and checked HBOMAX site and tried there solutions ...hour later it will work fine...can you help.. I do realise I probably asking a question beyond your expertise..but if you have solution please send it on...thanks in advance...
What's interfering with your feed is HDCP protection from HBOMAX, that is they have it on their service. This is an encryption that kicks in when you try to play a movie on a device like a TV box that does not have HDCP protection. So what happens either the audio or the video goes blank. A Google certified box with HDCP protection will not have this issue. I may be wrong but HBOMAX have to confirm that, or what ever service provider is streaming it.
hello tb box stop. i plan to buy this unit because i have a projector (1080p) i would like to use its bluetooth as sound output. is it reliable? because i want to get rid of wires. thanks!
I used my Bluetooth gamepad to game on it and I had no issues. Remember Bluetooth has limited range so take that into account also. I say 15 -20ft for the most,
I have received the tvbox according to your review but... At first all was good. While using it and trying to set it up many things have arise. 1. The box is constantly overheating more than 75 degrees the lower. When streaming does go below 80 degrees. 2. The streaming on youtube or else is shuttered and is not fluid. Most of the time is not watchable as the FPs is too lwo. 3. The online update is not working. Can't establish connection with server. 4. The playstore is missing 80% of the apps. I do not understand. It even doesn't have KODI or other popular apps. Prime video also not available. 5. Most of the time CPU is on 1000Mhz 6. The navigation bar is not transparent.
Okay I will advise you to trigger box into the trash. The problem we are facing is indeed due to throttling. So what you do is you either remove the bottom plate or use a mini cooling fan below it this will drop temperatures into the 50s. When that happens the performance of the box for streaming will increase greatly. For the play store that is a problem with the firmware that requires an update. But like you said there is none both on and off the box.
im having hard time using the remote of this box there is no shadow when selecting apps in white background. and there is no Netflix in playstore. how can i download netflix my bro?
Hi Bro.. I want to ask.. Can this X99 Max+ download n install App from Playstore and from out Playstore? Cause I have X96 Air can't Download n Install from Playstore. Have note "This app may not be optimized for your device".. And now When Download from playstore (Every App), have Note " Can't download App. Error code 403, sometimes Error code 192... You know why, bro? Thank you before..
When that happens use APKpure or Aptoide to install it and it will work. Also when you install APKpure check is it has any Google Play store updates using the top right corner menu. If it does update the play store also
@@tvboxstop 4 cpu core is just not enough in 2021. I know, this is an earlier review. I just want to help people like to buy in 2021. Waiting for android 10 boxes with high performance this year...
These android boxes have no "sweet spot " they are Chinese boxes designed to last for six months. If you have not used it for six months, cut the crap with this glorious review of its features. Simple things like screen position fail. Six months is all you get and good luck contacting the manufacturers.
Your claims about 6 months for Chinese TV boxes are in accurate. My dad purchased his TV box 2 years ago which was the M9 Plus which is no longer in production , and when I recently went to update APks for him, I did some speed test and other stuff, and man! I find that his box is performing better than some of these news guys. So if you had a bad experience with a TV box that lasted 6 months, that is indeed unfortunate but is doesn't mean you plaster all Chinese TV boxes with the same brush. Let me tell you why. I purchased my first Nvidia Shield in 20176 or 17 I can remember, and it was hailed as the best TV box on the planet back then. Unfortunately, after using the hell out of it it failed to come on after 1½ months and had to return it and they replaced it. So that is electronics sometimes.
nonsense i've had these boxes for a fair while,just upgraded due to being a faster speed.my uncle had a cheap box for about 4 years,he upgraded recently just for a faster processor.yes they don't tend to support them after 6 months with updates but then they are cheap as chips.
Purchased my first android TV box thanks to your review. I've followed you for a while and appreciate your informative and honest product reviews.
The tv box is working and meets expectations. The 128GB storage is more than sufficient since I do not download shows. I also ordered a mini keyboard and a USB 3.0 hub. Keyboard dongle and USB flash drive are plugged into the hub. Bypassed the micro SD card because the box transmits heat when it is turned off.
Main selling points were 1000M ethernet, 4GB RAM, and optical audio. Purchased for a non-smart tv because Blu-ray streaming apps were no longer supported by the manufacturer.
Works well on 5G wifi. Smooth switch between wired and wifi networks. Bluetooth works fine with my sound bar.
My internet security software installed with included VPN. APK's were downloaded directly and installed from flash drive.
Don't own a 4k TV or have a 7.1 soundbar system. The price was right despite the 17 day trip from China. This was the best bang for the bucks for a first android tv box.
Well out of my many comments that I have to read, this was great to hear coming from you. Thanks for your continued support.
This box has a major issue - when WIFi us used the CPU works always at 100% of power causing more heat and performance drops. There is no issue at Ethernet connection btw.
OK that's an interesting observation, that probably explains the gaming performance
I just got this box and I like it better than my shield!
Be careful the fan boys will get you lol
Same box i am using it. what player u r using for playing videos KODI?. you can try this setting for KODI player for optica audio output working well.
theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/problem-with-kodi-wont-sound-decoding-e-ac3-dolby-digital-plus.1892/
Just got this box and for some bizarre reason google play store is an old version 12 from 2008 ! Tried to update to version 20 but it failed. Anyone had this problem?
I will have to check it for you tomorrow
@@tvboxstop did you check ?!
Hmm ?
Thanks for mentioning our exchange about the optical cable :)
However i think that testing this outpout could still be relevant if your viewers have "old" receiver without HDMI ports. It could proove that the boxes can provide regular Dolby or DTS directly from an ATMOS or X soundtrack.
If i may also ask, could it be possible to test some ATMOS soundtracks that are not include into Dolby Digital + ? I think that on some boxes, it works only in this case, and not when the ATMOS is include into True HD. Thanks again ;)
No it's a waste of time. Someone contacted me yesterday with the same issue with his receive not getting Atmos from his BluRay player, and as soon as he switched to HDMI he got it. So I am not going to lead viewers into believing that you can get Dolby and DTS audio via optical cable.
@@tvboxstop I understand, but in fact, THEY CAN have Dolby or DTS :) but only downgraded to standard format : Dolby Digital AC3 et DTS are extract by TV Boxes directly from ATMOS and DTS X soundtracks. Of course it's your choice to test that or not, i just want to let you know ;)
If i may also ask, could it be possible to test some ATMOS soundtracks that are not include into Dolby Digital + ? I think that on some boxes, it works only in this case, and not when the ATMOS is include into True HD. Thanks again ;)
😁😁😁👍👍👍..loving the custom wallpaper ..so cool...yea agree with you just good for streaming..another great one Nick..
Keep safe my brother
@@tvboxstop yea bro..things are cool on my side..social distancing is a blessing and a curse at the same.time..lol..stay safe..😁😁😁👍👍👍
Awesome video as always! Your second link for available here is broken!
Yea I fixed those links thanks refresh and try again
Very good on boxing great information great video brother keep it up very informative
Much appreciated
I see this TV box has a Gigabit LAN port. I wonder if it can reach at least 750Mbps on a home network, assuming the home network is equipped with top tier router and good quality CAT6E cables.
I would be assuming if I told you yes. The answer is I really don't know because I don't have that bandwidth to test
@@tvboxstop That's alright, you've been a big help, so thank you. I've just ordered one, let's see if it can reach at least 700Mbps. Will update here again when I get the results.
@@miscthings2559 cool man
Nice review there. I have one question if you don't mind. Which version of Kodi should I install, ARMV7A 32 bit or ARMV8A 64 bit?
For this box 32bit. 64bit will not even work.
@@tvboxstop Alright, thanks. Does it work with the latest stable Leia V18.8?
Yes it does
@@tvboxstop awesome, thanks for the info
have this box but the 64gb version,it doesn't come with the bottom bar and has an annoying feature where it display technical infomation at the top of the screen which you can't remove.
Yes you can remove it, and you can also turn on the navigation bar also. See it here 4:26
@@tvboxstop i've downloaded an update but don't know how to apply via micro sd card?
Hi, is there a way for third party apps to write to the USB connected external storage? Right now, it is really a pain and inconvenient to copy to internal storage then transfer to external.
The box is rooted and it has a root switch, so that would have to be a feature of the app for you to grant permissions to or to set defaults. Other than that I don't see any other way. Maybe there might be an app to redirect or manage where storage goes on the play store.
@@tvboxstop it might be rooted but it doesn't provide any benefit for 3rd party apps, at least that's what I observed. Unless I can install SuperSU through the recovery, which I don't think I can on this box.
Plus transfering big files like that, it is going to wear down the flash memory inside pretty fast.
Is possibile to have a box like this with dvbt2 tuner integrated?
Sure it is possible, but someone has to create it first
@@tvboxstop thanks i'll wait your review for that future productions ;)
I do not have statusbar settings like you, where can I find it?
It's called Menu Button on the Google play store - play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jettoast.menubutton&hl=en
Alternative TV Box Navigation Bar - ruclips.net/video/KgbCTnzyiqk/видео.html
Hi good review but can you plug a blu ray player burner in?
On a TV box I am not sure, that requires Windows or Microsoft drivers and a a special app for that. I never tried it have you?
Nice review although I tried all these in another tvbox and I wasn't able to set the live wallpapers .Also I can't find the cached data so I can delete them , can you please help ? Thank you.
Open settings under apps you will find that for each app
@@tvboxstop I was hoping to find the clear cached data like I used to on "storage and reset - internal shared storage ", which cleans everything and not each one individualy but it's ok , thank you so much.
About The live wallpapers even though they are installed both on nova launcher and adw launcher (I tried them both with the same results ) when I press to set them as wallpapers it says app not installed .Do have any idea why this is happening .The android is 7.1.2 and all the apps and everything is installed without any issues . I hope I am not confusing you and again thank you so much for your time.
I bricked my x99 max+, can you make video how unbricked with amlogic sd card burning tool 2.0.3 or amlogic usb burning tool better sd card because i do not know how connect pc and x99 max+ (can you explain this)
Use these videos as a guide. Same process just use the correct firmware for the X99 Max+ if you have it.
ruclips.net/video/hnliXmly7WY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/3Qc5KEGqtoU/видео.html
Firmware update here - blog.geekbuying.com/2020/10/x99-max-plus-amlogic-s905x3-android-tv-box-firmware-update-20201012/
Hi bro .. what app you use for monitor hit like top
CPU Temp - play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kami.cputemp&hl=en enable special permissions manually, like draw over other apps for the over lay to work. It doesn't work as soon as you install. Settings area, Apps, Special app permissions,
Which streaming player supports Netflix 4k and Amazon prime 4k with Dolby Atmos formats
Well that would be the Nvidia Shield, the Amazon FireTV Cube, Amazon FireTV Stick, The Xiaomi Mi Box S. There is one more just can't remember off hand.
Good prices for this at the moment, does the latest firmware ever change the Antutu scores on these s905x3 boxes ? score 58,999 is really poor compared to others
Firmware updates have slight optimizations here and there but no significant changes to its overall score.
@@tvboxstop how do you update ? All I know is the April 2020 firmware update. I have this and can get into recovery mode on the x99 max plus but what option do I use to update?
In the apps section there is an FOTA app for that. See if you box is up to date.
@@tvboxstop i checked and it says 20200515-1620 so it seems it is up to date which doesn't explain why Google play is stuck on version 12.4 and can't be updated and security patch level says August 5th 2918
OK to fix the play store open Chrome and search and install APKpure. Open APKpure and in the top right corner open the hamburger menu. There you will see updates for apps on the box. There should be an update for the Play Store. Complete it to fix your issues. There will be ads during the install process from APKpure.
Same box i purchased from aliexpress but VLC player HDMI pass through only supporting Dolby digital and DTS. like Eac3, AAC, or other formats only i am getting stereo. how to change setting.
I don't think HI Res formats are supported
if u find any decoder software for android tv please let me know. thanks
It doesn't work like that. Decoders are part of the firmware when it's being compiled, also the hardware must be able to support it. So I don't think the hardware in this box could support hirers audio, and there is no way to install additional decoders unless it's part of a brand-new firmware update.
@@tvboxstop i got settings from here theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/problem-with-kodi-wont-sound-decoding-e-ac3-dolby-digital-plus.1892/ it worked with optical output all audio format. custom audio setting in KODI player. you can try this option for optical output, audio formats working with actual 5.1 output.
Good review, but where can this exact box be purchased? Didn't find it on Amazon.
It's not on Amazon yet, these boxes are mostly sold on retail stores from the East. You have some options here - tvboxstop.com/x99-max-deals/
There is an error in your link code.
Thanks for the heads up
I got this box and it works great ..I have one issue and it is with HBOMAX at start up audio may not play. Tried to change audio out put settings , restart device and checked HBOMAX site and tried there solutions ...hour later it will work fine...can you help.. I do realise I probably asking a question beyond your expertise..but if you have solution please send it on...thanks in advance...
What's interfering with your feed is HDCP protection from HBOMAX, that is they have it on their service. This is an encryption that kicks in when you try to play a movie on a device like a TV box that does not have HDCP protection. So what happens either the audio or the video goes blank. A Google certified box with HDCP protection will not have this issue. I may be wrong but HBOMAX have to confirm that, or what ever service provider is streaming it.
couple of big questions. Did you say netflix and amazon were limited to 480p...who would want that? Can you install hulu?
Hulu is limited to US only I believe, and will also be limited to basic quality due to limited DRM
hello tb box stop. i plan to buy this unit because i have a projector (1080p)
i would like to use its bluetooth as sound output. is it reliable? because i want to get rid of wires. thanks!
I used my Bluetooth gamepad to game on it and I had no issues. Remember Bluetooth has limited range so take that into account also. I say 15 -20ft for the most,
I have received the tvbox according to your review but... At first all was good. While using it and trying to set it up many things have arise.
1. The box is constantly overheating more than 75 degrees the lower. When streaming does go below 80 degrees.
2. The streaming on youtube or else is shuttered and is not fluid. Most of the time is not watchable as the FPs is too lwo.
3. The online update is not working. Can't establish connection with server.
4. The playstore is missing 80% of the apps. I do not understand. It even doesn't have KODI or other popular apps. Prime video also not available.
5. Most of the time CPU is on 1000Mhz
6. The navigation bar is not transparent.
Do you have any idea if it is for the bin or not?
Okay I will advise you to trigger box into the trash. The problem we are facing is indeed due to throttling. So what you do is you either remove the bottom plate or use a mini cooling fan below it this will drop temperatures into the 50s. When that happens the performance of the box for streaming will increase greatly. For the play store that is a problem with the firmware that requires an update. But like you said there is none both on and off the box.
@@tvboxstop Finally there is a new firmware that was send by the e-shop but couldn't figure out how to do it. I tried a lot of ways none worked.
Amlogic USB burn tool is the guaranteed way to flash an Amlogic firmware.
@@tvboxstop Doesn't work or I do not have enough info how to make it work. I cannot seem to connect the box with the software.
which would you recommend...X99 MAX Plus or MAGICSEE N5 MAX or X96 Air ??
X99 Max+
When you check minix u22 ? ( s922x-j )
Shipping is very slow these days but it is on the way.
im having hard time using the remote of this box there is no shadow when selecting apps in white background. and there is no Netflix in playstore. how can i download netflix my bro?
Install Aptoide app store and install it from there
@@tvboxstop thanks i'll try it. god bless
This one or TOX1? Thaks.
Performance wise X99 Max, feature wise TOX1
Hi Bro.. I want to ask.. Can this X99 Max+ download n install App from Playstore and from out Playstore? Cause I have X96 Air can't Download n Install from Playstore. Have note "This app may not be optimized for your device".. And now When Download from playstore (Every App), have Note " Can't download App. Error code 403, sometimes Error code 192... You know why, bro? Thank you before..
When that happens use APKpure or Aptoide to install it and it will work. Also when you install APKpure check is it has any Google Play store updates using the top right corner menu. If it does update the play store also
@@tvboxstop How about X99 Max + this? Can Download from Playstore or not? 🙏
does X99 MAX Plus 4GB/64GB Android 9.0 Amlogic have root switch?
Yes it does
Can you find out if the TV box sent by the Chinese is a fake version?
Only the Chinese provide this box fro one warehouse
What tv box you recomend me under 50$ ?(4gb/32gb) I have the mi box s and i need a change ..plzz helpme
Pd: sorry for my bad english xd
That would be the A95X F3 RGB, or the Magicsee N5 Max.
ruclips.net/video/MQf3TomswV8/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/NVy_g8X017I/видео.html
Hail up Mr Nick
As always my friend
Very low framerates, lagging on games. That indicates poor performance on high bitrate hdr 4k videos.
Throttling due to heat
@@tvboxstop 4 cpu core is just not enough in 2021. I know, this is an earlier review. I just want to help people like to buy in 2021. Waiting for android 10 boxes with high performance this year...
Me too bro👍
These android boxes have no "sweet spot " they are Chinese boxes designed to last for six months. If you have not used it for six months, cut the crap with this glorious review of its features. Simple things like screen position fail. Six months is all you get and good luck contacting the manufacturers.
Your claims about 6 months for Chinese TV boxes are in accurate. My dad purchased his TV box 2 years ago which was the M9 Plus which is no longer in production , and when I recently went to update APks for him, I did some speed test and other stuff, and man! I find that his box is performing better than some of these news guys. So if you had a bad experience with a TV box that lasted 6 months, that is indeed unfortunate but is doesn't mean you plaster all Chinese TV boxes with the same brush. Let me tell you why. I purchased my first Nvidia Shield in 20176 or 17 I can remember, and it was hailed as the best TV box on the planet back then. Unfortunately, after using the hell out of it it failed to come on after 1½ months and had to return it and they replaced it. So that is electronics sometimes.
nonsense i've had these boxes for a fair while,just upgraded due to being a faster speed.my uncle had a cheap box for about 4 years,he upgraded recently just for a faster processor.yes they don't tend to support them after 6 months with updates but then they are cheap as chips.