Android TV Box – Introduction
Let's face the fact that we have SmartTV's, Chromecast's, NVIDIA Shield Android TV's but how about custom Android TV box that might provide more in terms of entertainment?
There's a considerable chance you own a SmartTV or a Chromecast. I suspect that a majority have no idea of the NVIDIA Shield Android TV.
The reasons why one should consider using an Android TV Box for content versus using a SmartTV, NVIDIA Shield Android TV, Chromecast.
- Affordability (price range $40 – $80)
- Performance (Powerful devices in small form factor)
- Content Options (Choice of where to find content)
- Ease of use (Netflix like interface)
You can easily search online on how to get more out of your box. I highly recommend you keep on reading. I'll leave all the links to the various products down at the end of the article.
Hardware Specification?
You can find on the internet thousands of devices that are just that. Finding the right box can be challenging. I will provide you with the information you require to hunt down the best one.
You are going to want to ensure a minimum of 4GB of RAM or more. These boxes typically don't provide much on-board storage. Ensure that you locate the ones that have 32GB or more. You will need to also look at finding a decent combo of CPU/GPU. Quad-Core processing is required, USB 3.0, 4K display, WiFi supporting 2.4Ghz/5Ghz, Bluetooth 4.1+, remote control, keypad etc.
My Android TV Box is running with 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, with a quad-core processor RK3318, Bluetooth 4.1, HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Micro SD card slot, displays in 4K.
You can visit the Amazon US version and check it out. If you're from Canada, you can check out the Amazon Canada store here.
Software version?
Determining which version of Android is pre-installed is required. You won't likely be getting any software or security updates. I recommend version 9 or version 10.
Aside from the version of Android, you may want to check out the interface the box offers. Not every seller will feature their interface, but you can find out from other sources by doing a bit of searching online.
Are you interested to see what you can expect from a visual standpoint when it comes to the interface of the Android TV Box?
Setting up your entertainment
These boxes already come loaded some primary apps. You will find that Google Play store, YouTube, Kodi are the base for such a device. I recommend that you also download all your local TV Channel apps. Why? They offer the ability to stream a lot of TV content for FREE! In my case, I loaded CTV, CBC, Global TV app, which allows me to watch some of the latest shows from the previous days.
CBC Gem
CTV
Global TV
Tubi
Taking further steps to give me more content to explore, I installed the Tubi movie app. A lot of you are going to be quick to point out that movies are older. I encourage you to take the time to review the app out because you will discover some recent ones. The app is advertisement-supported.
Kodi
The Kodi app itself doesn't provide you with content. It works by installing addons. The addons are what creates the magic that drives Kodi. I'm using it to connect to my external hard drive attached to my Android TV Box. Kodi is a hub for what “YOU” want to do! I highly recommend searching on Google for what you can do.
Playing Games?
This other bit of entertainment might require that you get yourself a gamepad! Having a suitable Android TV Box will let you play amazing games! I'm one for playing role-playing games vs a first-person shooter. The Google Play store offers an extensive list of choices when it comes to games and genre.
I'm listing 2 of my favourites, Fire Emblem and Dragon Quest VIII!
What Now?
Circling back to the beginning, you'll need to pick out the best box for the best price. I've provided you with all the information you need to set up your next entertainment system. Now it's time that I list my Android TV Box choices.
- Affordability (price range $40 – $80)
- Performance (Powerful devices in small form factor)
- Content Options (Choice of where to find content)
- Ease of use (Netflix like interface)
Go check out what other apps and games I've reviewed! You may want to feast your eyes on Witch Spring!
