Posted 22 March 2024

Android TV box - Recommendations please

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some recommendations on Andorid TV boxes.. I'm not fussed with Netflix etc as I have those on the TV and works flawlessly.. I just want to be able to run the IPTV which is very laggy on the Chromecast HD aswell as Firestick 4k.
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  1. jameshothothot's avatar
    Is that your IPTV stream instead of the box? Fire stick 4k can manage every codec I throw it at in VLC so it might be your stream? I don't have IPTV though. Does it work fine on a pc or just buffering due to bad signal? (edited)
  2. wpj's avatar
    I would be very careful; I bought one as the TV and the BT box can't do Disney+ .

    They are chock full of malware which can't be removed. Google redirected to some remote link even after deleting and reinstalling. Went back to Amaon.
    Scotcruz's avatar
    Author
    That's correct.. hence why I will not be using any of my subscription on it.. This is the risk with the uncertified boxes.. plus you don't know whether you will get the ROM and RAM advertised..
  3. Scotcruz's avatar
    Author
    I am on VM500 Fibre.. have also done the usual.. restart router and devices, clear cache on devices etc.

    The providers say nothing wrong at thier end
    jameshothothot's avatar
    Try downloading windscribe. Sign up for free 10gb per month on their website. Log in and use UK server. See if that fixes it.
  4. The2Time's avatar
    Few things to try/test.

    Is it only buffering at peak times? if so, likely you're being throttled by your ISP. If you have a VPN try using it.

    Does it only happen with higher bandwidth channels such as FHD? what about HD and SD?

    If they have a VOD service, does the VOD also buffer?

    What app do you use? Tivimate is the best imo but a lot of providers only provide they're own branded apps. If they have a built in hardware accelartor in settings, try change the options.

    This is basic troubleshooting your provider should be advising you to do given they have said it's fine on their end.

    Another possibilty, if you only have 1 connection be sure it's not still running on another device as this will cause your streams to re-start every 30 seconds or so.
  5. Jeevester's avatar
    I'm using the Mecool KM2 plus deluxe with Tivimate. Works flawlessly
    Scotcruz's avatar
    Author
    Cheers.. they seem to be decently priced too
  6. SaturdayGigs's avatar
    Try hot spotting your phone to rule out the WiFi. Device etc
  7. The2Time's avatar
    Confirm it is the devices. It probably isn't.
  8. Toon_army's avatar
    What speed net you running? Have you tried turning the router off for a few minutes and back on.
    Suprised the 4k Firestick lags, I've used absolutely loads of IPTVs to test and all work spot on
  9. bargainhunter1's avatar
    Onn boxes are highly rated. Fleebay around 45-50.
  10. DaddyPig's avatar
    What tv have you got ? as if you want to run IPTV then there are apps on the store of the tv (I my LG Oleds) I use 2 of the apps from the app store and get no buffing at all (I even use some of the free playlist that are about and they work ok aswell .
    Scotcruz's avatar
    Author
    I have paid for the TiVi Mate app which is a superb user experience.. not sure it's available on Smart tvs.. I have the Samsung 75 inch 4k tv
  11. Scotcruz's avatar
    Author
    Thanks folks.. I suspected it's the devices as I have tried a number of providers who but the picture either stutters or buffers..

    I did think it was the provider as YouTube and Netflix work fine.
    jameshothothot's avatar
    That's the point though. Your fire stick is capable of decoding high quality video but for some reason the signal is buffering. Maybe your internet provider is blocking it. Do you use a VPN? (edited)
  12. AndyRoyd's avatar
    Prior to outlay on a new device I'd be looking at confirming a specific service runs OK on an existing device that has wired & wireless connectivity by checking both connectivity options,
    with wireless checked at the location of intended use.
  13. Uridium's avatar
    Have you tried the IPTV streams on quiet streams (non Live sport etc...) and at quiet times?

    Could be the provider doesn't have the bandwidth to cope with lots of streams of popular events, pretty common.

    Try it at a quiet time of the day when there unlikely to be many users.

    Btw I use xteve as a proxy to output my IPTV stream as a DVR on my Plex server. Works like a dream and allows me to record etc and watch from any device. (edited)
  14. fdbgdfbdfbdfbdfbdf's avatar
    IPTV never works for me well at my home, but fine at my uncles, no vpn.

    Even with vpn I got choppy behaviour, its not the device usually.
  15. Gj9382's avatar
    I am on BT fibre and a 4k FS and it works fine with iptv
  16. MonkeysUncle's avatar
    Does the IPTV have a front end app to access it.?

    If so it might need updating, on mine I have 3 front end app options. They get updated every few months and if you miss one it ends up getting very laggy and unwatchable tbh.

    Other than that a 4k firestick should be overkill for IPTV.
  17. Mendoza's avatar
    my firestick 4k is perfect for IPTV
  18. littel.helper's avatar
    my fire stick LITE has been working fine with VPN.
  19. marco806's avatar
    i have a formuler z11 pro max and a shield....it thats a tad expensive, get the 4k google tv with chromecast....These have the google playstore and are much better than any amazon firestick imo.

    it will be perfect for i p t v. (edited)
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