Was an update to Live Channels back in July (officially for the HDHomerun from memory, but works with the VTV):
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?r=56997420…
Vodafone TV - $72 Delivered @ Vodafone » All Comments
What’s the connection w/ Voda’…?
Is this something i’d Need Mobile data to use?
Photo reminds me of a (tunerless) XiaoMi TV Box [3]. From earlier deals. (Mi ox 3?)
Who makes it?
Need a Voda’ acct to get the deal price?
Does its HDCP copy-protection adversely affect its use
(via its HDMI output) with a dumb monitor?Does recording to a USB device happen “automatically (w/o an app)…
eg, simply storing files… or do I need an app (if so, which)?“You're almost done.
To complete this order, you’ll need a debit or credit card. Once you’ve received your order, you’ll need to activate the service online.Keeping your existing number
Once your order arrives, we'll help you transfer your number across.
Check your coverage
Use the Coverage Checker to see where Vodafone coverage is available.”
Lazy Telco!
Vodafone sells it outright, that's all. No ongoing service or account needed.
It's made by Technicolor. Uses an amilogic S905D SoC like a lot of other boxes.
Output device needs to support HDCP 2.2.
Recording is a mess. You need a USB drive >= 64GB, formatted for exclusive use by the VTV, and recording is done by selecting shows from the Live Channels EPG - which is limited to only displaying what is on now and what is on next. Then it crashes when you try to play back the recordings, so you have to use KODI to watch them.
@ssquid: Yeah it doesn't make much sense to only have recording possible of 'now and next', but no pausing of live TV. Only really makes sense if you were to have a 7 day EPG.
@ssquid: "Output device needs to support HDCP 2.2."
@ssquid
Dear can u plz elaborate this,
Am i able to watch 1080p content on a old 1080p tv with hdmi
Or tv has to HDCp 2.2
Thanks@3635: I got this now .
Yes its working 1080 with provided
HDMI cable , no issue,
Also 500gb hdd NTFS working mkv files through usb with vlc player
Am happy with this product
Thanks@3635: May I ask about your TV? I have a really old TV which doesn't support HDCP. Netflix (1080p) on MiBox refuse to play due to HDCP, throwing error tvq-pm-100.
Does Netflix 1080p work on your TV?
Thanks.
Ours came in a bigger box, Free to slide & bounce around inside
I trust it’s own box is padded, in some way…
Designed in EU..
Made in Thailand
So, what’s the issue caused by hDCP 2.2 [copy protection]?
Exactly - copy protection. The signal just isn't passed through amplifiers or HDMI ports that can't promise faithfully that they can't record 4K media and/or can't pass through the same promise from the receiving device.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-RK2rNcC4h2V/learn/what-you-nee…
Did you not set up kodi correctly?
These support DTS out of the box
Every time pass through was enabled static would play and Kodi couldn’t handle the decoding itself.
Might be the end audio device?
@asa79: Sigh. It's a known issue with Android TV in general. Google "android tv passthrough kodi" or "android tv passthrough mrmc".
Android TV, like most Google products, is half-baked.
This is one epic deal for an awesome device!
I own one and prefer it over my Mi Box.
What do you find better and is your mi box now Android 8?
I have 2 Mi boxes and 1 Vodafone TV in my house. Both Mi boxes are running the latest Android. Things that I like about Vodafone TV over the MiBox:
- In-built Ethernet port
- Much better Remote Control with YouTube and Netflix buttons
- Voice Search seems to work better with Vodafone remote
- In-built TV tuner
With Mi Boxes we are always having to switch between HDMI to DTV when we want to watch Free to Air channels (FTA) which is slightly inconvenient. On the other hand Vodafone TV is just one stop shop for everything including FTA channels.
but the ethernet port is only 100mb tho?
I like the remote to be honest.
Personality we dont use much FTA viewing with netflix, youtube or kodi
Do the TV Tuner need an aerial connection Or can it receive FTA with no aerial attachment?
@jwh: I have been unable to watch FTA channels with aerial. Although the same antenna is showing all the channels through another device (USB tuner).
Is it normal with voda tv or do I have a faulty device?
Can I add/sideload Amazon Prime? Thanks.
Yes you can.
Yep - there's a bunch of APKs here including Prime and Foxtel Now:
Can these apps be side loaded onto a Telstra TV1? Or are they completely different because it's a different device, OS, etc? Would love Amazon Prime on there.
No - they are different (Vodafone TV runs Android TV; the Telstra TV is a rebadged Roku, which AFAIK runs Roku OS, which is a custom Linux distribution).
@kirt: Thanks kirt. That's a shame. People say you can side load it on the Telstra TV but finding information and packages was a nightmare. Maybe I should just get one of these… :/ Got the Telstra TV free but still feels like a waste not using it.
@dreamstation: you can side load only 1 app at a time on Telstra TV. I have Plex on my Telstra TV. Google for instructions.
@XeKToReX: I've never been able to find a sideloadable Prime for Telstra TV, which is infuriating as it musn't be that hard given it's available on the normal Roku
Thanks
How do you find prime. I had issues with it on Sony Android tv
Do the Optus Sport apps for Firestick work on the VTV?
It was working perfectly up until about a month ago, but now throws up an error.
You can still cast to the VTV.
Can you please share the site that you got this from?
Thanks
Are you talking about the APKs?
If so, I ripped most of them from my Vodafone TV, Fire TV Stick, Foxtel Now Box, and Shield.
Hey OP I tried to install amazon video for Xiaomi, it only works with low resolution video, can't play 1080, the google play version does not install at all.
I tried to install the SBS one and again no luck. Any advice?I heard the one below was solid, which I recently uploaded, so give that a shot:
AmazonVideo_4.1.115-nvidiaShield.apk
https://mega.nz/#F!PaJQELqY!dg3wVzOFIybj6an5Yeq7PA
That SBS one is hit and miss, but the good news is that a native app is being developed and should be available early next year (and in the meantime you can cast SBS to the VTV).
Official SBS Android TV app has been released.
Also thanks kirt :)
Do sideload Prime on Xiaomi as well? Keep getting errors mid way thru watching stuff and have to resume :/. Why can't Amazon bring out an official app already.
Yeah I have issues with it on the Mi Box too (the Shield has a native Amazon Prime app, so there is hope).
Because they want you the buy the Amazon TV stick
Never had an issue with Prime on my Mi Box.
Would you have a link to the apk you're using? The one I have installed is horrendous. Or did you get it from the play store..?
@eephus: Check this version out. Tried a few versions before I came upon this one. Has been pretty solid for me on the Mi Box so far for last few months.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X5nf9vpHZNIRaUkEY1-d91vWp6G…
Given that my LG Oled has a load of apps already I'm guessing that this is really just a chromecast alternative for me or does it give me anything else? You could argue TV recording but most of my TV watching is Netflix. I also use Optus sports so this would be handy to cast from phone to the TV but a chromecast would be better for that as it's smaller right?
Lg and Samsung smart TVs can't do Kodi so this would give you that
Still trying to figure out how is this better than the Mi box.
It has a FTA digital tuner and you can record to USB. The Mi box can't do that.
There’s nothing on FTA worth recording.
Every now end then hell freezes over and I see an add for FTA TV. My mind boggles at why anyone would watch that trash. "Family Food Fight". "Yummy Mummies". Like seriously wtf is wrong with the people running network TV? Are they all late 20s, early 30s women?
Judge Judy!! PERIOD :)
Doctor Who!!!
Maybe the occasional FTA live sports that you can't watch live and isn't available on freeview catchup?
Yeah same. Running 2 Mi Boxes in the home with both MM and Oreo and no real issues except maybe the Bluetooth remote needs to be re-paired every now and then. Worth getting this?
Edit. The FTA tuner/recorder doesn't appeal to me
Bought it anyway to check out. Can't complain about the price
Get a cheap remote from ebay for Mi box. Works better than the original and never needs repairing. I've used mine for the last 2 years. Gave up on original one.
A few pros over the Mi Box:
- Ethernet
- TV tuner
- Aussie power supply
- Local warranty
- Better remote IMO
Remote is probably main thing. Otherwise it's only Android 7 compared to mi box 8
Tho there are plenty of complaints regading Oreo on the MiBox…
Can I install Amazon Prime Video on it
See above.
/\
Is it possible to stream a video-streaming website directly from a Chrome tab like on Chromecast?
It has chromecast (4k i think) built in.
Can anyone confirm you can cast in 4k? Thanks
same I want to know if u can cast 4k
Yes just not netflix
I ended up buying it and can confirm it is possible to stream any Chrome tab to it.
It might be the best option to make your old TV "smart" without spending too much. Works really well with my old FHD TV in a bedroom.
How smooth is Kayo? Is it choppy?
Might get this.Been casting an hour or two each night since launch, and haven't had any stutter or quality drops (which is on par with my Shield).
I'm new to this device and android TV. Can you point me in the direction to instructions that allow me to side load Kayo. I just opened this device up now and have am setting up
Download the APK file to a USB stick.
Put USB stick in Vodafone TV.
Download X-plore File Manager from the Play Store
Launch X-plore, navigate to the USB stick, click on the APK, and install
Vodafone doesn't have SPDIF audio out, but has ethernet port (compared to Mi Box)
Damn. Would have got one, if not needing a new amplifier. Would a usb dongle work for spdif?
I got a usb powered hdmi optical splitter working well for me. Dirt cheap on ebay
Whats the use case/reasoning there?
@pin4e: Wouldn't you just plug this via HDMI to TV, then roll SPDIF tv to amp? That way any device on the TV can do SPDIF audio out.
100mb Ethernet isn't a benefit
As someone who's struggled with shitty WIFI on the Mibox I'd beg to differ. Also where people have ethernet available I'd almost always take it over wifi.
Usb 2 to Ethernet will give you 200mb which is double the speed
Can you play content from a usb. MKV for example.
Yep.
Tks thats one in the basket for me.
Does it support x265 MKV files? 10-bit?
Yep.
Will this replace WDTV perfectly in terms of playing downloaded content in various formats?
Yes
I came across feedback in forums that older TVs/AVRs that are not HDCP compliant 2.2 will not work with this box unfortunately. My plasma TV and AVR are 8 years old so I have a feeling this is going to be the case :(
If connected DIRECTLY to older TVs - it does work (for now). Connecting via HDCP 2.2 compliant receiver doesnt work. In this setup, it worked first time, but stopped working after firmware update. I have since ordered a cheap HDMI splitter (which conveniently strips off HDCP).
@r0nmac: How cheap was the splitter?
I've got a Samsung screen that won't work with a Chromecast unless it's "warmed up" for an hour - seems like the signal is just out of expected range or something. Was thinking about spending up to $20 on a stripper (of the HDMI kind) to see if it fixes the problem.@r0nmac: Just confirming that the splitter did the trick. I have set it up between the VodaTV & my Denon receiver.
@r0nmac: Can you please confirm what model HDMI splitter?
I'm having the hdcp error between a late model Yamaha amp and Sony projector.HDMI input on the front of the amp works (as its a basic HDMI) but the back ones throw the error. Hoping to use a splitter to fix it. Thanks
WDTV
Wow, haven’t heard that thing mentioned in years.
LOL it's still serving me well together with my 2010 Panny plasma which still refuses to die.
Hey, and I thought I was the only one who has something similar. My TV is still going strong and I will keep using this until it gives up
@ashdays: Lol same here - still rolling at 2008/09 Panasonic plasma - they are built so well (so heavy for moving also unfortunately).
I only replaced my WDTV last year with a mi box. Still have my 2008 Samsung LCD which refuses to die also.
Yes 10 times over! You must have the patience of a saint to be running a WDTV. That thing is so buggy and slooooowwwww.
Thank you! Got one
I'm coming from using a small Window PC as a streaming box, does the Kodi android app and smaller specs of this box actually make a difference?
Also any idea it's easy to watch Optus Sport on this, or use Spotify?
It has a native Spotify app, and you can cast Optus Sport and use the remote to pause and play (we did have an Optus Sport app working nicely that was ripped from a Fire TV Stick, but a recent update killed it).
Nice - thanks!
Have you used Kodi on this at all?
Yep - works well, but am leaning more towards Plex nowadays to make use of its Home and DVR features.
@Kangal: Yeah it seems like still nothing beats a PC for compatibility, but I wouldn't subject the wife and kids to the keyboard and trackpad of the K400 (still love having a PC in the lounge though)!
@Kangal: Depends on where. I have nuc i5 in media room win10 Kodi and mi box in bedroom. We can stop movie in media room and resume on bedroom Kodi no issues. The nuc does 3D movies from ISO bluray backups. But lacks Netflix so have chrome cast ultra for Netflix in media room, I hate it was worse investment. Bedroom has Netflix YouTube Kodi will be replacing media room chromecast with a mi box. Have Sony android tv in living room does Kodi Netflix YouTube perfectly. No need for additional boxes. Except for ps or Xbox
Have mi box in sons room on his hi sense tv and works great it attached by smoke alarm magnet kit to back of tv so very clean same as in bedroom, no need to see box as Bluetooth remote
@asa79: is there a reason why you don't have netflix on your windows 10 nuc?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/netflix/9wzdncrfj3tj?activ…
i'm undecided on whether to get a vtv or x64 based mini pc.
@[Deactivated]: You can't use netflix in Kodi as far as i'm aware unless thats changed in the last few months.
@asa79: Need a beta Kodi, it's not 100% but works now. Have been using it for the last few weeks on a Win10 NUC. Unfortunately my NUC and amp aren't powering on after this morning's storm. Came here looking for a local Mi Box and found this…looks like I'm heading out to Vodafone tomorrow to pick one up.
Haven't used an Android box yet, anyone know if the Aussie FTA catchup apps work on Kodi on the Vodafone box?
@bonuscheese: Nice one - actually picked up another box myself ;)
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/415277?page=2#comment-6574…
Kodi works the same as Windows you can hook up to MySQL to share library and watched states the same between mi box and Windows kodi
what the use case for this kind of device?
Trying to figure it out myself. Seems like a chromecast on steroids: FTA tuner and record to usb, Ethernet for reliability of connection. Not sure what else.
Buy first, work that out later..
The ozb way
i thought it isn't able to record
Recent software update allows the VTV to record FTA to USB.
It is basically a Mi Box with FTA capabilities.
Nope.
Why do you think not?
Had a bit of a play with it and so far not that impressed with the FTA capabilities. I was hoping to use it as a DVR but it seems flaky. Program guide is pretty bad. I can't see past the next 2 programs. NOt sure what's going on.
Glad it’s not just me! And you can’t see what’s on channels until you put it on a channel. For example to see ABC Kids’ programs in the guide you have to put it on one of the ABC channels then go back to to the guide.
@skywalka: That's how FTA/terrestrial TV episode guides work… they're encoded in the broadcast stream (repeated every few seconds) so you have to watch one of the sub-channels for a little while to "download" them.
@ssquid: In my case even if I watch the channel I'm not seeing any EPG info past the next program.
On a sidenote - My old Topfield seems to download EPG info just fine without accessing any channels but my new TV doesn't and only works as you indicated above.
In my case even if I watch the channel I'm not seeing any EPG info past the next program.
That would be a software restriction. In the early days of digital TV the broadcast episode info only had now+next info (I think they were required to in order to comply with ratings guidelines?), but they switched to several days worth of info a long time ago. So the info is there, the app just isn't making use of it…
Does your topfield have a network connection? It might be getting its EPG information from online somewhere (rather than over the air), or it might just be storing previously received information.
@ssquid: Software Restriction - Can someone confirm if Live Channels has this restriction? On the VodaTV material I've seen there's no mention of this.
As for Topfield - Yes it has a network connection but I suspect it's retaining EPG info until the next time it's updated (which is a nice feature to have).
Software Restriction - Can someone confirm if Live Channels has this restriction? On the VodaTV material I've seen there's no mention of this.
The latest Live Channels beta (released yesterday) has had the EPG info increased to 14 days for select users/devices:
Note the expanded program guide will only be available to some users on Stream+, MiBox, and Nvidia Shield, while we monitor the results.
More devices will be added over time
Purchased and excited! Replacing a PS3 for network streaming from UMS
Did the remote have headphone jack like roku?
No
Does anyone know if it has a built in genuine Chromecast (not Miracast)? I want something that my Google Home can control with regards to watching TV, YouTube etc. I have a Samsung smart TV and my phone can cast to it but the Google Home refuses to admit it's existence.
Literally the second dot point in the OP.
It’s offical Chromexast with updates from Google via the PlayStore.
Nope it's not full chromecast
What does that mean?
@skywalka: its Google Cast, its a cut down version.
Which is why you cant cast netflix to it, but you can still cast youtube and stan etc
@ssquid: That was in Oct, do we know if that has been rolled out tho?
Would be great as netflix is only reason i still ahve a chromecast ultra
and will be available on the android TV 7 as mi and shield at android TV 8@ssquid: Nope, I just tested on my Mi box with last update of last week, and google home still said doesnt support android tv for netflix streaming, please use the remote
Never go full chromecast…
@poxy001: One thing I can confirm is that casting from windows chrome streams is bad on this box and mibox. You get constant ghosting and color distortion. Doesn't happen with my chromecast dongle.
Google cast. So does YouTube, stan, Spotify. Just not Netflix at moment
Hope their warehouse is ready for the surge
I have a 1080p tv in the bedroom connected to a 2.0 Yamaha sound bar. Been looking for an all-in-one media box that has a FTA tuner, Netflix, Prime, twitch, plex, foxtel now and dedicated remote. VTV looks to tick all those boxes (requires sideloading some of the apps).
Just confirming this isn’t an overkill for my requirement and there isn’t a cheaper alternative on the market?
Buy it. You won't get anything better for the same price. I have two of these which I bought at retail price and couldn't be happier.
I assume this is an Android media box? Hence, I can install Plex from playstore?
What about Xiao Mi Box? Can it also run Plex in a same way?
Which one would you recommend for Plex client?
This, mi boxes are garbage
Get this, plex install from the play store, same with Kodi. I prefer to use Kodi with the Plex add-on, which has been rock solid for months locally and when viewing remotely.
I have a Roku for Plex. Haven’t played with my VTV much yet. The Roku remote outshines the VTV remote for rewinding etc. (This may not matter if you can get an all in one remote which is something I need to research.) I believe Telstra TV is a rebranded Roku.
Thank you! Ordered to replace my struggling Nexus player.
Can this work on a laptop?
On a laptop? You mean output to a laptop? Not unless the laptop had HDMI in (which it wouldn’t).
I have HDMI in
Laptop could chromecast certain stuff to this box
Anyone know if one can get rid of the Vodafone logo on the home screen of the device?
I don't believe so.
Thanks! Ordered. Even though I have an AppleTV, I'm not using it much, except for Netflix. Ditto my Fetch Mighty, except that als0 provides me with FTA and recording. This should be able to replace the fetch (thus saving a LOT of space) and maybe even the appleTV.
As someone who returned this device at launch and Brought an Apple TV, trust me, the Apple TV won’t be going anywhere.
The recording feature and chromecast ability is quite good at this price, but its a shame that it doesnt support all the free to air catchup tv apps like 9 and SBS. Was thinking of grabbing a fetch tv mini as this does have all of those plus some interesting subscription channels, but at $169 ($135 when good guys has 20% ebay deal) its still a fair bit more than this. No recording or Kodi either. Amazon fire stick is also an option ($69) as can easily sideload Kodi, Stan etc, and obviously has the Prime app built in, but last i tried SBS didnt work very well and also no recording. Likely will be on special for $49 on black friday though, so cheapest of the bunch
Picture suggests iView and tenplay is available, so why not the other apps?
Word on the street is that native Android TV apps for both 9now and SBS are being developed, and will be available early next year.
In the mean time, those apps can be cast.
Can you use this device similar to the Hdhomerun for the plex TV feature functionality?
Chromecast on Mibox is bad when casting video from a PC using Chrome. Constant ghosting and color distortion. I wonder if tbis has similar issues
Is this available in store too?
Just picked one from in store for the 50% deal.
If only had Amazon Prime..
Sideload?
Can anyone confirm if this is 4k compatible? I.e. is it a good alternative to a Chromecast ultra?
I have one and i can confirm its 4k compatible with HDR support as well. Chromecast works like a breeze with the VTV.
Does it allow Dolby Atmos or DTS-X audio? Obviously it will passthrough normal 5.1. Strange that even on the Vodafone page it doesn't give any detailed info about the box.
Chromecast does Netflix streams
The Vodafone guy described it to me pretty well.
It's basically a Chromcast Ultra with an interface and remote.
When I go to checkout it says "Keeping your existing number. Once your order arrives, we'll help you transfer your number across." Do you have to have or sign up for a Vodafone service to use this???
No you don't have to be a Vodafone customer to buy and use this - just click "Continue" on that screen.
Cheers, ordered.
Can someone help me out as I'm a noob.
I have a small Synology full of torrented videos.
My 2016 LG tv manages to browse and playback all of the videos flawlessly without the need for any app or dongle. I have a second non-smart tv I want to be able to watch my videos.I tried Chromecast but struggled to stream anything and hated using my phone to control it. Also tried a Roku dongle using Plex which often never started the videos up.
Given that this is a bigger device, higher specs and ethernet I feel like this would suffice. What apps would I be using on the Vodafone TV or would it natively pickup my Synology videos for playback?
Thanks
Kodi, or else try Plex or VLC.
Try Plex. Love it on my Xbox!
Have you tried videostream with the chromecast. It's pretty simple and only stereo sound works in my experience but otherwise it's pretty simple and effective… but still using your phone to control i guess.
Definitely Kodi
It's only 100mb so you won't be streaming 4K atoms movies
will 100mb do just regular 4k movies?
I use a shield myself with gigabit, but 4K HDRs use x265 with much better compression than non HDR x264. Even so i would think 100mbit LAN would be fine but most 4k items as long as its not doing other things.
@Xizor: You need a minimum download speed of 3 Megabits per second to watch a single video stream in clear, standard definition. The best Internet speed for HD streaming is 5Mbps, and if you go all the way up to 4K streaming, or ultra HD, your bandwidth should start at 25Mbps
100mb ethernet network wont do 25Mbps, it will only do 10Mbps
10/100 limit is about 11MB/second
Gigabit is about 110MB/second
@asa79: Ok, unless I am mistaken:
firstly 100Mbps ethernet bandwidth is > 25Mbps
Where are you getting the 10Mbps limit from?
assuming it is a 10/100 ethernet port, as long as you connect the other end to a supporting 100Mbps network the bandwidth available should be ~100Mbps.
10/100 refers to the supported networks, 10Mbps or 100Mbps not any download/upload limits (ie gigabit ethernet ports can be described as 10/100/1000)[10/100 limit is about 11MB/second
Gigabit is about 110MB/second]both those statements are correct, however 25Mbps = ~3MBps, so I don't think 100Mbps network will be an issue streaming 4K
@asa79: Yes it will… You are getting confused between b (bits) and B (Bytes). 100Mb will quite easily do 25Mbps. If however, it required 25MB/s then it would be too much for the 100Mb connection but we aren't talking about MB/s, we are talking about Mbps…
no, you would be best only with 1080P
@asa79: Don't know why you're getting the negs… You're pretty close with the speeds. 100mbps = about 12-13MB/ps. Usually with a 50mbps connection you can play 4K Netflix, Amazon, etc. but maybe not be able to put out the Dolby Vision stream properly. Which it runs for me at 15.26MB/ps (as shown when you click info button). Sometimes if other devices are being used with 50mbps you will probably get a resolution nearer to 1440p and yes sometimes even 1080p. Do these guys even know how to internet!?!
Is that the ethernet speed?
I have a mibox with prime side loaded but play back is ordinary. The show skips and audio drops for split seconds regularly. Can anyone say if this is the same with the vodaphone?
Dumb question, but can you use this on Telstra cable?
Yeah. It's only Vodafone branded not network locked
Thanks
Does it have a micro SD slot?
No - USB only.
One other thing you guys might want to do is remove the "Vodafone Recommends" row from the home screen:
- Go to Settings
- Under the Device heading, select Apps
- Under the System apps heading, scroll to and select TchCustomizer
- Select Notifications, then select Off
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
Was looking for a setting for this.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kirt. Great recommendation!
I just ordered one, thanks. They charge $72.00 then also charge $1.00 for Vodafone prepaid, so total is $73.00
Yep, confirming that too - paid $72, but credit card statement shows two charges: $72 and $1.
Just the one charge of 72 clams here
I was charged 72.00 and 1.00, although the 1.00 was immediately reversed.
I’ve been using this box for a few weeks now and I must say, this box is absolutely awesome! Everyone in my family loves this. And they are a very difficult bunch to please!
Can someone please confirm that 5.1 audio works fine on this box with Netflix?
My Mibox is has audio skipping issues every minute or so with 5.1 ch movies
Cheers
Same here with the Mi Box, any Dolby Digital content has these damn audio skips.
I not seen audio skip with Netflix yet
Already have Apple TV and Chromecast, is there any benefit in me buying this?
Yes. Bragging rights on OzB!
You are pretty well covered with that combo, except for no Kodi, TV tuner, or USB port, however MrMC is decent if you don't use Kodi add-ons, and the Freeview FV app is ok for streaming live tv over the net (although quality isn't great, and a lot of channel 10 content and live events like sports get blocked).
Can I just watch FTA TV on a HDMI screen? Like, on a computer display. Or is the tuner only for recording?
You can
Depends on what you trying to do
Got one, interested to see the difference between this and my Mibox.
Keep us posted with a review please
can alexa control this via bluetooth
No google home or Alexa support except for Google cast which still lacks Netflix at moment
Which you don't need for Android TV devices given the native Netflix app.
I find casting youtube and netflix will drain the tablet/mobile battery more than if I were to use the built in app and the Bluetooth.
Last year a bought a second hand PS3 for $70, solely for PlayTV use for scheduling and recording FTA ("new" PS3 was required to replace a very worn out PS3 that was very loud).
Basically, I couldn't justify the $300 for a Fetch Mighty, and although it seemed ridiculous, the PS3/PlayTV combo was unbeatable as far as I could tell (and possibly still is.
But, how "good" is the recording on this Vodafone device? Recording to external drives via USB is problematic I have heard.
Ps3 more power hungry
Using crap $6 Sandisk USB sticks from Officeworks, sure. With a decently fast stick (aka. something with better than 4MB/s writes) I’d expect it to be fine.
Going to try it out when I receive mine.
I would view the FTA recording as an "added extra" that can be used to record the occasional show - it pales in comparison to a full-blown PVR like the Fetch Mighty (and the PlayTV / PS3 setup would likely have far more PVR features and settings too).
I had PS3 and PlayTV and I found it quite frustrating to use. More so when my PS3 started to pack it in. Would pay $300 for less power use, a better/hassle free experience.
Yeah I agree, found PlayTV too much hassle, but my dad still uses one.
FetchTV is much better and uses much less power as you say, however the Fetch Mighty is expensive.
Available in store as well. Pick up one.
ThanksGood to know
went to my local Voda store.. they refused to sell it to me.
They shouldn't be this price is in there system.
he jumped on the phone to head office and they told him the Vodaphone TV's are only to be sold as add-ons
Does anyone know for sure that the Ethernet is gigabit or just 10/100?
from whirlpool "Just confirmed this Vodafone TV box… does NOT have Gigabit Ethernet"
That's a shame so really not much faster then usb Ethernet adapter which is about 200mb
As above I don't believe it is gigabit, however 10/100 is likely more than capable for most - could stream a 44Mbps bitrate UHD BluRay REMUX using the Vodafone TV:
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
100mb can only stream up to 10mb. You need gigabit to do higher
What is the best wifi connection going to stream at?
No Android TV update seems that they have stopped supporting which is probably why the big price drop. My mi box just had another update last night when was the last update for these?
There was an update in August that added the latest security patch and some extra resolutions etc:
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
I'm personally happy that they are taking their time with Oreo - the Oreo update for the Mi Box was a disaster, and only in the last few months have they started rolling out fixes to address all the Oreo bugs.
Not sure what bugs as I have two mi boxes and no issues
How's this any better than my sony TV's Android OS? Never had any issues, Netflix, plex, Kodi etc.
Not everyone has Sony TVs with Android OS.
¯_(ツ)_/¯
Sony tv is better as has more apps no side loading
How does sony tv have more apps than a native Android TV box? I would have thought at the very best they'd be the same, or the Sony TV wouldn't be as updated/full featured?
I remember reading Sony has exclusivity deals.
It has all the catch up apps 7,9,10,sbs, abc and the amazon prime etc as standard
@serpserpserp: I have no idea, if there is a way i would be interested. I have sony TV in living room its bulletproof for android TV, even android games for the kids.
The Mi Box is missing those couple apps and would like to have them on all devices
It probably is better. I bought a Sony 9300 with android OS and gave up. Then I bought a Nvidia Shield for a real Android experience.
gave up? why is that
Nice one kirt!
Was toying with getting the Mi Box to replace the old Nexus player (my last living Nexus device) - This will hopefully give my TV new life - Sometimes the Wifi is not so stable on the old Nexus player and I have blue cable on hand under the TV - as for live TV - probably the ability to pause and rewind the kids cartoons is all I will need!
Can this thing actually record/pause FTA? Reading here it can, but reviews say yiu can't. Was this added in a later stage?
Did you read the OP????
Ah I missed the last part. Good to know they release extra functionality.
From the reviews it seems like the later release allowed the recording of FTA but pausing is still not possible
I think you can just record. Not pause/rewind/skip etc. and no watching one channel while recording another etc.
I asked Vodafone and they confirmed you cannot pause live TV.
What's the refund policy if it's not what I expected?
What are you expecting?
They would probably only refund if faulty
Is this powered by normal wall plug or can it be powered through USB?
Wall plug
Vodafone TV or Nvidia Shield?
I feel like the Old El Paso girl because I now have both!
Wow really? How does a NVIDIA Shield not do everything you need?
In one room yes, I bought this for a secondary room.
Will the built in chromecast work with Google Home commands?
Yes for casting of everything except netflix
Does it work casting to Netflix?
Yes you can cast netflix.
No google cast doesn't support Netflix casting. Just YouTube and stan
There is a play on option on Netflix mobile app and you can select Vodafone tv from there it works as similar to Google cast.
Where. I can't see it on Android app. Can you post a screen shot of the button
do you mean can you cast netflix to the vtv? if you do, why would you want to? it has netflix as a native app.
No netflix casting, just native app
do you need to switch to Vodafone can we use just the TV box without switching?
No switch required.
Thanks OP, got one - replacing WDTV :-).
Me too. Been looking for a replacement for a while. Hopefully, this is it.
Not sure what the 'Netflix cast' not working on Google chromecast is about, but I confirm on the Chromecast Gen3 I can cast from the Netflix app on my phone to CC Gen3.
its Google Cast not "chromecast" in the android TV framework
Picked up 2, thanks kirt.
Got two too.. thanks OP
Bought one from the vodafone store, working perfectly so far
Can we change the language of the interface/icon to be Chinese or Japanese?
Might of been better to get a Mi Box ;)
This looks like an amazing deal!
I've got a few questions regarding the device. I currently have a chromecast ultra and just want someone to confirm if the VTV supports 4K60hz and HDR/HDR10+.
Also does it have HDMI CEC?
For example can the VTV pass through commands to the TV? Like power on/off, volume up/down?
And lastly does the device communicate with Google Home interface. - will voice commands coming from the phone/google home interface work on the VTV or will it only respond to the remote control commands?
*Also I've noticed the Mi Box S is on offer at gearbest for 50.99USD is there any advantages of going for the Mi Box over the VTV? The Mibox UI looks a bit more polished and feature rich with the downside of no Ethernet port and FTA tuner.
Can I get the link/code please?
Good question!
VTV has a HDR On/Off switch. It supports 1080 60Hz as far I can tell
It has HDMI CEC and can pass through commands to the TV
It does communicate with the Google Home Interface
Just bought one.
Hoping to find something that I can use to play / stream files from a phone or USB stick without an internet connection. Chromecast's latest update stopped the offline streaming capability if the device using localcast.
Which FTA (Free to air) streaming apps are available off the shelf?
Does anyone know if I can run Skype on this? Obviously external webcam is required.
Or on Mi Box? Can't decide, was using one of the devices with RemixOS.
Couldn't resist any longer - just went and bought another Vodafone TV instore for our new outdoor entertaining area :)
Nice!
Bought one today. Can I ditch my Chromecast 2 now?
Chromecast will still stream netflix, so that is your decision
I just bought 1 new from Gumtree for $35 (Advertised at $55). Only damn one listed in NSW. I need Ozbargain seal of approval and 100 points to spend on Eneloops anytime I want.
Ooooo good deal!
10/10
FWIW if your sitting on the fence i went and bought one today in store. Set it up tonight took 5mins following the google sync setup + another 5mins for updates. Installed Kodi and then updated Netflix and google cast, google services etc. Then added the SMB shares for my PC and NAS (dang passwords, really need to manage those better!). Streaming from my PC and NAS seems fine, tried both a 720p and 4k file over 5.8Ghz (15 meters, several walls) seemed alright. Same for Netflix. So far so good!
I've been sitting on the fence for the past 2 days and my bum is very sore and my fingers itchy. I currently have a Windows 10 PC with WMC, VLC, MPC, Plex & DVD attached to a FHD TV and I cannot see how this Android TV device will give a superior viewing experience to justify $72. Am I missing something good here?
Via HDMI from gfx card? It comes down to conveniece of just streaming via apps using a remote while staying plonked in your seat ultimately. There is the recording TV side of things but im not interested in that.
Yup, via HDMI. It also has a dual TV tuner for recording and live TV pause, rewind and catch up. As for remote control I have a Harmony Ultimate which talks to it via Bluetooth, and an Echo which talks to it via the Hub. I won't be missing much without this Vodafone TV, will I? This device seems to need a lot of workarounds to get it to do what you want.
@alvian: Ok that is very similar to my old setup. I disagree about the workarounds comment its just different, but yes you are correct in thinking you are not missing much. When you upgrade to a 4K TV you may wish to revisit your setup but until then I'd say stick with what is working fine for you.
Can I sideload terrarium?
Does anyone know how Twitch 1080p 60 fps works?
Doesn't work well on my Chromecast v2, so this would be a good replacement instead of a Chromecast Ultra.
My experience with casting is proper google Chromecasts work best. That said i believe you can install the Twitch app on the Vodafone TV. Im not a twitch user but if you can detail what you want i can give it a go.
That would be awesome if you could do that please. Thanks!
Basically just testing any stream that does 1080p60. Here is one that is active at the moment:
https://www.twitch.tv/dansgamingI've found on the Chromecast v1 and v2 that it doesn't play well and lands up stuttering every second due to the high quality bitrate.
Installed Twitch from playstore and am streaming one of the top streams on main page. Its "PGL_DOTA2" and its 1080p60 according to the stream rate option of twitch. I tried a few others that said 1080p and 720p. Let it run 5mins and was fine.
Just for you found dansgaming and watched some hitman content 1080p60. It did pause for a second once or twice but otherwise was smooth.
Thanks OP.
Just set it up and it does indeed have a bluetooth remote, however it also has in IR emitter. Anyone know how to unlock this feature to control other devices?
AFAIK you can't program it to send IR commands to other devices like your TV etc (more than happy to be proven wrong though!) - I believe it's used for the following:
- the initial setup, and can be used to control the VTV over IR if you need to disable bluetooth
- to program universal IR remotes
Anyone wanting to add the Vodafone ATV box to a Logitech harmony - Add it using "Technicolor" as the manufacturer and UIW4030VHA as the model.
Didn't work on my hub. Entered the above details but not in the database.
Try this:
"for the old software, add it as a Digital Set Top Box -> Technicolor Vodafone TV, and for the newer software, just add it as a Technicolor Vodafone TV."
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
isnt the remote bluetooth, or is it only a IR remote?
Just discovered something I had no idea about. If yo enable CEC HDMI on your TV, the harmony can almost fully control this box in the original TV mode. No need to add this device or program anything. (except the Netflix and Youtube buttons). Must admit I had no idea what CEC meant until I just looked it up and it makes sense.
Anyone else having issues with Toll delivery? Toll attempted delivery and I was not home, so they left a card. I called them to arrange re-delivery but they are refusing saying the only option is to pick up the item from their Tullamarine warehouse or call Vodafone and ask them for permission to redeliver ? WTF?
So I called Vodafone and they are stuffing me around, been on hold for 20 minutes during my lunch break…..
Toll are always a pain to deal with in my experience.
mine got returned to the depot without a card left. they might try a re-delivery again today
It's being delivered to a collection point now, what a joke!
Same here!
'Vodafone only pay for 1 delivery attempt so you'll have to pick it up'Want to complain about delivery as well.
I was home when i got the notification that attempted delivery and then dropped at local BP service station to pick with no card left in the post.Picked up my box this morning from a newsagent and put a complaint in to vodafone about the horrible delivery experience
https://vha.secure.force.com/FormContactUs?cid=redirect:vha:…
Toll (and Vodaphone) are an absolute nightmare. Same problem.
Did not get to select delivery time/day. Was not home at time of attempted delivery. Received a card. Called them up and arranged for the item to be delivered to my closest collection point. Receive call next day stating that this collection point is actually beyond 5km so they can't take it there and that my only option is to collect it from Tullamarine depot - very inconvenient. I confirmed with Toll that I will send someone to collect it on my behalf as I cannot get there during business hours. They say this is fine, and to wait for the text to confirm pick up is available and ready from Tullarine. Never get a text so I call up and find out this can take 24+ hours. I wait another day and they call me and confirm that the item is almost ready for collection. I ask the lady if I can provide the name of the person who will be collecting on my behalf. She says that's not possible - only I can collect the item now. I have to contact Vodaphone to lift the restrictions on the parcel. Vodaphone phoneline have no options to discuss delivery options and they all have NFI what I'm asking for and direct me back to Toll.
I'm about to flip my shit.
Update: Vodaphone are for whatever reason unable to contact Toll and lift the restrictions. Guess I will wait for my parcel to be returned to Vodafone and ask for delivery via another courier or refund
Horrific ordeal
Will never purchase from Vodafone again (or any other seller who uses Toll)
Would it have been possible to send it to your work instead?
@gimme: Apparently voda restrict toll for redirect to alternate address even though you can done it via toll website.
@gimme: Seems like there are a number of ridiculous contractual agreements and each party is either too incompetent or unable to moderate the agreement for the customer. They both bounce you around in circles.
They only attempt delivery once
They will only take your parcel to your local collection point if it's within 5km of your delivery address. Otherwise, you must collect from their Tullamarine depot
Only the person who purchased can collect the parcel
You have to collect it within 7 days@mmustica: I meant to say, if there is a chance that someone won't be home during delivery (i.e They have a job), wouldn't it make sense to send the parcel to your work address in the first place?? I get the idiosyncrasies of couriers in general but I'm constantly surprised when people place themselves in these types of situations. Of course there could have been a valid reason.
THIS. Just spent 30 minutes on the phone to Toll (mainly waiting due to 'high call volumes') to be advised that the order had been returned back to sender due to a failed delivery attempt (which I was never advised of - received an email from Toll advising the delivery was 'on its way' some days prior but just not the failed delivery attempt - so they had my correct email address) and due to lack of response they automatically return to sender rather than leave at a local depot.
Then subsequently spent another 45 minutes to Vodafone who managed to transferred my call between 4 different departments/people (i.e. nobody had any idea what to do about online sales orders for anything other than a mobile service - they only want to sell you postpaid and prepaid, not other products like vodafone tv). Apparently they are now organising a re-delivery within the next 3-5 working days, although I'm not convinced this is going to happen as it sounds like the person on the phone was just fobbing me off and couldn't provide me a reference number or any email confirmation to state as such, only advising that the system will automatically send me an update when the order is re-shipped.
With service like this, I'm glad I'm not with Vodafone.
I've been having the same issue. It's been two weeks since my order, and I still can't get Vodafone to get their act together to have the VTV redelivered to the nearest Toll collection point. Calls keep getting transferred, nobody knows what happening as much as the next person, their customer service is without a doubt non-existent. Still on the phone with them as I type this……
I've never experienced such incompetence for such a simple thing as a delivery of one item.
I've never experienced such incompetence for such a simple thing as a delivery of one item.
That's the Toll tag line - "we might deliver it to you, maybe"
Ping -experts on kodi/flex/other good stuff etc
I have been using wd streaming player for yonks since we got the $50 rebate when i was a young bloke
Just got this VTV and have no idea how delete files from attached flash drive or hard drive etc like i could with old wd player… that was dead easy to delete/move and copy files.
Also i have no idea what i need to use the chrome cast features, what exact app do i need on android fone or iphone?
Most important is what is best app to use on VTV to watch and delete watched video files etc
I am an expert on some things but on this i need expert advice
tnx to all
Kodi or SPMC (Kodi with voice control) are great media players
Install ES File Explorer, you will be able to manage your files.
You need a compatible app on either Android or iOS to Chromecast. Try this https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/2995235?hl=en-A…
So I got one, and its only an IR Remote compared to the MI Box that is bluetooth remote, that is very disappointing.
The unit is twice the size of the MI Box.
So it wont work in the kids rooms hidden behind TV where the MI Boxes work great.
I'm guessing you haven't set it up yet, cause the first thing you do is pair the Bluetooth remote ;)
What Kirt said ^
After setup, I tested with hand over IR and works perfectly.
Is it both IR and bluetooth?
WOW! These are incredible value devices. Bought 3 mainly for Plex clients with remotes (which it does very well) but all the extras make for a very slick little TV box. Never used a Mi Box but with local PSU, local support and warranty these are far better options, IMO.
Also can confirm they are 10/100Mb network but unlikely to be an issue unless trying to run full bitrate 4K vids, which I don't.
Thanks OP.
Hi, so with this you can browse plex movie collections just using the remote provided? Also, can you setup parental lock so that kids don't run app that they should not be running (eg. youtube when parents not around, etc)
Just set mine up and handed the wife the remote. Five minutes later she isn’t as pissed off at me for spending more money on crap.
If you are sitting on the fence. Just buy it!
Absolutely worth the money
Totally agree, wives will hop on board this thing. Just works! And works well.
Any Kodi users able to pass through correctly? Only getting 5.1 stereo according to my receiver and not the source ie DTS or DTS-MA etc?
Is it possible to install the FetchTV app on this device so it can replace my (old) FetchTV mighty?
Features available to all users:
• Browse and search the Fetch catalogue
• Watch movie trailers on your Android device
• Browse and search the 7 day TV guide and setup reminders
• Post comments about what you're watching on Facebook or TwitterFeatures available to Fetch customers using eligible devices* connected to your Fetch set-top box:
• Watch Movie Box movies^ anywhere in Australia
• Watch Live selected subscription channels^ anywhere in Australia
• Watch the Movies Now Showing trailer channel
• Schedule recordings wherever you are
• Browse the recordings on your set-top box
• Manage scheduled and Series Tag recordings
• Change channels, and adjust the volume on your TV
• Rent or buy an on demand movie to watch on your TV or device
• Buy TV shows to watch on your TV or device
• Download selected movie and TV shows to your Android device and watch them offline.- for device requirements, please refer to: http://www.fetchtv.com.au/FAQs and link to the App User Guide.
Did up a guide for those who want to record FTA to USB:
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
Nice work!!
btw do you get full EPG? I'm only seeing the 'next' program and nothing more.
To be honest I use Fetch for all of my FTA needs, so haven't spent much time using the FTA features of the VTV, but from memory I was getting at least one full day if not more?
Edit: Live Channels 1.18 beta was just released today, which will include "Program Guide shows up to 14 days of programing on select devices", so maybe we will see some changes on the VTV?
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2714884&…
does this do 4k Netflix and YouTube?
Bought one dont know why….
Is there a way to put Foxtel Go on these?
You can cast Go if you have Foxtel multiroom, or load a Foxtel Now app, but AFAIK you can't load a Go app.
Thanks Kirt. I ended up getting one and I've been trying to cast Go but it keeps stuttering, do you know if there a way to fix this?
same here, heavy stuttering or getting the "loading" icon. Can't use it.
Did you find a solution?
This device is good for a lot of things but AFL isnt one of them, they FTA Broadcasts are very studdery on this thing. Only thing we have ever had issues with, had to switch back to the TV Decoder to watch the footy.
Switch to 50hz for digital tv. Mine was the same. Default 60hz was juddery. 50hz is smooth and perfect
When I try and cast to the VTV, the screen goes black for a second or two as if about to cast, but then reverts to the VTV home page. I have Google Cast installed on the VTV and Google Home on my phone. Do I need any other apps or services? Anyone experience this problem and find a solution? Chromecast 2 is working fine.
Is that for one particular app, or all apps?
All castable apps.
Check you have the latest "Chromecast built-in" version (1.33.133253), and you can also try clearing the data and cache from that app too.
Also check you have updated Android TV (version 7.1.1 with security patch level 1 June 2018).
@kirt: Both those version numbers check out. Cleaned the data (there was nothing in cache) for the casting app. Now the Chromecast page displays, but the apps on the phone have the cast icon lowlighted, whereas before, they were highlighted, but no luck when tapped. Frustration levels building…
It happened to me when one of the devices was connected to a VPN. I had to go into the VPN settings and make an exception for Chromecast. It casts well after that
No VPN here.
Just received this today. Any tips on how to sideload an app?
Is there a way to make fast forwarding and rewinding less tedious during Youtube/NBA League Pass and I assume many other apps? With Youtube I need to arrow up before being able to go forward or backward then press enter for playback.
Yes this annoys me too. One option is…..I turned on CEC control in the VTV and now my Hisense TV remote also controls the VTV. It has fast forward buttons on the Hisense remote that work on the VTV youtube app.
sooo many tv boxes lying around - but true to being an Ozbargainer, have ordered one now. =)
Hmm tempted to get this to replace my Telstra TV that I only ever use for Foxtel Now, but since getting the NBN and having a bridged modem in front of my router it constantly buffers (yet played on my phone it’s fine, same as casting it to my Shield TV.
With the new Kayo Sports not yet supporting Android TV or Telstra TV, could be handy to get this so I can cast it from my phone till an app comes along and can change over from Foxtel Now to Kayo.
Exactly!!
Anyway to link Google assistant to Vodafone TV so I can switch on my TV using voice command?
I could do it with chromecast and google miniHaven't managed to get it to work with mine as yet
I worked it out, you need to turn on cec function in the vodafone tv settings
I cant get this to work. Google assistance doesnt recognise it as a tv and just gives a websearch result
@ChurchMouth: Got it to work… Had to change the name from Vodafone TV to just Vodafone… I think the TV part was triggering it because it technically isn't a TV
Does this do DVB-T2? Only see DVB-T mentioned
DVB-T2.
Awesome! Thanks!
Is the VTV successful in receiving and playing the DVB-T2 trial signals?
Decided to grab one. In built tuner is a good bonus, as my old plasmas dtv tuner can't handle some of the new channels.
Thanks op.
Scanning in at $72 at the Marion [SA] store.
Surround sound using kodi to a Receiver over HDMI does not work (v27.6 Kodi). Very bloody annoying…..
Yes I have been going mental trying to get audio passthorugh working with end result being stuttering and bad audio quality in Kodi, SPMC and VLC. I haven't tried another HDMI cable however I'm doubtful that is the problem. Would be great if someone here on Ozb could let us know if they have audio passthrough working (DTS, DTS-HD etc).
its not the cable, I have tried several. I think it might be a Kodi issue (for me anyway) as there is mention of it in later releases. Audio pass-through seems to work for netflix ok (well I get 5.1 anyways) so its not that the box cant do it….
When you say surround sound are you referring to the receiver decoding or Kodi doing the decoding? If I let Kodi do the decoding I get 5.1 (the denon receiver says 5 channel stereo). The issue for me is specifically pass through. Does Netflix have Dolby surround? I haven't tried that.
In Kodi, if I turn off all the surround options and just select 5.1 as the speaker config I just get 2 channel stereo on the Yamaha receiver. If I select 2.0 as the speaker config and click 'Enable Passthrough' it doesnt matter which option under that (eg DTS Capable Reeceiver etc) I select I get no sound except the occasional blip of sound. meanwhile the Amp shows no speakers at all except when the sound blip happens and then you can see 5.1 speakers for like a microsecond…
Didn't even know this was a thing! Sounds like a Mi Box but better. (And possibly more stable) Would make a great (hopefully foolproof) replacement for the Telstra TV my mum uses.
(And might not be a bad idea to get a spare for myself, hmm.) Thanks, OP. Given me food for thought.
Sounds like a Mi Box but better. (And possibly more stable)
So true. I was looking at getting another Mi Box for a spare TV, but this seems like it will be a better option.
Hope so. Bit the bullet and bought two! Shake my local had no stock, now I've got to hope someone's home when Toll rolls up.
Toll doesn't deliver to Parcel locker and somehow didn't make it back to the depot.
Feedback: Why use toll and make our lives a bit more difficult?Just bought 2 at Vodafone on George Street Sydney, shop assistant said there are only 5 left
i'm thinking of getting this now.
will google assistant through this box work with the broadlink ir controller to control a dumb ceiling fan which has a remote. i own none of these things at the moment.
if a vodafone store doesn't have to stock can they place online orders and process the payment manually?
Just order online. They offer free delivery.
i can get discounted gift cards for the shopping centre they're in.
Ah, fair enough. I see you’re a pro.
Can I use the windscribe app from the play store on this?
You certainly can. Just select your Vodafone TV as your installation device.
Does anyone else have the issue that youtube only plays in stereo on these boxes. Netflix will do dolby sound
That's because YouTube is only in stereo.
Thats pretty annoying
Has anyone found a way to get a DualShock 3 or 4 to work with the box?
Would be useful for playing games.
I just picked up two from Geelong Westfield. Cracking little box and set up was a breeze. It works really well with Plex! They had another 8+ in stock.
Forest Hill Chase store wouldn't sell me one today, saying that he could only do it if I wanted a plan. I knew that was rubbish, but as I was on my way to pick up another deal before closing time I just walked out and ordered online instead.
Would have been interested to see what sort of plan is offered for a non-sim/non-mobile device…
Add it on to other plans I assume:
"Accessories Payment Plan (APP) enables Vodafone postpaid customers to buy accessories and pay for them in instalments over 12, 24 or 36 months (Period). Your accessory price is spread in equal instalments over the Period (APP Instalments)."
By sideloading, does this mean I have to manually copy ".apk" files to the device? And that it doesn't have its' own "app store" so to speak?
It has the google play store, but because it's an android TV device it only shows programs that are known to be android TV compatible. It doesn't make sense to show apps that require a touch-screen, or that are only designed to display in portrait mode, for example. But if you really want, they can still be installed manually (sideloaded) using a PC or APK installer app.
its'
its
Can anyone confirm if SBS & Nine apps are available? If not can you sideload?
Both are currently being developed, and should be available early next year.
For now, you can cast, and try the SBS one here:
Cheers for that!
I tried sideloading the SBS on Demand and it doesn't open.
Aussieaddons for Kodi still has a working SBS on Demand that installs and plays
I would like to use this to watch US Netflix using VPN.
Is this possible?
Is there a way to watch movies that are new release, Korean tv, NBA, EPL, LaLiga etc?
Thank you.Yes to your 1st question - As long as your VPN provider has an android app that works with Netflix (e.g Nord works)
How long is a piece of string to your 2nd question.I am having trouble understanding the concept of android tv box.
I am tempted as this has Chromecast as I was in the market for one anyway.
Would I be able to stream directly using google chrome that is on the Vodafone TV?
I have windscribe so that solves VPN Question and thank you for that.
I'm watching Korean TV using Windscribe VPN and casting from the streaming apps POOQ and Oksusu on my tablet.
is there a reason why you don't install the apps directly onto the vtv, if it's not compatible with android tv os? do a lot of apps have this issue?
Yeah, I don't think there're android TV versions of the apps.
@renarune: you can install normal mobile phone apps but some of them will have the screen sideways even on the TV, you need to get another app that will force it the right way up
@i7-2600k: I tried installing Pooq on Vodafone TV just now as you suggested. It works without rotating the screen but streaming quality is bad because I'm not a paying user. Quality is much better when casting.
Just a negative note here if nobody already mentioned it. The VTV never turns off, when on standby is always ready to cast. I noticed some interference while watching TV and went straight to get a new aerial cord thinking I had damaged it while moving it from TV to VTV and back. Only to find out that the interference disappeared after switching VTV off from the power point.
does that include them power button on top of the box or is it just an indicator light?
Hold the power button on the remote and you'll be given the option to power off.
The button on the remote is like a standby mode.
Thanks for the info. Is there a manual where I can find other tips like this?
@Chridim: No idea. I'm not sure it is necessary though. It works very much like any android device, i.e. your phone.
Can anyone confirm that PVR Addons would work with Kodi on Vodafone TV? Suspect AMLogic Android Kodi Krypton doesn’t support.
ThanksTrying to cast Foxtel Go to this (rather than using a sideloaded apk) and it just continually stutters
Seems to be latest chromecast built in version and android version.
Works fine to Sony android tv and also chromecast, but vodafone box seems to have issues
Any ideas?
Any fix yet?
That thing sounds kind of cool.
Hey guys, I'm trying to checkout through vodafone but it keeps coming back with 'issues validating your credit card'. Calling them didn't help much either, just saying I need an active plan with them to buy it. Can anyone help me out?
Post your credit card number here along with the CVV and I'll check if it works for me
Can it do Stan 4K?
I can confirm no. HD only
I can confirm it can.
Make sure you actually have a 4K subscription, and the VTV is set to use 2160p as the display mode (in the system settings). Or it can be set to auto, as long as 2160p shows as available it will be used.Really?
I tested on my 4K tv and confirmed with Stan it isn't supported…
Set to 2160p @ 60hz
Can you confirm your resolution and name of a 4k stan video I can test with?@lachhelix: Seems they've actually broken it with a recent update…
The old version (before the skip credits/recap buttons were added and they made the text ugly) definitely worked, time to find an old .apk and disable updates.
The deal is still on. I bought one in store for $72.
Thinking of getting one or two of these while they're still $72.
They are pretty good, got one in the living room. The only reason I have kept my Mi box in the bedroom is for the optical out to my aging Logitech Z-5500's (which still kick ass).
Mine is screwed. Won't be buying another one.
Reboots for no reason, gets very hot, Chromecast has never worked, reset it 3 times. Forget it. Dealing with Vodafone was hard enough trying to buy it, I can't imagine what it'll be like trying to get it replacedguess it depends how much the $72 is worth to seek warranty service/replacement? If it was a product problem, likely others would have mentioned here too, in order to track issue trend. I'd be going ahead to get it replaced rather than wasting the cost of the unit..
Good luck, whatever you decide!That's very true….
It is a waste, you're right!
Can anyone confirm that it will record to a hard drive, rather than an USB stick?
There are some good deals on 2gb or 3gb HDs atm, combined would make a good replacement for an iQ3…It does, but the recording feature is rubbish:
- No extended EPG available to schedule recordings, only now/next.
- Trying to play recordings causes the tv app to crash, have to use something else (i.e. KODI) to actually watch them.
- Recording requires the HDD to be formatted securely for the VTV so you can't use it with anything else or transfer recordings to a PC.
Got mine today via toll and after adjusting the resolution and colour format it works on an old 55" Sony bravia rear projection tv(mwahahaha older than all those fancy plasmas ppl from 2008+ had :P )
why? Gumtree a used kogan tv if you are that broke.
Funny enough I didn't neg you :P This is my parents tv and it had a clarity that was better than many tv's that came after it (I'm not including modern tv's of course) and it's easy fixable and we have replaced the bulb once already, it also lacks the glare you can get from a tv being too bright in a dark room(the backlighting). My personal tv is a 60" samsung and they have a 55" inch hisense as well, so we arn't scraping the barrel just yet :)
They are all out at Voda Forest Hill (Melb) but I got one delivered, in 2 days, and Toll was fine.
I don't want to sound like a noob but, any links to info on how to install the apps for Kayo and Pluto TV? I got it mainly as a future replacement for Foxtel, but without those apps running, it makes things a bit tricky.
Any assistance welcome, ta.They had plenty at Doncaster a couple weeks ago. Dusty boxes been sitting there a while
No Android TV app for Kayo just yet. They claim it will be released early 2019.
No Kayo app yet. Apparently people just Chromecast it to it while waiting for the app to come out.
They are still at this price and have stock in Brisbane
Still have stock in store at the pines Doncaster East.
Got one there today
Wondering if the Vodafone TV can be used as a Plex server (like the shield)… For example I could plug a hard drive into my shield and use it to build a plex library - can voda do that?
I managed to run plex server on my intel compute stick (stk1aw32sc). Didn't do any transcoding though.
I reckon those Android media boxes are similar in terms of specs.
Grabbed one of these today. Can’t get Chromecast to work, my iPhone and iPad both say no devices found. Anyone else having this issue?
Other minor issues include; no timer viewing within the epg, no 9now or SBS apps, no DTS pass through with optical cable from TV
"say no devices found."
Hmm - I'm wondering if it needs setting up on your own wi-fi first?
Tried a different router, at least the VTV appears as now, but casting from iPad and iPhone doesn’t work. From a Windows PC it’s fine.
Couldn't get passthrough to work on hdmi either. Can you let us know if you find a solution, perhaps it's the same issue with optical out.
Read the manual of my TV and it will only output 2 channel from a HDMI source, so it’s not going to work for me. I might get a hdmi audio extractor.
Got Chromecast working using a different router.
It's anyone having issues getting Netflix in 4k Ultra HD working?
I can get YouTube in 4kn Ultra HD fine but Netflix won't display the Ultra hd icon
Can it cast 4K from desktop?
Did anyone side load Amazon prime video?
The version I side loaded is laggy when playing video.Yes I tried 5 or more different versions of the prime video app, including a couple which were taken from an Nvidia Shield. All had the same playback issue. I guess this is why prime video is not supported on the VTV.
Can you install any app on google play on this?
I don’t quite understand why ppl have to sideload prime video, why not just install it fromm google play?
Also if i want to install apps from US (cw tv, cbs), can i just use a US google account?It doesn't appear in the Google Play store on the device. Only some apps appear.
E.g. not all FTA channel apps are available. No idea why
I see, thx
Does anyone know if this saves the time of a video where you turn it off when playing videos off USB similar to a smart TV? If not does anyone know similar device that can do such a thing?
Someone more knowledgeable will hopefully come along, but I believe you would need a 3rd party app for playing videos off USB, and I would be almost certain something like Kodi would do this - I know it does when I stream from my networked hard drive, don't see why a USB connected one would be different.
That is good to hear, very promising, thank you!
Should be able to. MX player has this feature and you can install it on this box.
Thank you! That is one step closer for me to buying this! Is downloading programs straight forward or we need to do anything special like downloading a certain firmware or jailbreaking it?
There is the Google Play store. It's not as extensive as on a normal Android phone/tablet, as the apps need to be optimised to be used with a remote.
This is some of the apps available through the ATV play store. As you can see Kodi is available. I am not sure about MX - it may be, as you can see this is not an extensive list (FTA catch up apps being an example of what is missing).
@Think: Haha. I didn't. Just searched for it in Google. Would be good if there was a filter on the browser based store to show ATV compatible apps.
Once you have the box you can either navigate the play store in the box for a limited amount of tv optimised apps.
Alternatively on your PC go to the play store website, choose what to install then choose the device to install it to (Vodafone tv box).
You get more apps this way but may need to connect a mouse (BT or USB) to use the apps more easily since a tv remote is tricky to use for all apps designed for a touchscreen.@edrift: Thank you for the info.
So I bought the box, the main goal is to play videos off from a USB, it can't seem to read a USB/hard drive without formatting it. Also can't copy and paste files into the formatted USB, so kind of stuck right now. Any recommendations?
@cortex21: Install es file explorer from the play store via your PC on to the box.
Then use es file explorer on your phone (assuming you have Android) then you can send files to the box.
It's a roundabout way to get the files on via a wifi connection
@edrift: Thank you that works!
I don't know if you know this part either but I tried to move the VTV to a room that uses a projector for a screen. For some reason, it can't read the VTV box but can detect laptops connected via HDMI with no issues.
Every time I get to pass a wall of issues, I hit another one lol
@cortex21: Yeah I had a similar issue.
Plug it into the screen that works and manually set the resolution instead of leaving on auto.
Then move it to the other screen/projector and it should work.
The auto detection of the resolution is quite poor.@edrift: Yeah, I manage to turn that off, but all it did was the screen on the projector was like green and very poor outline of the VTV home screen.
I read that old or cheap HDMI cables can't be read properly with the VTV, my issue with replacing the HDMI cables connected to the project is they are tucked in and hidden in the walls. Will try to awkwardly see if connecting directly to the projector that's on my ceiling will fix the issue.
Is it still best bang for bucks or anything better out there based on similar specs vs price?
Good question.
I'm eager to hear some answers as well.
A hidden/less known feature of this box is that it has Bluetooth which is super handy for connecting BT headphones to.
Compare this to a cheap standalone by transmitter that may cost $30-50 and suffer from latency sync issues, makes the Vodafone tv box even better valueStill has latency issues tho? Or do you find them easy to ignore? I doubt this uses aptx-LL….
No noticeable latency when paired with my Sony BT headphones
If you're only watching movies you're not going to notice that latency, as the video will be synced to the (delayed) reported audio playback position. It's things like gaming and voice communication where it becomes noticeable.
I have now tested it myself with a pair of TT headphones and it appears to work fine….
Aparently the new kayo sports android tv app is not compatible with this device. Anyone had any luck installing. I cant even see the app in the playstore
thanks, does the split screen feature work?
No.
i went to my local Vodafone store and they told me i have to part of a plan to purchase it and im not with vodafone and noone i know is with vodafone. is the person correct that i need to be with vodafone to use this product and can i just my home wifi to use it? THanks
No, they have no idea what they're talking about. Buy it online or try another store - nothing else Vodafone related required
Incorrect.
Just visit another store or report them to the TIO for misleading and deceptive conduct.thanks for the info. looks like im going to another store to get it. is there is USB slot to play videos?
Yes there is
Will it play mkv files from a 500gb portable hdd thanks
Purchased it last night. Works well with youtube and Netflix. What else should i install on this player
Plex. It's fantastic.
Plex you have to pay a monthly fee?
Not for basic plex.
@tomsco: Plex is free. You can buy a Plex Pass if you think these features are worthwhile. I've been using Plex free for years.
Hi, I can't install any new apps or update apps, does anyone know the workaround for this, thanks
reset?
Did try, did not work
Got it today ,I faced same issue but
I fixed this issue following way
Reset to factory.
Putting a different google id.
Going to app setting and stoping everything individually whatever was showing downloading/updating.
Then updating individualy whatever things i think needs update.
Then i was able install new apps.
i have an old TEAC 1080p tv with
HDMI ,does this vodafone tv will work with that or its only for new tv's who has
HDCP 2.2 ,
i just want to watch max 1080p stuff with this box
thanksWorks okay in my old school bravia without hdcp 2.2
Thanks lachlan, is ur bravia 1080p or 720p
I have a bravia 720p rear projection from noah's ark that works fine…
This is great for turning an old LCD monitor into TV for the kids.
I am considering to get one to pair with my new projector…
Does anyone know what version of android tv this device supports ?
Does prime work ?
Cheers
The sideloaded prime app works but lags at the start(unless anyone has a newer/better apk) and its currently android 7 I believe…….
Cheers
Anyone have experience with warranty claims for this device? Been using mine for a few weeks now and all of a sudden the remote has died. I’ve already performed the troubleshooting steps mentioned on their website but no luck.
Hi, does any one who how to fast forward YouTube video on VTB.
I think you could with a Logitech remote.
I’d be in the market for one if someone confirms.
Click up a couple of times then click right to go forward? Our were you referring to something else?
@r0nmac where did u get the splitter from?
I just got one of these and while it's great in most things, it takes about a full minute to power on. Does anyone know if thats normal?
I rarely power mine down. I just leave them on standby.
Yeah, normal for mine anyway
got one of these and love it!
Anyone else having issues with the Live TV EPG showing "no information" for most channels?
Bought one of these the other day and it's really good apart from that issue.It gets the EPG from the live broadcasts, so you have to watch each channel for a little while for the box to grab it. It also doesn't know how to read the extended info so it only displays the now/next info.
Ok thanks for the info. So its not really a full replacement for regular TV then, as you can't quickly check what is on next etc.
Does anyone know of a way around this i.e. downloading the guide daily from an external provider?To be fair my TV does the exact same thing (requires watching channels first to populate their EPG info each time I turn it on).
@ssquid: I guess I'll have to keep using my tv for the guide then.
Shame, as this would have been a good replacement otherwise.
Newbie question, how do I sideload the foxtel apk on Vodafone TV? Do I need a special app to run it or is it the same deal as android phones?
Download the Foxtel APK to a USB stick.
Put USB stick in Vodafone TV.
Download X-plore File Manager from the Play Store
Launch X-plore, navigate to the USB stick, click on the Foxtel APK, and install
Foxtel go now works flawlessly on this and many other android boxes. See whirlpool VTV thread for more info.
I didn't know that you had to install the FoxtelNowLauncher.apk.
I tried before by downloading the FoxtelNow apk and didn't work.
I hope we'll get an AndroidTV official app one day, or is it VodafoneTV only missing it because of Foxtel not wanting to support it?
Thanks :)
Anyone else get an issue of black screen? Got to keep tapping the youtube button and it comes up.
Can anyone tell me if the HDMI output from the VTV includes the pins for analogue audio output? I need to hook this up to an old AMP which only has optical/coax/RCA audio inputs and I was thinking of using a HDMI breakout cable such as this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HDMI-to-5-RCA-RGB-Component-Conv…. But sometimes the HDMI pins for analogue audio aren't implemented on these types of devices.
Does anyone know of an apk / app to block youtube adds on my vodaphone tv media box ?
Hi all
Does anyone know stores in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne with stock of these?
I've tried plenty Valley and university Hill stores but no stock and not very helpful.Why not order online ? It comes in a few days.
I did order one online and I was after another.
The first one was delivered by Toll, and even though I was home when it arrived, the driver just dropped a card in the letterbox and drove off. I'm not sure why, after the effort of getting out of the truck, he didn't just walk up to the front door. I have him on one of my video security cameras getting out of the truck with just the card in his hand and putting it in the letterbox. He had obviously filled it out before he got to my place.
I had to then go through their crappy system which wouldn't allow re-delivery, and 5 days later they sent me a message that I could pick it up at Melbourne Airport.
I'm not keen on going through that again so a local store (or even one further away) will be much less hassle and a lot less driving.
Post the video online for all to see. Send a link to Toll via their Facebook page and post another to A Current Affair. It will be delivered properly. These dodgy drivers need to be fired and their hirers shamed.
Has anyone installed popcorntime on this box?
would it be able to replace like a Minix box?
Another great app is key remapper. I’ve changed the Netflix button to Foxtel now. Now I’m able to switch between live tv and Foxtel in one button.
Just me or is this now not orderable? Got deleted from my cart and has no buy button anymore?
Interesting (and nicely spotted).
Just got on to the online chat and they said they are still available in-store, and the guy said they are still manufacturing them, but I'm not so sure…
Weird! Thanks heaps for chatting with them, good to hear it's still available!
No worries.
My spidey senses are saying that this may be the beginning of the end for the Vodafone TV, so if you still do want one, grab it now ;)
Does this mean a new voda TV is coming? with oreo?
Hey guys if I have a new smart TV do I need this TV box? What 4k streaming is this box capable? Is it just the free 4k videos on YouTube?
Looks like vodafone has stopped selling vodafone tv
Still available in store, I bought last Sat..
Not many stores stock it. I had to buy one from ebay for $54 with ebay plus code
That's a great deal. Are there any others?
Anyone know how I can get free to air tv to show in Foxtel now. My Missus hates going back and forth between Foxtel and the live channels app. We’ve got the Foxtel now box which incoperates both and she loves but anyway to do it on the Vodafone tv?
Brought and returned this at launch. Ended up with Apple TV 4K. The lack of 5.1 in Kodi was a deal breaker. But at this price it’s tempting again.
When was recording added? Is it official?