Need Recommendations for TV Box (Android/Apple/Chromecast)

AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 11:54
Last edited 03/03/2020 - 12:00 by 1 other user

Hi Bargainers,

Just got a semi-smart TV and need a TV box. I heard about Chromecast, Mi Box and Apple TV but have no idea what are the differences between them. I'm a fan of Apple but Apple TV is kind of expensive and not a good option for a bargainer. Mostly I want is to cast my ipad/macbook/apple to my TV. For example, there is a Chinese app called Bilibili which is just like Youtube, and I want to play videos from Bilibili on my TV. I know the Apple TV can do this by Airplay, and I'm also thinking maybe I can do this by download the Bilibili app on an Android TV box. I already got a Google Home mini so I think Chromecast would be a good option but not sure if Chromecast can cast non-Google apps from ipad/macbook/iphone to my TV. ABC/9 channel ect. would be a plus but not a must. Anyone can give me some advice?

Cheers

Electrical & Electronics Media Player

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 03/03/2020 - 11:58
    +7

    people said, vodafone tv
    https://www.vodafone.com.au/vodafone-tv

    • AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 12:04

      Is Vodafone TV compatible with Google Home?

      • dddddog on 03/03/2020 - 12:27

        yes, has chromecast built in

    • websterp on 03/03/2020 - 12:33
      +2

      ^This
      Vodafone TV is the OZB approved Android TV Box with Chromecast!

      A close second would be the Xiaomi Mi Box. I have both and I'd suggest you get the Voda box as you get local support/warranty in addition to being a great TV Box with built-in DTV tuner.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2020 - 12:17
    +1

    Shield tv is an excellent device.

    • AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 12:19

      Wow even more expensive than Apple TV :(

    • Ulysses31 on 11/04/2020 - 09:56

      The cost makes it a truly niche product.

  • trankillity on 03/03/2020 - 12:20

    Each app would need to have Chromecast support to be able to cast to any form of Android TV whether it be Chromecast, or anything else.

    So you're unlikely to be able to cast from your iPad to any AndroidTV device easily. There is an Android app called AirCast which can allow you to mirror it, but that's purely mirroring, so I believe both devices would need to be on/in use for it to work.

    As for actual recommendations - the only device I'd ever personally recommend is an Nvidia Shield TV. They are incredible little devices that will scale with your needs and be usable for years to come. I used to be Apple, but moved to Android when I got into Home Automation. The Shield TV was the only choice for me as a replacement for Apple TV.

    • AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 12:43

      is Nvidia Shield TV better than Apple TV? I found Nvidia Shield TV is more expensive than Apple TV, will Apple TV be enough for my needs?

      • trankillity on 03/03/2020 - 12:55

        It depends on your desires and your other devices. If you have 100% Apple household (doesn't sound like you do if you're being this stingy with a media player), then AppleTV is your only option.

        Other than that, yes - Shield TV is better. It supports a wider variety of file formats, supports more video and audio outputs, runs on Android, can have emulators running on it, can stream your PC directly to it (for gaming on the couch).

        You could definitely just go with a Chromecast for now to see if you like it, because Android TV also supports Chromecast so if you decided to upgrade in the future, it wouldn't be a waste. Just be aware that Chromecast does not have an interface like AndroidTV. It literally only supports casting from another device.

  • Twix on 03/03/2020 - 12:21

    Yeah the Chomecast can cast non Google apps including ABC and channel 9.

    https://store.google.com/au/product/chromecast_apps

    • trankillity on 03/03/2020 - 12:58

      He's asking if the iOS versions of those have Chromecast support as he has an iPad. That's something which is up to the individual developers.

      • Twix on 03/03/2020 - 13:41
        +1

        The link tells you which apps work with Chromecast and iOS.

        • trankillity on 03/03/2020 - 14:04
          +1

          Ahh, right. Didn't think to hover them!

  • dddddog on 03/03/2020 - 12:27

    I have a vodafone TV and I loved it when I used my old Sony Bravia TV.
    I've recently upgraded to a Seiki UHD TV from Amazon and it doesn't work with it anymore… a bit annoyed.
    any ideas why?

    something to note anyway, when deciding on the box.

    • ESEMCE on 03/03/2020 - 14:11
      +1

      Almost definitely HDCP issues.
      Stupid security measures added to "stop you from pirating content" despite the fact the pirated content is readily available, generally easier to get and quite often is higher quality than anything you're receiving to the TV by antenna, Set Top Box or Streaming.

      Yet another case of DRM buggerising the paying customer and having zero impact on its intended target.

      • dddddog on 03/03/2020 - 14:57

        right, interesting. and if you're correct, infuriating.

        Basically, I plug the device into each of the HDMI ports. Sometimes it works for a while, then the screen goes all glitches and it goes to a 'blue screen', where the TV won't display the output from the Vodefone TV.

        Do you know any work around or idea of where to find assistance?

        This is the TV with the manual linked at the bottom of the page
        https://www.seikihome.com.au/sc5000us

        thanks,

        • ESEMCE on 04/03/2020 - 11:41

          See if your TV has HDCP 2.2 on one of the ports. Maybe enable HDMI CEC?
          Try a different HDMI cable.

          I have this issue plugging my Xiaomi Mi Box into my receiver. Plugging directly into my TV, no problem. But Receiver to TV big problems.
          Despite the fact that all 3 are HDCP 2.2 compliant.
          It's just a symptom of a shitty system that doesn't achieve anything except annoy people.

  • Hughesyboy on 03/03/2020 - 13:21
    +1

    I wouldn't shy away from the more expensive boxes if you can afford it. They will last longer than your TV! And if/when you need to buy a new TV you won't need to get the one with the latest and greatest software because your media box handles that.

    I personally have 3 apple TVs and will never go back to using standard TV operating systems, i'm sure shield users would be in the same boat.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/03/2020 - 13:31

    if you already have apple devices then apple tv is the obvious choice, the Infuse apps does file sharing for videos just fine.

    • AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 13:59

      All my devices are Apple except Google Home :)

  • KanTakahashi on 03/03/2020 - 14:17
    +2

    Vodafone TV: local warranty, android 9, google assistant, antenna input, good price.
    Shield TV: top tier, if you want to play game.
    Apple TV: if you have the whole Apple gang ecosystems, not recommended if you want to watch YouTube 4K.

    Side note: you could install 3rd app for Airplay (v1) support on Android TV - Happy Cast is the best one atm, and Bilibili have native Android TV app.

    • AussieBogan on 03/03/2020 - 15:44

      Cheers mate. I will give Vodafone TV a try.

  • DarthAntz on 03/03/2020 - 15:36

    I bought a chromecast while on holidays to use in the hotel room for the TV. Due to some network AP setting (cant recall the name) it had a big issue connecting. Works fine from home, but I wish it was more simple to wirelessly share from smartphone to chromecast dongle. The photos feature is awesome, we really like that. I have no idea if other devices dont have this problem, or if getting one of those portable mango routers often posted here would solve that issue.

  • RichDad PoorSon on 11/03/2020 - 22:16

    would be very interested on this as well. the inlaws are particularly fond of CCTV from China (the channels, not street view LOL). I've been looking around but not much luck at all

  • kiitos on 10/04/2020 - 14:47

    Does the Vodafone TV support the Disney+ app? Getting conflicting info about this when I google.

    • AussieBogan on 10/04/2020 - 23:37
      +1

      Yes I can confirm it supports Disney+ app, you can download from Google Play Store on Vodafone TV.

      • kiitos on 11/04/2020 - 09:05

        Great, thank you very much!

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