Which Android set-top box to choose for the TV: rating of Android-set-top boxes.

Thanks to the continuous improvement of technology, so-called smart devices have recently appeared. Various units - from the kettle to the TV, literally predict the wishes of the user. TV receivers with Smart TV function are no longer just devices for watching shows and movies. Today, the functionality of smart TVs is much wider. Smart TV set-top box will help to give intellect to a TV-receiver.

What characteristics to consider when choosing an Android set-top box

In simple terms, a set-top box that can make smart TV out of any TV is a small-sized device with the “stuffing” of a full-fledged computer.

Like any computer, the device has:

CPU;
operational and permanent memory;
video card;
network adapter;
installed operating system;
own software.

In addition to the main unit, there is an additional remote and keyboard.

This is a completely independent device, which has its own "brain". The prefix predicts the actions that the user wants to perform, and the TV is a kind of monitor. After connecting it to a TV receiver, it acquires the functions of Smart TV.

By type, the prefix refers to mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartphone. Most of them have a pre-installed fresh version of Android. This means that when choosing you should be guided by the same criteria as when buying a smartphone. Although there are some differences.

Chipset

A processor is the main part of any computer. The speed with which information processing will go and the level of manufacturability depends on it. He is responsible for all components of the processing and transmission of information:

encoding and decoding of audio and video data;
image quality;
speed of work with random access memory;
the presence of HDR;
speed and quality of network connection;
work with a local network;
USB device recognition.

Graphic card

The graphic component is no less important. In such devices, the video processor, which is integrated into the main one, is responsible for the graphics. In fact, we can’t choose a separate graphics processor. Almost all processors are equipped with Mali adapters. The most affordable are the Mali-450 MP core, as well as various varieties, up to MP8.

REFERENCE! The number after the abbreviation MP indicates the number of processors that process pixels. Naturally, the higher this number, the better.

Memory

Before buying, find out how much memory the console has. The greater the value of RAM, the better. No less important quality, the opportunity for its expansion. Often, USB modules are used for this.

The least you need to watch 4K content is two gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), together with 8 gigabytes of permanent ROM. If the device is already purchased, it is important that there is the possibility of continuous expansion of memory. After all, most of it is used by the operating system and the place to install programs, and even more so for the content, will really not be enough.

REFERENCE! It is important to consider the type of RAM. It should be DDR3, and even better later generation.

Network

Having the ability to work with a Wi-Fi connection is good. But still, it is better to use an Ethernet cable to connect to a network with a transfer speed of 100 Mbps. The disadvantage of wireless transmission is the periodic "freeze". This results in slow loading of high-resolution video.

Rating of Android consoles

Any of the models that can be found on store shelves has its own characteristics and characteristics. They, one way or another, affect the quality and comfort during operation of the device. Some devices have the greatest potential compared to others. The main characteristics by which the given rating was formed:

Multicore. The presence of several cores in the main processor is taken into account, which directly affects the speed of work.
The amount of internal memory. The more memory, the more content can be played simultaneously.
Installed camcorders. A very good and useful addition for making video calls.

Dune HD Solo 4K

Specifications:

installed processor - Sigma Designs SMP8758;
RAM - 1 Gigabyte DDR3;
dimensions - 139 × 105 × 40 mm.

Dune HD Solo 4K is a high-quality player that has pretty rich functionality. Having bought this model, you definitely will not have to regret it. The device allows you to connect an external hard drive. Unlike competitors, it has its own Dune Store software store.

Of the installed services there are OLL.tv, YouTube, Megogo. In addition to watching videos over the Internet, it is possible to download files through removable drives. The device can work with all resolutions, even with 4K.

The device is distinguished by excellent assembly and high-quality components. In all respects, this model occupies a leading position.

Xiaomi TV Box

In second place is the prefix from China. It differs from its counterparts in rather miniature dimensions, a pleasant appearance and price. Product Features:

installed processor - Amlogic S905 Cortex-A53;
RAM - 2 Gigabytes of DDR3;
dimensions - 101 x 101 x 19.5 mm.

Xiaomi experts once again abandoned the invention of innovations and simply copied the appearance of their creation with Apple TV. It should be noted that this was not bad at all. The gadget received rounded edges, and the case itself is made of black plastic. Of course, not the best solution. Over time, dirt will accumulate on such material and all of it will become covered by fingerprints.

Immediately after switching on, it will be easy to figure out the settings. They are recommended to be made through the mobile device. Content can be viewed both over the Internet and from flash drives.

This prefix can be called a high-quality and inexpensive copy of Apple TV. Devices have similar capabilities. This is one of the consoles that supports high-speed communications.

Nvidia Shield TV

The main distinguishing feature of this device is the game joystick, which is included. This suggests that the model can not only broadcast video content. Product Features:

Installed processor - Tegra X1;
RAM - 3 Gigabytes of DDR3;
dimensions - 98x159x25 mm.

If we draw an analogy of this model with its predecessor in 2015, then the design is changed, and productivity is increased.

The presence of eight cores speaks volumes. The device quietly copes with content of any quality - even 4K.

A feature of the device is its unusual design. Polygonal design and green backlight distinguishes the console from the rest. However, the price is very high.

MXQ Pro

The fourth place is occupied by the MXQ Pro device, the manufacturer released a functionally powerful device and maintained a democratic price. Product Features:

installed processor - Amlogic S905 2 GHz;
RAM - 1 Gigabyte DDR3;
dimensions - 130x130x25 mm.

The design of the device is made in the style of minimalism. The case is made of black plastic, which will require constant care. There are three USB ports, a power connector and ventilation.

And although the price of the device is very affordable, it reproduces all formats of video content. But the presence of only one gigabyte of RAM greatly reduces the capabilities of the console. The device is intended exclusively for video broadcasting.

Google Chromecast 2015

No less interesting device. It is inexpensive, although it was created by a renowned developer. Product Features:

processor installed - Marvell Armada 1500 Mini Plus 88DE3006;
RAM - 512 MB DDR3;
dimensions - 70x31x10 mm.

For its next development, Google chose a compact size. As a result, a device was created at first glance resembling a regular USB flash drive. Its interface is very simple, which is an advantage. To work, just connect via an HDMI cable.

Once the device is connected, it will connect to the mobile application. Its distinctive feature is its ability to synchronize the image on the TV and on the smartphone. The best choice for beginners.