(Part 2) Best products from r/AndroidTV

I buy Sony TV's because I prefer the picture quality over the competition. Yesterday I ordered a Sony 65" X900F knowing full well that the Android TV experience is going to be complete garbage, just like it has been on my Sony 55" X850D.

As someone else mentioned, you can update the OS with a USB drive. But even with the latest Android OS my X850D still has a bloat-filled, laggy interface. Using ADB commands to clean it up has helped but it still lags.

I gave up on the Android TV experience over a year ago. My solution is to plug in an Xbox One X and use it with (THIS) remote. The combo of the Xbox and that remote makes the Xbox a fabulous media center. The Xbox houses all of my streaming apps (Hulu Live, HBO, Netflix, Amazon prime Video etc.) and has a very snappy/intuitive interface. And with the Xbox setup using HDMI ARC for TV and my surround sound, powering the Xbox on with the remote turns the TV/surround sound on and gives me full audio control over the surround sound. Turning the Xbox off with one click shuts everything else down as well.

With the above setup I haven't even seen the Android TV experience in over a year and honestly forget it's there.

With that said, you can accomplish essentially the same thing with the nVidia Shield, if you prefer that over Xbox. Just keep in mind that there is no Hulu Live app for Android TV, so if you use that for your live TV streaming (like I do), the nVidia Shield won't be a good solution for you.

"What are some of the first things I should do?"

At the very least get a Pi-Hole.

1 shield alone has requested over 3,000 DNS requests in less than 24 hrs. Most of them completely worthless to the end user.

You are a product to be sold at the highest bidding. Its nothing but data collection.

​

Your privacy should be important to you.

1. Get a router capable of running hardware encryption for OpenVPN https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752FD3XJ/ with alternate MFG firmware https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuswrt-merlin/files/RT-AC86U/
   
2. GET a VPN service that can run on said router https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ $3 per month
   
3. Some sort of small SBC type of computer to run Pi-Hole
   
4. Enjoy ad free private internet browsing for all devices connected to your network.

I have a great router and my parents have (now had) an older B/G one, I had to buy them an ethernet adapter for their Mii Box to stream higher bitrate mkvs (real nice 1080p encodes) locally over their network. Mine works just fine wirelessly. I recently upgraded their router to the same one I have (Asus RT-AC68U) and the same mkvs stream perfectly now. I did forget to unplug the network adapter though so that was still over wired.

Here's the one I bought them:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GLIJ0Q

I bought a Logitech keyboard (k and have stopped using my remote for the tv altogether. Easy to type on, has a back-lit keypad, track pad and the buttons allow for easy navigation of the interface and is great for using loaded browsers such as Firefox or Chrome. (Note: I have a 2016 Sony Bravia 65x850d)

This is the keyboard I have: Logitech K830 Illuminated Living-Room Wireless Touchpad Keyboard for Internet-Connected TVs (Bluetooth & Wireless USB Keyboard) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOPVSKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KEs7ybNFFQVJV

The is the best remote that I've found. I've bought three because my dog likes them too. It has it and is programmable.

[Edit] forgot to post the link so here it is Wechip 2.4G Smart TV Wireless Keyboard Fly Mouse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787Z1C2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nDAwDbRNR7G6N

Xbox tuner works great on my shield with live channels. It's $50 at pretty much any bestbuy. The only problem with it is it only has one tuner so when it's recording you can't watch live TV. It works great for our needs. Hauppauge Digital TV Tuner for Xbox One TV Tuners and Video Capture 1578 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XF7Z5DM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_v8uTzb5149CRQ

The reason I needed to use a usb dongle is because I am buying an air remote mouse(https://www.amazon.com/Aerb-Wireless-Keyboard-Multifunctional-3-Gsensor/dp/B00K768DHY/) and it has its own bluetooth dongle to work.

That is nice, I am also planning to do the same because I have Buffalo Snes USB controller. I am planning to install retroarch in it :)
So will a USB hub like this suffice?(https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Port-Individual-Switches-HB-UMLS/dp/B00BWF5U0M/)

And also I have one last question. Is it normal to lag on 60fps videos on Youtube? I thought this box is strong enough to handle 4k 60 fps o.o

You could get a Logitech Harmony Companion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JHQZSHW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_0wURDbKB0DTHV

They can have schedules setup and a whole lot more. You can make them have even more automation functionality if you pair them with a Samsung SmartThings hub. I have both devices in my house, and they're great.

I just ordered this gadget to help resolve my 5.1 digital problems:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074HHSJVN/

Hopefully it works. Right now my 5.1 digital output via TOSLink cable is only giving 2 channel stereo for everything. I can only assume that the Mi Box is reading whats on the other end of my HDMI cable which is my TV which only has two speakers (like most TV's do) so it's auto converting everything to stereo. Converting to stereo even through the TOSLink output.

It was either wait for Xiaomi to fix it which could be a long time.. maybe never...

or

Buy a new receiver that has HDMI processing built in. My receiver I have is older and has HDMI pass-through ports so it won't process anything.

I would recommend a USB Ethernet Hub. I am using this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GLIJ0Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and works great. You can keep your roms on your flash drive and have your game pad connected. Not to mentiong the ethernet port will make your connection more reliable. If you are set on moving your roms to the internal storage you could try ES Explorer and copy them over from USB.

I rather like this one. 99% of the time the d-pad is all you need, but the built in keyboard and air mouse functionality are really useful.

This one has worked well for me. I've used it with my MiBox (actual Android TV games and emulators) and paired it with my Android phone with success. I don't know about the other systems. Plus, it's only $18.

Fair enough, I've found I enjoy the Xbox One's media steaming capabilities a lot more after getting one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GOK34SO?smid=A15VZOEIYN32FC&linkCode=df0&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B01GOK34SO&tag=geizhals-am-21

> but it doesn't work with remote, but only with mouse

This is why I use an Air Mouse, that & the stock remote mostly sucking IMO.

Granted, I don't torrent on my ATV devices, but still.

As for the file selection ability, there are plenty: Frostwire, zetaTorrent Pro & Flud, to name a few.

I've had no problems with this one from Amazon: Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter for Macbook, Chromebook, Windows 10, 8.1 and Earlier, Surface Pro, Wii, Wii U, Linu https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00484IEJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_WNPNa6POX637P

Worked right away, and never disconnects. My only issue with the Mi Box so far is that every few days Google Play movies won't work until I reboot. Not a big deal though.

Good luck!

I bought the amazonbasics one. Works like a charm.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-1000-Gigabit-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B00M77HMU0

I use this from across the room and it works great: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Eye-Camera-Bulk-Packaging/dp/B0072I2240/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503957345&sr=8-1&keywords=ps3+eye+camera

I'm in the same boat as you. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Camera-Bulk-Packaging-Pc/dp/B0072I2240/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542863572&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ps3+eye+camera&dpPl=1&dpID=41KjoNsY1mL&ref=plSrch works great

I'm using this and it works perfectly:
AmazonBasics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M77HMU0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SZMmDbHSFTR44

Not sure about its availability in other countries

Didn't find any software-based solution. What you can do is to use a USB hub with individual power switch for each port to power down a USB drive after ejecting it in settings.

Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Port-Individual-Switches-HB-UMLS/dp/B00BWF5U0M

I don't think you'll have much luck finding one new.

Amazon has refurbished gen 1s for $170.

NVIDIA SHIELD (2015) - Refurbished https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG3S6G2/

I have tried USB to ethernet adapters on my Bravia 800D with no luck -

>Apple USB Ethernet Adapter
>
>https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC704LL/A/apple-usb-ethernet-adapter
>
>Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter
>
>https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00484IEJS/
>
>Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter
>
>https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003VSTDFG/

It would be great if we could compile a list of working vs non-working USB to ethernet adapters - unfortunately, I haven’t come across one that actually works on my Bravia.

You can find it refurbished from Amazon for $169 which would be a little better than used Amazon Link

Not sure if this is an option for you, but I replaced my Nexus Player remote with a MINIX NEO A2 Lite and Next/Prev/Pause all work for Google Play Music.

Alternately, you can cast from your phone to the TV (I'm assuming the TV is Cast-capable) and then control Next/Prev/Pause from your phone.

Mini Air Remote,Wechip Wireless Keyboard 2.4G Smart TV Fly Mouse W1 Multifunctional Remote Control for Android TV Box/PC/Smart TV/Projector/HTPC/All-in-one PC/TV (W1 air Mouse) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0787Z1C2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6spKDbSXPKTYK

Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Ethernet-Adapter-Nintendo-Chromebook/dp/B00LLUEJXW

Not all adapters work.

I bought this one a few years ago for a Chromebook and can confirm it does work well with the MiBox

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007IFED/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this thing: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00484IEJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uYrIybKSN8E92

Works well. Just plug it.

Hauppauge for Xbox. Working well.

I have the Mi box us version this works just fine and you get ethernet to boot !

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Ethernet-Adapter-Nintendo-Chromebook/dp/B00LLUEJXW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542421908&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=UGREEN+RJ45&dpPl=1&dpID=41JdYzUeyCL&ref=plSrch

I use this on my MiBox 3 and it works flawlessly, so it should work on the Shield.

I bought this one about a month ago, it works fine https://www.amazon.com/Matricom-Wireless-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Compatible/dp/B015YF3YZ8

It's only a minor inconvenience. If you don't use the onboard USB port for anything else then you can use this adapter. If you need your USB port and ethernet then use this adapter. Or this one or this one if you want faster networking (not true gigabit but about 350 Mbps vs 100 Mbps).

Using this currently: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Ethernet-100Mbps-Network-Chromebook/dp/B00LLUEJXW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GLIJ0Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0787Z1C2G?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

OOS but selling for $170 refurbished on amazon

I don't have a Sony tv but if it has a USB port for accessories I'd look at the Logitech k400 plus. There is a more expensive Bluetooth and USB model called the Logitech k830.

Edit links

K400 plus
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014EUQOGK/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B00ENZRP0G_rbi

K830
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZOPVSKW/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

Amazon.com has a refurbished one that ships to Canada for 169USD: https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Streaming-Player-Android-Refurbished/dp/B01MG3S6G2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481682875&sr=8-1&keywords=shield+tv

Seconding the Shield here with the caveat that you also pick up one of [these remotes.] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016OABW8S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) The keyboard really comes in handy. Also, be sure to sideload Firefox onto it. The Puffin Browser sucks.

I bought this one and it works for my Mi Box. I don't have the S though so I can't say for sure.