Have you decided to buy a better TV box and you don't know how to choose? If you want to know more about how the boxes work, we are happy to tell you that you have come to the right place at the right time!
Of course, there are many models on the market, and it's easy to get lost. However, we can help you by providing you with some useful information. This will help you find the most suitable equipment for you.
So find out all the necessary features and software to consider before purchasing this hardware.
What is a TV box?
A TV box is a box connected to the TV via an HDMI cable . It can be used not only with a mouse and keyboard, but also with a remote control . Like a PC, this box can be equipped with low, medium, or high-end components. It can therefore be configured with more or less advanced processors and memory. It can also have several ports for connecting to external devices. Depending on the internal components, its price varies from a few dozen euros to more than one hundred euros.
On the software side, the TV box can be equipped with the Android system, which allows you to run a variety of applications. As for functionality, you can use the TV box in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used to stream videos from Netflix and YouTube platforms; surf the internet; and play video games (if your hardware allows it). The boxes are based on Android or Windows and allow you to install various applications - and use them just like you would on a normal tablet or PC.
Also read: Best IPTV boxes to capture a wide variety of images at home
How to choose a TV box
At this point, you already know the basic features of the TV box. Finally, we can delve deeper into the topic and understand together the main features to consider before purchasing it. So stay calm and read calmly. It will take very little time to assimilate all the concepts.
Evaluate Chipsets and Memory
TV boxes are veritable mini-computers. Therefore, carefully evaluating their internal components before purchasing is ideal. Amlogic and Rockchip chipsets are the most popular chips on Android TV Boxes . The choice of a brand varies from one individual to another. Therefore, before making a choice, the best solution is to ask yourself about the overall performance of the processor of the TV box you are interested in.
The Intel Atom chipset is mainly found in TV boxes running Windows and comes in several frequency bands. For example, the X7 is suitable for more advanced devices, the X5 for mid-range devices, and the X3 for entry-level devices. Therefore, there are some Android TV boxes equipped with Realtek processors .
As for memory, it is a program that temporarily stores data from all currently running applications and system processes. When switching from one application to another and performing operations that actually require more memory, the more the TV box tilts. Personally, we recommend that the TV box be equipped with at least 2 GB of RAM . But if you are mainly concerned about saving time, you can also choose a model with only 3 GB of RAM . On the other hand, if you plan to install many applications, look for a large TV box memory .
Video and audio formats supported by a TV box
Before buying a better TV box , it is best to find out what video and audio formats it supports. Among the most advanced and "spectacular" video formats available today are HEVC/H.265 4K resolutions. They feature 10-bit or 12-bit color grading and HDR support.
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding or H.265) is a video compression standard, an improved version of H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC . It guarantees better image quality and supports an incredible resolution of 4320 pixels. Its data compression rate is twice that of H.264.
On the other hand, HDR is a technology that allows you to see a wider range of highlights and shadows. It is possible to make very dark or bright scenes with more detail. It is divided into several standards and the most common are HDR10 and Dolby Vision .
VP9 is another next-generation video standard that can be compatible with TV boxes. It is a compression standard. It is the successor to VP8 and the main replacement for HEVC/H.265. HEVC/H.4 is owned by MPEG . In general, if you want a truly comprehensive TV box, make sure it supports 265K videos in both HEVC/H.265 and VP9 or HDR formats.
On the other hand, if you are interested in 3D movies , you need to buy a TV box equipped with 3D video support . The ISO file contains the 3D video. However, on the audio side, if you want to take full advantage of the audio system, make sure that the TV box is equipped for 5.1 audio and technologies like Dolby Digital and DTS .
Netflix Support
Are you going to buy Netflix primarily to use TV boxes? Make sure you buy a box that is official and compatible with Netflix. Because it will give you the ability to manage the streaming service's DRM .
Although all TV boxes allow access to Netflix, only TV boxes that support the DRM service can access the following content: HD , Full HD and 4K . TV boxes without official Netflix support allow content to be played at a maximum resolution of 480p. On the other hand, some TV boxes are particularly advanced. And these are those certified by the official Netflix. They can also allow content to be played at 23,976 Hz .
Unfortunately, the vast majority of cheap Android TV boxes don't have the necessary certification to run Netflix in high definition.
TV box registration
Most TV boxes do not have video recording capabilities. However, some models have an HDMI input. This allows you to record all content played by HDMI devices, such as satellite decoders , DTT decoders , or PCs . You can also record directly to the TV box's internal memory or to an external storage device .
Alternatively, you can purchase a USB tuner to connect a digital terrestrial or satellite TV to the TV box. This will allow you to take advantage of the recording feature included in Kodi or other software.
Operating system
A better TV box can be equipped with two operating systems: Android and Windows 10. To some extent, Android systems are easier to use than Windows ones. They are certainly cheaper and have various applications optimized for TV use. However, they have certain limitations. For example, if they go through the root process, Sky Go and advanced games will not be allowed.
Most Android TV boxes, especially budget TV boxes, come with a version of Android. This version is specifically designed for tablets, rather than a true version of Android. Devices with Android TV have an interface more optimized for living room use. They have certifications such as Netflix, allowing you to enjoy video content at the highest possible resolution.
On the other hand, TV decoders with Windows should be considered as real mini PCs. Compared to Android, the advantage is greater flexibility. This means that you can access services such as Sky Go , Premium Play or Netflix without any restrictions. The disadvantages are the price and the increasing exhaustion of hardware requirements.
Overall, purchasing a Windows TV box offers more options. However, compared to purchasing an Android TV box, it requires more expense. It may require more "settings" so you can comfortably enjoy content through the screen.
Conclusion
Before buying a better TV Box, other aspects to consider include the following features: ability to automatically change the refresh rate; support for wireless technology; the presence of PIP to do other things at the same time on the TV box.
We hope you enjoyed this article. Furthermore, Le Dépôt Electronique is available for any additional information you may have on this product. Indeed, we specialize in the sale and repair of TV boxes and others. We are located at 3335 rue jean talon est. Montreal QC, H2A 1W6 Canada . Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
