Android TV stick

[leo2575]

I wasn't sure where to add this topic and found Televisions to be most appropriate. If mods feel otherwise please move it to the correct category.

I own a Samsung LCD 40" which i purchased in 2007 (Right before India vs Aus series down under) and got my Full VFM as the TV was awesome and India played some GR8 cricket - That's history now..:indifferent14:

Its been 5 years, newer models have come , better technology, TV's have become slimmer, lighter, more sharper etc etc.. So I have been seriously thinking of upgrading my TV to a bigger and better one.. But i did not find a good enough reason to do so as my Samsung is doing good and I am quite happy with it.

I almost dropped the idea , then i came across Smart TV where in you can browse net and do everything(almost) that you can do on your PC in a TV. I was excited and almost finalized on couple of models when I heard of Micromax Smart Stick, its a android based HDMI stick(with built in WiFi) which can be plugged in to your TV (HDMI port required) and you can browse internet - simply you can convert your regular TV to a smart TV - vow.. that's nice. Then i did bit more R&D and found out popular models like the MK802, MK803 and MK808 which are similar sticks AKA Android TV sticks available from 40$+ . Saw some reviews (youtube) and was really impressed.

So now i am at cross roads not knowing what to do..

Option 1: Sell my TV (might get 10K to 15K max) and invest 70K + on a smart TV

Option 2 : Invest 3K to 5K on a android TV stick and make your own Smart TV.

I am sure other members of this forum would have heard/used the Android TV sticks. If they can share their thoughts, pros/cons in Smart TV's it would be really helpful to me and guys like me out there..

Sorry for my long story and thanks to everyone who read it patiently. :signthankspin:

ps: this is my first post, so I am open for suggestions..

 

[baijuxavior]

I suggest Option 2 if you are already happy with the PQ of your TV. You can buy any internet enabled android media player to turn your TV to 'Smart'. There are lots of options like Himedia, Xtreamer, Kaiboer to name a few.

 

[echo77]

If you really want to upgrade the TV for size, just go ahead and do it.

If you simply want to make your TV smart, the smart way would be to keep your TV and buy android stick. IMO if your TV has lasted 5 years without issues, so it could definitely last a few more, and by then you will have tried out the android stick (an itch you will have if you go for a smart tv right now) and you get a "smarter" TV in the market down the years. Who knows, maybe TVs will have built in android OS by then.

 

[amol12]

Although a new smart TV will be a seamless experience, it will get dumb within no time. So don't buy a TV only because you are missing smart features.

 

[leo2575]

Thanks for the quick response.

Yes I am quite happy with my tv, regarding size it's never enough. Even if I upgrade it to a 50 inches after an year I will find it smaller, it's perception.

Regarding the pq, cable tv is ok because you can't change the quality,I also own a Tatasky hd and it looks amazing. I don't think it will improve drastically with a led tv.

Sent from my U30GT-H using Tapatalk HD

 

[leo2575]

Planning to buy the MK808 from DealExtreme website for 54$. I have a wireless keyboard+mouse and a web cam and by rooting the 808 with custom ROM i hope i could get all of them working. Will keep the forum posted as things happen. Wish me luck guys.. :clapping:

 

[yahoo0212]

spending 70 k for a tv upgrade when u already have a 40 inch LCD.. is not a wise decision... Better buy this android tv stick and convert yr tv to a "smart tv". if u r not satisfied with android stick.. sell it off... and get Himedia or Kaiebor as baiju mentioned

 

[hemantwaghe]

buddy better buy a laptop or netbook qaith HDMI & long HDMI Cable.

this stick / smart tv has propritory os an for each featureyou need to serch any app and install /.... better browse through lap!!

 

[sound and music]

Don't sell you TV.

Avoid stick as most buyers are facing stability issues, certain apps don't work. Out of the lot, 808 is considered to be a stable one. You could consider Android Box (Himedia Q5 or similar), currently far better option than stick.

 

[leo2575]

I found the 'MK808 to be more stable version for the price. I have seen videos of people rooting these device and connecting wireless keyboard and mouse.
It also supports webcams which is useful for making video calls through Skype. It supports multi port usb hubs.

Overall I feel it will be a good buy at least until it works.

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[ontherocks]

Get the Zealz GK802 with Freescale i.MX6 quad core chip @ $99.99. Best part is, it also supports ubuntu, unlike the Rockchip RK3066 based sticks like MK808.

GK802-Fresscale-i-MX6-Quad-Dure-Cortex-A9-DDR3-1GB-RAM-8GB-ROM-TV-Box-Dongle

Free shipping and pay with confidence via Paypal.

 

[leo2575]

Thnx the link. I did find the product interesting, but then 99$ was a bit steep compared to the 57$ for the MK808.. Found a YouTube video which compares the benchmark results of both these sticks and you would be surprised by the results.

Benchmarking the GK802 vs MK808 - YouTube

 

[denzong]

if you guys want it then a friend of mine works for a company called Byond. these are also old timers in making these sticks and tablets.
let me know if anyone wants anything.
you can check the companies websites.
BYOND TECH ELECTRONICS PVT. LTD. byond mobile phones, Mobile handsets in india, mobile service providers, best buy smart phones, smart phone deals

 

[leo2575]

Ordered my MK808 and a hdmi switch ( because my Samsung tv has only 2 hdmi ports and both are in use) from dealextreme site. Should take 10 to 15 days to reach me, will post a review once I receive and use them.

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[thomwalao]

you can buy any internet enabled android media player to turn your TV to 'Smart'.

 

[thomwalao]

Although a new smart TV will be a seamless experience

 

[leo2575]

This is my package(mk808 android tv stick and hdmi hub) status , can someone tell me if this will go to customs clearance or am I going to get in couple of days.

Local Date and Time Country Location Event Type Extra Information
1/16/2013 1:52:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Receive item at office of exchange (Otb)
1/16/2013 1:52:00 PM SINGAPORE SINGAPORE S05 Insert item into bag (Otb)
1/19/2013 7:47:00 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)
1/19/2013 10:44:00 AM INDIA CHENNAI (MADARS) AIR Send item to domestic location (Inb)

Thanks in advance.

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[hydra]

The last line "Send item to domestic location (Inb)" generally means that the item has been cleared, and has been sent to the Main Post Office or RMS in your city.

If it were to go to Customs for clearance, it would have normally happened after the "Receive item at office of exchange (Inb)" stage at Chennai.

 

[leo2575]

Thats nice to hear.. So i am hoping to see this baby in couple of more days..

 

[The_Falcon]

Well Leo, you made a Smart decision by deciding not to buy the "smart" TV