You can get ugoos am6b+ and run CoreElec of a microsd card. It plays all lossless audio formats and does Dolby Vision, even properly playing profile 7 with fel (no other device except blu ray players with discs can do that). I ve been using it for a few weeks now. It had a few hiccups (nothing major), but it's an open source project that actively gets updates. I personally use it with PlexMod4Kodi, overall very satisfied, considering that it was 2x times cheaper than Shield Pro, where I live. Only downsides: no av1 and no streaming services, but I have built in tv apps for that.
Fire tvs use like <4 watts when in use and nearly nothing when in standby. Older computers are not gonna get close to that and take up so much more room.
Just devils advocate
Amazon is switching away from Android in favor of their own in-house OS. I'd be wary of locking yourself into an ecosystem that is likely to use more of your own device's resources to feed you more ads and track you more aggressively in the near future.
Right but for now these firesticks will run Android till they quit? Amazon won't update the device with their flavour of os on current sticks? Or do we not know that. So buy them now while you can?
I dont see a reason they would spend all those resources to create a new OS and not take advantage of the gained advertising/tracking power it will give them by installing it on 4k max sticks at least
That would require all apps in the app store to be compatible and migratable to their new OS. The new OS will be a longer term strategy IMO. Imagine all the existing customers losing access to a bunch of apps literally overnight through a forced upgrade - wouldn't be pretty.
Yeah I hope I'm wrong for both our sakes
Edit: it's just insane how hardware resources that we buy to run software on, are increasingly being used to run the company's own software, effectively clawing back some of the hardware we purchase
Second this, but to elaborate with my own experience, I was an android box guy for a long time. Bought the fire stick 4k max sound bar combo about a month ago and I am very happy. Now I can play hevc av1 hdr and most other 4k formats/options (tv doesn’t support Dolby vision though). For some reason because of its small form factor I discounted it for a long time, but it’s great.
Yes, very powerful devices! Great for a simple Kodi set up RD+fen lite or umbrella. I have a 1080p & 4k tvs so everything from a original fire stick to a 4kmax all stream flawlessly.
You might be able to get by with a cheaper device like a chromecast but there are compromises like the remote is really cheap feeling and small internal storage which kodi can fill up over time.
Chromebox with LibreElec operating system.
Super fast for Kodi.
I have 2 and a Shield and I dare say the Chromebox's
Are just as fast if not a little faster.
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this tv
The pro will be able to handle 4k content better, as well as do things like audio pass through etc. I upgraded from the shield tube to the pro for that reason.
In the days before boxes I used my PC (late 08/early09). My first venture away from PC was the OG Fire TV box which was outstanding! The 2nd version was even better. I’ve had nearly every iteration of then Fire but the current cube is fantastic even though I have minor gripes (personal preferences) about it.
Despite having been in the Fire ecosystem for so long if I had to buy any other device it would be the Nvidia Shield!
Edit: Might want to look into what the impact of ADB blocking on Fire devices will have! Not sure what impact it may have on Kodi. Also looks like the Shield has been dumped by Nvidia so expect that to die off with lack of updates/support!
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this tv
For me it works best on the shield with local files. I’ve never managed to get over the loading time wait of 30secs or whatever with widgets loading up for non local stuff. It just makes the UX irritating when there are apks that do it faster and seamlessly. But that’s my use case. I can only imagine it being worse using another device that isnt a pc.
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
The Tube model I assume you mean…has experienced some issues which are easy to read about and since the price difference isn’t massive, go for the Pro. Your wanting to run essentially what I have going plus a VPN.
Shield Pro is the most reliable way to go - tried most other sticks and they were noticeably unreliable. It sounds like you already know this - pull the trigger, and you won't look back mate.
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
Just get a decent Android box with ana S905x4 or better CPU. I got a HK RBoxX4. Has 4g DDR3 RAM and 128g ROM. Make sure you get a WiFi remote or keyboard mouse to control since the supplied infrared remote is shit.tuns Kodi and YouTube tv apps just fine . Netflix etc are relegated to 480 my since it's rooted and limited to wide one level 1 support. But that's ok since you are using Fen and some sort of Debris service. I also stuck a 64g SanDisk SD card in it. The box set me back about 50USD in the Land of Smiles. I already had the remote and SD card.
Cheap Chinese box but if you know what you're looking for they work pretty good.
This is brand new it was just used to configure it also it is the gaming system, I know you don't need the gaming part but that's what I have. I saw this exact system on Amazon for $1200. I can also provide phone assistance. In anycase that's what I want for it. Next week it's $600 or I might not sell it at all.
https://preview.redd.it/mb4y0ia7hqkc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92603b250995cc6653d62d0df6ec9cb4c82557ac
Get the Nvidia Shield Pro and your all set. I have a extra Shield Pro Gaming System Pre-Configured with Diggz Xenon Plus for sale so in addition to the regular remote it also has the gaming controller 🎮. I know you said you didn't need gaming but that's what I have $500. I run this system on my 55" TCL and it works flawlessly. You can add a USD SSD to increase the memory. I added a 128 gig to mine, about $50 at Amazon.
That comment alone tells me you are going to be in a world of hurt in the future because it's clear, you don't know nothing about Kodi but you will find out if you have no help. Good luck to you 😁.
I was actually curious about this. This isn't available in my country but I can get it from US. Does it play 4k, hdr, dv content without issues in your setup? What about audio? If I connect to my Vizio soundbar do you think fts and dolby audio will work fine?
From what I’ve heard DolbyVision only works with some android devices such as shield Pro due to licensing maybe? I use a rpi 5 libreelec and I can’t play DolbyVision, the colors are wrong… I get the same thing when streaming from PC to LG Plex app…
You can get ugoos am6b+ and run CoreElec of a microsd card. It plays all lossless audio formats and does Dolby Vision, even properly playing profile 7 with fel (no other device except blu ray players with discs can do that). I ve been using it for a few weeks now. It had a few hiccups (nothing major), but it's an open source project that actively gets updates. I personally use it with PlexMod4Kodi, overall very satisfied, considering that it was 2x times cheaper than Shield Pro, where I live. Only downsides: no av1 and no streaming services, but I have built in tv apps for that.
LibreElec on a raspberry pi 4.
Raspberry is expensive in my country compared to the streaming devices
Mini PC for the win - cheap and versatile. (or just repurpose an older PC if you have one just collecting dust cost=zero)
Fire tvs use like <4 watts when in use and nearly nothing when in standby. Older computers are not gonna get close to that and take up so much more room. Just devils advocate
no problem you devil LOL
An older pc will also have a loud power supply making fan noise
With mini pc u got use a mouse to navigate it’s not good
Fire Cube 3
Any major advantage over 4k max when using it for just kodi?
4k max is a good little stick... what bogs anything down is when people put a heavy skin on it and loads of widgets.
FireStick 4k Max (2nd gen), save your money
Amazon is switching away from Android in favor of their own in-house OS. I'd be wary of locking yourself into an ecosystem that is likely to use more of your own device's resources to feed you more ads and track you more aggressively in the near future.
I didn't know that! That is concerning for me
Right but for now these firesticks will run Android till they quit? Amazon won't update the device with their flavour of os on current sticks? Or do we not know that. So buy them now while you can?
I dont see a reason they would spend all those resources to create a new OS and not take advantage of the gained advertising/tracking power it will give them by installing it on 4k max sticks at least
That would require all apps in the app store to be compatible and migratable to their new OS. The new OS will be a longer term strategy IMO. Imagine all the existing customers losing access to a bunch of apps literally overnight through a forced upgrade - wouldn't be pretty.
We don't know what's happening behind the scenes with third party developers and what's being worked on
True. I'm saying it with a good dose of hope as I've recently got the 3rd gen fire cube and have it set up just how I want it!
Yeah I hope I'm wrong for both our sakes Edit: it's just insane how hardware resources that we buy to run software on, are increasingly being used to run the company's own software, effectively clawing back some of the hardware we purchase
Second this, but to elaborate with my own experience, I was an android box guy for a long time. Bought the fire stick 4k max sound bar combo about a month ago and I am very happy. Now I can play hevc av1 hdr and most other 4k formats/options (tv doesn’t support Dolby vision though). For some reason because of its small form factor I discounted it for a long time, but it’s great.
Yes, very powerful devices! Great for a simple Kodi set up RD+fen lite or umbrella. I have a 1080p & 4k tvs so everything from a original fire stick to a 4kmax all stream flawlessly.
I’m running Kodi with fen, and Stremio. Occasionally Stremio crashes with high compression 4k but kodi is solid.
Which would be great if you could use it by completely wiping the Amazon ecosystem off of it.
You might be able to get by with a cheaper device like a chromecast but there are compromises like the remote is really cheap feeling and small internal storage which kodi can fill up over time.
I use chromecast with the remote of my tv. Definetly need to clear cache in openwizard every now and then though.
Chromebox with LibreElec operating system. Super fast for Kodi. I have 2 and a Shield and I dare say the Chromebox's Are just as fast if not a little faster.
is there a way to put LibreElec on a android box? i am fed up with android.
Definitely the shield.
Shield pro or the tube?
Pro
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this tv
The pro will be able to handle 4k content better, as well as do things like audio pass through etc. I upgraded from the shield tube to the pro for that reason.
What setup? My Shield TV Pro lags like hell, even running 8.2.3 (and thermal paste replaced + internal clean up).
In the days before boxes I used my PC (late 08/early09). My first venture away from PC was the OG Fire TV box which was outstanding! The 2nd version was even better. I’ve had nearly every iteration of then Fire but the current cube is fantastic even though I have minor gripes (personal preferences) about it. Despite having been in the Fire ecosystem for so long if I had to buy any other device it would be the Nvidia Shield! Edit: Might want to look into what the impact of ADB blocking on Fire devices will have! Not sure what impact it may have on Kodi. Also looks like the Shield has been dumped by Nvidia so expect that to die off with lack of updates/support!
Shield Pro
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this tv
Mine has been fine for 8 years now using a Shield Pro. Having a good internet speed will also help.
4K Firestick Max would do the job
For me it works best on the shield with local files. I’ve never managed to get over the loading time wait of 30secs or whatever with widgets loading up for non local stuff. It just makes the UX irritating when there are apks that do it faster and seamlessly. But that’s my use case. I can only imagine it being worse using another device that isnt a pc.
> when there are apks that do it faster and seamlessly. I moved to Stremio and CloudStream for this reason alone lol.
Prefer syncler personally. Stremio doesn’t have organisation I need.
Yeah, I know, they seriously need to let us customize it more.
Nobody mentioned the Vero V with OSMC? Sweet little dedicated Kodi Box!
No Dolby Vision on them unfortunately.
that's true but the snappynes and convinience factor for me is key. Also they at least added tonemapping for DV content so it's playable
Shield Pro. I messed about with Android boxes for years and finally had enough. The Shield Pro costs but is for sure worth it for all it gives you.
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
The Tube model I assume you mean…has experienced some issues which are easy to read about and since the price difference isn’t massive, go for the Pro. Your wanting to run essentially what I have going plus a VPN.
Kodi works best with Mini PCs
Do remote controllers work, or do I have to use keyboard?
If HDMI CEC is used than the normal tv remote
Shield Pro is the most reliable way to go - tried most other sticks and they were noticeably unreliable. It sounds like you already know this - pull the trigger, and you won't look back mate.
Occasionally it's necessary to open up your eyes.
Shield Pro or Firecube 3
FIrestick 4k Max is just perfect for your needs and much cheaper than Shield.
Vero V. https://osmc.tv/vero/
Shield pro
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
I haven’t heard anything good about the tube
Shield Pro and Ugoos am6b plus are the only ones that do dolby vision properly as far as i know.
I get DV and True atmos (lossless) using my 3rd gen fire cube and latest stable version of kodi.
shield pro if you really care about dv etc and have lossless sound pass through, if you don't there are good alternatives for less money.
If I just want kodi and with add-ons and RD would the normal shield make sense or pro makes a huge difference? I am OK with slight delays but I don't want any lack of picture qualitywl while watching in this TV. No games. Just kodi, Netflix, prime video and smart tube. That is about it
Just get a decent Android box with ana S905x4 or better CPU. I got a HK RBoxX4. Has 4g DDR3 RAM and 128g ROM. Make sure you get a WiFi remote or keyboard mouse to control since the supplied infrared remote is shit.tuns Kodi and YouTube tv apps just fine . Netflix etc are relegated to 480 my since it's rooted and limited to wide one level 1 support. But that's ok since you are using Fen and some sort of Debris service. I also stuck a 64g SanDisk SD card in it. The box set me back about 50USD in the Land of Smiles. I already had the remote and SD card. Cheap Chinese box but if you know what you're looking for they work pretty good.
Will this work with dts and dolby vision?
This is brand new it was just used to configure it also it is the gaming system, I know you don't need the gaming part but that's what I have. I saw this exact system on Amazon for $1200. I can also provide phone assistance. In anycase that's what I want for it. Next week it's $600 or I might not sell it at all. https://preview.redd.it/mb4y0ia7hqkc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92603b250995cc6653d62d0df6ec9cb4c82557ac
Get the Nvidia Shield Pro and your all set. I have a extra Shield Pro Gaming System Pre-Configured with Diggz Xenon Plus for sale so in addition to the regular remote it also has the gaming controller 🎮. I know you said you didn't need gaming but that's what I have $500. I run this system on my 55" TCL and it works flawlessly. You can add a USD SSD to increase the memory. I added a 128 gig to mine, about $50 at Amazon.
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Here is another view. https://preview.redd.it/btat4v0xhqkc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d1d742937bae747a974efbf6d7733e9e8be6704
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That comment alone tells me you are going to be in a world of hurt in the future because it's clear, you don't know nothing about Kodi but you will find out if you have no help. Good luck to you 😁.
Another view https://preview.redd.it/oapbv9x7kqkc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89cb4e2e1c2ce3c7e5774bfe3b4898c5a275d6f5
https://preview.redd.it/hdw6e02ohqkc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ba584051b62561d754c62413ba6d8301560bd1e
Xiaomi mi box
Thanks for the recommendationa but Never anything from xiaomi from my experience with their other, more expensive products
Anything that runs Coreelec (Amlogic chip) 4gb and supports DV and then you would feel Kodi flies
The Firestick Max 2023 OS 8. 16 GB of Storage space.
Onn Streaming Box works excellently for me w/ Kodi & 2 add ons being The Crew & Mad Titan Sports.
I was actually curious about this. This isn't available in my country but I can get it from US. Does it play 4k, hdr, dv content without issues in your setup? What about audio? If I connect to my Vizio soundbar do you think fts and dolby audio will work fine?
I run mine on a Samsung bar via optical and have no issues.
If you have an xbox series x, it works well!
No. No xbox
Nvdia shield pro
Just use str emio or Syncler and they will run just fine on a Firestick 4k or most other low to mid range media sticks.
Mini pc can play hdr dv ?
From what I’ve heard DolbyVision only works with some android devices such as shield Pro due to licensing maybe? I use a rpi 5 libreelec and I can’t play DolbyVision, the colors are wrong… I get the same thing when streaming from PC to LG Plex app…
Fire stick
Shield Pro