(Part 2) Top products from r/AndroidTV

I got it off amazon when the first came out. Was super easy, just purchased it like any other product.
Comes to about $240aud with remote and the gamepad.
I havent used the NP, so im not sure how much better it is but I love the shield, by far one of the best tech purchase I have made

http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Streaming-Chromecast-Advanced-Performance/dp/B00U33Q940/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451873251&sr=1-3&keywords=nvidia+shield

Mi Box works great for classic gaming and its $70 price is much more reasonable than a $200 Shield. On my Mi Box have RetroArch installed (free on Google Play) along with the following consoles (called 'Cores' by RetroArch) and all the game thumbnails. Make sure to use roms from the "No-Intro" collection for best compatibility:

Emulator: RetroArch

File Manager: X-plore (copying roms, setting up folders, etc.)

1. NES - Nestopia
   
2. SNES - Snes9x
   
3. Genesis - Genesis Plus GX
   
4. GBC - Gambatte
   
5. GBA - mGBA
   
6. PlayStation - psx (manually copy SCPH-1001 bios)
   
7. Arcade - FBA
   
8. N64 - Mupen 64 AE (only works with the most popular roms)
   
   Good classic style USB controller: https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-iBuffalo-Classic-Gamepad-BSGP801GY/dp/B002B9XB0E/
   
   Keep in mine the Android as a whole has a tiny bit of input lag, this is slowly getting better with newer versions, 8.0 being the best yet. Make sure your TV is set to 'game mode' or use a monitor to help, but overall it's unavoidable because of the OS. Raspberry Pi 3 /RetroPie (based on above RetroArch/libretro) is slightly better by about 1 frame, and a Windows or Linux PC being the lowest amount of lag typically only about 4 frames. Enjoy!

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

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

This one as well works great on my Nexus player:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RM3KXAU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Been using that for a year with no issues, even took a lightning hit (ISYN) last Sat. and works great.

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

A lot of the universal controllers have mics on them but none of them work with the voice search. Most of them won't bother stating that on their page, so if you think you have found one that may work, get the seller to confirm before you bother buying it.

 

A workaround might be to buy something like this USB microphone or this one to replace the mic on your control, and then use a universal for all the other functions. The potential problems with this are that:

 

a) Certain usb mics might not work (or androidtv might break this functionality in future updates). I currently use a C310 webcam, until I can find another cheap usb mic locally. It works well. As a side note, I did actually have my hopes up that I could use the webcam for Skype on my TV, but Skype won't work on androidTV. Also be aware that you need to sit 2m from the mic - some people with big TVs in big houses complain that the accuracy drops too much when they're 3m or more away.

 

b) You may have to use your universal remote to navigate to and enable the voice search icon, rather than activating it directly with a button on your universal remote: I don't think they can 'learn' the microphone key action from your original remote.

 

Also remember you can use your phone or tablet as a remote/mic with the Android TV App. It's too much of a hassle for most people to grab their phone every time they want to search, but I just thought I'd mention it.

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.

I would recommend you the PROBOX2 Remote+. The build quality is really good as well as the performance. I use it every day and I never had any issues. Unfortunately it doesn't include keyboard keys just the air mouse functionality

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/PROBOX2-Remote-Wireless-Controller-G-Sensor/dp/B00NAUMOMO/

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 use a Harmony Companion + Hub and it works quite well with the Shield TV. You can generally pair any bluetooth remote with it. Some of the boxes have IR if that's how you want to roll. When you talk about the tv remote are you talking about this or the game pad? The small remote isn't bulky at all.

Here's what I use and I love it:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002B9XB0E

But I primarily retro-game. Get an OTG USB hub and you can connect multiple controllers. Just go USB; Bluetooth will give you headaches.

Spending $50 more will get you the Nvidia Shield, the best Android streaming device on the market right now.It comes with two contollers and a sleek remote. In addition to Netflix and Hulu, you can install Kodi and lookup tutorials on how to install those addons that get the pirated content.

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 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

Shield currently comes with the remote for free.

See it mentioned here:
https://shield.nvidia.com/android-tv

Also see here on Amazon that the Shield + remote bundle is the same price as the Shield by itself:
http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Streaming-Chromecast-Advanced-Performance/dp/B00U33Q940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459039639&sr=8-1&keywords=Shield+tv

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 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.

Bought one of these and using the touch pad, you can access all the functions of Amazon Prime. I've found that double tap seems to work like a single click.

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.

This is the popular one used with the Mi Box:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLUEJFU/

If the USB port does not provide enough power, plug in one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QV5Q5HU/

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

Works well. Just plug it.

Most of the APKs work fine once you enable installation from unknown sources. There are some APKs that don't work correctly from FireTV, since they do a check for the Operating System. WatchESPN is an app that comes to mind that you have to get an APK for an Android phone. If you try to sideload the FireTV WatchESPN APK, you get errors.

Keep in mind that a lot of apps won't work properly with a remote, since they are made with touch gestures in mind. It's smart to get a mouse or keyboard to use on the TV so that you can use these sideloaded apps properly. This one works perfect.

Hauppauge for Xbox. Working well.

I use this https://www.amazon.com/PROBOX2-Remote-Wireless-Controller-G-Sensor/dp/B00NAUMOMO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481062012&sr=8-2&keywords=probox+2

Also has the mouse mode too. Works flawlessly for me.

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

In Amazon.com it used to be there, directly sold by Amazon.com, now it's oos there also around a month

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019FBWP5M
Maybe mi box is discontinued by Amazon .. So, never expect prime video on MI box unless they plan for prime video launch on all devices on Android tv

I got this Controller and it works well, the only issue I have is that there is a small lag when using it with Retroarch that I have not taken any time to troubleshoot
Otherwise I've used it with Real Racing 3 and Beach Buggy Racing without issues

I used my Nexus Player with ethernet. You just buy a USB adapter.

This hub
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014ZOJX7W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

This OTG
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N9S9Z0G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

I don't know which androidtv you currently have, but you need one that has a remote with microphone built-in, then you just press a button and speak into it

Or stick this to your device

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NSOWWIS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I bought these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9S9Z0G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.hGlzbZQ0JEZ8

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

LINK
This is the one

And this is the US version

Similar options from Logitech are the K400 and K400 Plus.

Not really, you can get a set like the logitech wave that pairs the mouse and keyboard to one receiver, or a keyboard with a trackpad build in

Would it be possible just to get a little Bluetooth keyboard?


I have something similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Raspberry/dp/B00Z81U3YY/ref=pd_cp_147_2/147-2183315-8238458?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00Z81U3YY&pd_rd_r=b4ca5c3a-b050-4ead-be85-c072d4bab580&pd_rd_w=9B9sT&pd_rd_wg=kywmM&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=S3WWQ02CKJYSJEY9E19Y&psc=1&refRID=S3WWQ02CKJYSJEY9E19Y

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.

Sorry about that. I have the Anker USB 3.0 one.


https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Portable-Ethernet-Network-Notebooks/dp/B014ZOJX7W

Any that mention 2.4Ghz will come with a small dongle that will need to be connected to your Android TV device via USB.

Any that only mention bluetooth will not use a dongle.


Right now I'm considering these two, personally:

On criteria that they are purely bluetooth with no dongle required, are small, backlit, have touchpads. and only cost about 20 dollars.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Keyboard-Touchpad-Android-QQ-Tech/dp/B00BALK9CM/

https://www.amazon.com/iPazzPort-Bluetooth-Wireless-Raspberry-KP-810-21SBL/dp/B015J6TEN8/

I have no idea if either are any good.

The mibox3 runs android 5.0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019FBWP5M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484111288&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mi+box+3&dpPl=1&dpID=31FcNwJyZLL&ref=plSrch#productDescription_secondary_view_div_1484111352253

Xiaomi is very bad at naming their devices.

If you have an androidTV it's not a mibox3.

If you have a mibox3 it's on Android 5.0

No problem. This is what I'm referencing: http://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Remote/dp/B00XO7AK9M