Jetstream 4K Android TV Box Review: Walmart Ematic Device vs. Mi Box S

[@sirjohndoeofpa3292]

I have this for well over a year, use it every day, Netflix, IPTV's, movie APK'S, etc. Runs like a champ. I returned a Nvidia Shield because it didn't impress me for the price point, this Jetstream performs just as well.

[@artsci2716]

NVIDIA is overpriced!

[@jerrymindich743]

Excellent review, as usual! And your timing couldn't have been better. I have a Shield as my main streaming device but need another box for a not often used guest bedroom TV, and I've been contemplating buying this since I 1st saw it a few weeks back. It looked very promising. I was hoping it would be a MI box "killer", something with official Android TV OS, in that same price range, but without some of the well known limitations of the MI box. I've been browsing KZbin and other sources for a real, honest and informative review to help me figure out whether to pull the trigger on this, and after watching this video, the debate is over. It's really sad that there's absolutely nothing on the market under $100 which runs official ATV, that can be a worthy alternative to the Shield, without having to make so many compromises. I understand I'm not going to get something as powerful in this price range and I'm perfectly ok with that for use on my non-main TV's, but I'm not ok having to compromise what should be really basic stuff, like reliable Chromecast, Amazon Prime, network streaming, etc.. I don't even necessarily mind spending the money on additional Shields, but it would be such overkill! Oh well, guess we'll just have to wait and hope somebody comes out with something worthy in the not too distant future. There's so much $$ to be made in that $100 range, I'm actually really surprised no company has taken advantage. Sorry for the long rant. Keep up the good work!

[@bdonovable]

I know your comment is old, but I am currently perusing for an android TV and was wondering if you have discovered any economic Shield alternatives, since you comment.Thanks!

[@teddydabear8772]

Very often, the least expensive product turns out to be the most expensive one in the long end. With BF and CM deals on now and the Shield16GB for $139, $119 for new Google Express customers ($20 off new customers) might still cost more, but it won't have to be replaced for years, so it's cheaper in the long run.

[@sirjohndoeofpa3292]

I bought this box, works fine without issues. To be honest, Nvidia Shield had issues, so I returned it to Best Buy. Jetstream is fine. I think a lot of guys have love affairs, unprotected, with Nvidia Shield

[@archertwin22]

Now that Value released a Steam Link android app, can we see how well the android TV boxes work with steam in home streaming? Love the channel. Keep on the good work.

[@EmaticUSOfficial]

Thank you for your review, Lon! It is our goal to satisfy the expectations of each and every valued customer, so we are very sorry to hear your disappointment in our Jetstream Android TV Box. We test all of our products and can assure you that our box passed Netflix tests, which require HDR. As long as the HDMI cable is connected to the 2.0 port, and your Netflix account and video selection support HDR streaming, your box should work with HDR. We hope this helps solve the issue!

[@LonSeidman]

Yes and yes to your question it didn’t work.

[@ingcavazos]

Theres any way to add a browser? I can install opera or firefox.

[@artsci2716]

My Jetstream is wonderful so I do not know what Lon is talking about!

[@dannyboy42223]

So glad you did this, been eyeing this at Walmart for 2 weeks now. Dont use HDR or 4k, but the amazon and search glitches seems iffy. Thanks for the review

[@k1ngoftheun1verse]

I have this and I have no problems with hdr or Google assistant

[@xmlhxsquad192]

Everything works fine on my box

[@lschroeder1947]

Replaced Google TV with Nexus Player. When Google's 8 OS update locked Nexus player to its boot's screen I replaced Nexus Player with original MI box in August, keeping at OS 6 to avoid OS 8.0 problems (Jetstream and S model not available). Now using Jetstream as S only available online and I wanted a fix to original mbox problems that day. Like you, I had some problems but at least the HDR is not an issue since my 4k Visio does not have HDR. Jetstream seems to avoid Mbox OS 6.0 Bluetooth loss of remote and having to reboot to reconnect HD Homerun prime's loss of comcast cable channels signals following sleep or long periods of inactivity. I turn on developer options with all my boxes and if necessary add a USB hub so I can use a keyboard, mice, and an USB ethernet dongle. Nice feature to have keyboard, mice, and ethernet for your Android TV. Remaining problem, the Jetstream needs to use 1080P for CNN text's line scroll close to smooth with audio syncing with display when viewing a channel with Live Channels. Do others find lack of smooth scrolling and audio sync problem if using higher resolutions using Live Channels? Second problem my Vizio shows my HD source as the previous connected mbox instead of Jetstream AGT. Until I get source to display as Jetstream AGT my remote, keyboard, and mouse will not work or the Jetstream screen will not display. I tried resetting the Visio to factory and still have the mbox displayed in HDMI source, even if I move it to a different Visio TV HDMI port. I have Chrome browser plus other sided loaded apps and various Playstore apps installed. Trying to avoid Jetstream factory reset, reloading side load apps, configuring VPN, CNN Go, ESPN, and others would be a pain, since I have Jetstream setup the way that I want to use it. A factory reset of Jetstream would make me start over! Seems like unplugging power and HDMI cable is only way I can get Vizio source to display Jetstream AGT instead of old mbox as the HDMI source. The old mbox is no longer connected. Any suggestions to eliminate the mbox being displayed? Thanks in advance Larry.

[@seanmikhaels]

Love the reviews & mini pc coverage, keep up the great work !

[@iradangelo2637]

Instablaster.

[@Nando5118ttv]

Nice review, saw it at Walmart today reduced to $40 , glad u said it was a disappointment. Seemed to good to be true

[@garygray3109]

I just picked up one of these at Walmart for a secondary TV. I also have a Shield and a Nexus player. This is to replace the Nexus player. I did not consider Xiaomi 3s - no lan port. Primary use will be Live Channels, Casting and Netflix.. works fine for that.

[@RockstarBruski]

Exellent review. I've been using my amazon 4k fire cube and 4k fire stick (which you reviewed) and so far theyve both been working nicely for my needs. I do like that I can issue a voice comand with the cube and it turns on my sony 4k tv and brings up something to watch on the tv. Its not perfect but it's getting there. I still use my rokus sometimes or my built in sony android menus but im getting addicted to just saying alexa play cool jazz or play star trek and she does most of it for me without having to press a button. 😎

[@artsci2716]

My Jetstream works wonderfully!

[@justin2009ish]

Love it just got the Android 9 pie update and it worked s well keep up the great work Jetstream :) keep them awesome update s coming :)

[@bdonovable]

I've encountered that a lot of reviews on Mi Box and Jet Stream are older in a pre-update situation. Many reviews state lack of Amazon Prime compatibility. Could you confirm that your Jet stream device supports Amazon Prime? Also have you tried any other android tvs?

[@lionmxvass3122]

bdonovable Amazon Prime is supported 100%. Updated to android 9 and installed AP from play store. I just got mine and all is working great. 👍🏿

[@JackDD]

You gonna claim that free cable? You filmed and edited a 12 minute video reviewing their product; that's got to count for something!

[@curtistaylor9980]

You can side load Amazon Prime and it works well.

[@tdeneef]

Hey Lon what about the Vero 4k? I think that supports basicly every video format so far.

[@christiandemarino8895]

I have the Dlink Boxee for the last 10 years and for me, it is the best. What would you recommend as an alternative that can play all of the formats from external hd. Thanks for the video, great review. Cheers.

[@HighRes6]

Great video but one suggestion... lotion it’s dry in New England your hands will thank you

[@domramsey]

It blows my mind that there's still nothing that comes close to the ageing Nvidia Shield. Is there really no public demand for such a box? Are we really that much of a minority?

[@dutchkel]

If I talk to my parents about these and I lose them in 1min it all starts to make sense

[@JohnDimitropoulos]

There is demand and amazon filled it with their fire tv lineup. The average consumer will trust Amazon over some no name china brand. Amazon probably sell millions of those things.

[@tubeslats]

@@JohnDimitropoulos Amazon Fire TV sticks just work.

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

Most people aren't power users. I would like a Shield, but my budget only allows for a MiBox, which isn't bad at all for what I need it for. If I'm gaming, I have a PC/Xbox, and the MiBox is good for retro gaming/light Android gaming.

[@jasons5704]

I just don’t get the point of the shield to be honest. There are better gaming platforms and there are stream boxes that work just as well. If you already have an xbox1, ps4, pc than you have better gaming hardware. Might as well just grab a budget android box if you’re just planning on streaming tv and movies on it

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

Pretty sure AV means "Audio Video". ie Composite Video and RCA Audio. Likely via an adapter.

[@artsci2716]

I love my Jetstream box so I do not know what you are talking about! My jetstream is fast, and I love it!

[@artsci2716]

I can search the internet on my TV and I am happy for that!

[@Fenix73RUS]

​@@artsci2716Hi all! Can you guys make a backup from this console? I'll tell you how to do it. ematic agt419.

[@zippythechicken]

I disagree Lon seems to have a chip on his shoulder.. just for the fact that it has wired ethernet and the other ports this makes it a good selection for many people. This is january 2020 and I can tell you I have no plans on upgrading my 2-5 year old tvs to 4k because ATSC3 is going to require new tuners in all tvs in the next couple years rendering a new large tv useless if you want to watch Antenna TV and I suggest everyone drop cable and move to antenna.. it will save you enough to get a streaming service or two.

[@eprovensen]

I disagree with your opinion about the functionality. I feel this Android TV box out performs the Mi Box S. The Mi Box S I recently purchased also from Walmart was so glitchy with the slowness and the remote keeps on losing connection. For me the Mi Box S was a very big disappointment, so I just took it back to Walmart. The Ematic Jetstream is better, so I will be keeping this Android TV box.

[@ajf2023]

I bought one of these and it seems to handle everything very well so far. They added Amazon Prime video. I run Netflix, Prime, KZbin TV, IPTV, and Hulu on it. I had the Xiaomi Mi Box 3 and the Oreo update killed the box. Nothing but bugs after it was updated.

[@chrisb8932]

same experience!

[@eukat3ch]

to bad they still use the 905's.. the rockchips are a lot better in my opinion. i have had Nexbox 905 for a while but i found that the X88 Max Plus is far superior.. especially for 4k h265/HEVC/HDR/24p and audio

[@briannalee6796]

Thank you for your honest review. Bravo!!

[@therealwcfields]

Hey Lon how about a review of the AirTv Player. It is intended to be a SlingTV centric box but at it's core it is an android TV box. The box can be found for $50 now and $30 for the optional USB OTA tuner. Would love to see your take on the box as a standalone and then the box tuner combo with the OTA capabilities. It has been around a while but maybe it has had some firmware updates that might make it interesting.

[@LonSeidman]

Unfortunately I don’t get ota content here so it’s difficult to do a full review

[@AMHapple85]

Do you have to purchase an additional subscription from jetstream media in order to use the box for streaming services?

[@BanduTheGreat]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@jerrymcalister9614]

Lon did you are you having issues with HDR not working? I just clicked ona 4k HDR movie and the HDR logo appeared in the upper right hand corner of my LG 4K tv

[@christianboy15]

I bought one of these and after a week of heavy testing I took it back because when I would run hdhomerun, plex, Netflix, and live TV it would flash black play pause flash back etc a factory reset would fix it for a little bit then it would happen again all I used was plex and hdhomerun and Netflix and live TV have you had any of these issues yet?

[@MrBrymstond]

You tell 'em Lon.

[@jermainwhyte6894]

How do I get Kodi to play 3D files form external hardrive? My kodi only play side to side or up and under. My projector doesn’t give me the option to change 3D mode (Sony Vplhw-45es) is there a way to change it in kodi or another player. I’m using nvidia shield.

[@isidroo1]

Thanks good review. Any other certified android box u know or a good Chinese box

[@Jinkle]

This box can also run Android Pie, and apparently works really well, so I’ll be holding onto mine.

[@justin2009ish]

Just upgraded to Android pie the other day runs really well love this Android TV box 😇

[@pilinke11]

Just waiting for your review about this item!!! Love you have the video index always that way we can jump to the parts we are more interested thanks

[@GMeza-cy5xv]

Does this one have Chromecast built in? Is it compatible with Google Home commands?

[@Des_Zee]

And they have the nerve to call it Jetstream! Thanks Lon

[@JordanVic87]

Good review mate. Thanks

[@Gmen2010champs]

Hey Lon, kinda off topic but are you able to get Netflix to playback in 24 frames per second on the Nvidia Shield or even the new Fire Stick 4K? I cant seem to get either of those devices to switch over. Its been driving me nuts on the Shield because i can get Plex to do it but not Netflix and just out of curiosity I bought the Fire Stick 4K to see if that did it but same result. Is there maybe a setting im overlooking? Thanks Lon!

[@LonSeidman]

Hmm I’ll need to double check. The firetv was doing it I think .

[@Gmen2010champs]

@@LonSeidman I'll double check the Fire Stick again but I know for sure the Shield wasnt when we were watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas the other day

[@jamiec1686]

@@LonSeidman Only the Apple TV 4/4K can do auto 24p switching when using the Netflix App.

[@bdanka50]

Late to the party on this one - but can anyone tell me if the "AV" port is indeed Audio/Video (for the red/white/yellow plugs), or just Audio like Lon stated at the beginning of the video?

[@LLRaven]

Thank you for this Lon! I love your videos! Are you going to send them this review!? (:

[@keirstenstrickland2022]

Hi,.. Ive been using this device for about a year. Recently I tried to use it and all of the sudden when everything was connected it said it wasnt able to get a signal. I tried several hdmi cables and different tvs.. not working. I did see somewhere on the net that it was a known issue and u have to reset it.. bc i cant do that within the software, i tried to use a small pin to reset it via the button on the device. I cant seem to get it to reset. Any ideas?

Is the Chromecast also 4k like the mi box or just 1080p.

[@anthonychen3867]

Hi. What case are you using for your iPhone?

[@skip741x3]

does this support audio passthru for DD and DTS? the lack of amazon kills my interest in this...why is nt amazon on this? cant the app be sideloaded?

[@AnimationNation2004]

I just ordered one of these for one reason. It has AV out. I bought this specifically to hook up to a CRT also I got mine for 50 bucks instead of 70

[@Fenix73RUS]

Hi all! Can you guys make a backup from this console? I'll tell you how to do it. ematic agt419.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I've been waiting for the video since I saw your post in the group about your experience with it. They sure made a dud

[@shalahmadi]

Just save up and get the Nvidia Shield TV for 100$. A much better product.

[@jasondessenberg6096]

Where can you get a shield for $100?

[@ztsu8348]

what's the difference between official android tv box and un-official box? Is that mean un-official android tv box will not support chromecast ?

[@LonSeidman]

Funny you should ask! Just did something on this Monday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWGboXipjcmkidU

[@ashlengovender4240]

Is the hdr working now

[@1112495112189]

I have just unboxed my Jetstream and am having trouble getting to recognise and play from my USB devices. It recognises them but cannot drill down into the files for me to play. I have tried reformatting the drives but this also does not help. Do you have any solutions?

[@jadehendricks2368]

Have you found a solution to this? I'm having the same issue.

[@1112495112189]

@@jadehendricks2368 The only way I have found around the problem is once the box is turned on, remove the USB and then reinsert it into the box. This should bring up one or two of the apps I use for watching i.e. FX TV File Commander or VLC. After doing this then you should be able to access the files you want.

[@purplejassmine]

do you know how to download movie box on the jetstream box?

[@aleccole994]

What live channels does it have ?

[@yuprulesing]

They may update to fix the HDR....yeah.....$69 Box. Doubt they will ever have any updates on this thing. At least Mi Box had updates once every 6 months.

[@imnotgood15aka.notgood21]

Just unlock it hook it to a computer and update anyway you want. Simple

[@marioStortuga]

One thing you didn't mention about live channels official app. You can watch live TV channels from some live TV apps like Pluto TV and a few others.

[@justin2009ish]

Yes I love Pluto TV :) app

[@cyberspider42]

I bought this for my daughter because her Mi box decided to freeze at the boot screen which after researching it is a common problem with the me box so I'm staying away from the MI box... I would rather get her a fire stick but she uses Google play music and KZbin more than anything else and unfortunately the fire stick doesn't support them.

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

I was looking at these, but I trust them less than the Miboxes. I just switched from the 3, and gotta pick up my new S.

[@imnotgood15aka.notgood21]

Nvydia shield is worth the extra money

[@stephenkisty4304]

How do you pair the remote

[@alexyakeka]

Waiting for the fire tv recast I want to buy one, if I don’t see a review from you I won’t buy it.

[@shannonrodrigues9145]

Mine is playing background music from the box over my Netflix how can I switch off the background music? Any help would be really helpful

[@justin2009ish]

Forstop a music a music app you have installed :)

[@glovedcop69]

Can you review the android box t95z octa with 32gb of storage?

[@Jinkle]

I have a rebranded version of this box in Thailand with awful firmware, can someone please upload this boxes version somewhere ?

[@jay7776]

Can you use a mouse

[@justin2009ish]

Yes you can I do sometimes 😉

[@hernanpayne1420]

I wonder if Lon can claim the free product after this review...

[@georgewelgemoed982]

Hi there. Can you browse Google with this?

[@josephguy1456]

if its the same cpu as mi box whats the point

[@josephguy1456]

dose this box have att tv app

[@evreddy1985]

What about Amazon prime.. It is working or not

[@merman93]

EDA VENKAT RAMI REDDY - There isn’t a Prime app for Android TV in Google Play Store. The official devices that run Prime have it pre-installed as a system app. You can side load it if you can source a decent app, but the one for Fire TV , ( mostly used apk for Prime) has audio drop outs on this device.

[@01sazuke]

How do I hard reset it?

[@kingsofficerelocations7183]

My voice assistant suddenly won't work, the batteries are fine. Help

[@jeffersonmanfroi7098]

Netflix full HD?

[@Phil-D83]

Shield tv still no. 1

[@kattz753]

OMG. Just. Don't. I wish that I could attach a picture of this old, cheap Android tablet that I have. You can actually see a grid of wires under the glass It's the touchscreen. I think that it cost $30 and that was far too much. Support? Non-existent. I was trying to root it and screwed it up. The original firmware backup corrupted. I emailed support for a copy of the firmware as per their instructions on their site. They never answered. I sent the email again about once a week for a year. No one ever got back to me. Ematic builds stuff that makes Coby and Curtis look good. You are not this broke. If you're lucky, one of your more clueless friends won't show up at your door proudly showing off their bargain and asking you to make it work...

[@chrisb8932]

you expect them to assist your feankenstein home surgeries? please. the jetstream is a google certified Android TV box

[@kattz753]

@@chrisb8932 Whatever. Get back to me when you learn how to read.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

does this have hdcp 2.2?

[@lionmxvass3122]

Yes!

[@halomamipunto1]

I am trying to download apps and it said pending download... why?

[@huevow]

For whatever reason you have to download or upgraded each one individual. That's how it works for me.

[@Randomynous01]

Can I root it? Bluetooth?

[@Fenix73RUS]

Hello! Can you make a backup from this console? I will tell you how to do it. and I will give you the tool to do it.

[@gilgarcia3299]

it will update 9.10

[@danram247]

Why doesn't Android just make their own box? Instead of these 3rd party companies? I'd rather just get a Chromecast dongle because the device is directly from Google which is an Android company.

[@joe10117]

nice little box works smoothly however apk downloader wont work what files do this type of box use XAPK??APK??? normal google play apk files wont load or reconize my box help !!! anyone

[@Fenix73RUS]

Hi all! Can you guys make a backup from this console? I'll tell you how to do it. ematic agt419.

[@gsnassif]

Disappointed with my jetstream box. Plex would always play movies at 480x200 via LAN connection. I would have to pause the movie, go into settings, and change stream output every time. Pain in the neck. Thought the plex android tv app was to blame because mobile android app worked fine, TiVo app works fine, iOS, etc. Picked up mibox s today and no issues there. Decided to disconnect ethernet and use wifi on the jetstream and voila...all plex movies streamed via direct play. Why the ethernet issues? Is the 10/100 connection that horrible? It should be plenty...so I guess the plex android tv app needs some tweaking to be more compatible with an ethernet connection. Anyone else have this issue?

[@LonSeidman]

I had the exact same problem with Plex. Too many glitches in this box.

[@magdalenemary1994]

Nowadays it supports Amazon

[@jasons5704]

Can you put a vpn on it

[@jay7776]

Can someone please explain to me about this device....1 how do you clear apps. 2 why Everytime I downloaded an apk and I try to add it to my favorite or I try to find it in my apps it never shows. 3 when I download an apk why Everytime I scroll through the app and it doesn't show what I'm clicking on Can someone help me??

[@alevelabove1694]

Go to settings apps scrol through and you will see what you downloaded then you can add them to your screen don't listen to this dummy up here my Jetstream box doesn't mess up like that and I just returned the mibox s because It froze four times in one day I haven't even downloaded apps on it yet and the USB port on it did not work so I couldn't plug my external camera with a microphone on it so I don't have to push the stupid button every time I say Google also it did not turn my TV off the CEC did not work this guy is a quack and he's bashing it because he had a prob or something with them in the past if you ask me it was a user error

[@BrianThomas]

Can't we just find a good Android TV box. Is the Nvidia shield the only Android TV box that's good enough?

[@Yodagamer1]

I would Nexus player is good for the money, but an ota firmware killed a bunch of them. Including me and my brother's

[@BrianThomas]

@@Yodagamer1 I thought Google discontinued them.

[@Yodagamer1]

@@BrianThomas they are, but you can find them new for $40. I just wouldn't touch another one again after the updates apparently bricked a bunch of them

[@ncohafmuta]

another s905x yawn box unfortunately. i'll perk up when there's a good android tv imp. on S905Y2 or S922X.

[@imnotgood15aka.notgood21]

Roku sucks. Nothing beats nvydia shield.

[@ingcavazos]

Someone can install a web browser? I need to install .apks from the web

[@frankmoolah]

I'd refund that puppy immediately

[@OfficialDJTasawennateken]

So basically this device is trash the mi box is king

[@QuietStormX]

You still on Legacy Cable? ;-( See the light & Speed of Verizon FiOS. Also I wouldn't buy anything not UL Tested.

[@LonSeidman]

I wish I could get fiber here! sadly no.

[@QuietStormX]

@@LonSeidmanMissing out on Choice than being held hostage to Cable $$$$$ Less Speed and TV too for less.

[@dekka4409]

Move the Disclaimer to comments or shorten it. Gets a bit repetitive sitting through it every video.

[@LonSeidman]

Nope needs to be up front. You can use the video index to skip.

[@xadam2dudex]

Boy is this over priced ..