MiBox Android TV Review - From Xiaomi - Compared to Nvidia Shield TV

[@hoveeman]

Great video Lon! This is why I wanted to send you the MiBox. Thanks for the shout out!

[@fusion808ultrahd]

Thanks Trent. (I hope I spelt it correctly)

[@scottserr1300]

Thanks trent

[@koilkondaraviteja9945]

thank u trent...

[@false_cypher]

Thank you!

[@thijskennis8757]

Thanks man!

[@EdR640]

Voice searches/universal search results (when you searched for Star Wars) don't only return Google Play results, it returns results for any app a) you have installed b) supports universal search on Android TV. This is for all Android TV devices. Netflix, Hulu, Plex, Vudu, HBO Go and Google Play all support it I know from my own devices.

[@DerekEdwards]

Plex?! Oh man, that kills the roku then...

[@james.b.mcgill]

Thumbs-up for good guy Trent

[@EricAnderson89]

Universal Search actually DOES search across all different apps, you may just not have installed or signed into the other apps yet.

[@GregSzarama]

Why didn't you talk about Plex? That's the only reason I'm thinking of getting this. But you speaking of Kodi gave me some info.

[@PeterMacPL]

Any news improvments with newest firmware with auto 24Hz switching and audio HD passthrough ? Any chances that this two things will be fixed ?

[@blazehaven]

Dude, your white pc in background rocks! :D

[@LonSeidman]

Check out my recently posted retro review of it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57Ip3iXhbN0p9U

[@samlazar574]

It explodes in the review

[@whitetv3589]

Fakhrul Mubarak kkkkkkkkkkkk

[@sheldonspock5566]

lol, it's a Mac not a PC for chrissake. Although technically a Mac is a Personal Computer (as in opposed to say a server) nobody calls it that. kids these days don't even recognize the original apple logo, smh

[@DrZoies]

What a great informative video! I love when youtubers take the time and index topics with time in the description. One thing I would like to know is if the KZbin and Twitch (game streaming) apps lets you playback 1080@60fps.

[@MrScottBradshaw]

What is the model number of the Ugreen adapter that you used? Was there anything you had to do to set that up other than plugging it in? Thanks for the great review!

[@PhantomKThief]

it is pronounced as SHAO-ME

[@eprovensen]

At 4:00 you mentioned that you included a link to a tutorial video on how to install any android app on android TV, and get them to work on android TV. Can you share that tutorial video?

[@zebrom210]

In the description you said wireless seemed to work better than ethernet. Any idea of the speed that you get though the ethernet connection? That USB 2.0 is definitely the bottleneck I'm wondering if its still acceptable to use or not

[@LonSeidman]

Not necessarily, even at USB2 speed the ethernet should be fast enough. I think the internal IO between the USB port and the rest of the system is at fault.

[@KevinBragdon]

Thanks Trent!

[@TheComputinggeek]

+Lon Seidman Does this box work with Plex on the new interface?

[@dmb851290]

Thanks Trent. Very generous of you.

[@jusdef07]

Thanks for the review Lon, I'm waiting to see these in my area Walmart !

[@Yodagamer1]

So is this better than the nexus player processor wise?

[@KarlDag]

Yes. Much better.

[@Robby322]

Could you do a video comparing this to the Nexus Player? I am considering getting rid of my Nexus Player for this since the Nexus is not supported anymore.

[@jibreeeeel94]

Does the ethernet to USB work on the mibox?

[@haitham.mohamed]

What is is the controller u use when gaming with this box ?

[@Ensifolk]

@Lon Seidman, what is the Monitor you are using? Looks awesome !!!

[@DanielMuvdi]

Can you please do an updated video with the mi box 3? Thanks!

[@PeterMacPL]

Your reviews are the best Lon !

[@FNSICK]

Thanks Trent for loaning Lon the MiBox. This review will help me make a purchase decision!

[@sciroccomods]

You can also install mouse toggle for any apps that require a mouse , a quick vol - then vol + gives you a pointer then the o to remove the pointer.

[@DrkMyyst]

Great review. Will the MiBox read .ISO, MP4, ect video files from a 3 or more TB HD connected via USB ?

[@killerkhatiby009]

Hey Lon love your videos! So I'm looking into buying this but do you know if it is able to run the Xfinity TV app so I can use it as a pseudo cable box? Don't know if you have the capability to test this but it seems like a nice way to replace the box and save a few bucks a month! :)

[@JohnnyFTD]

Connect an external usb dvd player to it, just want to know if it would work.

[@deadringerjunior5705]

It will power it but that is about all.

[@ajsharaf]

you can install amazon video with the amazon underground app or you can sideload it

[@ricanisland1]

Hello do you know if I have a right click option it's important for us in Kodi. Thank you.

[@filthydwarf]

I think it does not

[@slevinkelevra400]

Anyone know if this can play movies in mp4 format through an external hdd via the single usb port? And if so, would there be limitations to the external hdd, such as size (1tb, 2tb etc) or format of the external hdd (fat32, exfat)?.... Thanks and great review

[@frankiemerone8863]

Hey Lon can't get my Mi box to let my flash drive to be the internal storage . Do I need a certain type of flash drive to get it to work ?

[@lukekuykendall6366]

I currently have an outdated WDTV Live box, I use it to stream movies and tv shows from a hard drive. What's nice is it supports almost any file extension for video and it allows you to get content info and apply it to your movie files. Are there any newer set top boxes that have this type of feature? Does this box support such features?

[@mtsfitness]

Thanks for this video. We couldn't justify spending the money on the Shield (yet) and settled on the Mibox3 for KODI use primarily. I particularly liked the Ethernet hub recommendation and will most likely be purchasing the one in the video as it obviously worked with the Mibox. Thanks again

[@rashedhoque]

thanks for detail review. I have one question. Does this box can output audio on both HDMI and Audio out jack simultaneously?

[@danbrown162]

What about its casting capabilities? Is it on par with chromecast in regards to speed of transmission and ease of use? Also, how long does the device take to boot up or does it remain in a sleep mode when not in use? Thanks for the review Lon. Watching all the way from the UK :)

[@matthewryan200]

I received my international version today but it's not 4k, highest resolution is 1080p and 4k vids from recorded from my phone freezes and won't play. hd videos on kodi don't play smoothly either. I'm either doing something wrong or iv been screwed 😭 Any help would be great

[@godbilla1991]

They had them out at my Walmart, but they couldn't sell it to me when I got to the checkout. They said it doesn't release until today/1st. At least in my area. Was a tease :/

[@smokinjoe2122]

Hi Lon, do you have access to the full store on this box? Our android tv relies on a TimeWarner Cable app

[@SNYPA8064]

Another great video @Lon Seidman, keep up the great work! Also, thank you @hoveeman for providing the MiBox to make this review possible.

[@giuseppecasella2022]

@Lon Seidman Hello. Importing the Mi Box 4k in Italy I could use the services available in my country (Netflix, KZbin, RaiTv, etc. etc.) since the OS is Android TV Official? Do you think that I would find usage restrictions? In your opinion it will be officially sold in Europe?

[@SyafikHassan]

How about game streaming? I'm thinking of using this as a budget Nvidia shield by using the moonlight app to stream games from my PC. Would really appreciate it if you could test it out thanks! And thanks Trent!

[@gselby8107]

Excellent review. Not sure how I missed this one, but anyway. I ordered a Mi Box. Can't wait. Quick question... I use the restricted profile as a type of parental control so my kids don't use certain apps like Good Play sot they don't download apps I'd rather they not use (ie SnapChat). However, the GeForce games will not allow me to log in while in the restricted profile. I've made sure this app is allowed but still no joy logging in. Just a Login Failed message. Any thoughts or tips? Thanks.

[@MrZafra81]

So between the new amazon stick, the new chromecast that's about yo come out compared with the mibox which one it's better

[@harrytsang1501]

One question, does it cast 4k videos from youtube smoothly? I have been thinking of a Chromecast ultra since I got my 4k tv, but it will be cool if it also features the Android TV interface(Kodi and VLC)

[@instalive3093]

Thanks for the review! Thinking of buying the Mi Box. Are you able to get 5.1 surround sound on Netflix via passthrough? I have an old AVR that only supports optical input but has DD+ support.

[@CEG3RD]

Let me give you a heads up if you hoped to get standard DD audio from this player. Unlike the fireTV stick or box and the new Roku Ultra and Premier+ (maybe other 2016 models) this will not output DD over HDMI to your TV and then from TV optical out to an older surround system without HDMI ins and outs. I have this setup and waited long years for Roku to finally make this happen. I discovered last year that the 1st gen fireTV box will do this over optical and over HDMI connected the way I describe above. I eventually bought the 2016 fireTV stick and 2nd gen box and both gave me the standard DD audio I wanted. You might be like me and have a very nice surround system that is pre-HDMI and is too nice to give up. I will say the MiBox WiFi is good and the processor is fast, but I do think the video rendering is not quite up to par with the other players I've mentioned.

[@PongPCSolutions]

Charles Griffin what if you connect the mi box to your receiver and output from the receiver to the tv?

[@Link6155]

What was the monitor you were using to review the MiBox?

[@insekt8623]

it's a lg browse his videos he did a review!

[@frazy1984]

Hi there, which brand Android box supports 5.1, 7.1 Dolby digital etc. Thanks

[@dustinpoissant]

Does it support 4k casting. I have a 4k TV that will play 4K video directly (through HDMI) and the device (Vizio) has built in "Google Cast", but when you cast to the TV it is not in 4k. Is this similar or does this "Google Cast" app receive 4k video?

[@panaoutsios1990]

This MI box can be stuck or don't boot up after 3 or 6 months like the others android box ?

[@pachinodice]

Hay lon what do you think is the best Android box for gaming with out buying a shield

[@mousumimondal9369]

Does Mi Box cast Mobile screen or local videos without Internet connection???????i connect them to the same wifi network..

[@cyberjersteam8259]

thanks was already looking for the reviews

[@jeffp6855]

So this is not a good choice for 4K hdr? I just bought the hisense h8 and the UI player doesn't support hdr playback. What do you recommend for me? I was also looking at the roku ultra

[@ozzieo5899]

Thanks Trent... and Thanks for the review Lon...

[@jamiemorgan3649]

Got my Mi Box from a Walmart a few years back and it's still a beast.

[@PaceyPimp]

Please let us know which is the 1st device to get Android TV Oreo OS Thanks

[@rucksacks]

I have an old monitor with built-in speakers and a dvi input. Will this work with it with a HDMI to DVI cable?

[@S4D1DREAM]

you should really look around for some more android TV boxes online and review them. Thanks to the guy who sent this to Lon

[@patkanman]

Please help! I purchased the Mi Box and a Rii i8+ BT keyboard hoping I can use the BT mouse/keyboard to control Android TV 6.0 but I have been unsuccessful in pairing the device to the Mi Box. I've tried to pair directly in Android settings and also with the Rii included BT dongle. Neither have worked. The device does show up in the BT pairing menu and I can select it to pair. It tries to pair but eventually times out. I've also tried it with a PS4 controller and it also fails to pair. What am I doing wrong?

[@mitaapka]

the major drawback for this box is Internal storage is just 8 GB and you can not use expandable storage to install or move any apps also play store limits the apps, you can not use all the apps from play store. I tried and returned back.

[@ComeAtMe]

Amit Dodake I was able to use a 32gb flash drive and move my apps over.

[@samuelt947]

Hi there, thanks for interesting & insightful video. I have a quick question regarding Mi Box using ethernet USB hub. I do have one of it, I connected the hub through Mi USB port, then LAN cable to the hub and nothing seem happen, where will I find LAN setting in Mi Box? It seem to be only Wifi Setting there. Kindly advise, thanks for your help in advanced. Sam NZ

[@LonSeidman]

Try rebooting, if it doesn't pick up the USB ethernet adapter after that it's likely not compatible.

[@samuelt947]

Thanks mate. I will try that. If it doesn't work, I shall try to get your recommendation one. Say If I buy your suggested Adapter, after rebooting, do I get a message saying it is now connecting via LAN? Kindly advise.

[@subagon]

Please test the Plex client.

[@mrenricop]

how did you find a copy of reicast that works? i just recently got a new nvidia shield and i've been unable to find a working version of that emulator.

[@Hi_lets_be_friends]

What about Netflix? I know you have to pay for the Netflix. But can u purchase it on there? And I don't have a Amazon prime account! Info on this please. And what channels do it have if I didn't want to purchase any Netflix or anything that was on the TV. Info on this question.

[@TILR]

Random Question: How are you able to make those custom short links like lon.tv/extras ? Just wanted to know since I'm starting to monetize my channel and wanted to make things look a bit more professional.

[@TILR]

Oh okay, I will have to check it out. Thank you. :)

[@robertjones3570]

Lon, quick question I am considering buying your recommended ethernet adapter - hoping it to solve my issue... I have set up quite a few mi boxes for friends without issue - but my mi box works fine in basically all applications... Hulu... Netflix.. Sling... but Kodi just buffers no matter what - I literally moved 20 feet from my wireless router with the same results.... My Nvidia shield works like a dream and before that an Ouya... I already returned the Mi box once because the first was basically unresponsive.... any idea??? thanks

[@kyfann1]

will it accept a usb wireless keyboard and mouse on the unit itself .

[@DouglasMichaelkings]

please how can I buy one of this.. I just sold my old android box.. I mean exact android 6.0 xiaomi mi box

[@tcole7692]

help ! my mi device dose not have the remote preference button so therefore it's always in standby I want to shut it down completely at night how do I do this without the button in preference to change it

[@augiearvizo]

Is it a worthy upgrade if you already own a Nexus Player? Or its basically the same speed?

[@davidt215]

Even though there is no benchmarks from Icestorm, if you compare similar Asus Tablets with the same processor, the processor in the Original Player almost 4 times faster than the one in this Mi Box. Lon should do a comparison to compare.

[@rottweilaboy55]

the Nexus player was garbage though honestly if you just want the mi box to run Plex,hulu,netflix, KZbin,cast and do the normal stuff with a sound system you will be good specially on my case but if you want something to do much more I would look at the Nvidia Shield I don't think anybody is gonna be the shield in terms of benchmarks and performance it's the best Android TV box out on the market

[@sblade1730]

Can you test surround sound and HD Netflix?

[@killamogwai]

Lon, thanks for the review. Do you think this is a better option than the Ouya?

[@LonSeidman]

Maybe, I'm not sure how this stacks up against the Tegra 3 in the Ouya. But given this is running Android 6 you'll have better compatibility.

[@killamogwai]

I Just ordered one. I figured I'd give it a try at that price point.

[@johna1489]

Great Review Lon...I considering new Mi Box vs. upcoming Minix U9-H Box...any insights into release date for Minix U9-H?

[@GamingGadgetsTechnology]

Great Job Lon but as usual I want everything you review....catching up now on your vids...Keep them coming!!!

[@Julian-zc9vm]

Does this work with Google home voice commands for launching and playing/pausing video?

[@MrFester]

Has the 4k frame dropping been fixed and is that remote RF based?

[@MichaelGGarry]

The Disney game with the glitches looks more like an Android version problem rather than the hardware.

[@KarlDag]

Worked fine when I played it on my ShieldTV. Looks like a driver issue.

[@MattCoulter]

Even works fine on my Nexus Player.

[@honestreview9019]

How is the xiomi tv box compared to wechip and other cheap tv boxes.

[@CEG3RD]

Will it transcode Dolby Plus to Standard? My TV has optical out to my older surround system. Nope

[@sam_patrik]

Is this device will going to work with old AV TV by using HDMI2AV?

[@qbanb8582]

How is the wireless performance when running the HDHomerun software? How is the wireless performance when loading those mkv and HEVC over wireless? I know ethernet is by far the better option but I am curious to see how well it performs on wireless, to see if wireless is a viable option for this device. Thanks Trent!

[@AdamWroblaski]

he did touch on the hdhomerun running on wifi does work fine but it does occassionally drop frames. not much different from when it was loading things in the background. I'm hoping it'll be fine on AC

[@KyleKenyonC]

WHat is the best option for HD Homerun? I am all in on Roku now but willing to switch for the right box that will run HDHR and have a easy interface

[@ongbahk]

Hi there, can i find out from you is the output of this xiaomi tv box are HDCP protected? can i use a capture card to capture content from this TV box?

[@sidnotty]

Is mi TV box compatible with KDl EX520 Sony Bravia ???? I tried using Amazon fire TV stick but it was not compatible , how to check if my TV is compatible or not:( plz help

[@askmefirst9625]

Hey Lon is this full andoid playstore or its the same as nvidia shield only some games loaded

[@tmitchable]

Hi Lon, I seen you held the control pad is that compatible with all games

[@HughesyTech]

massive thanks to Trent - been looking forward to a hands on video for ages. Lon, are you able to do more benchmarks please, say Antutu and Geekbench. as I have a nexus player and want to know if it's worth upgrading.

[@laptech3767]

Can I upgrade the old xiaomi box to the new firmware ?

[@aznwu123]

Was 4k content tested with Ethernet or with WiFi, did it struggle either way?

[@artdawggy]

Isn't possible the streaming issues you mentioned would go away if it had an ethernet port?

[@jordanhume219]

Hi Lon, you give the best reviews, any chance of a review on the newer model the Mi box 3?

[@rickwhitescarver8526]

Lon, recently set up a Mi Box and the HDHomerun app to view drm content from my HDHomerunPRIME tuner (spectrum). One thing I find frustrating is that part of the traditional cable box interface experience doesn’t seem to work. That is direct channel tuning by number. My cable subscription has tons of channels and to switch from channel 63 to 702 involves quite a bit of scrolling 1 by 1. It’s annoying. I’ve used Hdhomerun app on a windows 10 pc and you can just type 702 enter and it will switch to that channel. I’ve used Hdhomerun app on a Xbox one and it doesn’t seem to work well at all for channel entry. Even bought the 3rd party Xbox media remote that has a number pad on it and that didn’t work. Some say the chat pad on the Xbox one controller might work. And I think a wired keyboard into a USB port on Xbox one seemed to work. But that’s not feasible. Now I have a mi box and it doesn’t seem to support channel number entry very well. Even with a keyboard attached. Android tv remotes don’t seem to support number buttons. And while the keyboard allows the numbers to go into the Hdhomerun app search. You can’t click enter or some keyboard button to say “go tune this channel” Any tips to get direct channel number tuning to work with Mi box ?

[@wilfredomendez2901]

how did u get to add a hard drive i try to do it and it formats but it always corrupt it

[@Vista318]

I have a question, if I upgrade to 7.0, from my current 6.0 version of Android, will I lose my external storage that is internal memory feature?

[@alifarooq4451]

I have the same u green usb 3.0 ethernet adapter. When i connect the dongle to the box it doesnot dhow ethernet.

[@dbogdanovic1987]

I bought this tv box a few days ago. The box itself works fine but I have a problem with the remote. It keeps disconnecting. Sometimes it works for an hour and suddenly stops, sometimes it works only for a couple of seconds. I tried factory reset, didn't help. I cannot reconnect the remote unless I remove the batteries and then put them back. Simply holding home+back button (without removing the batteries) doesn't help. Has anyone had the same problem? Any idea how to fix this?

[@ubunturocks3880]

great review. could you review the a95x?

[@MIketucky350]

Great video. I also use this as my 2nd tv streamer in the bedroom. This thing rocks. Its fast and loads up videos fast. It has no problems with network media either which is a thing apple tv just cant do.