Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) Review | Google TV now included!

The Xiaomi TV Box S (2nd Gen) is a powerful little unit with big upgrades over it's predecessors. Now incorporating Google TV, its definately worth a watch.
Thank you to @xiaomi for sending this through!
Sound by @rodemic
Video by @Nikon_SA
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Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and Key Points
0:55 Purpose of a Smart TV Box
1:35 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen
2:59 Google TV vs Andriod TV
3:41 Hub effect
3:50 Live TV
04:28 Hub effect...In effect
05:09 Google TV
05:55 Geographical Issues
06:06 Conclusion
#xiaomi
#googletv
#androidtvbox

[@WootDini]

Website Article: kloverme.com/xiaomi-tv-box-s-2nd-gen-review-an-immersive-viewing-experience/ Thank you all for your continued support of my content For more information on this Xiaomi TV Box please see my website (and subscribe if you want to get more on the latest releases)

[@busisiwemaseko9051]

The minute I heard you say you’re South African, I went and hit the subscribe button with excitement. So happy to have a South African tech reviewer 🎉❤

[@WootDini]

Thanks so much ! Started the channel with the specific intention of helping my countrymen, so I am super happy you found me !

[@mclovin1071]

Dude, you have no idea how happy I am that you are South African. Mooi man.

[@WootDini]

Thanks so much! Yea pushing on to try make a difference in SA through education and focusing on the products we have access to

[@ryanabrahams7317]

😂😂😂

[@DTM-Tumelo417]

"I couldn't have said it better. 🇿🇦"

[@jamiemoodley]

Awesome to see a South African tech KZbinr. Subbed

[@WootDini]

DANKIE BOET! Really appreciate :) Today SA, tomorrow the World

[@brianlarter6576]

Thanks for the great review. I have just ordered my unit and will have it tomorrow. Can't wait.

[@brianlarter6576]

I got my little TV box last Saturday and I am over the moon with its performance. My normal HD TV has taken on a new life! The setup was quite easy, and although I watch/play everything through my home theatre system, I did the initial setup with the HDMI connected directly into the TV. I was a little confused about getting the sound to go through the surround system (I never use the TV sound), got very frustrated, but then suddenly realized all my other hardware goes into the processor! So when "the penny dropped" I took the HDMI cable from the TV and plugged it into the spare port I still had on my processor. Wow - it was like magic and the 5.1 surround came on with a blast!! This TV Box is nothing short of a miracle and its performance is superb, with incredible sound and picture quality. My fibre connection and wifi router are in my bedroom next to my desk, adjacent to the lounge, but there is no signal problem and the streaming is flawless, with no dropouts or delays. This is the best investment I have ever made - no need for a Smart TV.

[@rickspencer957]

I got one today to replace my 'original' Mi-Box. Thanks for the excellent video! 🇿🇦

[@WootDini]

Most welcome !

[@MartinTheWhinja]

There we go I know what I'm getting myself for Christmas 😱

[@WootDini]

Me?

[@MartinTheWhinja]

🤣🤣@@WootDini

[@bernardandrews3188]

Great stuff Wootdini. Can't wait for all Google TV features to be available.

[@WootDini]

We hope :) I may or may not have already unlocked it....

[@wertywerrtyson5529]

Good review. My parents have been using the 1st gen for years and I have a Xiaomi projector with built in Mi box. Was looking at what is new in 2nd gen.

[@WootDini]

Thank you :) glad it helped :)

[@mogasesegopotje8483]

I like the fact that you are a South African. You have my subscription

[@WootDini]

Yay! Thank you sir :) appreciate that alot. Trying to reach south Africans is not easy with KZbin being so big

[@vakashibise]

Hey homie. New subbie from your fellow country mate 🇿🇦

[@WootDini]

Dankie !

[@adrianp6065]

I use my box with a samsung 7 series tv. If the TV is turned of the box turns off , how do i get it to turn back on. It doesn't respond to the remote when off and only comes on once you unplug and plug it back into the power cable.

[@franklindebruin2074]

Absolutely great videos sir. Just a question can I install iptv service on this model and other apk files like HD cinema I'm sure you know about these apps.

[@WootDini]

Heya ! Thanks so much. So I am not answering this with full confidence, but yes I believe so. I used APK IPTV on the previous model but because the service was so bad I stopped and did not try on the new device. But from research you can still install APKs

[@sermerlin1]

Did you test plex? Does it play 4k HDR videos with this box in original quality? I'm pissed that Sony TV XJ90 can in fact play in its internal app 4k HDR videos but the audio is 5.1 it can't do 7.1 (despite being connected via eARC)... It can though do a passthrough but not play it itself. -.-

[@WootDini]

Yea it's generally like that. It's not made with the real nuanced details people want. Personally have not tested Plex but I don't see why it would not work well. But I do think proper audio integration is needed. Needs coax or optical for full sound output so you don't need to integrate through TV

[@owoichoigoji6892]

Between this and the Mecool KM2 Plus which is better or which do you recommend?

[@WootDini]

Heya I have never used a mekool so I can't say :( I only like to advise from my experience. Best advice is look at the specs and features of both and see what suits your needs best. Sorry I could not be more helpful

[@STAN_MAN94]

👌🏻🙌🏻

[@WootDini]

👈👆✋👌🤘

[@xljx8304]

Was it supporting hdmi 2.1 as i checked mine the output was just 8bit 4:2:2 eventhough i used a certified hdmi 2.1 cable, not the one included.

[@WootDini]

That I did not check. I took it on faith that the interface was 2.1 and the cable would be 2.1. Are you saying this is not the case? I will check immediately

[@frankaldridge5977]

Thank you for the review. Can you tell me: 1. How to re-arrange Apps so that I don't have to go to ...more... to find my installed App and 2. How to remove Apps that I have no interest in? Thank you in advance.

[@WootDini]

Hey. You can uninstall most apps you don't want so long as they are not system apps. To get the ones you want to show they have to be added to favourites. Just takes some time and tinkering because the interface is so different from Andriod TV. But remember you can just speak to your remote and ask it to open the app u want

[@caronwessels5034]

I have this 2nd gen box but cannot get my DSTV Stream to play. Do you know why the screen just goes black when I try play any movie.

[@WootDini]

That's odd I have mine connected to DStv and don't have any issues. I think that sounds like a DStv service issue. They have alot of online issues and downtime

[@MINIPRO27]

To clarify, the shows and movies in the home page are all free and don't need subscriptions?

[@WootDini]

Hey Not nesseserily It generally pushes suggestions from installed apps like Netflix etc. Google movies are paid for on a per basis but it will ask you before it charges you

[@zabitech698]

Play store have on this box or not please tell anyone if we want install some apps then what to do?

[@WootDini]

You will install via the app Store as per normal :)

[@eldarinter]

Mine is lagging as hell. Is there a way to fix that? First 10 minutes is great, and then it started to lag. Sound are late 3-4 second

[@WootDini]

Heya That sounds really odd. I think you should factory reset and if that does not work, return it. The devices slow down and you need to clear cache etc , but sound lagging is not normal at all

[@vittoriopierantozzi3893]

Does it run well geforce now? I read that chromecast with google tv 4k can run fine geforce now( 1080p 60fps). I suppose that Xiaomi 2nd , having same cpu of chromecast, can run fine geforce now. I have a wonderful ftth.

[@WootDini]

Heya This unfortunately has to be answered by someone in a country with good service delivery of GeForce now. It all depends on where the servers are as that will determine your experience and I live way too far away to comment

[@ryanabrahams7317]

is this device a good media player, for playing content on usb drives etc?

[@WootDini]

Heya So some people have been able to use it for this and have commented in the comment section that they can. Personally I tried the other night and could not. I am continuing to try because I think it was a format issue. But I don't see why it would not work because simple old smart TVs can do it

[@Diablo22967]

The remote is one of the biggest differences. from a simple Bluetooth to IR( infrared) meaning you can control your box and tv at the same time (on and off and volume which was always the problem)

[@WootDini]

Thanks for the extra information :) I will have to test this out

[@Diablo22967]

@@WootDini Let me know how it works out. only other thing (other than Gtv that would get me from changing from the first Gen

[@WootDini]

@@Diablo22967 its just alot faster in general for me. These devices tend to slow down after time. But to get GTV is a mission of layers of vpns and bypasses.

[@wootcomment]

​@@Diablo22967yea works well :) Actually was wife who was loosing her cool as she did not realise one was controlling other lol

[@prabakaranprabakaran1590]

I bought Xiaomi tv box 2nd gen. I can’t receive Dolby Atmos sound in my nose soundbar. IT’s received only LPCM2.0. Sound settings I selected as auto . Please advise

[@jag642]

Are you using SPDIF audio output to connect to sound bar? Also have you checked for software update and is SPDIF output option now available in audio output setting?

[@WootDini]

Heya I will need to investigate as it's dependant on how the box processes the signal. Lpcm is still analogue at its root so it depends on how you are connecting to the sound bar. Dolby would come from HDMI as HDMI can transfer a digital signal which Dolby is. If you are transferring the sound from the TV to the bar with a cable then I will need to do even more research. Will wait for your response

[@shaymajacoub8880]

Hey as u were saying that u bought this box. Actually i am planning to buy it too but i am a little nervous about the rams to be honest and also if its really great no bugs or getting slower by the time the quality and all that stuff so if u could reply i would be really grateful thank u

[@reginaldrheeder8661]

Is it possible to connect the mi box to more than one tv or must each tv have its own xiaomi s box?

[@WootDini]

Heya Think I answered this on another string but: You theoretically can share the picture over network as a mirror. But you can't share the device and use it independently on 2 different TVs. For independent use you need 2

[@tboysquaregaming6827]

Can I install application outside of playstore?

[@WootDini]

Yea you should be able to. It's still an android based OS so you can install APKs. I have done so on all previous versions. I guess it will depend on the application

[@jag642]

Hello sir, nice review. I have one question though can you please check with latest update, is SPDIF audio output option back now along with AUTO and PCM etc, which allows to connect MI box with sound bar with minitoslink cable and get dolby audio in soundbar. I came to know to initial release was missing SPDIF audio output option in audio setting, In 1st gen of MI box S, SPDIF issue has been solved with an update, however not sure if this 2nd gen box has received update which solves dolby digital audio output issue with SPDIF. Please check and advise about the same. Thanks in advance.

[@WootDini]

Hello I will check this with Xiaomi and advise :) I mentioned in the other comment it depends on how the box processes audio and if it only applies digital processing through HDMI or its done through that and the 3.5. On SPDIF are you referring to the out on the TV to sound bar ?

[@jag642]

@@WootDini Hi, thanks for reply, i currently have mi box 3, which has same audio out port as this 2nd gen box which is 3.5mm/spdif port. This port is not not simple 3.5mm jack port it's a SPDIF one, as you can see red light coming out of it as a optical port and one can use minitoslink to toslink cable to directly connect tv box to sound bar for digital audio. Now Issue here is that in 2nd gen box SPDIF output option was missing in initial software release, and only auto, pcm and manual format option were available, and because of this soundbar shows only PCM 2.0 audio and not Dolby 5.1 audio to soundbar. Now some users are saying update might have been received that solves this SPDIF issue. Hence I request you to check with latest update if SPDIF output option is back in sound settings of 2nd gen box along with PCM and auto option. Just please check sound setting of this box. I want to purchase this box, only awaiting if this issue has been solved and taken care of with latest software update. Pls check and advise.

[@WootDini]

@@jag642 Helllo :) asked Xiaomi to advise on update and will let u know as soon as I do

[@jag642]

@@WootDini Appreciate your efforts, thanks.

[@jag642]

@@WootDini Any reply from Xiaomi Sir?

[@patee101]

I bought this device the other day and I'm totally satisfied with it, because it's working perfectly well for what I bought. (I wanted a device which can play videos that my Samsung TV can't anymore from an external hard drive.) My only problem is that I can't get the TV Box to play high quality digital sound like Dolby Vision/Atmos, DTS. My TV is connected via a digital optical cable with the receiver of my 5.0 sound system and it perfectly works when I start a film on Netflix or a film on the external hard drive (or if I want to play music or a film on my Blu-ray player.). Dolby or DTS instantly switches on when I start a film on either Netflix or the external hard drive, but it never happens when I start a film via the TV Box, I only get stereo sound quality. I'd be very grateful of someone could help me solve this issue!

[@WootDini]

Heya You not the only person who as asked this and I have tried to find a solution but have not been able to find anything concrete yet. Sorry :(

[@patee101]

@@WootDini Thank you for your reply. I'm very sorry to hear that of course, because I'd like to enjoy my 5.0 speaker system to the full. I've tried all the options I could think of, also I asked for help from a friend of mine, who's an expert and he said it should be working, so it seems that the issue must be with the device itself (or rather the software) and if, as you say, I'm not the only person experiencing this problem, Xiaomi should solve it. I hope they will!

[@owoichoigoji6892]

​@@WootDinibetween this and the Mecool KM2 Plus which is better or which do you recommend?

[@riaanaitssa]

Is Plex available on the Google apps?

[@WootDini]

Hey Just checked and yes. But does not seem to be well rated, probably a washed down version. But you can still do the whole APK thing

[@haroundarjaj9036]

I bought my mi tv box 2nd gen, the problem I faced that I cant turn it on using google assisstant on my phone, all other commands working fine except for turning on, any idea how can I do that that will be very very helpful 😕

[@WootDini]

Heya. So the only way you would be able to do that is installing the remote on your phone. Remember a remote is IR vs Google assistant is instruction over internet protocol. If the device is not on, it can't receive IP, it can only receive IR (infrared)

[@KingCirclejerk]

Can it play audio and video from an external hard disk?

[@WootDini]

Great question, let me try. BRB

[@WootDini]

First try was a fail. I put jpg, mp4 and mov and it does not see it. Seems you can expand the device storage with external. Ill see if that works but it means you need to download from the device onto the storage Ill keep trying, please DM me on social for update

[@vittoriopierantozzi3893]

Does it have av1 codex support?

[@WootDini]

Heya According to the specs yes. I have not tried personally

[@Joel-wd1qn]

does it have google play store?

[@WootDini]

Heya Not in the traditional sense. There are apps you can download of course but in order to get "full play store" you need to side load like the 1st gen

[@porodicnoblago5791]

Csn xou play movie vis usb stick in this box

[@WootDini]

Hey Yea you can. I have seen people do it. But it has to be the correct format

[@ibrahimkhalilullah4658]

Can i download third party streaming apks in this version?

[@WootDini]

I don't see why not. It's still got Andriod based applications. I will be installing on mine soon

[@fayaazabdoola7676]

​@@WootDinilet us know how it goes my guy. After seeing your vid I am considering getting gen 1 for Android TV as it's easier to download apks and stream from websites.

[@godfrey4062]

Can i download more apps?

[@WootDini]

Yep you can with no issue

[@periclesngon6854]

I bought the box and not even 2 weeks later the remote got bad i don’t really know how 😢

[@WootDini]

As in not working ? Check batteries, if still not working, return it. Sounds like something is wrong

[@user-sk2er1yw6c]

Bro i can't see google play in apps,why?

[@WootDini]

Heya Google play is the app to find apps ? But if you mean you can't find the app Store itself. You can try use the voice function to say which app you are looking for. It's not a pure Andriod device (well it's Google TV) so it's not like a mobile phone

[@user-oj1lu3jx5z]

at least they should upgrade the storage to 32 or 64 GB

[@WootDini]

Can agree with that

[@hazheryahya]

Why apple tv is not available on my box

[@WootDini]

You will need to install from the store

[@danieliorga2000]

Buggy tv box! Always HDR make SD like radioactiv. And i cannot change setings since Netflix became too dark. (8bit deactivate HDR) Hardware decoding and acceleration: -Mp4 container with HEVC are framing sometimes (always in the xiaomi stick) - Vlc source players (also in the xiaomi stick)- hevc does not keep ratio (hardware instruction amlogic) . - Amlogic old mpeg4 bug (some videos have artefacts) affect all tv boxes with amlogic soc. I had most cerfified TV boxes made. Now i keep only 9: 2 Shields (tube+pro) , 3 xiaomi (stick 4k, S, S gen 2), 2 nokia 8000 and 8010 , Google ones, Amazon stick.

[@WootDini]

Sorry to hear. This product is for the masses who need an easy solution. Most people don't even know what HEVC is or bit colour. There are definitely more robust TV boxes out there. Since I released this video I have been spammed from chinese companies to review theirs and one even had 10bit colour (no idea how that will work unless you have an insane screen).

[@AbdulGafoor-rp3fm]

Does this product work in India?

[@WootDini]

Heya. If google services work in India I don't see why it would not

[@pausiee_gaming]

Is this Dolby atmos compatible?

[@8055lg]

Yes

[@pausiee_gaming]

@@8055lg thnks

[@WootDini]

Sorry yes it is. And dts

[@IO-zz2xy]

Lekker boet.

[@WootDini]

[@SupingMakhate]

My remote does not pair,tried thousands of times

[@WootDini]

Heya its not meant to be paired. meant to work out of the box. I would send for replacement

[@TransnetAcademyLearning]

Only subscribed because his South African #Loyalty, and sounds American 😂

[@WootDini]

I sound American ???! Lol no can't be :)

[@idr017]

Purchased one of these... absolute piece of garbage. It's slow and lagging, a Firestick Lite is faster. After a day I binned it that's how bad it is.

[@WootDini]

Maybe a bad batch ? I'm using mine 6 months later with no issues really. If slow I just clear cache etc and reset

[@narvaeztiamson918]

Can i format the external storage to device storage?

[@WootDini]

Heya Yea you can. When you plug in a media device, there should be prompts to be able to use it. I cannot confirm that you can install apps etc from it. I will try that but it seems to be a media extension

[@narvaeztiamson918]

@@WootDini thanks bro ♥️

[@yourasiandaddy69]

why the fk is ur camera facing ur monitor recording

[@WootDini]

Lol I run everything through 10bit capture to PC and forgot to minimise. Did not think it looked that bad