How to choose an Android set-top box for a TV in 2023

A modern TV without access to Internet services and applications turns into a simple monitor, but built-in Smart systems often work slowly or do not support the required video formats. It is in such situations that TV Box comes to the rescue - a compact device that gives a second life to any panel, regardless of the year of manufacture. The market is overcrowded with dozens of models, and it is easy for a newcomer to get confused in the characteristics, marketing gimmicks and technical nuances.

In 2023, the choice is no longer obvious, as old proven models give way to new chipsets with support AV1 i Wi-Fi 6. A mistake when purchasing can lead to the device slowing down even when watching YouTube or not being able to handle high bitrate files. In this article, we will look at what parameters to look at first, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.

Key characteristics of the processor and decoding

The heart of any set-top box is SoC (System on Chip), which combines a central processor, a graphics core and a video processor. In 2023, chips based on the ARM Cortex-A55architecture, which ensure stable operation of the interface, became the de facto standard. However, for heavy tasks, such as running games or working with torrents directly on the device, it is better to focus on more powerful cores. Budget models are often limited by the codec Cortex-A73 or Cortex-A76.

Particular attention should be paid to supporting video codecs, since this is what determines the smooth playback of content from external media or from the network. Budget models are often limited by codec H.264, which is no longer sufficient for modern 4K content. Top-end devices must confidently decode H.265 (HEVC) and, what is becoming increasingly relevant, the latest codec AV1which is being actively implemented by streaming services.

⚠️ Attention: Do not blindly believe the declared 8K support in the characteristics of cheap set-top boxes. This is often a marketing ploy, and the actual interface will run at 30 Hz or freeze altogether when trying to play.

An important aspect is the availability of hardware acceleration for popular container formats such as MKV or MP4. If you plan to use the set-top box as a media center for your home movie collection, make sure that the chipset supports passthrough audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This will allow you to transfer clear sound to an external receiver or soundbar without loss of quality.

Amount of RAM and type of drive

RAM (RAM) is a resource that directly affects multitasking and the speed of switching between applications. The minimum comfortable volume in current realities can be considered 2 GB, however, for full operation of Android TV with heavy shells, it is better to immediately look for models with 4 GB and higher. Lack of memory leads to constant unloading of background applications and long menu loading times.

The type of internal memory (ROM) also plays a role, especially if you plan to install a lot of games or heavy applications like Kodi with large libraries of addons. The standard solution remains memory type eMMC 5.1, which provides acceptable read and write speeds. More expensive models can be equipped with memory UFS, which significantly speeds up system startup and installation of updates.

It is worth considering that part of the built-in storage is always occupied by system files, so the declared ones 16 GB in practice turn into available 10-11 GB. If you plan to store content locally, the presence of a slot for memory cards microSD or ports USB 3.0 for connecting external hard drives will be a critical selection factor.

Connection interfaces and network capabilities

Set of ports determines how versatile your set-top box will be as part of your home theater. The mandatory minimum in 2023 is the presence of a port HDMI 2.1 or at least HDMI 2.0 with support for HDCP 2.2, which is necessary for outputting 4K HDR content from protected sources. The lack of support for HDCP 2.2 may result in some streaming services refusing to display images in high resolution.

Ports are important for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice or gamepads. USB. It is desirable that at least one of them be standard USB 3.0 (blue), as this will provide the necessary bandwidth for playing video from external drives. The presence of a port S/PDIF (optical output) will be a plus for owners of old receivers that do not support audio transmission via HDMI.

Network modules are another point where manufacturers often save money. If your router supports the standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), it makes sense to choose a set-top box with a similar module for stable streaming of heavy content without buffering. However, for maximum picture quality and the absence of delays, nothing can replace a wired connection through the port Ethernet with a speed of 1000 Mbps.

Operating system and certification Google

When choosing a set-top box, it is important to distinguish between devices with a certified system Android TV (or Google TV) and boxes with a regular tablet Android. Certified devices have an official interface adapted for remote control and access to a store Google Play with optimized applications. This ensures stable operation and timely receipt of security updates.

Devices without certification often operate under the control of a conventional Android, the interface of which is inconvenient to control with a remote control, requiring the connection of a mouse or a gyroscopic remote control-air mouse. In addition, such devices may not run DRM-protected applications, such as 4K or 4K, as they require a license. Warning: The lack of a logo on the box means you may encounter problems running popular streaming services in high quality. Netflix in 4K or Disney+as they require a license Widevine L1.

⚠️ Attention: No logo Google Certified on the box means you may encounter problems running popular streaming services in high quality.

However, for advanced users, regular Android boxes may be interesting because they allow you to install any APK files and completely customize the system. If you do not need licensed streaming services, and your priority is to install third-party software like Torrent Stream or emulators, then the lack of certification will not be an obstacle.

Comparison of popular chipsets in 2023

The processor market for TV boxes in 2023 is represented by several key players, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. The company Amlogicis considered a leader in performance and support for modern codecs, whose chip series S905X4 and S905X3 have become the gold standard of the industry. They do an excellent job of decoding AV1 and have good support from the developer community.

The company Rockchip also offers interesting solutions, such as RK3588which are often used in more expensive and powerful devices, including mini-PCs. These chips have impressive processing power, but can be overkill for simple video viewing. The budget segment is often occupied by solutions from Allwinner or older Amlogic models, which are worth taking only with a very limited budget.

Don't forget about processors from Realtek, which are often found in devices from brands like Xiaomi or Nokia. They are famous for their excellent picture quality and good upscaling algorithms, but may be inferior to competitors in support of third-party software and file format.

A modern set-top box is not just a player, but a control center for a smart home. Many devices support protocols Google Home or Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control lights, thermostats and cameras directly from the TV screen or by voice. The presence of a built-in microphone in the remote control greatly simplifies content search and navigation control.