I purchased this Google tv box, R-Box with rockchip 2918 chipset. After searching all internet I found nothing about this device, so I decide to write my own review and hopefully find some help from more experinced android users (this is my first android device ever).
After playing with the device I found it very good! It played all the videos fine ( mkv 1080 played from an external usb hard disc) with the original video player of the device. My samsung tv says that the output is 1280×720.
I am posting some fotos of the device and infos about cpu, memory etc. I you want to ask anything please do. Also if you have any infos about how to root etc please post.
Specifications:
1. Rockchip RK2918 , up to 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A8
2.1080P media+3D GPU2. DDRII 512MB RAM, 4GB Flash
3.Android 2.3 operating system
4.Wi-Fi, Ethernet
5.Full HD 1080P hardware video decoder
6. Video Support: RM/RMVB, MPEG, MKV, AVI, FLV, VP8 up to 1080P
6.HDMI1.3 interface
7. Audio L/R: Left & Right ster
8. 2 wireless control
12.Built-in flash player 10.1
13.Full inrerner browser
14.Emali,Instant messenger
16.Online video,music and games
17.Support Extent Wire mouse or wireless mouse.
18.Color: blue or Black
Package contents:
1x Android TV Set-Top box
1x HDMI cable
1x Remote controller
1x Charger
1x CD
What I received was an IR remote controller(very cheap) and some video and audio cables. When I power on the machine and went to the browser , it downloaded and installed flash player 10.3! Also I can see full android market, but I think it is the previous version( not the latest one). About memory I can't see 4GB Flash.
Two more fotos:
Last edited by sstavross; September 13th, 2011 at 01:13 PM.
I tried 1080p videos from external usd hdd and it was perfect! I played them with the default video player of the device. I'll try moboplayer later, they say that it is the best android video player. I didn't tried external subs, I'll do this and tell you. But as I wrote in my first post, my samsung tv said that the output was 720 60fps even if I played 1080 videos in 24Hz.
Hi I also order the same Rockchip player, but with different box shape at $103 shipped. The spec is exactly the same but without bluetooth and 2.4ghz builtin, and no hdmi cable. Will put some review when i get it.
I think your player displays two portions of internal flash drive which sums up to around 3.xGB. So it really sees the 4GB flash chip; however I don't know why some space is missing.
so your saying the box says bluetooth support but that was a load of bull ?
in terms of the cheap remote you cant use the handy mini keyboard like sony or revue
Please kindly update your progress (or not progress) here. Thanks.
I still can't find my box firmware download
Thank you very much for the links!! You are right, I think it is the same box with mine! I'll download the firmware and I'll tell you my finding!
How did you find it?
Thank you very much for the links!! You are right, I think it is the same box with mine! I'll download the firmware and I'll tell you my finding!
How did you find it?
I find this by using google image search, search for same box looks, but sold by different websites; until I found this seller website.
I wish I could root mine as well because:
1. I want to change pixel/inch to display bigger icon/font
2. can use remote control app to control my Android box from internet
3. use Market Enabler to change Market location for some hidden apps not listed in my Market location.
Hope you are good luck with the root on the new firmware file.
Well, after downloading the firmware you suggested, I tried to root it but no luck :-( The system is encrypted cramfs and until now for this firmware and chipset(rockchip 2918) there is no rooting.
After updating the firmware I went to system info to see if there was any change. Well,no! The firmware version is exactly the same as the previous one(v.1.28_0707). But there were same changes: I can now change the resolutuion to 1080p like your box bthoven! Also I can set the display output to VGA or TV(which my box hasn't! No VGA or composite output, only component) Apart from this I didn't notice any other changes in the system. If I find anything else I'll inform the forum here.
I'm glad you are now able to output fullhd video at 1080p with the other firmware.
Thanks for your updates. I hope someone could manage to root your and my tv box.
BTW, are you able to play flash inside browser? Mine works fine out of the box, but once I update Adobe Flash to 10.3 and now 11, it is not working anymore .
I have some news about our devices with the rockchip chipset. I had an email from one guy from the factory that produces these boxes. Here is his answer about firmware updates:
"Honestly tell you , Rockchip TV Box is not mature ,I mean , rockchip`s function and performance still need to be improved .
Many manufacturers and buyers are suffering from this Rockchip model . most buyes are not satified with the quality of Rockchip . now we already stopped promoting our model of TB06 . We are waiting for Rockchip`s improving for the Box . No one knows when it will be ready . if the quality are imrpoved , we will continue to sell it , otherwise , we will stop it .
At present , we recommend you to try TV Box with Amlogic solution or Samsung solution , these two solutions are more mature ."
The TB06 is my model but on a price list he sent me for the other solutions, it lists your model with the same discription as mine "N/A".
So , we are alone... until they come back to suport these boxes again, or someone from the communitty tries to make a custom firmware... It is pity...
Well sstavross, I'm really happy with my box now. With this price ($103.- shipped), I got more than what I would have expected. Play most Android apps, flash support (working now with 10.2 only), output fullhd videos.
I saw the popular Flexiview FV-1 model can't output real FullHD movie, and with only 2GB internal flash. I rather keep mine.
Can't root my box is not a big deal .
I believe your box is also performing well as mine. New firmware doesn't really improve much as long as it is on Froyo/Gingerbread.
I also have Logitech Revue ordered from Amazon (I pay $162 including shipping from US to Thailand + import tax). With current Revue firmware, our Android box can do much more than Revue. I bought it hoping to have it updated with official Honeycomb firmware in the near future. Have to admit that Revue video output quality is clearer and crisp; its included wireless keyboard/touchpad is really excellent.
hi guys, this is my first post.
i have the same rockchip tv-box and i'm quite happy.
my doubt is about wireless mouse and keyboard, today i bought a set from TRUST, model wireless deskset, but it didn't work.
Do you have any model suggestion, do you find a working wireless mouse?
Hi, thanks for all information.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bthoven
Well, I'm not sure how unstable it is, but my G-Box (RK2918) has been serving me well for almost a month now.
have you tried to playback moves which is 1080P H.264 format with bitrate 45Mbps and file size bigger than 4GB on your box?
I think you will have trouble to play most of the 1080P files on Rbox.
hi guys, this is my first post.
i have the same rockchip tv-box and i'm quite happy.
my doubt is about wireless mouse and keyboard, today i bought a set from TRUST, model wireless deskset, but it didn't work.
Do you have any model suggestion, do you find a working wireless mouse?
Hi, thanks for all information.
hi guys, this is my first post.
i have the same rockchip tv-box and i'm quite happy.
my doubt is about wireless mouse and keyboard, today i bought a set from TRUST, model wireless deskset, but it didn't work.
Do you have any model suggestion, do you find a working wireless mouse?
Hi, thanks for all information.
Hi I just bought Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 (keyboard + mouse) and it works great with rockchip tv box.. You do not have to connect the usb receiver into the port labeled
"device"..
regards
The Following User Says Thank You to clamel For This Useful Post:
Well, after downloading the firmware you suggested, I tried to root it but no luck :-( The system is encrypted cramfs and until now for this firmware and chipset(rockchip 2918) there is no rooting.
After updating the firmware I went to system info to see if there was any change. Well,no! The firmware version is exactly the same as the previous one(v.1.28_0707). But there were same changes: I can now change the resolutuion to 1080p like your box bthoven! Also I can set the display output to VGA or TV(which my box hasn't! No VGA or composite output, only component) Apart from this I didn't notice any other changes in the system. If I find anything else I'll inform the forum here.
Hi, I have a question.. what kind of cable did you use to connect tvbox to your pc? did you find it in the package?
Hi I just bought Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 (keyboard + mouse) and it works great with rockchip tv box.. You do not have to connect the usb receiver into the port labeled
"device"..
Well sstavross, I'm really happy with my box now. With this price ($103.- shipped), I got more than what I would have expected. Play most Android apps, flash support (working now with 10.2 only), output fullhd videos.
I saw the popular Flexiview FV-1 model can't output real FullHD movie, and with only 2GB internal flash. I rather keep mine.
Can't root my box is not a big deal .
I believe your box is also performing well as mine. New firmware doesn't really improve much as long as it is on Froyo/Gingerbread.
I also have Logitech Revue ordered from Amazon (I pay $162 including shipping from US to Thailand + import tax). With current Revue firmware, our Android box can do much more than Revue. I bought it hoping to have it updated with official Honeycomb firmware in the near future. Have to admit that Revue video output quality is clearer and crisp; its included wireless keyboard/touchpad is really excellent.
Hi bthoven, do you have some pictures or videos showing the diference between the video output on this two devices?
HI, I have a question.
Is possible to install psx, SNES andN64 emulators in this device?
Yes I installed mame4droid and it works.. sometimes it crashes, but it is a problem of my tvbox device, beacause it also crashes if I use others programs..
I did a search in the market using "PSX" keyword and I found some psx emulators..
The Following User Says Thank You to clamel For This Useful Post:
Yes I installed mame4droid and it works.. sometimes it crashes, but it is a problem of my tvbox device, beacause it also crashes if I use others programs..
I did a search in the market using "PSX" keyword and I found some psx emulators..
Thanks.
I saw PSX and N64 amulator running great on Flexiview FV-1, so i am thinking this box could run better because of the fastest CPU.
I tried three usb bluetooth and does not work
does not support bluetooth?.....
WIRELESS keyboard "mini chat board" of SPEEDLINK for PS3 work, it is comfortable and small
Last edited by dreanmoon; November 3rd, 2011 at 02:50 PM.
I have some news about our devices with the rockchip chipset. I had an email from one guy from the factory that produces these boxes. Here is his answer about firmware updates:
"Honestly tell you , Rockchip TV Box is not mature ,I mean , rockchip`s function and performance still need to be improved .
Many manufacturers and buyers are suffering from this Rockchip model . most buyes are not satified with the quality of Rockchip . now we already stopped promoting our model of TB06 . We are waiting for Rockchip`s improving for the Box . No one knows when it will be ready . if the quality are imrpoved , we will continue to sell it , otherwise , we will stop it .
At present , we recommend you to try TV Box with Amlogic solution or Samsung solution , these two solutions are more mature ."
Nothing wrong with the chipset, they just need a stable firmware & a better remote control..The remote is useless, so make no wonder customers are unhappy..Put in a good remote & you'll get more happy customers, which in return will bring about more custom roms..
The TB06 is my model but on a price list he sent me for the other solutions, it lists your model with the same discription as mine "N/A".
So , we are alone... until they come back to suport these boxes again, or someone from the communitty tries to make a custom firmware... It is pity...
Hardly any of these chinese android devices have good support..I've always relied on the custom roms for stable and feature added firmwares. Speaking of which, are there any available yet?
Last edited by ftanl; November 16th, 2011 at 11:43 PM.
I have received a file from my seller, after i request for firmware upgrade. he send me an .img file. how to update the firmware for G BOX (rockchip 2918) ??
When this may work, will post the file for others.
First, I can't download the file, it asks me to give my phone number. Can you upload it on a different hoster?
Second what do you mean when you say that you "have try this with G-Box without any luck"? Did G-Box load the new firmware and not working or didn't load the firmware at all?
First, I can't download the file, it asks me to give my phone number. Can you upload it on a different hoster?
Second what do you mean when you say that you "have try this with G-Box without any luck"? Did G-Box load the new firmware and not working or didn't load the firmware at all?
It seems like it update, but i dont see any difference.
R-Box Rockchip 2918 Google TV
.
Bluetooth
