It was a good and fast box, but with two main issues: too small fonts/icons for TV, and audio sync issue (a bit of issue). So I decided to sell it.
As I've not seen anyone really review Android TV Box equipped with Telechip 8902, so I decided to buy a no-name box from China at rather cheap price ($77, china post to Bangkok, Thailand). It took 16 days before it arrived at my house.
I know that Telechip CPU performance, according to its specification, seems poorer than other CPUs in the market now, but whether it can at least serves my purposes; and so far it is.
Brief spec:
Telechip TCC8902 720Mhz with builtin 2D/3D
RAM: 512MB
ROM: 2GB
With or without Wifi (I choose to order a builtin Wifi)
Android 2.3
Official Android Market (quite a new version)
Ports:
Front: IR receiver
Back: DC-in, HDMI, LAN (RJ-45), AV out (accept 3.5mm input jack)
Left side: 2xusb, sdcard slot
Accessories: hdmi cable, AV cable (3.5mm jack-to-yellow, red, white RCA jack), AC adapter (5v, 2A), and small remote control
This is my only one night of experience playing with the box. I'll keep on updating my feedback.
My overall first impression:
0. it is a tiny box! I wondered it is as small as Apple TV, very light
1. the IR remote operating angle is surprisingly good and responsive (no mouse control, just jump to next command with four directional keys (my distance from TV is 2.5m). Press the power button on remote will put the box into the standby mode; push it again to wake it up.
2. the text and icon displays are very clear and big, very suitable for viewing on TV. This is what I’m looking for
3. All stock applications can be updated through included Android Market (on my previous box, some stock apps can’t be updated). Once updated, it can be reverted back to the stock version.
4. The box can play 720p and 1080p, and can output high resolution video at FullHD quality. There is no sound for MKV file, though it can play it rather smooth.
5. Can set output resolution to either 1280x720 60hz and 1920x1080p 60z. The output sound is loud and clear.
6. The UI is very pleasant to see with big fonts and icons. It looks like a generic Android 2.3 UI. However, I can’t find a way to display the top notification/status bar. Thus, can’t pull down the status bar for checking its details. Quite strange. . All applications which I used are easy to read due to its large fonts
7. It supports Thai content display. However, the stock keyboard do not include Thai, though it has a lot of language choices. Smart Keyboard Pro is a good replacement with more language choices.
8. My RF wireless keyboard/touchpad (Visenta V1) can work with this box without problem. It’s much better to navigate with it rather than the included remote.
9. HD online video like: Geekbeat TV, Hak5, Cnet TV, Ted Talks, Vimeo, iMediashare,etc. are great at 720p on my Plasma TV. (with cable internet speed 10Mbps)
10. Playing Youtube inside the stock browser is working fine on HQ quality. Still can't find way to play 720p and 1080p video (also try JetVD, but it won't list mp4 HD files unless the box has Adobe Flash installed, which unfortunately, this box won't support).
11. Try to root it with Gingerbreak v.1.2 without success.
12. I connect my box with wired internet. I can turn on and connect Wifi whilst the ethernet LAN is still connected. Once both are connected to my router, I'm not sure which one take over which for internet access.
13. the included ESExplorer can see my hard drive inside my HDPro-DMB media player box which joins in the same network. However, have some hiccup playing MKV files and no sound.
14. Adobe Flash Player is not pre-installed, I tried 10.2, 10.3 and 11 without success. The seller said the box won't support Flash. All the above player can be installed, but the stock browser and Dolphin browser won't recognize Flash plugin.
15. It seems the two usb ports and sdcard reader will recognize only FAT/FAT32 formatted drives. It won't recognize my NTFS formatted drive. Need to try further on other drive.
16. Have tried Launcher Pro and it works well. However, the notification bar won't display (same for the stock launcher). With Launcher Pro, however, I can use menu command to pull down the notification area.
17. The box runs rather hot on the top cover, but no hang so far.
18. It won't recognize one of my usb Bluetooth dongle (I plan to use wii remote to control it, but so far the box still don't show bluetooth setting menu with my dongle).
19. To my surprise, upgrading firmware won't wipe out my apps and settings. Great!
Please let me know if you guys wish to test anything.
So far, it’s a great little box, I think I would keep it longer than my previous G-Box(Rockchip).
Last edited by bthoven; December 22nd, 2011 at 05:29 AM.
1- You bought it online? where?
2- The only way to install apks in this box is through market?
3- Can you test PSX and Nintendo64 emulators?
4- The sound problem on mkv files could be solved using another player?
1- You bought it online? where?
2- The only way to install apks in this box is through market?
3- Can you test PSX and Nintendo64 emulators?
4- The sound problem on mkv files could be solved using another player?
thanks!
Hi,
1. yes, bought from **********.com. You search for Android TV box and sorted by lowest price first. Then you should see it listed in first or second webpage.
2. You can also install from SDcard, just copy apk file to sdcard, and use any file explorer to browse and click to install.
3. let me try. I'm not familiar with game
4. I want to try too, but the problem is it won't recognize my ntfs/fat32 formatted hard drive which contains all my mkv files. I'll try to find and copy a smaller mkv file to my FAT formatted drive and try to play it with some other players, e.g. mobo, mx, etc.
Got a newer firmware from seller. Upgrading with the upgrade command and surprisingly, all the installed apps and settings remain intact!.
After the upgrade, it can recognize FAT32 sdcard/usb thumb drive. Playing mkv file with Moboplayer smoothly but still no sound. Mx video player won't play the same mkv file.
I'm not sure what I've done to the box. I usually can press menu button on remote, at home screen, and choose + to add either shortcuts or widgets. Now, choosing + on the menu won't do nothing (other command in the same menu, e.g. wallpaper, and settings are still working). So I can't add widget on the home screen.
Any tips to solve the problem, apart from reset the box?
update: the plus sign command to add widget and shortcuts only works at 1st home screen only. As my first home screen is all occupied by shortcuts/widgets, the plus sign command can't be further processed. Nothing wrong with the box.
Last edited by bthoven; December 5th, 2011 at 04:54 AM.
Hello. I have the similar box from pandawill.
This box is powered by Android 2.3.3 so Gingerbreak can't root it. ZergRush exploit seems to can it but needs to be recompiled to use other folders since this device can't give access to requested folders.
My box is working with 500GB NTFS HDD via external powered USB hub.
Have you tried to use powered USB hub?
Could you post here or in PM latest firmware provided?
Last edited by sm1; December 5th, 2011 at 04:32 AM.
It is a zip file, once downloaded, just copy to root of your thumb drive (don't unzip it), then use firmware update menu in the box to browse for this file, and simply confirm. It will take a few minutes to upgrade and reboot itself.
Tried this firmware and it doesn't update my device. It do something than after reboot the firmware version remains the same.
As I mentioned in earlier post, no visual or noticeable change after upgrading to version 20111110.115111. The only improvement I got is my box is now able to read FAT32 thumbdrive (and of course, new version number display in the firmware section).
Do you see the firmware update progress bar during the upgrade?
Last edited by bthoven; December 22nd, 2011 at 05:21 AM.
Hi,
I have the same box, but I have a problem with booting.
After showing the blinking Android tv logo for a while it stops showing a black screen.
Is there a way to restore it to the factory settings???
Or does anyone know about this problem???
Hi,
I have the same box, but I have a problem with booting.
After showing the blinking Android tv logo for a while it stops showing a black screen.
Is there a way to restore it to the factory settings???
Or does anyone know about this problem???
I've not got instruction from the seller. It's no harm trying this way:
1. download the update.zip file from my above post I uploaded at megaupload
2. copy update.zip to one of your sdcard at root level directory (better format the card before copy)
3. unplug your tv box and insert sdcard into it
4. plug power to your tv box, and see whether it starts the firmware update
Until I get a proper firmware update instruction from the seller, please try the above and let me know if works or not.
The Following User Says Thank You to bthoven For This Useful Post:
4. The box can play 720p and 1080p, and can output high resolution video at FullHD quality. There is no sound for MKV file, though it can play it rather smooth.
try this for solving audio problem.
Download Mx player and its proper codecs.
When your playing the file there is audio tab on the right side upwards click it and there you will find the 2 sources of audio. Select the unused source you may get the audio.
If this works you may make that source by default n settings
The Following User Says Thank You to in_msz For This Useful Post:
Just tried to update firmware by provided there.
It works! No any visible changes even firmware number the same but my box now playing FAT/FAT32 usb sticks.
Applied firmware by using SD card in NTFS. Then putted update.zip into root folder of SD card then performed system update from SD card. Device rebooted then asked me to don not switch off then showed me logo then reboot again then loaded as usually.
Do you have any news about rooting of device? With root we can do it really device of my dream about CarPC. Now I made some workaround tasks to achieve this goal but root access can make this a bit easier.
Do you have any news about rooting of device? With root we can do it really device of my dream about CarPC. Now I made some workaround tasks to achieve this goal but root access can make this a bit easier.
Hi SM1,
Great the firmware is useful to you.
I just got a set of tools from the seller (she sent me to resolve the booting problem of this box); but I have no idea how to use it. I'll upload it to megaupload for you guys who might be able to use this tool for rooting.
BTW, what is CarPC? and after the upgrade, all your own installed apps and settings remain intact? or they are all wiped out?
Last edited by bthoven; December 22nd, 2011 at 05:24 AM.
I just got a set of tools from the seller (she sent me to resolve the booting problem of this box); but I have no idea how to use it. I'll upload it to megaupload for you guys who might be able to use this tool for rooting.
Please share it with us. Maybe we can make recovery from it? With recovery we can try to make firmware that already rooted like Cyanogenmod
Hmm, it is hard to explain in two words. But I try to use this device as smart head device in my car to provide mainly navigation and any formats player (including lossless).
As display I use rear view mirror with display built-in. This display have 2 AV inputs. 1 used for rearview camera. The second one is for TV Box. Right now I'm working on Android application that provides such functions
hello sm1 do you have firmware for this android tv box megaupload is not anymore and the firmware that is linked can't be download and tools please i would like to try make custom PM me THANK
Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding Tv Box. Did anyone menage to conect external hard drive to the box? Also when I shut down the box it freezes each time I do it, I have to power it off and power on to restar again. I'm wondering if new software would solve the problem? But can't get the firmware anywhere. Would someone be able to send me link or email, please? Thanks
Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding Tv Box. Did anyone menage to conect external hard drive to the box? Also when I shut down the box it freezes each time I do it, I have to power it off and power on to restar again. I'm wondering if new software would solve the problem?
Hello. It seems that you are using HDD without external power supply.
Just used powered hub and connect to the USB2.0 input.
Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding Tv Box. Did anyone menage to conect external hard drive to the box? Also when I shut down the box it freezes each time I do it, I have to power it off and power on to restar again. I'm wondering if new software would solve the problem? But can't get the firmware anywhere. Would someone be able to send me link or email, please? Thanks
Hi Sm1, Thanks for your reply. My HDD-Maxtor 500GB NTFS format has external power supply. Could you give me step by step instructions how to instal new firmware please.
My firmware version - 191948 dated 2011/12/07
Hi Sm1, Thanks for your reply. My HDD-Maxtor 500GB NTFS format has external power supply. Could you give me step by step instructions how to instal new firmware please.
My firmware version - 191948 dated 2011/12/07
Have you used USB 2.0 Input when connecting HDD?
Could you try connect HDD via USB hub? I had troubles with HDD when connected it directly to the TV box.
You have firmware from 2011/12/07 but my firmware is 2011/11/10.
So you have more recent firmware.
But if problem persists you can update firmware for you own risk because if hardware is different from my box you will get a brick as a result.
Please try USB hub first.
The Following User Says Thank You to sm1 For This Useful Post:
It was a good and fast box, but with two main issues: too small fonts/icons for TV, and audio sync issue (a bit of issue). So I decided to sell it.
As I've not seen anyone really review Android TV Box equipped with Telechip 8902, so I decided to buy a no-name box from China at rather cheap price ($77, china post to Bangkok, Thailand). It took 16 days before it arrived at my house.
I know that Telechip CPU performance, according to its specification, seems poorer than other CPUs in the market now, but whether it can at least serves my purposes; and so far it is.
Brief spec:
Telechip TCC8902 720Mhz with builtin 2D/3D
RAM: 512MB
ROM: 2GB
With or without Wifi (I choose to order a builtin Wifi)
Android 2.3
Official Android Market (quite a new version)
Ports:
Front: IR receiver
Back: DC-in, HDMI, LAN (RJ-45), AV out (accept 3.5mm input jack)
Left side: 2xusb, sdcard slot
Accessories: hdmi cable, AV cable (3.5mm jack-to-yellow, red, white RCA jack), AC adapter (5v, 2A), and small remote control
This is my only one night of experience playing with the box. I'll keep on updating my feedback.
My overall first impression:
0. it is a tiny box! I wondered it is as small as Apple TV, very light
1. the IR remote operating angle is surprisingly good and responsive (no mouse control, just jump to next command with four directional keys (my distance from TV is 2.5m). Press the power button on remote will put the box into the standby mode; push it again to wake it up.
2. the text and icon displays are very clear and big, very suitable for viewing on TV. This is what I’m looking for
3. All stock applications can be updated through included Android Market (on my previous box, some stock apps can’t be updated). Once updated, it can be reverted back to the stock version.
4. The box can play 720p and 1080p, and can output high resolution video at FullHD quality. There is no sound for MKV file, though it can play it rather smooth.
5. Can set output resolution to either 1280x720 60hz and 1920x1080p 60z. The output sound is loud and clear.
6. The UI is very pleasant to see with big fonts and icons. It looks like a generic Android 2.3 UI. However, I can’t find a way to display the top notification/status bar. Thus, can’t pull down the status bar for checking its details. Quite strange. . All applications which I used are easy to read due to its large fonts
7. It supports Thai content display. However, the stock keyboard do not include Thai, though it has a lot of language choices. Smart Keyboard Pro is a good replacement with more language choices.
8. My RF wireless keyboard/touchpad (Visenta V1) can work with this box without problem. It’s much better to navigate with it rather than the included remote.
9. HD online video like: Geekbeat TV, Hak5, Cnet TV, Ted Talks, Vimeo, iMediashare,etc. are great at 720p on my Plasma TV. (with cable internet speed 10Mbps)
10. Playing Youtube inside the stock browser is working fine on HQ quality. Still can't find way to play 720p and 1080p video (also try JetVD, but it won't list mp4 HD files unless the box has Adobe Flash installed, which unfortunately, this box won't support).
11. Try to root it with Gingerbreak v.1.2 without success.
12. I connect my box with wired internet. I can turn on and connect Wifi whilst the ethernet LAN is still connected. Once both are connected to my router, I'm not sure which one take over which for internet access.
13. the included ESExplorer can see my hard drive inside my HDPro-DMB media player box which joins in the same network. However, have some hiccup playing MKV files and no sound.
14. Adobe Flash Player is not pre-installed, I tried 10.2, 10.3 and 11 without success. The seller said the box won't support Flash. All the above player can be installed, but the stock browser and Dolphin browser won't recognize Flash plugin.
15. It seems the two usb ports and sdcard reader will recognize only FAT/FAT32 formatted drives. It won't recognize my NTFS formatted drive. Need to try further on other drive.
16. Have tried Launcher Pro and it works well. However, the notification bar won't display (same for the stock launcher). With Launcher Pro, however, I can use menu command to pull down the notification area.
17. The box runs rather hot on the top cover, but no hang so far.
18. It won't recognize one of my usb Bluetooth dongle (I plan to use wii remote to control it, but so far the box still don't show bluetooth setting menu with my dongle).
19. To my surprise, upgrading firmware won't wipe out my apps and settings. Great!
Please let me know if you guys wish to test anything.
So far, it’s a great little box, I think I would keep it longer than my previous G-Box(Rockchip).
Hi Sm1, thanks for your help, I got the HDD connection working on USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 All I had to do was to format the HDD again.
Will anyone have newer software for TV box, than version 191948 dated 2011/12/07?
I would need step by step instructions how to change the software, please.
I will be gratefull if anyone could help, please.
Can you help me please. I have problem with my android tv box. Problem is that i have some icon and programs in chines, and i dont know how to solved these problem. I see that you have firmware in eanglish. I try to download from your link ( bthoven )but is dead. I also dont have android market.
Hello, I have more than 6 days trying to get my TV GOOGLE ANDROID.
From the first day did not work well, I have tried many methods and have had no luck.
I'm looking for firmware to install the program FWDN V 2.13 or with fastboot.
With the updates I could not solve anything.
The chip is the Telechip 8902, although I have not seen it, because it is cooler than cover the chips.
The drivers are only VTC v.5 accept myself I have also tried many firmwares of some tables and have received nothing.
Now fully brikeado is not working or anything, but if the power LED lights and I can put in debug mode, I managed to make a jumper on the back of the unit where there is a drawing of a button, it makes the bridge and starts and then retire the bridge and enter into recovery mode.
See if a colleague can help me out.
Thank you.
Greetings.
Can you tell me how to update android tv box. because when i try to update throo the sistem update it update, but when it turns back is the same that before. I have market and some odher programs in chinese.
Hi!
I am running rooted Firmware 20111110.115111.
Is there a possibility to change the HDMI ouput resolution to anything with 50Hz?
My plasma tv (Philips HD-Ready) does not work with the 60Hz nor with Auto. I am also not able to connect it to a standard pc monitor with DVI.
So i guess when i change the res. to e.g. 1280x1024@50Hz it might work.
Tiny Box Telechip TCC8902 - wow!
