Android TV Box Performance Review, Carrying Android to the Big Screen

With a more relieved visual display, This product brings multimedia experience different than a limited screen tablet computer. Right now many emerging digital player devices shift the existence of DVD players. For who are accustomed to downloading digital content (music, photo, or video) would know this kind of tool.

Well the latter gaining in popularity, as the development of systems based on Android gadgets, is the Set-Top-Box (STB) especially useful for presenting multimedia experience on a TV screen. This device is more popularly known as the android tv box which now being circulated in various brands.

Android TV Box design average similar to the first comes multimedia player. The design is compact so it does not require much space next to your TV. To connect to the TV channels are provided HDMI and also component (YPbPr). This second option is a good option when you use TV does not yet provide an HDMI connection. To connect with Internet two paths provided, via the LAN cable (RJ-45) or via Wi-Fi to make it more practical. Moreover, now connect via Wi-Fi is commonly used.

Because its function similar to a computer tablet, Android TV Box control is assisted by a remote control provided. In addition, manufacturers also include a wireless mouse that is useful for controlling a cursor on the screen. The use of this mouse could be considered a substitute method on a computer touchscreen tablet.

Unfortunately, the system in Android TV Box does not support a multitouch method so that image in the screen can not be zoomed/minimized. The device also does not provide a motion sensor (accelerometer) that sometimes required for certain applications.

Even though the size is quite slim, the device comes with a 900 MHz processor speed Amlogic, 512 MB RAM capacity, 2 GB storage, and as the main component. The Graphics chip was powered by Mali-400MP that is quite powerful for its class. No wonder that the performance values can be displayed higher than the same set-top box we’ve ever tried (see table).

Some of the HD game we tried was running smoothly although some appear to look too flat due to a resolution of 1240×690 pixels which is rather unusual. Android 2.3.4-based devices are also able to meet Internet activity (browsing and chat) or showing films of various formats.

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You want to get a tablet computing experience on a larger screen without mobile convenience are sure to appreciate Android TV Box’s existence. At least the Android platform computing activities can be obtained with a different impression. This is because opening Facebook, send e-mail, up to play the game certainly feels more “spacious” on the TV screen. In any such device is an attractive partner for TV at home.

Testing Results

*the higher score better

Specification

	Many Connections This device has a lot of I/O ports including audio channels for microphone and line connection to the TV component as well as HDMI channels.
	Attractive Lounge If the other Android devices come with a home screen, this player displays a more familiar initial interface through the pictorial (iconic) menu for each activity.
	Wireless Mouse Because access to the remote control considered incomplete/uncomfortable, the extra wireless mouse from the package very clearly to help users accessing the Android system.

Conclusion

Plus: Compact design; many I/O facilities; wireless mouse bonus; good performance; affordable prices.

Minus: No specific facilities accelerometer and multitouch.

Score Assessment
 - Performance: 4.5
 - Facilities: 3.75
 - Ease: 4
 - Price: 4.5
 - Total Score: 4.09