Google Chromecast or Android TV box

[LandyMan]

Morning all,

I am in two minds with regards to getting a Chromecast (convenient to quickly cast content from phones and tablets) or an Android TV box (more functionality, native apps, etc).

Now my question, is it possible to cast from a phone via the Android box to the TV, basically having the best of both worlds?

 

[Ecco]

most android tv boxes have built in casting capability. I know for sure the telkom LIT box and Mi box both do this.

 

[wtg]

I have a chromecast - it gets annoying to always have to take out your phone to watch/skip intros or do basically anything.

Go with a good media box.

 

[JOEY_8]

Morning all,

I am in two minds with regards to getting a Chromecast (convenient to quickly cast content from phones and tablets) or an Android TV box (more functionality, native apps, etc).

Now my question, is it possible to cast from a phone via the Android box to the TV, basically having the best of both worlds?

Get a Android TV Box that has chromecast integrated. The ones I know that have this is the MiBox, LitBox and Skyworth Binge. The Skyworth Binge should be cheaper than a Google Chromecast device.

 

[theratman]

I have both and while I love my Chromecast I prefer the ease of use of the box. Chromecast also loses signal from time to time requiring app or device restarts, which is annoying.

 

[Polymathic]

Get a Android TV Box that has chromecast integrated. The ones I know that have this is the MiBox, LitBox and Skyworth Binge. The Skyworth Binge should be cheaper than a Google Chromecast device.

Skyworth was having problems casting, they realised an update yesterday though I haven't tested
it yet though

 

[phly]

I recommend the Mi Box - casts and does a host of other things. It'll open a whole new world for you.

 

[LandyMan]

Ok, so I guess I was right to ask the question based on the comments.
Any recommendation on keyboard to use with the Mi Box, or is that not really required?

 

[deweyzeph]

Mi Box is by far the best Android TV box officially available in SA at the moment. It's officially supported by Netflix, DSTV and Showmax.

You do not need a keyboard for the Mi Box. It's interface is 100% designed to work with the remote, and the remote is pretty slick compared to other media players I've encountered. Plus the Mi Box has voice control which works really well.

 

[Jasop]

Mi Box is by far the best Android TV box officially available in SA at the moment. It's officially supported by Netflix, DSTV and Showmax.

You do not need a keyboard for the Mi Box. It's interface is 100% designed to work with the remote, and the remote is pretty slick compared to other media players I've encountered. Plus the Mi Box has voice control which works really well.

Chromecast might be better if the wifi router is far away and you want something wireless.

Mibox with the built in Chromecast is now better in every other way, especially now that it can even be controlled by Google home smart speakers which used to be a big benefit of the Chromecast.

Mibox does tend to act up occasionally requiring a reboot / pulling the power cable etc.

 

[Bull1012]

Mi Box is by far the best Android TV box officially available in SA at the moment. It's officially supported by Netflix, DSTV and Showmax.

Mibox or if you have the budget - Nvidia Shield TV

 

[Jasop]

Mibox or if you have the budget - Nvidia Shield TV

Yes the Shield is a lot better, but at 4x the price it's not worth it unless you specifically need a gaming box.

 

[WaxLyrical]

Not sure if the Skyworth has built in Cc but they releasing an update soon, that has NTFS support.
Which means you can connect your 2TB HDD, and enjoy your old movies off your Android box.
Install FLUD and your DL are sorted.

Can't do this with a Cc.

 

[JOEY_8]

Not sure if the Skyworth has built in Cc but they releasing an update soon, that has NTFS support.
Which means you can connect your 2TB HDD, and enjoy your old movies off your Android box.
Install FLUD and your DL are sorted.

Can't do this with a Cc.

It's built in, and the update was released about a week ago

 

[deweyzeph]

Chromecast might be better if the wifi router is far away and you want something wireless.

Mibox with the built in Chromecast is now better in every other way, especially now that it can even be controlled by Google home smart speakers which used to be a big benefit of the Chromecast.

Mibox does tend to act up occasionally requiring a reboot / pulling the power cable etc.

I haven't had any problems with the wifi on the Mibox, although maybe I'm just lucky. Been running it on a 5GHz network, and getting solid performance even on 4k resolution streaming from Youtube. It does have the occasional hiccup though where you have to reboot it, but these are pretty few and far between.

I used to have a Minix which became completely useless to me after they lost their Google certification (if they even ever had it). The Minix is not a true Android TV box, it basically just runs a Minix-modified version of standard Android, which means it never worked very well with a remote, and you need a keyboard and mouse to get the most out it. This worked well for me as a techie, but I could never recommend a Minix for non-technical users. The Mibox however is perfect for non-technical people.

 

[johnnyenglish]

Yes the Shield is a lot better, but at 4x the price it's not worth it unless you specifically need a gaming box.

Hi do you have one? I am considering one but the Pro version is borderline PS4 money!

 

[ShloshMalosh]

Ok, so I guess I was right to ask the question based on the comments.
Any recommendation on keyboard to use with the Mi Box, or is that not really required?

The Mibox, Lit box, Skyworth, and myGica are all certified android boxes that come with Chromecast built in

They come with a air mouse but no keyboard.
You can check takealot etc for options.
Theres also the Android remote app that lets you use your phone as a remote + voice input + Keyboard

 

[Jasop]

Hi do you have one? I am considering one but the Pro version is borderline PS4 money!

Couldn't justify buying one based on the price. So far I'm quite happy with the mibox.

 

[milan188]

With a Chromecast you can use USB power to power it where an android box you need a separate power source. Might not be a big deal for most but it was a deciding factor for me.

 

[Sumen]

Not sure if the Skyworth has built in Cc but they releasing an update soon, that has NTFS support.
Which means you can connect your 2TB HDD, and enjoy your old movies off your Android box.
Install FLUD and your DL are sorted.

Can't do this with a Cc.

Anything with Android TV has ChromeCast built-in.