Thought this might be of use to those looking for a simple streaming solution.
I currently have an old HP Microserver running Kodi 16 with various streaming add ons. Streams well no buffering or lag. This is using a 40 MBPS FTTH line. However I wanted a solution to stream DSTV Now as well. I picked up this TV box from a seller in Cape Town. Came with android 6 and the Amlogic launcher.
Early findings:
Kodi: comes with version 17.3. For some reason, I could not see the app under downloaded apps and the only way to launch it was to press the TV button on the supplied remote. Once I changed the TV launcher, the Kodi app was visible. Set it up with the usual streaming apps and got it working. However, most shows had a constant buffer. I tried the exact same episode/movie with the same provider on my Microserver and had 0 buffer issues. The MXQ and the Microserver are both connected via WiFi and are next to each other.
DSTV Now: Loaded the app straight from the play store. Immediately I found that I could not scroll through the channels using the supplied remote. Connected a usb wired mouse and was able to scroll. A bit of a frustrating experience. The videos play but tends to buffer continuously. When changing channels, I sometimes get the "DSTV Now is not responding" message. Further, picture quality is terrible- less than 480p on my 47 inch screen. Generally, I use my Galaxy Tab to stream DSTV with no quality issues.
Despite 1 GB ram, the hardware seems quite snappy.
I am busy tinkering, but it is certainly not an off the shelf solution. Will post updates.
Will be keen to hear other's experience.
I currently have an old HP Microserver running Kodi 16 with various streaming add ons. Streams well no buffering or lag. This is using a 40 MBPS FTTH line. However I wanted a solution to stream DSTV Now as well. I picked up this TV box from a seller in Cape Town. Came with android 6 and the Amlogic launcher.
Early findings:
Kodi: comes with version 17.3. For some reason, I could not see the app under downloaded apps and the only way to launch it was to press the TV button on the supplied remote. Once I changed the TV launcher, the Kodi app was visible. Set it up with the usual streaming apps and got it working. However, most shows had a constant buffer. I tried the exact same episode/movie with the same provider on my Microserver and had 0 buffer issues. The MXQ and the Microserver are both connected via WiFi and are next to each other.
DSTV Now: Loaded the app straight from the play store. Immediately I found that I could not scroll through the channels using the supplied remote. Connected a usb wired mouse and was able to scroll. A bit of a frustrating experience. The videos play but tends to buffer continuously. When changing channels, I sometimes get the "DSTV Now is not responding" message. Further, picture quality is terrible- less than 480p on my 47 inch screen. Generally, I use my Galaxy Tab to stream DSTV with no quality issues.
Despite 1 GB ram, the hardware seems quite snappy.
I am busy tinkering, but it is certainly not an off the shelf solution. Will post updates.
Will be keen to hear other's experience.
