Skyworth Binge TV Android media box - Tips/Tricks/Apps thread

[kolaval]

Yup, but mi box can go on holiday, be replaced/moved to another room.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Or buy a smart tv

Then the TV stops getting updates, and you have to buy a Android TV box anyhow?

 

[Skyworth Digital Support]

Thank you, but this doesn't work, hence why I asked. It gives the error "this app is not compatible with your device". You stated that it works on your box.

Previously this was working fine. We cannot control which devices Netflix allow their apps to run on, so we direct you to Netflix for comment.

Please note that we do not support sideloading, and that is done at your own risk, and we may no guarantee of the functionality of the 3rd party software as we have no control over it.

 

[Dolby]

Then the TV stops getting updates, and you have to buy a Android TV box anyhow?

Samsung Smart TV is probably supported for 2 years though - and when the OS itself eventually does stop getting updates, it still get's all the updated apps within the market place.

 

[Akafreakazoid]

Previously this was working fine. We cannot control which devices Netflix allow their apps to run on, so we direct you to Netflix for comment.

Please note that we do not support sideloading, and that is done at your own risk, and we may no guarantee of the functionality of the 3rd party software as we have no control over it.

Thank you

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Samsung Smart TV is probably supported for 2 years though - and when the OS itself eventually does stop getting updates, it still get's all the updated apps within the market place.

Till the apps need a particular OS version, or more RAM, than there is in the TV. Then you have Telfunken, Sansui, AIM, JVC, et.al TV's ... ,

 

[Dolby]

Till the apps need a particular OS version, or more RAM, than there is in the TV. Then you have Telfunken, Sansui, AIM, JVC, et.al TV's ... ,

I'm speaking specifically about Samsung though. I've had a few recent models without a hitch at all. My 2017 model had just had an upgrade.

Yea, eventually it'll get to a point where it won't be. But so will the Android box.

As you can see, I'm a firm believer in a Smart TV (Samsung) as opposed to Android TV. I've probably used about 7 of them - but the convenience, usability and reliability of a Smart TV is hard to match.

 

[enerdude]

I'm speaking specifically about Samsung though. I've had a few recent models without a hitch at all. My 2017 model had just had an upgrade.

Yea, eventually it'll get to a point where it won't be. But so will the Android box.

As you can see, I'm a firm believer in a Smart TV (Samsung) as opposed to Android TV. I've probably used about 7 of them - but the convenience, usability and reliability of a Smart TV is hard to match.

An android tv box like this will far outlast any samsung smart tv. Smart tvs's app stores is also very limited. So is the OS itself. I still have an android tv box (chinese special) running android 4.4.2 and still using it. Bought it back in 2014 and it is still running. I even sideloaded dstv till recently before they shut down the app for non certified devices. Show me any smart tv of that age that will do the same.

Seeing that this box is certified its lifespan should even be longer...

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

I'm speaking specifically about Samsung though. I've had a few recent models without a hitch at all. My 2017 model had just had an upgrade.

Yea, eventually it'll get to a point where it won't be. But so will the Android box.

As you can see, I'm a firm believer in a Smart TV (Samsung) as opposed to Android TV. I've probably used about 7 of them - but the convenience, usability and reliability of a Smart TV is hard to match.

I get your point clearly, it is just that it is cheaper to replace a Android TV box, than buy a new 65 inch TV. And well, Samsung TV's are very good, there are many more that are not as good, nor as well supported by their manufacturer.

A case of, you get what you pay for, and what you pay for, is what you regard as being of value to you.

If a cheapie TV's picture is "good enough ", then why pay extra for TV, with better picture quality. If you are perfectly happy with 720p quality, there is no point in buying and paying the premium price of a 4K TV, the superior picture quality, will be totally lost on you and thus a waste.

 

[Dolby]

I still have an android tv box (chinese special) running android 4.4.2 and still using it. Bought it back in 2014 and it is still running

And you think the Smart TV cuts off at a set date?

It'll act exactly the same way. as your Android. It's not going to get upgraded (just like you're stuck on Android 4.x) - but it's going to work regardless. I'm willing to get you that in 2022 my Smart TV is still going to run the same apps as it is now.

Smart tvs's app stores is also very limited. So is the OS itself

Which year Smart TV did you use, and which apps did you battle with?
What is limiting on the OS for you?

I'm curious as to your pain points and a little more detail on what you battled with. The Smart TV may not be for you if you want to side load, script, pirate streams, developer options and a few crashes don't bother you . But it's probably the most rounded solution out there (the newer Tizen). It's combination of apps may be limited, but it's got the standard Netflix, Amazon, Google Movies, Showmax, DSTV, Plex and YouTube which caters for 90%+ of the market anyhow.

I've used a variety of Android TVs boxes (Android 6, 7 and 8) , Xbox One and HP Microserver. I had an H7000, KU7000 and a Q7F Smart TV as well ... and my choice was to sell the streaming devices and use the TV. It's quick and everything is availlable as I power on TV. No other sources to change / screensavers / boot ups etc

Seeing that this box is certified its lifespan should even be longer...

Google Certified - but not Netflix Certified ... and I doubt it will be either. In other words, it's lifespan is pretty much 2018 > 2019 ...

 

[enerdude]

And you think the Smart TV cuts off at a set date?

It'll act exactly the same way. as your Android. It's not going to get upgraded (just like you're stuck on Android 4.x) - but it's going to work regardless. I'm willing to get you that in 2022 my Smart TV is still going to run the same apps as it is now.



Which year Smart TV did you use, and which apps did you battle with?
What is limiting on the OS for you?

I'm curious as to your pain points and a little more detail on what you battled with. The Smart TV may not be for you if you want to side load, script, pirate streams, developer options and a few crashes don't bother you . But it's probably the most rounded solution out there (the newer Tizen). It's combination of apps may be limited, but it's got the standard Netflix, Amazon, Google Movies, Showmax, DSTV, Plex and YouTube which caters for 90%+ of the market anyhow.

I've used a variety of Android TVs boxes (Android 6, 7 and 8) , Xbox One and HP Microserver. I had an H7000, KU7000 and a Q7F Smart TV as well ... and my choice was to sell the streaming devices and use the TV. It's quick and everything is availlable as I power on TV. No other sources to change / screensavers / boot ups etc



Google Certified - but not Netflix Certified ... and I doubt it will be either. In other words, it's lifespan is pretty much 2018 > 2019 ...

I meant in general a tv box is more versatile. For my use scenario anyways. Also for any other people more technically advanced than per say your person that would like to use a handful of apps.
I mean try and run cinema HD / terrarium [free netflix type clones] on tizen - not possible!

More apps gets updated for a tv box than for a tv.
There is more apps in the app store (The number of available apps in the Google Play Store was most recently placed at 2.6 million apps in December 2018, after surpassing 1 million apps in July 2013)

The TV OS is limiting purely because of the limited amount of apps. I even do scripting / create my own apps on my old android 4.4 box using an app called tasker for instance...

Also all boxes I've had can run netflix in SD at least when you sideload the correct APK, but who needs netflix with apps like terrarium / Cinema HD. Also most people have a basic smart tv they use in conjunction with their tv box so they can run netflix on there and do the rest on their tv box

 

[Dolby]

... for my use scenario anyways ... try and run cinema HD / terrarium [free netflix type clones] on tizen ... I even do scripting / create my own apps e...

You hit the nail on the head - it's better for you.

But certainly not something I'd recommend to my folks or even most my friends. But for the majority of the population, a newer Smart TV is the way forward. People don't all use 2 million+ apps anyhow (though, I'm pretty sure that's Android mobile and Android TV is far less).

 

[enerdude]

You hit the nail on the head - it's better for you.

But certainly not something I'd recommend to my folks or even most my friends. But for the majority of the population, a newer Smart TV is the way forward. People don't all use 2 million+ apps anyhow (though, I'm pretty sure that's Android mobile and Android TV is far less).

Well actually for a lot of people. For people like your folks you can install an app like terrarium / cinema hd which operates similar to netflix but with more content for instance (free, mahala). Then there is also some IPTV services which can replace your dstv which have specialized apps that run only on android, which have a straightforward interface once loaded and are very user friendly. I have also sideloaded any 'normal' android app sucessfully on android tv so far.

Also an android tv box can be moved around to other tvs. You can for instance take it with when you travel and use it at guest houses and certain hotels not to mention your holiday home without taking your 65" tv with.

And you can keep your fancy samsung tv with its great panel for much longer because you can just upgrade your tv box for a fraction of the cost

Lastly, most tvs sold today is smart and will have netflix. For best of both worlds, combine it with a box like the skyworth binge which can anyways already be sideloaded with a SD verison of netflix.

 

[STORMERSFAN]

Can someone tell me how much power the skyworth box consumes..google doesnt tell me..thinking of buying a small inverter(300watts)to run tv(which I see is 48watts)as well as android in case of load shedding.

 

[Skyworth Digital Support]

Can someone tell me how much power the skyworth box consumes..google doesnt tell me..thinking of buying a small inverter(300watts)to run tv(which I see is 48watts)as well as android in case of load shedding.

Less than 12 Watts, depending on how you load the USB, and how much work things like Wifi are doing.

 

[chefdude98]

Previously this was working fine. We cannot control which devices Netflix allow their apps to run on, so we direct you to Netflix for comment.

Please note that we do not support sideloading, and that is done at your own risk, and we may no guarantee of the functionality of the 3rd party software as we have no control over it.

I think it is time you approach Skyworth SA management and come to an agreement with Takealot.

I want to return this box to Takealot..It really isnt worth it for me.

I bought the Skyworth Box due to the promise of future Netflix availability.You have commented a few times stating that Netflix approval is pending.we are now expected to download directly from Netflix(this doesn't work) and you now state that we should approach Netflix for comment.

This box has become an expensive paper weight to me.I want a refund and plan on getting a Mi box,

Please make the return process easier as I have not been successful so far.I am not happy with your product.

 

[Soul Assassin]

I think it is time you approach Skyworth SA management and come to an agreement with Takealot.

I want to return this box to Takealot..It really isnt worth it for me.

I bought the Skyworth Box due to the promise of future Netflix availability.You have commented a few times stating that Netflix approval is pending.we are now expected to download directly from Netflix(this doesn't work) and you now state that we should approach Netflix for comment.

This box has become an expensive paper weight to me.I want a refund and plan on getting a Mi box,

Please make the return process easier as I have not been successful so far.I am not happy with your product.

Please quote the promise.

 

[JOEY_8]

I think it is time you approach Skyworth SA management and come to an agreement with Takealot.

I want to return this box to Takealot..It really isnt worth it for me.

I bought the Skyworth Box due to the promise of future Netflix availability.You have commented a few times stating that Netflix approval is pending.we are now expected to download directly from Netflix(this doesn't work) and you now state that we should approach Netflix for comment.

This box has become an expensive paper weight to me.I want a refund and plan on getting a Mi box,

Please make the return process easier as I have not been successful so far.I am not happy with your product.

They never made any promises.

 

[Maverick Jester]

@Skyworth Digital Support just to let you know, I believe I've resolved the slow Google Assistant issue. I simply cleared data in the Google Search app, uninstalled all updates and updated it from the store. I then set it up from scratch and voila, works perfectly.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

They never made any promises.

Nope all they said, was that they had made application to NetFlix for approval, and now all they can do is wait, as the ball is now in NetFlix'es court.