Smart TV boxes for under R1,000

[Daniel Puchert]

Make your TV smarter for under R1,000

South Africans looking to upgrade their Smart TVs with faster software can buy a highly-capable Android or Google TV box for around R1,000.

Many modern TVs now come equipped with built-in smart operating systems and Internet connectivity that allow users to install and use various apps.

 

[DStvNothingOn]

Ya I'll stick to my Apple TV.
Haven't even connected my Samsung smart tv directly to the internet.

Your Cheap Android TV Streaming Box May Have a Dangerous Backdoor

New research has found that some streaming devices and dozens of Android and iOS apps are secretly being used for fraud and other cybercrime.

www.wired.com

 

[lordnokon]

I know its for under R1k, but NVIDIA Shield Pro still rocks the best.

 

[epah]

Apple TV or don’t bother at all.

 

[backstreetboy]

Apple TV is great. Only thing I miss is Stremio.

 

[Hemi300c]

My biggest argument is I can't find one where I can install my Google Play app for my CCTV

 

[mastercylinder]

My biggest argument is I can't find one where I can install my Google Play app for my CCTV

That's generally because the APP vendor must optimize for the TV platform and mark it compatible in the app store.

You could, I guess try sideloading.

 

[Vorastra]

Apple TV or don’t bother at all.

That's why I only grocery shop in my Ferrari 458.

 

[lordnokon]

My biggest argument is I can't find one where I can install my Google Play app for my CCTV

HikVision?

I have the same problem... I gave up and got myself an HDMI splitter, and ran fibre HDMI cables to each of the TVs I wanted to view it on.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Make your TV smarter for under R1,000

South Africans looking to upgrade their Smart TVs with faster software can buy a highly-capable Android or Google TV box for around R1,000.

Many modern TVs now come equipped with built-in smart operating systems and Internet connectivity that allow users to install and use various apps.

Cheapest, I am prepared to go, is Xiaomi Mi 4K TV Streaming Stick, Xiaomi Mi-Box S 2nd Generation. Netogy Nova, on that list should be okay, Ematic is a bit long in the tooth, buy should be usable for most. I'd skip the others. But that is just my 5c worth.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

My biggest argument is I can't find one where I can install my Google Play app for my CCTV

Same here ... , not prepared to break my back to make it happen either.

 

[system32]

I know its for under R1k, but NVIDIA Shield Pro still rocks the best.

Bought my Nvidia Shield in 2018.
Still has better hardware (RAM & Storage & CPU) than these limited devices.
Nvidia has also been good at keeping the OS updated.

 

[Alexander the Straight]

Bit of a bummer though that Netflix will stop support of Aplle tv 2 and 3 soon. I have the 3 and it still works perfectly fine, and I refuse to get bullied into upgrading. Time to look at alternatives.

"Netflix is available on Apple TV (2nd generation) and later. Netflix will no longer be available on Apple TV (2nd generation) and Apple TV (3rd generation) after July 31, 2024. Most devices can stream Netflix in high definition on fast internet connections and will play Netflix in their maximum supported resolution."

 

[Dolby]

Apple TV or don’t bother at all.

I think the Apple TV is a good basic system. I’m a bit worried what will be removed from the tvOS18 to force me to buy new hardware though.

 

[MarmiteMonster]

I will just leave This here.

 

[epah]

I think the Apple TV is a good basic system. I’m a bit worried what will be removed from the tvOS18 to force me to buy new hardware though.

 

[Dolby]

I will just leave This here.

“It is best to avoid non-certified devices — despite their low prices — as they can be difficult to configure and present a security risk.”

 

[Jean Claude Vaaldamme]

I think the Apple TV is a good basic system. I’m a bit worried what will be removed from the tvOS18 to force me to buy new hardware though.

Same here. I was really pissed when my Dolphin BMW did not get the heated seats update.

 

[backstreetboy]

I think the Apple TV is a good basic system. I’m a bit worried what will be removed from the tvOS18 to force me to buy new hardware though.

My Xiaomi TV stick forced me to buy new hardware when it was complaining about low storage.

 

[IamNoone]

Happy with my Mi-TV box in my bedroom and Stick in my home office. Both Tv's are dumb.