Older televisions that still work well don’t have to be thrown in the bin just to keep up with the current trends. If they have an HDMI port, then you can connect them to a TV box Android to create a smart television in a snap. These small boxes have the same operating system as most smartphones sold today but they are tweaked for large screens and remote controls. Thus, they should feel familiar to the average user even if things may look a bit different. Here are some of the things that you should look for when buying an TV box Android:
Format Compatibility
These boxes can act as media players. So as not to be disappointed, you should check which formats they are able to play and which ones they can’t. Someone might give you their old unit but this can’t play anything beyond 720p resolution and you have a couple of 1080p and 4K videos. It is better to spend on a new box rather than be frustrated with the limitations you will encounter. Some can play MKV format smoothly while others will sputter or not even play at all. If you have special concerns with the hardware, then consider those as well including audio output and wired networking speed.
Upgrades and Support
The development of Android is fast and incremental. There are new flavors out several times a year so new features and security patches are added to the OS. It would be best to get a unit with the latest version available. You should also check whether it is possible to upgrade this OS throughout the life of the unit or not. You would not want to be stuck with aging software and miss out on the great things happening. You should also check whether the manufacturer offers good support for buyers. If you encounter problems, will they offer any direct assistance? Are you on your own?
Apps and Features
Of course, you should compare the apps and the features among all of the options you find. Many of these have built-in streaming apps that should boost your confidence regarding smooth playback and consistent updates. In any case, this will be one less thing to worry about when you receive the box. Just plug it in, set the Wi-Fi, and play your favorite shows. There may even be games, browsers, and applications. If it has access to the Google Play Store, then you can install most apps to expand the capability.
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