Vodafone TV
https://www.vodafone.com.au/vodafone-tv
Ozbargain: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/415277/comments
Ozbargainで紹介のあった11月10日に
私も買いました！！
でもまだ届いてない・・・なんか住所不定で返品されてました(≧▽≦)
連絡してます。
Ozbargainで大盛り上がりしていましたね～。
自分だけじゃなかった～！！
みんなFTAをみたいんですよね。
Vodafone TV - $72 Delivered @ Vodafone » All Comments
PainToad on 10/11/2018 - 22:02
Brought and returned this at launch. Ended up with Apple TV 4K. The lack of 5.1 in Kodi was a deal breaker. But at this price it’s tempting again.
When was recording added? Is it official?
+2 votes
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 22:22
Was an update to Live Channels back in July (officially for the HDHomerun from memory, but works with the VTV):
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?r=56997420...
IVI on 02/12/2018 - 01:13
What’s the connection w/ Voda’…?
Is this something i’d Need Mobile data to use?
Photo reminds me of a (tunerless) XiaoMi TV Box [3]. From earlier deals. (Mi ox 3?)
Who makes it?
Need a Voda’ acct to get the deal price?
Does its HDCP copy-protection adversely affect its use
(via its HDMI output) with a dumb monitor?
Does recording to a USB device happen “automatically (w/o an app)…
eg, simply storing files… or do I need an app (if so, which)?
IVI on 02/12/2018 - 01:51
“You're almost done.
To complete this order, you’ll need a debit or credit card. Once you’ve received your order, you’ll need to activate the service online.
Keeping your existing number
Once your order arrives, we'll help you transfer your number across.
Check your coverage
Use the Coverage Checker to see where Vodafone coverage is available.”
Lazy Telco!
ssquid on 02/12/2018 - 06:06
Vodafone sells it outright, that's all. No ongoing service or account needed.
It's made by Technicolor. Uses an amilogic S905D SoC like a lot of other boxes.
Output device needs to support HDCP 2.2.
Recording is a mess. You need a USB drive >= 64GB, formatted for exclusive use by the VTV, and recording is done by selecting shows from the Live Channels EPG - which is limited to only displaying what is on now and what is on next. Then it crashes when you try to play back the recordings, so you have to use KODI to watch them.
sane on 02/12/2018 - 19:40
@ssquid: Yeah it doesn't make much sense to only have recording possible of 'now and next', but no pausing of live TV. Only really makes sense if you were to have a 7 day EPG.
IVI on 04/12/2018 - 13:32
Ours came in a bigger box, Free to slide & bounce around inside
I trust it’s own box is padded, in some way…
Designed in EU..
Made in Thailand
So, what’s the issue caused by hDCP 2.2 [copy protection]?
terrys on 05/12/2018 - 08:32
Exactly - copy protection. The signal just isn't passed through amplifiers or HDMI ports that can't promise faithfully that they can't record 4K media and/or can't pass through the same promise from the receiving device.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-RK2rNcC4h2V/learn/what-you-nee...
+2 votes
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 03:47
Did you not set up kodi correctly?
These support DTS out of the box
PainToad on 11/11/2018 - 05:57
Every time pass through was enabled static would play and Kodi couldn’t handle the decoding itself.
+1 vote
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 10:32
Might be the end audio device?
-7 votes
PainToad on 11/11/2018 - 11:31
@asa79: Sigh. It's a known issue with Android TV in general. Google "android tv passthrough kodi" or "android tv passthrough mrmc".
Android TV, like most Google products, is half-baked.
-1 vote
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:49
@PainToad: Given that I only have chrome cast connected to amp at moment with no issues with dts
dibbz on 11/11/2018 - 13:30
@PainToad: Passthrough works fine on my mibox3
Punkboy on 18/11/2018 - 21:43
@dibbz: What apps and settings are you sing for that?
+6 votes
batrarobin on 10/11/2018 - 22:15
This is one epic deal for an awesome device!
I own one and prefer it over my Mi Box.
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 10:45
What do you find better and is your mi box now Android 8?
+3 votes
batrarobin on 11/11/2018 - 12:46
I have 2 Mi boxes and 1 Vodafone TV in my house. Both Mi boxes are running the latest Android. Things that I like about Vodafone TV over the MiBox:
• In-built Ethernet port
• Much better Remote Control with YouTube and Netflix buttons
• Voice Search seems to work better with Vodafone remote
• In-built TV tuner
With Mi Boxes we are always having to switch between HDMI to DTV when we want to watch Free to Air channels (FTA) which is slightly inconvenient. On the other hand Vodafone TV is just one stop shop for everything including FTA channels.
-2 votes
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 12:57
but the ethernet port is only 100mb tho?
I like the remote to be honest.
Personality we dont use much FTA viewing with netflix, youtube or kodi
+2 votes
poxy001 on 14/11/2018 - 09:46
@asa79: No point in anything over 100Mbps it wont have the grunt to process it.
serpserpserp on 11/11/2018 - 14:07
Do the TV Tuner need an aerial connection Or can it receive FTA with no aerial attachment?
+1 vote
jwh on 11/11/2018 - 14:11
@serpserpserp: Needs an aerial connection the same as any other DVB tuner
oldhippy on 10/11/2018 - 22:20
Can I add/sideload Amazon Prime? Thanks.
batrarobin on 10/11/2018 - 22:24
Yes you can.
+11 votes
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 22:26
Yep - there's a bunch of APKs here including Prime and Foxtel Now:
https://mega.nz/#F!PaJQELqY!dg3wVzOFIybj6an5Yeq7PA
dreamstation on 10/11/2018 - 23:22
Can these apps be side loaded onto a Telstra TV1? Or are they completely different because it's a different device, OS, etc? Would love Amazon Prime on there.
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:29
No - they are different (Vodafone TV runs Android TV; the Telstra TV is a rebadged Roku, which AFAIK runs Roku OS, which is a custom Linux distribution).
+1 vote
dreamstation on 10/11/2018 - 23:32
@kirt: Thanks kirt. That's a shame. People say you can side load it on the Telstra TV but finding information and packages was a nightmare. Maybe I should just get one of these… :/ Got the Telstra TV free but still feels like a waste not using it.
Bellyup on 11/11/2018 - 07:00
@dreamstation: you can side load only 1 app at a time on Telstra TV. I have Plex on my Telstra TV. Google for instructions.
+3 votes
XeKToReX on 11/11/2018 - 08:03
@Bellyup: FYI Plex is official on TTV devices now
kcbworth on 21/11/2018 - 14:55
@XeKToReX: I've never been able to find a sideloadable Prime for Telstra TV, which is infuriating as it musn't be that hard given it's available on the normal Roku
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 10:47
How do you find prime. I had issues with it on Sony Android tv
aussieboozer on 11/11/2018 - 14:42
Do the Optus Sport apps for Firestick work on the VTV?
kirt on 11/11/2018 - 14:49
It was working perfectly up until about a month ago, but now throws up an error.
You can still cast to the VTV.
skywalka on 15/11/2018 - 21:04
Can you please share the site that you got this from?
Thanks
+1 vote
kirt on 15/11/2018 - 23:12
Are you talking about the APKs?
If so, I ripped most of them from my Vodafone TV, Fire TV Stick, Foxtel Now Box, and Shield.
Chridim on 30/11/2018 - 19:05
Hey OP I tried to install amazon video for Xiaomi, it only works with low resolution video, can't play 1080, the google play version does not install at all.
I tried to install the SBS one and again no luck. Any advice?
kirt on 01/12/2018 - 00:03
I heard the one below was solid, which I recently uploaded, so give that a shot:
AmazonVideo_4.1.115-nvidiaShield.apk
https://mega.nz/#F!PaJQELqY!dg3wVzOFIybj6an5Yeq7PA
That SBS one is hit and miss, but the good news is that a native app is being developed and should be available early next year (and in the meantime you can cast SBS to the VTV).
Chridim on 01/12/2018 - 00:30
@kirt: Thanks Kirt I'll give it a go.
+1 vote
oldhippy on 10/11/2018 - 22:26
Also thanks kirt :)
KBZ on 10/11/2018 - 23:45
Do sideload Prime on Xiaomi as well? Keep getting errors mid way thru watching stuff and have to resume :/. Why can't Amazon bring out an official app already.
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:59
Yeah I have issues with it on the Mi Box too (the Shield has a native Amazon Prime app, so there is hope).
+1 vote
easternculture on 11/11/2018 - 00:00
Because they want you the buy the Amazon TV stick
wheresthebeef on 11/11/2018 - 07:59
Never had an issue with Prime on my Mi Box.
penno2 on 11/11/2018 - 20:35
Would you have a link to the apk you're using? The one I have installed is horrendous. Or did you get it from the play store..?
wheresthebeef on 11/11/2018 - 21:09
@penno2: Check this version out. Tried a few versions before I came upon this one. Has been pretty solid for me on the Mi Box so far for last few months.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X5nf9vpHZNIRaUkEY1-d91vWp6G...
penno2 on 11/11/2018 - 21:28
@wheresthebeef: I'm on it, cheers!
carleast on 10/11/2018 - 22:21
Given that my LG Oled has a load of apps already I'm guessing that this is really just a chromecast alternative for me or does it give me anything else? You could argue TV recording but most of my TV watching is Netflix. I also use Optus sports so this would be handy to cast from phone to the TV but a chromecast would be better for that as it's smaller right?
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:51
Lg and Samsung smart TVs can't do Kodi so this would give you that
Javin on 10/11/2018 - 22:34
Still trying to figure out how is this better than the Mi box.
jelko on 10/11/2018 - 22:35
It has a FTA digital tuner and you can record to USB. The Mi box can't do that.
+15 votes
smartazz104 on 11/11/2018 - 10:23
There’s nothing on FTA worth recording.
+6 votes
PainToad on 11/11/2018 - 11:33
Every now end then hell freezes over and I see an add for FTA TV. My mind boggles at why anyone would watch that trash. "Family Food Fight". "Yummy Mummies". Like seriously wtf is wrong with the people running network TV? Are they all late 20s, early 30s women?
+1 vote
gimme on 11/11/2018 - 12:01
Judge Judy!! PERIOD :)
+3 votes
jackspratt on 11/11/2018 - 18:46
@gimme: I imagine she went through menopause some time ago.
+3 votes
strangeloops66 on 12/11/2018 - 16:36
@jackspratt: I remember the episode!
+4 votes
mathew42 on 11/11/2018 - 18:48
Doctor Who!!!
+1 vote
kcbworth on 21/11/2018 - 14:57
Maybe the occasional FTA live sports that you can't watch live and isn't available on freeview catchup?
wheresthebeef on 10/11/2018 - 22:38
Yeah same. Running 2 Mi Boxes in the home with both MM and Oreo and no real issues except maybe the Bluetooth remote needs to be re-paired every now and then. Worth getting this?
Edit. The FTA tuner/recorder doesn't appeal to me
wheresthebeef on 11/11/2018 - 10:46
Bought it anyway to check out. Can't complain about the price
zapy on 11/11/2018 - 22:17
Get a cheap remote from ebay for Mi box. Works better than the original and never needs repairing. I've used mine for the last 2 years. Gave up on original one.
+7 votes
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:15
A few pros over the Mi Box:
• Ethernet
• TV tuner
• Aussie power supply
• Local warranty
• Better remote IMO
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 10:33
Remote is probably main thing. Otherwise it's only Android 7 compared to mi box 8
terrys on 22/11/2018 - 08:00
Tho there are plenty of complaints regading Oreo on the MiBox…
matski on 10/11/2018 - 22:43
Is it possible to stream a video-streaming website directly from a Chrome tab like on Chromecast?
rowdywabbid on 10/11/2018 - 23:54
It has chromecast (4k i think) built in.
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:52
Yes just not netflix
matski on 18/11/2018 - 14:03
I ended up buying it and can confirm it is possible to stream any Chrome tab to it.
It might be the best option to make your old TV "smart" without spending too much. Works really well with my old FHD TV in a bedroom.
Smogul on 10/11/2018 - 22:43
How smooth is Kayo? Is it choppy?
Might get this.
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:00
Been casting an hour or two each night since launch, and haven't had any stutter or quality drops (which is on par with my Shield).
+1 vote
b-radicool on 10/11/2018 - 23:14
Vodafone doesn't have SPDIF audio out, but has ethernet port (compared to Mi Box)
manic on 10/11/2018 - 23:35
Damn. Would have got one, if not needing a new amplifier. Would a usb dongle work for spdif?
+1 vote
rowdywabbid on 10/11/2018 - 23:53
I got a usb powered hdmi optical splitter working well for me. Dirt cheap on ebay
AssociatedXizor on 11/11/2018 - 08:17
Whats the use case/reasoning there?
+1 vote
pin4e on 11/11/2018 - 09:22
@Xizor: Older amp with no HDMI?
+5 votes
klownz on 11/11/2018 - 09:30
@pin4e: Wouldn't you just plug this via HDMI to TV, then roll SPDIF tv to amp? That way any device on the TV can do SPDIF audio out.
+1 vote
rowdywabbid on 11/11/2018 - 11:34
@klownz: tv only had hdmi out. The amp has no hdmi.
-1 vote
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:53
100mb Ethernet isn't a benefit
+5 votes
ndenham on 11/11/2018 - 20:49
As someone who's struggled with shitty WIFI on the Mibox I'd beg to differ. Also where people have ethernet available I'd almost always take it over wifi.
-1 vote
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 21:17
Usb 2 to Ethernet will give you 200mb which is double the speed
DavRo on 10/11/2018 - 23:17
Can you play content from a usb. MKV for example.
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:27
Yep.
DavRo on 10/11/2018 - 23:29
Tks thats one in the basket for me.
noz on 11/11/2018 - 01:21
Does it support x265 MKV files? 10-bit?
+4 votes
kirt on 11/11/2018 - 08:31
Yep.
axistentz on 10/11/2018 - 23:20
Will this replace WDTV perfectly in terms of playing downloaded content in various formats?
dlakers3peat on 10/11/2018 - 23:29
Yes
+1 vote
axistentz on 10/11/2018 - 23:56
I came across feedback in forums that older TVs/AVRs that are not HDCP compliant 2.2 will not work with this box unfortunately. My plasma TV and AVR are 8 years old so I have a feeling this is going to be the case :(
r0nmac on 20/11/2018 - 10:04
If connected DIRECTLY to older TVs - it does work (for now). Connecting via HDCP 2.2 compliant receiver doesnt work. In this setup, it worked first time, but stopped working after firmware update. I have since ordered a cheap HDMI splitter (which conveniently strips off HDCP).
ssquid on 20/11/2018 - 13:07
@r0nmac: How cheap was the splitter?
I've got a Samsung screen that won't work with a Chromecast unless it's "warmed up" for an hour - seems like the signal is just out of expected range or something. Was thinking about spending up to $20 on a stripper (of the HDMI kind) to see if it fixes the problem.
r0nmac on 20/11/2018 - 13:58
@ssquid: The splitter itself was ~ $10. Hasn't been delivered yet.
r0nmac on 27/11/2018 - 10:00
@r0nmac: Just confirming that the splitter did the trick. I have set it up between the VodaTV & my Denon receiver.
+9 votes
PainToad on 10/11/2018 - 23:49
WDTV
Wow, haven’t heard that thing mentioned in years.
+7 votes
axistentz on 11/11/2018 - 00:00
LOL it's still serving me well together with my 2010 Panny plasma which still refuses to die.
+1 vote
ashdays on 11/11/2018 - 09:25
Hey, and I thought I was the only one who has something similar. My TV is still going strong and I will keep using this until it gives up
+2 votes
klownz on 11/11/2018 - 09:32
@ashdays: Lol same here - still rolling at 2008/09 Panasonic plasma - they are built so well (so heavy for moving also unfortunately).
serpserpserp on 11/11/2018 - 14:13
I only replaced my WDTV last year with a mi box. Still have my 2008 Samsung LCD which refuses to die also.
solrak on 18/11/2018 - 16:33
Yes 10 times over! You must have the patience of a saint to be running a WDTV. That thing is so buggy and slooooowwwww.
+1 vote
realfancyman on 10/11/2018 - 23:31
Thank you! Got one
bonuscheese on 10/11/2018 - 23:32
I'm coming from using a small Window PC as a streaming box, does the Kodi android app and smaller specs of this box actually make a difference?
Also any idea it's easy to watch Optus Sport on this, or use Spotify?
+1 vote
kirt on 10/11/2018 - 23:48
It has a native Spotify app, and you can cast Optus Sport and use the remote to pause and play (we did have an Optus Sport app working nicely that was ripped from a Fire TV Stick, but a recent update killed it).
bonuscheese on 10/11/2018 - 23:51
Nice - thanks!
Have you used Kodi on this at all?
+2 votes
kirt on 11/11/2018 - 00:14
Yep - works well, but am leaning more towards Plex nowadays to make use of its Home and DVR features.
Kangal on 11/11/2018 - 10:15
@kirt: So overall, a small Windows HTPC is still better?
+3 votes
kirt on 11/11/2018 - 11:43
@Kangal: Yeah it seems like still nothing beats a PC for compatibility, but I wouldn't subject the wife and kids to the keyboard and trackpad of the K400 (still love having a PC in the lounge though)!
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:59
@Kangal: Depends on where. I have nuc i5 in media room win10 Kodi and mi box in bedroom. We can stop movie in media room and resume on bedroom Kodi no issues. The nuc does 3D movies from ISO bluray backups. But lacks Netflix so have chrome cast ultra for Netflix in media room, I hate it was worse investment. Bedroom has Netflix YouTube Kodi will be replacing media room chromecast with a mi box. Have Sony android tv in living room does Kodi Netflix YouTube perfectly. No need for additional boxes. Except for ps or Xbox
Have mi box in sons room on his hi sense tv and works great it attached by smoke alarm magnet kit to back of tv so very clean same as in bedroom, no need to see box as Bluetooth remote
+1 vote
serpserpserp on 11/11/2018 - 14:19
@asa79: "backups"
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 14:27
@serpserpserp: Backups?
tveye on 24/11/2018 - 13:42
@asa79: is there a reason why you don't have netflix on your windows 10 nuc?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/netflix/9wzdncrfj3tj?activ...
i'm undecided on whether to get a vtv or x64 based mini pc.
asa79 on 24/11/2018 - 19:59
@tveye: You can't use netflix in Kodi as far as i'm aware unless thats changed in the last few months.
OzBragain on 28/11/2018 - 19:00
@asa79: Need a beta Kodi, it's not 100% but works now.(forum.kodi.tv) Have been using it for the last few weeks on a Win10 NUC. Unfortunately my NUC and amp aren't powering on after this morning's storm. Came here looking for a local Mi Box and found this…looks like I'm heading out to Vodafone tomorrow to pick one up.
Haven't used an Android box yet, anyone know if the Aussie FTA catchup apps work on Kodi on the Vodafone box?
asa79 on 28/11/2018 - 19:36
@OzBragain: Will check that out. That is only thing I have the chrome cast in media room
+1 vote
bonuscheese on 13/11/2018 - 13:59
@kirt: Picked one up and it's a really good fit.
kirt on 13/11/2018 - 14:17
@bonuscheese: Nice one - actually picked up another box myself ;)
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/415277?page=2#comment-6574...
asa79 on 11/11/2018 - 11:54
Kodi works the same as Windows you can hook up to MySQL to share library and watched states the same between mi box and Windows kodi
+1 vote
devpress on 10/11/2018 - 23:40
what the use case for this kind of device?
spillmill on 10/11/2018 - 23:47
Trying to figure it out myself. Seems like a chromecast on steroids: FTA tuner and record to usb, Ethernet for reliability of connection. Not sure what else.
+5 votes
mikmac on 10/11/2018 - 23:52
Buy first, work that out later..
+3 votes
spillmill on 11/11/2018 - 10:16
The ozb way
devpress on 11/11/2018 - 00:08
i thought it isn't able to record
+1 vote
jelko on 11/11/2018 - 00:09
Recent software update allows the VTV to record FTA to USB
serpserpserp on 11/11/2018 - 14:15
It is basically a Mi Box with FTA capabilities.
