Bharadwaj Bunga
Active Member
My bad! I typed "bit stream" instead of "output". I need a device with compatibility with major Indian OTT platforms so that I can enjoy the content in surround sound as far as possible.
Cheap vs Expensive Media Streamers?
- Thread starter Bharadwaj Bunga
- Start date
My bad! I typed "bit stream" instead of "output". I need a device with compatibility with major Indian OTT platforms so that I can enjoy the content in surround sound as far as possible.
liverpool_for_life
Well-Known Member
Okay, cool. I doubt that’s going to be a differentiating factor among the streaming boxes.
I have an Apple TV 4K and it’s fine for my streaming needs as long as my internet is stable. I don’t have rips to playback though. Between the quality of AV available through iTunes and Apple TV+, I don’t see myself wishing for another streaming box.
I was using a firetv 4K earlier and it's great, the UI is good with no ads and Amazon keep sending updates. While it can do all OTT AV streaming it doesn't support audio playback personal media content beyond DDPlus & Atmos.
Recently got Nvidia shield pro 19 and it doubles up as a OTT streamer & personal media files player via Kodi. Supports all AV formats upto DTS, DTS HD, TrueHD, DTS X & Atmos. (Same like zidoo & hiviq15). 2 USB 3 slots So u can connect ur HDDs.
Only downside is that it doesn't support iso.
So as long as ur fine with that. Nvidia is an all rounder. Just that the UI is not ad free on Android.
Recently got Nvidia shield pro 19 and it doubles up as a OTT streamer & personal media files player via Kodi. Supports all AV formats upto DTS, DTS HD, TrueHD, DTS X & Atmos. (Same like zidoo & hiviq15). 2 USB 3 slots So u can connect ur HDDs.
Only downside is that it doesn't support iso.
So as long as ur fine with that. Nvidia is an all rounder. Just that the UI is not ad free on Android.
Bharadwaj Bunga
Active Member
Thanks for your response! Did FireTv 4k stream surround sound audio from all supporting OTT platforms? Did u face any issues with audio output?
Yes Firetv 4K does it all. Netflix, Prime & Disney last i was using. Even more OTT streaming services have started 5.1 recently but haven't checked as i only have these 3 subscriptions and Discovery +
If the service has multi ch support I'm sure it will support it. Updates keep coming too. Other FM can confirm about other services. Initially when a new service launches 5.1 it may be problematic but eventually it will do.
I could play back personal media also via VLC & Nova apps. They even fetch subtitles automatically. But only do DDPlus as it's an Amazon licencing constraint.
There is also a newer Firetv Max & cube available on Amazon India.
Bharadwaj Bunga
Active Member
After weighing in opinions from various users across the globe and considering inputs from our FMs, I have finally decided to get Fire TV 4K Max.
The Fire TV Cube is a better device but various users reported Adaptive HDR issues with Cube when connected to AVR, hence gave up on it.
The Fire TV Cube is a better device but various users reported Adaptive HDR issues with Cube when connected to AVR, hence gave up on it.
Good buy
share ur experience with it once set up
Bharadwaj Bunga
Active Member
Yet to buy it buddy! will definitely share my experience once I get my hands on it.Good buy
suku_patel_22
Active Member
The 4k max does support TrueHD Atmos passthrough as per the specs. I will be testing it out in the next few days.
Yogesh
Well-Known Member
You might want to look at this.... You won't need a separate local player as well.
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suku_patel_22
Active Member
It doesn't state TrueHd Atmos passthrough, so no point.You might want to look at this.... You won't need a separate local player as well.
Homatics Box R Lite: 4K Google Certified Android 11 TV Box with S905Y4 Processor, 2GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB ROM, HDMI, BT5.0
Founded by an IIM Grad in 2018, ElectroniksIndia provide top quality branded products at cheapest prices with upto 1 YEAR in-India warranty. All our products are 100% original and authentic , shipped directly from our warehouses to our customer's doorstop.
Dhruv.Arora
Active Member
Shield Pro is still the best overall Media Streamer
kawaiiitakko
New Member
Hello. If you’re already set on getting a dedicated media player like the Zidoo for local files, then the Fire TV 4K Max is the most practical choice. It covers all your streaming needs with 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Atmos support on Prime and Netflix, while keeping costs low. The UI is a bit cluttered, but it’s manageable once you set up your main apps. The Apple TV 4K and Shield TV Pro are excellent, but in your setup, they’d overlap with the Zidoo. Fire TV 4K Max + Zidoo is the best balance of value and performance.
COOLDUDE7808
Active Member
I think this has to be decided based on your listening preferences . If you are heavily into Vinyl / CD's (which I am ) then budget streamers should be ok ... since new songs are being released online and there are very few which are really worth listening . So for limited use budget players are ok .
But if your primary listening is streaming then look at investing in a good hi-end streamer . It does make a difference in terms of SQ .
But if your primary listening is streaming then look at investing in a good hi-end streamer . It does make a difference in terms of SQ .
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