Android TV box for MI TV 4

[iwantfreeinternet]

I bought the MI TV 4 (first gen.) 55 inch variant. While the patchwall OS is ok, I find it inadequate and lacking in features. I want to buy a new android tv streaming box that supports major streaming services (I have subscriptions of Netflix, Primevideo and Hotstar). Is it worthwhile to import MI Box S from AliExpress or going for Fire TV Stick 4k. I dont think Xiaomi is ever going to update this TV from patchwall to android tv.
Is there any other box available that is better than both. I'm open to DIY/Raspberry Pi build if its better than the above options.

 

[Sushubh]

@Nishant has bought an unbranded media box from AliExpress and i think he was pretty happy with it.

 

[Nishant]

Although the box I bought is working fine, if streaming from Netflix, Hotstar and Prime are your priority I would suggest going with the FTV 4K as these Chinese boxes don't have Widevine L1 DRM certification which is needed for playing HD and higher resolution content. If MiBox S was available here I would have suggested that too. Importing it and paying customs is not worth it, unless you have someone coming from the US who can carry it for you.

 

[ijsa]

I have Beelink TV box purchased through AliExpress more than 2 years ago. It is good but as mentioned by @Nishant... it does not have Widevine L1 DRM certification.......

I ordered MBox 3 for my cousin around 3-4 months back. Costed around 3900Rs..... was delivered in 10days...... no custom etc. It supports Widevine L1 DRM certification and plays 4K content. It has USB port.

Last week my brother bought FireStick.... it does not have USB port....... so side loadings apps is cumbersome.

 

[Sushubh]

from what i remember you can just install something like es explorer and install apks? or does that not work now?

 

[ijsa]

was trying to install thop..... could not be downloaded by the chrome browser...... it just kept on processing endlessly.... I downloaded apk on my phone and then used app2fire and uploaded to firestick.

 

[Sushubh]

i thought Amazon blocked the app2fire app route @Nishant

i was more like talking about downloading the apk on your phone or a computer on the network. and then using the es explorer app to access that apk. but if app2fire app is still working, it should be fine then.

btw, chrome is available on fire tv stick?

 

[ijsa]

I was never comfortable accessing the storage of phones/ other network device in es explorer.

though the apk could be directly downloaded through es explorer downloader but then had to enter the exact url..... which was very long dynamically generated url after entering captcha...... more that 40 digits/ alphabets.... therefore I used app2fire.

 

[iwantfreeinternet]

Does MiBox support netflix,prime video and Hotstar?

 

[ijsa]

it should support netflix and Hotstar.