Because 'you' can easily install 3rd party ROMs on this device by simply side-loading a apk to unlock the device, this makes this a great deal for people that like to tinker.
They even encourage it:
"Ready to Root
As any Android power-user knows, the best way to get the most out of your device is to root it. Rooting opens up all sorts of options including expanded access to Google Play and the ability to install custom ROMs. Mad Catz provides a short step-by-step guide to rooting, and our tech support team is ready to help. The best part – rooting won't void your warranty."
It is using the Tegra 4 SOC making this a very powerful system. It can easily run HL2/Portal and high-end (Android) games. It also has 2GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot that lets you expand the memory to 128 GB. It even has a USB 3.0 Port for fast access to external HDs.
Spec wise, the Chinese Android TV boxes can't come close to this for its price.
As is, it is a fairly high-end Android TV box running Android 4.2.2 (poor mans NVIDIA SHIELD TV), price wise it is still pretty good even if it wasn't hackable. You would be looking at £20+ just for the game controller.
All comments (72)
chantelle310
16 Aug 161#1
Great box when you root and install CM12. Well worth buying for people who want something similar to a shield but for half the cost
Always would recommend this over m8/m8+ boxes etc bought one to review and compare with the shield and was pleasantly surprised.
The controller is better also.
pinguy to chantelle310
16 Aug 16#2
It is only £10 more then the Nexus Player. As it is pretty simple to run CM12 on it I thought at £60 this was a great deal (+ the included game controller is a huge bonus). Spec wise it blows the Nexus Player out of the water.
Even if people don't want to mess around with it. I can't think of a better system for its price to run Kodi on.
chantelle310
16 Aug 16#3
Yes your absolutely right to go for this. As a stock device you get great performance also. Only the bottom bar of soft keys doesn't ever dissappear.
If you root it and install a play store app called hide all soft keys then they go. So you don't even need to install a rom.
Ive tested this even with the moonlight and streamed games like ark and wwe 2K directly to it from my PC and it's hardly dropped any frames! Very good box.
I'm guessing due to being 4K ready, would this play x265 and VP9/10 decoding?
pinguy to M0nk3h
16 Aug 162#6
Due to the age of the Tegra4 I would rule out it supporting hardware VP9 decoding. It might (and this is a big might) be able to do software decoding of VP9, but honestly don't know.
x265 it might be able to do. I need to find the Tegra 4 spec sheet to see what hardware decoding it can do.
The Tegra 4 SOC is still a very powerful CPU. Not much can touch it performance wise. Only issue is due to its age is some of the newer codecs won't have hardware decoding. But because it is a very powerful CPU it will be able to handle the newer (unsupported) codecs via software. Just don't expect them to run at 4K (h.264 will run like a champ on this).
Gaming wise there isn't much that is going to touch this. THIS IS a very high-end gaming CPU/GPU. But due to its age some of the newer codecs like VP9 (that hardly any SOC can support anyway) will have to be decoded via software.
roadie
16 Aug 16#8
What's the benefit of hacking!
pinguy to roadie
16 Aug 161#12
Having a up-to-date firmware for one. As it stands the most up-to-date officially Android version you can run on this is 4.4.2
Unofficially you can run Android 5.1.1
There are huge benefits to being able to hack a device and being able to run unofficially firmwares.
Being able to run unofficially firmwares means as long as the community is happy to keep the device updated and supported. There will always be updates for it. Long after the company has officially stop supporting the device.
hackerace
16 Aug 16#10
Firestick is great plug n play for kodi,handles evrything fine apart from gaming and true controller.would this be better?
pinguy to hackerace
16 Aug 16#11
I highly doubt that the firestick has hardware HEVC & VP9 support for Kodi. So in that regard it is the same as this when it comes to hardware video decoding. The huge difference is the Tegra 4 SOC can run PS3 level graphics. This device can run native versions of Half Life 2 and Portal.
As a gaming Android TV box, only the NVIDIA SHIELD TV with its Tegra X1 SOC can beat this.
So yes. This is leaps and bonds better than the Amazon TV stick.
skykid3 to hackerace
16 Aug 16#15
isn't the firestick WIFI only?
I would only use WIFI for streaming movies as the last resort ethernet is the first choice everytime!
polly69
16 Aug 16#13
Does anyone have some links to the FW and other hacks for it.
WiFi only isn't that bad. As long as it supports 5Ghz. If the device only supports 2.4Ghz, then yes that would be an issue. 2.4Ghz WiFi is garbage for High bit-rate HD video. For me 2.4Ghz maxes out at about 20/30Mbs. 5Ghz WiFi on the other hand maxes out my fiber connection. It can do 160Mbs+. I have no issues streaming SBS high bit-rate 3D HD video over 5Ghz WiFi. On 2.4Ghz WiFi I struggle with steaming 1080p video.
roadie
17 Aug 16#17
What is the os remix like?
BIGUSHEADUS
17 Aug 16#18
Will this little thing play hi10p files anyone know, if it does my pi2 can have an early retirement.
2.4Ghz WiFi is all I have used so far and been less than impressed when streaming films
BIGUSHEADUS
17 Aug 162#21
Oh no, looks like I'll have to get my baking tray out. It's pie time I upgraded...
pinguy
17 Aug 162#22
Can your router/modem do 5Ghz? If it can it is worth checking out. It is fast.
At the moment I have two routers (because I don't have a dual router). My main one is my Virgin Media Netgear HUB (I have that setup to use 5Ghz), and a fairly cheap Belkin 2.4GHz that is connected to my HUB.
Nearly all of my devices can use 5Ghz. Only a 2012 Nexus 7 tablet and a couple of E-readers can't. All my other devices including my Smart TV can use 5Ghz, and the speed difference between 2.4GHz/5Ghz WiFi is huge.
If you can use 5Ghz WiFi I would look into it.
#Edit.
My Virgin Media Hub setup.
LittleChimp
17 Aug 16#23
At this price it blows those cheap boxes out the water and you don't have to wait 2 months for it to arrive.
hornetsam
17 Aug 16#24
It has always been this price on amazon for a long time, that said it's very good value for money
steeleez
17 Aug 16#25
I was tempted to buy a nvidia shield to replace my m8 box but the price is putting me off, I only use kodi and showbox, is this box a better option to fire tv or is there a better box for my needs?
markymark34 to steeleez
17 Aug 16#27
What's wrong with your m8? Firebox/stick had a better remote than yours but why bother changing?
Cal_G
17 Aug 161#26
You should get a SH2/3 and remove the need for two routers.
looks like limited stock available, if I remember right the controller on these are £30+ alone
steeleez
17 Aug 16#29
Nothing wrong apart from it starting to get a bit slow to load, it's going to be moved to the bedroom as I've cancelled my sky, so I need a new box for the main TV.
zermattbusby
17 Aug 16#30
I own both the Fire Stick and MOJO (Remix OS) With regards to running Kodi, i don't use the MOJO anymore as it barely works over WiFi and constantly freezes over Ethernet. Whereas the Stick works flawlessly (live HD IPTV / HD Movies (Sky Fibre ~ 30Mbs Router to Device ~ 12Mtrs)
hackerace to zermattbusby
17 Aug 16#31
well this sums it up as I was going to change mine but if wifi is an issue than i wont bother, i wanted it for kodi and emulation/games.
crazygoldfish
17 Aug 16#32
very tempting, but don't need.
chantelle310
17 Aug 16#33
Here's my view on this for anybody who's on the fence about it.
whats the wifi like, I wanted it for kodi and gaming but someone said it's not as good as firestick for streaming movies.
NIgelK
17 Aug 16#34
Posted over six months ago though?
Andi Keane
17 Aug 16#36
Quite fancy one as a media centre, reviews appear very hit and miss though?
yusszn
17 Aug 16#37
just wonder why do you need to use 2 separate device? Because I'm using both band on my SH2
chantelle310
17 Aug 16#38
WiFi is ok, i don't use WiFi often as its rubbish in my house, but the signal was good enough to stream
you will need to root this at least to get the best from it, it isnt a difficult job at all just make sure you have the correct files. and avoid using towel root, that thing is nasty
much better than a fire stick
mrjulzmr
17 Aug 16#39
What are the chances that Plex media server (android/nvidia shield version) can be installed on this device?
Or does anybody know of recommended apps that will act as a library, pulling files from a nas device?
Andi Keane to mrjulzmr
17 Aug 161#47
I've spent the last few hours looking into the plex media server issue and I keep coming up to a dead end
I bought this thinking it would be possible to use as a media streamer to my other plex devices but it appears the only device this is possible on is a nvidia shield, which is frankly just stupid
pinguy
17 Aug 16#40
My Super Hub must be an old one. I can only set it to 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. Can't run both bands at the same time.
skykid3
17 Aug 16#41
No I don't, but guess I will look into WiFi in the future, I have powerline adapters throughout the house where ever I need an internet connection
Paddy7
17 Aug 161#42
Looks good for the price. I currently have a fire tv stick and box in my house and they both work pretty well. Seems like a few mixed reviews on the device. Any reason why i should or should not get it?
hm was considering this, but can it run amazon instant at all?
kelhaggagi
17 Aug 16#45
Can this run dolphin (the wii emulator)?
pinguy to kelhaggagi
17 Aug 16#46
Honestly I don't know. Dolphin needs OpenGL ES 3 support. On paper, Tegra 4 is an OpenGL ES 2.0 architecture, but it’s only missing a couple of capabilities that would be required for ES 3.0 compatibility.
In fairness to plex though it's only just started to support the shield and if I was them would be focused on getting that just right before opening it up to new systems. Fact it can run on an android device is good news for future as they are all getting more powerful and slowly lots more have better hardware decoding built in. Won't be long I don't think but I will never waiting to save the pain.
mrjulzmr
17 Aug 16#49
I was hoping because the device allows all sorts to be flashed to it that maybe PMS could be installed on it
I thought Plex was widely available on Android TV devices? Nvidia subsidise the cost for the Shield but it should be available to purchase from the store (£3.99?). I'm not using it as the server though as those responsibilities are currently handled by my laptop/desktop.
I use it a lot more than Kodi, it has a well designed interface and better suits my usage requirements.
Andi Keane
17 Aug 16#54
My idea was to replace my Acer rivo media centre with this and use it as a media server/kodi/plex machine
Basically to simply things with a pair of hard drives attached
I love the idea of this thing but I'm not sure it does all I want it to
PS, 3 now TV in the house so a plex server is important
mrjulzmr
17 Aug 16#55
I'm currently using a linx7 windows 10 tablet with plex media server and kodi installed connected to my tv...does the job but the android factor (games etc) kind of pulled me in to thinking about getting this if plex media server could be installed
MBeeching
17 Aug 16#56
Android may be a mobile darling, but I still think it's a clunky and frankly crap OS compared to Windows 10.
I don't mind messing around with all this junk but for most users I can't even imagine how they keep Kodi and Plex stuff working properly.
ReigningSemtex
17 Aug 16#57
Ordered, don't mind doing doing a bit of fiddling to get the software up to scratch.
Been flashing custom roms, adding launchers and frontends to my android devices for years so this is going to be a decent project with hopefully promising results
mk8
18 Aug 16#58
Shame it's only 100Mb LAN. Does it support True-HD/DTS HD MA?
pinguy
18 Aug 16#59
That's all fine and well, but if you have a clone you can end up bricking the device. Because the M8/M8+ became fairly popular lots of clones using different hardware setups hit the market. So if you don't have a legit M8 you run the risk of bricking it.
If you just want to run Kodi and do a bit of retro gaming, a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B running Recalbox & KODI Dual Boot Images will do the job fine.
True, maybe best to open android box and see what make/model is on the board, before going ahead with installing openelec
steeleez
20 Aug 16#62
All I want to run on a box is kodi, showbox and movieshd, my m8 box will be fine for the bedroom but I'd like a better performing box for my main tv, it'll be on wifi but I receive approx 37meg on my m8, so wifi shouldn't be an issue, any recommendations?
GSMBuyer
20 Aug 16#63
stock still available - not sure why it's expired?
roadie
20 Aug 16#64
Can this run openelec
LittleChimp
21 Aug 16#65
Should be unexpired it's still for sale at the same price on Amazon.
GSMBuyer
22 Aug 16#66
looks like not many units left at £59.99 - maybe that's why expired.
pinguy to GSMBuyer
22 Aug 16#67
Maybe. It only has 15 left. But the deal isn't expired yet.
GSMBuyer
22 Aug 16#68
exactly - why expired? this one would of got hot hot hot
pinguy to GSMBuyer
23 Aug 16#69
Well they are full stocked again.
Really unsure why this has been marked as "Expired".
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
Android TV Mad Catz M.O.J.O: http://forum.xda-developers.com/mad-catz-mojo/development/rom-android-tv-mad-catz-m-o-j-o-t3003219
Because 'you' can easily install 3rd party ROMs on this device by simply side-loading a apk to unlock the device, this makes this a great deal for people that like to tinker.
They even encourage it:
"Ready to Root
As any Android power-user knows, the best way to get the most out of your device is to root it. Rooting opens up all sorts of options including expanded access to Google Play and the ability to install custom ROMs. Mad Catz provides a short step-by-step guide to rooting, and our tech support team is ready to help. The best part – rooting won't void your warranty."
It is using the Tegra 4 SOC making this a very powerful system. It can easily run HL2/Portal and high-end (Android) games. It also has 2GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot that lets you expand the memory to 128 GB. It even has a USB 3.0 Port for fast access to external HDs.
Half-Life 2 Tegra 4 Frame-Rate Tests: https://youtu.be/aPyrpBpC3QM
Its hackability is what makes this device shine.
Spec wise, the Chinese Android TV boxes can't come close to this for its price.
As is, it is a fairly high-end Android TV box running Android 4.2.2 (poor mans NVIDIA SHIELD TV), price wise it is still pretty good even if it wasn't hackable. You would be looking at £20+ just for the game controller.
All comments (72)
Always would recommend this over m8/m8+ boxes etc bought one to review and compare with the shield and was pleasantly surprised.
The controller is better also.
Even if people don't want to mess around with it. I can't think of a better system for its price to run Kodi on.
If you root it and install a play store app called hide all soft keys then they go. So you don't even need to install a rom.
Ive tested this even with the moonlight and streamed games like ark and wwe 2K directly to it from my PC and it's hardly dropped any frames! Very good box.
https://youtu.be/bb7fmUo4Xro
x265 it might be able to do. I need to find the Tegra 4 spec sheet to see what hardware decoding it can do.
Here it does say it supports HDR, so that is a + http://www.nvidia.com/object/tegra-4-processor.html
The Tegra 4 SOC is still a very powerful CPU. Not much can touch it performance wise. Only issue is due to its age is some of the newer codecs won't have hardware decoding. But because it is a very powerful CPU it will be able to handle the newer (unsupported) codecs via software. Just don't expect them to run at 4K (h.264 will run like a champ on this).
Gaming wise there isn't much that is going to touch this. THIS IS a very high-end gaming CPU/GPU. But due to its age some of the newer codecs like VP9 (that hardly any SOC can support anyway) will have to be decoded via software.
Unofficially you can run Android 5.1.1
There are huge benefits to being able to hack a device and being able to run unofficially firmwares.
Being able to run unofficially firmwares means as long as the community is happy to keep the device updated and supported. There will always be updates for it. Long after the company has officially stop supporting the device.
As a gaming Android TV box, only the NVIDIA SHIELD TV with its Tegra X1 SOC can beat this.
So yes. This is leaps and bonds better than the Amazon TV stick.
I would only use WIFI for streaming movies as the last resort ethernet is the first choice everytime!
Thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mad-catz-mojo/development/rom-android-tv-mad-catz-m-o-j-o-t3003219
https://youtu.be/bb7fmUo4Xro
But the XDA forum has good info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/mad-catz-mojo
At the moment I have two routers (because I don't have a dual router). My main one is my Virgin Media Netgear HUB (I have that setup to use 5Ghz), and a fairly cheap Belkin 2.4GHz that is connected to my HUB.
Nearly all of my devices can use 5Ghz. Only a 2012 Nexus 7 tablet and a couple of E-readers can't. All my other devices including my Smart TV can use 5Ghz, and the speed difference between 2.4GHz/5Ghz WiFi is huge.
If you can use 5Ghz WiFi I would look into it.
#Edit.
My Virgin Media Hub setup.
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/mad-catz-m-o-j-o-micro-console-for-android-59-99-sediva-uk-fulfilled-amazon-2395150
looks like limited stock available, if I remember right the controller on these are £30+ alone
https://youtu.be/10Nxn7VU5rQ
you will need to root this at least to get the best from it, it isnt a difficult job at all just make sure you have the correct files. and avoid using towel root, that thing is nasty
much better than a fire stick
Or does anybody know of recommended apps that will act as a library, pulling files from a nas device?
I bought this thinking it would be possible to use as a media streamer to my other plex devices but it appears the only device this is possible on is a nvidia shield, which is frankly just stupid
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/tegra-4-tegra-4i-gpu-architecture,3445-3.html
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/turn-old-android-device-media-server/
Also you can get the Shield/Android TV version working with a bit of hacking.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-stick--console-computers/help/force-plex-android-tv-mode-t3324772
http://www.wetekforums.com/v/index.php?p=/discussion/27564/android-tv-app-mods-leanback-and-fireos-remote-friendly-apps-modified-to-work-on-regular-android
I use it a lot more than Kodi, it has a well designed interface and better suits my usage requirements.
Basically to simply things with a pair of hard drives attached
I love the idea of this thing but I'm not sure it does all I want it to
PS, 3 now TV in the house so a plex server is important
I don't mind messing around with all this junk but for most users I can't even imagine how they keep Kodi and Plex stuff working properly.
Been flashing custom roms, adding launchers and frontends to my android devices for years so this is going to be a decent project with hopefully promising results
If you just want to run Kodi and do a bit of retro gaming, a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B running Recalbox & KODI Dual Boot Images will do the job fine.
Really unsure why this has been marked as "Expired".
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/deals/ref=gbps_ftr_s-3_8647_wht_300703?gb_f_GB-SUPPLE=sortOrder:BY_SCORE,enforcedCategories:300703&pf_rd_p=981978647&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=7VGXBZ188XYAK0GNHM59