Author Topic: Xiaomi Mi Box 3 (International Edition): FIRST IMPRESSIONS (Read 140563 times)

lsm0325 · « **Reply #30 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 05:09 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 07, 2017 at 04:55 PM

Here's the only problem though. The Mi box does NOT have built-in ethernet, only WiFi connection to your home LAN. That means I really can't stream BD ISOs and 4K ISOs via WIFI for the box to play, the bandwidth needed is just too much.

So I have to connect the HD directly to the Mi Box sole USB port in order to play back these huge fles.

This means for us who's collection of iso movies stored on NAS connected via wired gigabit LAN, this will not be a choice. Hope our mede8er 800x3 will not conk out anytime soon.

scifi-fan · « **Reply #31 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 05:58 PM »

YUP!

Not recommended for NAS users IMHO.

Still.. if Xiaomi releases something in the future with an ethernet port at least I know the firmware is good and Kodi 17 works a-ok w/ HD Audio passthru.

uvax · « **Reply #32 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 06:33 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 07, 2017 at 05:58 PM

YUP!

Not recommended for NAS users IMHO.

Still.. if Xiaomi releases something in the future with an ethernet port at least I know the firmware is good and Kodi 17 works a-ok w/ HD Audio passthru.

So it's really an Android TV Box target for streaming services like Netflix and the like.

I wonder if this will support several hdd drives connected via usb hub. If it will support only one then it will be a hassle for users who have collections spread across several hdds.

scifi-fan · « **Reply #33 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 06:58 PM »

Quote from: uvax on Feb 07, 2017 at 06:33 PM

So it's really an Android TV Box target for streaming services like Netflix and the like.

I wonder if this will support several hdd drives connected via usb hub. If it will support only one then it will be a hassle for users who have collections spread across several hdds.

Interesting. Will give it a try if I can find a hub (haven't used one in years).

Pero this is still a dang good box. IMHO it's for those who don't have large "collections" since the future nga is to stream everything and not keep so many hard drives and depend on Netflix, Amazon, Google to watch whatever you want, wherever you want (it's portable diba), whenever you want.

Also it brings new life to your large flat panel non-smart TVs.

Also, the firmware is a bit bare meaning walang settings for HDMI CEC or other stuff coz' it's built for simplicity. I think pwede ko i-iwan to so elderly parents ko to use to watch stuff without the complexity of the old players we used before.

frequenzy · « **Reply #34 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 07:09 PM »

one thing i've read, this box doesn't support Netflix 4K due to DRM issues.

jambam · « **Reply #35 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 08:32 PM »

I have tested mine playing un compressed bd files 1080p over wifi and it plays reliably .. And my router is in the room upstairs so I only get a good signal ( not full bar).. With the wetek it pauses as it buffers..

Sent from my E6633 using Tapatalk

scifi-fan · « **Reply #36 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 08:35 PM »

May I know the brand/model of your router please?

jambam · « **Reply #37 on:** Feb 07, 2017 at 08:48 PM »

Linksys ea6900. I am using modded firmware though, but not certain if that matters. I am connected using the 5ghz ac.. One thing to check.also is if your wireless channel is congested as it will make your speed slower. But most routers allow you to change channels . I think even.with n300 it should be ok.as that is theoretically faster than 1 00 mbps. Wired ethernet

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shoestrings · « **Reply #38 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 02:27 AM »

Quote from: jambam on Feb 07, 2017 at 08:48 PM

I think even.with n300 it should be ok.as that is theoretically faster than 1 00 mbps. Wired ethernet

I wonder how the Mi Box 3 connects to N300 routers?
I'm still using a Belkin F7D7302 N300 router with tomato firmware and i'm currently connecting my tv boxes via ethernet because my minix u1 only connects max @ 150mbps, remix mini @ 150mbps and 2 s905 boxes only connects at 72mbps. Streaming wireless @150mbps is not really great.

Any idea if the Mi Box 3 supports usb to ethernet like the nexus player?

scifi-fan · « **Reply #39 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 08:10 AM »

I am already looking for USB to ethernet adapter. Wish me luck finding one that works or else sayang pera.

uvax · « **Reply #40 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 08:27 AM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 08, 2017 at 08:10 AM

I am already looking for USB to ethernet adapter. Wish me luck finding one that works or else sayang pera.

A quick search says there is a Xiaomi usb to RJ45 adapter and it's available at Lazada https://goo.gl/zr26kO. It's only 10/100 though.

raptor · « **Reply #41 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 09:03 AM »

does it support NBA app?

scifi-fan · « **Reply #42 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 10:32 AM »

Quote from: uvax on Feb 08, 2017 at 08:27 AM

A quick search says there is a Xiaomi usb to RJ45 adapter and it's available at Lazada https://goo.gl/zr26kO. It's only 10/100 though.

Thanks for the lead!

I'm investigating more products because there is also a USB Hub w/ Ethernet combo I've seen that works.

We have to be objective kasi. If I find solutions for the shortcomings, the cost should not exceed proven top tier boxes like the Nvidia or the Himedia. The goal is to find the best product with the best value so I can not exceed paying more than 7~8K for the total setup.

jambam · « **Reply #43 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 12:58 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 08, 2017 at 08:10 AM

I am already looking for USB to ethernet adapter. Wish me luck finding one that works or else sayang pera.

You need to look for one with the asix ax88772 chipset .. so far local ones are quite expensive . Most apple mac USB to Ethernet adaptors are asix . In case you have one lying around

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scifi-fan · « **Reply #44 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 02:03 PM »

Thank you very much for your help.

I went around Megamall today and have some candidates in mind, just need to research on their chipsets if they will be compatible. Price range is from P280~P600 for USB to Ethernet.

I also found a Ethernet 3.0 HUB (4 port) w/ Gigabit Ethernet so will research on that as well.

uvax · « **Reply #45 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 03:15 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 08, 2017 at 02:03 PM

Thank you very much for your help.

I went around Megamall today and have some candidates in mind, just need to research on their chipsets if they will be compatible. Price range is from P280~P600 for USB to Ethernet.

I also found a Ethernet 3.0 HUB (4 port) w/ Gigabit Ethernet so will research on that as well.

I believe the Mi Box 3 only has usb2.0 port. I have yet to see a gigabit ethernet usb-to-rj45 adapter that is just usb2.0. All the gigabit ethernet usb-to-rj45 adapters I've seen are for usb3.0 ports. I think usb2.0 ports does not have the bandwidth to support gigabit ethernet speeds so I doubt if this will work with the Mi Box 3.

scifi-fan · « **Reply #46 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 06:27 PM »

Yes I understand.

I want to get the USB 3.0 Hub combo so I can use it on my Mac as well

That said, I've found a USB to RJ45 with the Asix chipset mentioned earlier and bought it. I connected it to the Mi Box and it did recognize it so now the Mi Box is "wired". It's USB 2 and 10/100 MB only.

I still can't play BD ISOs from HDs on my Popcorn hour while the Wetek HUB on the same lan can still do it.

Will work on this some more.

bongchillog · « **Reply #47 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 06:59 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 07, 2017 at 04:55 PM

Just as I suspected. The Xiaomi MI's firmware is indeed the best nga I've seen in terms of ability for playing demanding content because of it's better compliance with Android standards.

It has Android 6 which has HDR not available on older versions. One of the most demanding movies I have to test is Star Trek Into Darkness 4K. It's 60GB and using other TV boxes w/ Android 5.x w/ Kodi 16.1 I can NOT display it properly on my 4K TV. I see artifacts from the gradation from light to dark. Deep Color is wonderful!

I tried it on the Mi Box w/ latest firmware and Kodi 17 (straight install from Play Store) and it played it perfectly w/ no artifacts. It even informed me during playback that HDR was turned on automatically.

I'm 15 minutes into the movie, NO stutter, NO drop-out of HD Audio.

Here's the only problem though. The Mi box does NOT have built-in ethernet, only WiFi connection to your home LAN. That means I really can't stream BD ISOs and 4K ISOs via WIFI for the box to play, the bandwidth needed is just too much.

So I have to connect the HD directly to the Mi Box sole USB port in order to play back these huge fles.

Nonetheless. Props to this box. It will now be my main player sa setup ko at least until there is progress from my Wetek to release their Android 6 firmware + Kodi 17. The wetek hub is still has the edge in terms of versatility since it has a Ethernet port.

One of the other "Astig" features of Xiaomi's firmware is it fully supports searching using the microphone firmware & hardware itself so searching for content is effortless compared to using on screen keyboards or separate BT keyboard/touchpad combos.

I just press the MIC button on the remote and say whatever I like and it finds it either on Google Movies or Youtube. ASTIG!

Meron na palang 4k iso...

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scifi-fan · « **Reply #48 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 07:22 PM »

4k rips rather... 60GB file size.

bongchillog · « **Reply #49 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 07:30 PM »

Quote from: scifi-fan on Feb 08, 2017 at 07:22 PM

4k rips rather... 60GB file size.

Ok.. ang alam ko audio format eto ng bd50 then the 4k tv ripped (or something like that) pinaghalo.
Hindi pa cracked ata ang ultrahd bluray.

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mhacman · « **Reply #50 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 07:32 PM »

very good MB3, indeed! and considering its low price (and with HDR!), this is becoming a very strong contender. since a lot of our forumers here are asking which NMT is good and cheaper... so this thread may be able to help them.

would you be kind to check some of these and share back your observations? TIA, sir!

Quote from: mhacman on Jan 10, 2017 at 06:26 PM

kindly test and inform us with its performance playing offline:

- 4K 10Bit HEVC BT.2020 full movie
- FHD 10Bit x264 (AVC) full movie
- BluRay .ISO - if it could initiate its BD Menu or start with main movie
- audio pass-thru for
- HD audio (ATMOS, DTS:X, TrueHD, DTS HD-MA, DTS 96/24)

the reason is to add to your review this MB3's prowess. let us know.

TIA!

mhacman · « **Reply #51 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 07:33 PM »

Quote from: bongchillog on Feb 08, 2017 at 07:30 PM

Ok.. ang alam ko audio format eto ng bd50 then the 4k tv ripped (or something like that) pinaghalo.
Hindi pa cracked ata ang ultrahd bluray.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

no sir, meron na.. with BT2020 at BT709 as well..

hush lang, baka matokhang tayo

scifi-fan · « **Reply #52 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 09:56 PM »

Still struggling with low network speeds using the USB to RJ45 even with standard Bluray ISOs (1080p) on the Popcorn's HD

raptor · « **Reply #53 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 11:24 PM »

most Android boxes do not support the NBA app for League Pass ... does this one support it?

scifi-fan · « **Reply #54 on:** Feb 08, 2017 at 11:59 PM »

I haven't gotten that far yet.

Honestly, this thing isn't really designed to be as user configurable as other boxes are. For one thing it doesn't allow you to install just anything. I can't install speedtest or a lot of utilities so I am going to "sideload" apps that isn't allowed on the Mi Box's built-in playstore.

That said I think to achieve my priority (stream large movie files) I will have to change my router again to support 5Ghz to increase my throughput. The built-in USB2 port just can't cut it for my needs.

However I have confirmed that this box uses the S905X which supports HDR while the standard S905 based boxes don't. That's why there's no hope for my other S905 boxes to display photos and 4K videos using my cameras faithfully.

UPDATE: I found the NBA App on the playstore. I was able to download it and there is a portion there about the NBA League Pass allowing me to subscribe or enter My account.