WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / HD Audio / Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K / HEVC) - Printable Version +- Kodi Community Forum (https://forum.kodi.tv) +-- Forum: Discussions (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=222) +--- Forum: Hardware (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=112) +--- Thread: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / HD Audio / Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K / HEVC) (/showthread.php?tid=238923) Pages:
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RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - jdwoods - 2015-12-16 Having just received my Core and just given it about 2 hours of tinkering (no updating yet, no microsd), I've found this thread very helpful. Thanks WRXTASY. That said, some things have come up and I have a few comments and questions. (2015-12-16, 05:50)wrxtasy Wrote: - Android Apps, can be selected from within Kodi and added as Favourites. Select the Android App like Netflix, watch some stuff. Exit Netflix and it auto-switches straight back into Kodi. Some Kodi Skins mount these Favourites on the main view screen too for easy selection.Launching Android Apps from Kodi is really nifty. Are there any recommended skins that will allow for thumbnailed (or otherwise) links on the home screen besides Confluence? (2015-12-16, 05:50)wrxtasy Wrote: - Android Lollipop OS has Android Apps that are not as remote control friendly as those running on the Android TV OS that you get on the nVIDIA Shield, Fire TV/Stick or Google Nexus. The Android TV OS - YouTube App works on the Core, there are probably more. For some functions you may have to use the Air mouse which can be a cause of frustration for some users that have never used one before. The remote-friendliness feature (or lack thereof) of NON Android TV Apps is quite frustrating as others are increasingly pointing out. Is it possible that future iterations of Weteks firmware/software, there may be more accommodations for using the remote with traditional Android OS (touch UI) Apps? (Sidenote: once you are in Kodi, there is no frustration whatsoever.) Also, I used the alternative Appstore, Aptoide, that Wetek preloaded on the Core to search for the Amazon Video streaming app (which is blocked from GPS). The Amazon Video app was not available from the alternative store natively, but there is a function to search other stores on the web that are hosted by Aptoide. I found it there and downloaded. Is there any reason to not trust this app? I haven't checked, but it seems it may be possible to download Android TV OS apps directly from Aptoide in a similar manner. (2015-12-16, 05:50)wrxtasy Wrote: - Christian Troy is adding features to the Android WeTek launcher on a regular basis, he even takes requests. You will be able to shortly boot straight into Kodi. I think the launcher is a great feature of the Core. There are a couple things that I cannot figure out: changing the temperature reading at the bottom of the home screen from Celsius to Fahrenheit. What are the remote shortcuts? Is there any way within the GUI to Sleep or Poweroff? How can one add more shortcuts to the launcher? RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - couto27 - 2015-12-16 Regarding the PQ of the wetek core 4K it didnt perform better than the Nvidia shield in the spears & munsil test. Its the same test Done in GeForce forums started by @wesk05 1- Missing white line (centered screen) 2- the RGB to YCbCr conversions need to improve the colors are fading 3- Red, white and blue are clipping 4- bands are BAD 5- chroma range check are BAD RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - theo point-o - 2015-12-16 does the ps3 sixaxis controller work on this? i prefer using it over other controllers. it must be rooted to use the controller right? RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - Pillendreher - 2015-12-17 Just wanted to order the Core, but I don't want to unless I have clarity on this issue: You guys mentioned the lacking remote support of some Android apps. Does this apply to streaming apps like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now or CBS All Acess? I want to use those and I need my remote to work with those apps. RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - hdmkv - 2015-12-17 Updated January 20, 2016 Here's my review of the WeTek Core... Still haven't gotten to 4K testing on Core (does 4K@30) as yet, and compare vs. nVidia Shield TV (does 4K@60). Grades:
// Evaluation under Android w/PCM Test Patch // Highlights:
Background: I've wanted a WeTek Core ever since wrxtasy's review was first posted, so I asked (no, make that almost begged WeTek ) for a review unit. They kindly sent me one quickly. Just sounded like a terrific little box, and guess what?! It is (for the most part)! It's the best AMLogic S812-based media player to date, jumping ahead of all other AML boxes to date! Read on... I'll try not to cover what wrxtasy already did, but expand upon his excellent review. My Home Theater (and Review) Set-Up: Please see here. Physical Player & Remote: Core is professionally put together, packaged. It has a nice build quality, and is quite lightweight without that cheap feeling many Chinese Android TV boxes have. It's really competitively priced for what you get. The player has a beautifully simple form factor. The remote is equally nice, very comfortable to hold, and with all the necessary buttons, except Play/Pause and Stop. However, 'Stop' function can be mapped to the 'Back' key; see wrxtasy's post #1. The remote works via Bluetooth so no line of sight necessary; works really well, and is responsive. Additionally, the remote has air-mouse capability, which works fairly well (pointer seems a bit fast, but you get used to it). Really hoping WeTek adds Core to Logitech's database so I can program my Harmony One Ultimate to control the Core. Few Photos: watch gallery
User Interface (Android Launcher) & Navigation: With Android 5.x underneath, Core shares a UI similar to nVidia's Shield TV, but it's more simplistic. Perhaps a bit too minimalistic. I wished for captions/labels below icons and such as some weren't quite intuitive. Apparently this is by design, thanks to WeTek developer ChristianTroy's zen-like approach ; it takes a little getting used to. Thankfully, WeTek has made Google's official Android TV launcher (same as in nVidia Shield & Nexus Player) available for those who want it. The Core is quite snappy to navigate around, use, thanks to the AMLogic S812 chip inside. In any case, Core is easily the best 'TV' implementation of S812 (or any AMLogic chip) so far. Kodi 15.2 with fixed, proper 23.976 playback is preinstalled after latest OTA update. YouTube and Aptoide are also preinstalled, but not Netflix. See wrxtasy's post #1 to download the proper Android TV version of Netflix w/HD & 24p output. Audio/Video Test Results:
Please see details & pics here for both OpenELEC tests below... // Evaluation under WeTek OpenELEC 7.0.0 (Kodi v16.0 beta5) //
// Evaluation under wrxtasy's MVC OpenELEC Test Build #3 //
Useful Tips & Tricks:
Very impressed with WeTek Core at this point. Core is basically a nVidia Shield for le$$, and it will likely play 3D MVC MKV's & 3D ISO's 3D at some point w/proper 3D output (even if rendered half-rez). This would give Core an edge over Shield, especially as HD audio is now working! Also throw in easy OpenELEC boot option, it's like having 2x Kodi experience options in one box! Pretty darn cool! RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wrxtasy - 2015-12-17 (2015-12-17, 03:52)hdmkv Wrote: Using the Remote:Nice detailed review there hdmv Yes some care and actual thought has gone into the Core. You will find Christian Troy will not be swayed about cluttering and redesigning the Core's minimalistic Android GUI interface. He is a big fan of Japanese Minimalism - less is more. You too in time will appreciate this viewpoint. I have. Some remote control tips that will make your life a lot easier: - Go into Android settings and decrease the Speed / Sensitivity of the Air Mouse. This is the very first thing everyone should do. You will find it very accurate and easier to use then. - The buttons are designed for short travel button pressing, it all a matter of getting used to it. Makes for very fast GUI navigation. - To disable the Air Mouse you press the Microphone button or lay it down somewhere for 10 or so seconds. - Disable the Mouse and Touchscreen function in Kodi to prevent GUI confusion. - Keymap Editor Addon is your friend to reprogram a Stop button during full screen video playback only in Kodi. Takes 4 minutes. (I use the Back button) RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - hdmkv - 2015-12-17 Well, you saved me a bunch of effort with your review and this thread! RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wrxtasy - 2015-12-17 (2015-12-17, 00:12)Pillendreher Wrote: Just wanted to order the Core, but I don't want to unless I have clarity on this issue: You guys mentioned the lacking remote support of some Android apps. Does this apply to streaming apps like Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now or CBS All Acess? I want to use those and I need my remote to work with those apps.No that is not what we said. What we are saying is these apps are not as remote control friendly to use as the ones designed specifically for remote control use on the Android TV OS Hardware such as the Shield and Fire TV. They are still fully usable, it is just for some functions that do not get used that often you need to use the Air Mouse, and some users find that hard as they do not setup the Speed and Sensitivity control options of the Air Mouse properly first. RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - hdmkv - 2015-12-17 BTW, for proper Netflix, just download it from Play store via WeTek Play UI? I may subscribe back on, especially as I'm starving for 4K (on my Shield) ! RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wrxtasy - 2015-12-17 No 4K Netflix as you need HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 which the Core does not have. Yep just download from the Play Store. BIG TIP: Use the Air Mouse button to click and select some Google Login buttons that at first will appear not to function when just hitting the OK middle remote control button. It will all make sense when you reach the troublesome Login screen. RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - hdmkv - 2015-12-17 No, I know Core won't do 4K Netflix, but HD Netflix. I'm mulling signing back up with Netflix for 4K plan for 4K on Shield and HD on Core and Fire TV. RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wrxtasy - 2015-12-17 Ahh I see now. Just try a what is it 30 day trial. You must have a fast download Pipe then. Now what are you doing to control that Android Army you have been assembling. ? Keep em in line or they will take over the house, or is it too late for that ? RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - BORIStheBLADE - 2015-12-17 (2015-12-17, 03:52)hdmkv Wrote: Positives: Were these audio test performed on both OS? RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wesk05 - 2015-12-17 (2015-12-16, 21:21)couto27 Wrote: Regarding the PQ of the wetek core 4K it didnt perform better than the Nvidia shield in the spears & munsil test.It is the same as what I have seen on Minix X8-H Plus (except for the horizontal shift). If you detect clipping, then chroma range check becomes meaningless. RE: WeTek Core (24p HD Netflix / Android Lollipop / OpenELEC / 4K HEVC) - wesk05 - 2015-12-17 (2015-12-17, 03:52)hdmkv Wrote: HD audio passthrough surprisingly kinda works! Wasn't expecting this. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 7.1 (including ATMOS and DTS:X) are output as multichannel PCM, but unfortunately the rears & sides channels are swapped, and there's no center and no LFE. Hopefully, WeTek can fix this, either decoded to PCM properly like Raspberry Pi2 or even ideally bitstreamed to proper 5.1 to 7.1First of all, nice detailed review for the A/V enthusiasts on Kodi forum! So, is HD audio passthrough working or not? You mention that HD audio is decoded to LPCM, but with channel mapping errors. This is actually interesting because neither HD audio passthrough or LPCM works on the Minix X8-H Plus. That said, I am not sure whether this will be present in future firmware. CT mentioned that they had to remove Dolby/DTS decoder libraries in this release, but it will be added again later. Licensing restrictions will come into play then. Ultra HD Blu-ray is encoded using HEVC main/main10 profiles. These Jellyfish clips are H.264. |