1. Anaglyph, viewable via red-cyan glasses (now a dated technology)
   
2. Side-by-side (SBS), also known as HSBS (half-SBS), commonly found in Blu-ray re-encoded MKV's
   
3. Top-and-bottom (TAB), also known as HTAB (half-TAB) or HOU (half over-under), commonly found in Blu-ray re-encoded MKV's
   
4. Full MVC MKV, usually Blu-ray rips via MakeMKV (retains main movie only)
   
5. Full 3D ISO, usually full disc rips (or, can also be movie-only extractions via tsMuxeR)
   
6. Full SBS or TAB, which retains the same full resolution as #4 and 5, but not via the more efficient MVC method. Full SBS/TAB is uncommon, are usually much larger filesize of MVC, and only certain HTPC's will be able to play properly
   

1. [Linux] Decodes MVC in full and renders 3D in full, natively via Kodi: the one and only Raspberry Pi. Pi3 is recommended as 3D performs better with its extra horsepower.
   
2. [Windows] Decodes MVC in full and renders 3D in full, natively via Kodi MVC builds for Intel hardware. This has now become the ultimate 3D solution for many as it's native Kodi, with full HD audio bitstreaming, all framerates output perfectly, and with added benefit of Netflix/Amazon HD streaming via Windows app or web browser.
   
3. [Android] Decodes MVC in full and renders 3D in full, via an external player, with Kodi as just the front-end. HiMedia Q5/Q10 Pro works this way, as does previous-gen Q5/Q10 4K3D. There also are custom Kodi-integrated 3D players like Zidoo X6, HiMedia H8 Octa, but they suffer from key issues (like macroblocking, no 23.976) to really be taken seriously.
   
4. [Android] Decodes MVC in full, but renders 3D in half (so resulting quality will be similar to HSBS and HTAB). This uses Koying's MVC hack and works to varying degrees on AMLogic Sxxx boxes like WeTek Core, Minix U1, etc. and nVidia Shield TV.
   
5. [Android] VidOn solution (offered by Minix and Tronsmart). VidOn is a GPL and trademark infringer, and they rely on a proprietary solution for MVC 3D. Their 'Pro' payware Kodi fork provides Blu-ray menus, 3D and HD audio... however, 3D is similar to #4 (half-rez). My recommendation is to avoid VidOn altogether, not only because of GPL/trademark violations, but because their solution exhibits several key issues (no 23.976, and in fact all videos output at same resolution as UI, unstable, and basically unreliable).
   

• Avoid Android devices running Marshmallow 6.x.x Firmware unless they comes from MINIX or WeTek.
  
• Avoid ALL Rockchip & Allwinner Android boxes for Kodi.
  
• The included Infra Red only remotes on cheap Android devices cannot control touchscreen Android Apps properly. Kodi OK.
  

• No Auto 1080p/4K resolution switching on 99% of Android OS platforms, except the FireTV2 and the NVIDIA Shield(SPMC 17.6 only). Important for high quality, hands off 1080p > 4K picture upscaling. Manual Android settings fiddling required for optimal picture outputs.
  
• However after auto 1080p / 4K resolution switching, there are colorspace issues with the Shield.
  
• Numerous complaints about poor quality 1080p > 4K upscaling picture outputs from the NVIDIA Shield vs what 4K TV's can do.
  
• Major deinterlacing issues with Android Kodi Krypton and some PVR's -  reported on ALL Android devices.
  
• The NVIDIA Shield's Troublesome - overly touch sensitive mini remote.
  
• .
  
• Multichannel FLAC - users beware:
  
• Virtually all devices using an Android OS (except the Zidoo X9S) have 16bit Multichannel 48/96kHz PCM Audio output limitations (click)
  
• The No Bullshit NVIDIA Shield FLAC Audio post !!
  Read NVIDIA Shield - Multichannel Hi-Res audio limitations for extra information.
  
• Intel Apollo Lake & Kaby Lake NUC's:
  
• No HD Audio Passthrough when using Intel Apollo / Kaby Lake - LibreELEC Kodi Krypton 8.x(click) You will lose Atmos and DTS:X for certain.
  
• However you can use Kodi's 5.1. / 7.1 HD to PCM Lossless Audio decoding instead for no loss in Audio output quality. Mostly Fixed !
  
• No 24bit/192kHz Audio for Sky / Apollo / Kaby Lake Working with Kaby/Coffee Lake NUC's !
  
• No working HDMI CEC control - out of the box on any Intel Platforms.
  
• HDR problems along with various other issues using Intel Kaby Lake Hardware and Kodi.
  
• .
  
• Amazon FireTV hardware needs Kodi to be installed via sideloading using various means. Kodi does not Autoupdate. There is no Google Playstore with Amazon's FireOS. Amazon have a blocklist / blacklist of Kodi installer apps in their Firmware to make life difficult.
  
• To access all the 1080p 3D, HDR, and HD Audio features on the Zidoo X9S and Himedia Q5/10 Pro devices, a wrapper must be used with Kodi that then utilises external media player software. There have been some issues with Subtitles and video playback resume points using this method. Non tech users may find themselves confused when using this device setup. Detailed self research needs to be done.
  

• New: Home Network / Internet Streaming only -->> Verizon Stream TV (click) the Air TV Mini (click) and the upcoming...
  
• New: TiVo Stream 4K: https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=351960
  
• Various new AMLogic Android media players running the Android Pie OS 9.0, most can also dual boot to run CoreELEC Kodi Leia as well.
  
• Don't need HD Netflix - the Mecool KM3 (click) is the most flexible budget device that can also run CoreELEC Kodi - faster device vs the Jetstream 4K and Mi boxes.
  
• Xiaomi Mi Box, mini review HERE
  
• 2018 Amazon FireTV Stick 4K (click) - easy to Sideload Kodi.
  
• Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD -- Engel EN1015K in Europe( click)
  

• Vero 4K+ (OSMC) - Plug n Play.
  
• New: ODROID N2 - CoreELEC Edition (click)
  
• Various cheap, Gigabit LAN equipped AMLogic S912, S905X2 devices running CoreELEC Kodi Leia from a USB stick / microSDHC like the Ugoos X2 / X3 Cube
  

• New: ODROID N2 - CoreELEC Edition
  
• Vero 4K+ running OSMC Kodi Leia
  
• Greater detail - Split out into it's own dedicated thread - 4K HDR10 - State of Play thread - important media player limitations (click)
  
• Users with 100M only Ethernet devices have reported a USB3 > Gigabit UGREEN adapter (click) works and enables higher data transfer rates for high bitrate 4K HDR video playback.
  
• Yes these cheap GigaE LAN equipped, AMLogic devices, running OSMC / CoreELEC are better than both the more expensive Intel "Lake" NUC's and the NVIDIA Shield for auto, mixed 1080p / 4K HDR Kodi Leia video playback.
  
• There is no need to continually fiddle with Operating System or Kodi settings for optimal 1080p / 4K HDR picture outputs once initial device setup is complete.
  
• Just be aware, if you are a ex Intel user wanting to use a really demanding Skin like Aeon MadNox really only the new AML S922X / A311D devices with great ARM GPU's or a snappy Nvidia Shield will meet your needs.
  
• This is a reality check warning !
  
  

• Intel / AMD x86-64
  
• New: ODROID N2 (using eMMC flash storage)
  
• New: AMLogic chipset devices with a S922X / A311D chipset like the Khadas VIM3 or Ugoos AM6
  
• ODROID C2 (using eMMC flash storage)
  
• Vero 4K+ running OSMC Kodi - Plug n Play.
  
• New: DIY CoreELEC Kodi Leia on a AMLogic S905X2 / X3 chipset devices equipped with GigaE (1000M) LAN.
  

• Nvidia Shield
  
• New: Runner(s) up are the Verizon Stream TV, the Air TV Mini and Mecool KM3
  

• Ugoos AM6 (click)
  

• Apple TV 4K
  

• All devices running OSMC / LibreELEC / CoreELEC / Windows Kodi
  
• Android devices >>> NVIDIA Shield, Ugoos AM6, MINIX U9, WeTek Hub and Play2
  
• Apple TV 4K using various Apps - the big one being Netflix - that can Frame Rate Match (click), the only media player platform that can do so with that App !
  
• Amazon FireTV hardware (click)
  
• New: Rooted AMLogic Android devices using this following DIY https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=229310&pid=2891405#pid2891405
  

• Avoid the early 2017 Nvidia Shield's low powered 2.4GHz Bluetooth remotes due to 2.4GHz Radio Freq. / USB3 interference issues.
  
• Buy a USB mini dongle - Wireless remote, like the highly compatible MINIX A2 Lite or Wireless Harmony Remotes.
  
• Even better is a Wireless remote that can also learn Infra Red commands from the original remote for device Power OFF / ON.
  
• There is also a OSMC Wireless remote available that works out of the box with LibreELEC / CoreELEC and Android TV.
  
• Both the MINIX A2 and the OSMC remotes include a Plug n Play USB Wireless Mini receiver dongles.
  
• LibreELEC / CoELEC Kodi Leia now has support for the excellent, simple, $10, ultra responsive, bluetooth - Xiaomi Mi Box aftermarket remote.
  
• This HERE (click) $10 USB dongle WiFi Voice remote would work as a Plug N Play with a bunch of Android / LibreELEC / CoreELEC devices
  
• New: Nvidia Shield users recommend the WeChip G20 wireless Air Mouse Voice remote these days.
  

• New: Ugoos AM6 (Android Pie 9.0 / CoreELEC (click))
  
• ODROID N2 (CoreELEC + various other OS)
  
• Mecool KM3 / KM9 Pro Deluxe running Android TV Pie / CoreELEC Kodi.
  
• Intel / AMD x86-64 computers
  
• ODROID C2 (CoreELEC)
  
• ASUS Chromebox
  
• Raspberry Pi's (LibreELEC or OSMC)
  
• Various cheap AMLogic S9xx devices, lots of community support for these on the Freaktab Forums(click)
  

• Vero 4K+
  
• ODROID N2 - CoreELEC Edition
  
• RPi's, Chromeboxes and Intel / AMD running LibreELEC Kodi.
  

• Ugoos AM6
  
• Mecool KM3 / KM9
  
• Mecool S905D devices (working L1 DRM + HDCP 1.x)
  
• WeTek Play2
  

• New: Verizon Stream 4K and the Air TV Mini - HDMI dongles
  
• Xiaomi Mi Box (pretty stable Oreo firmware these days - remember to Factory Reset on Pie 9.x OS upgrade)
  
• Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD
  
• Nvidia Shield
  
• Amazon devices, using MrMC (Kodi fork) or Sideloaded Kodi
  
• Apple TV 4(K) running MrMC (Click)
  
• Mecool KM3 / KM9 Pro Deluxe (no HD Netflix on these)
  

• May be OK so long as you are not a demanding Kodi user expecting everything to just "work"
  
• The one advantage is all non 4K content will be picture upscaled to 4K by high quality 4K TV hardware upscalers.
  
• Firmware is generally poor for demanding Kodi Audio compatibility. Forget about HD Audio and even basic 5.1 DTS Audio will cause issues.
  
• A very informative Review from @CiNcH is worth reading - The Sony Android TV Experience (2017)
  

• Various MINIX AMLogic Boxes, using the A2/A3 Lite Remote (Note: the A3 lite and the new backlit MINIX remotes have wake from sleep issues)
  
• The Wireless MINIX A2 Lite Air Mouse remote is a quality remote that works with a LOT of media players using a USB dongle - Plug n Play
  

• Android TV has a different Google Playstore vs the regular tablet Google Playstore. Android TV specific Apps cannot be installed from the regular tablet Google Playstore and there is a more limited Android TV Apps selection.  But those ATV Apps are much easier to use, especially when used with included Wireless Voice remotes.
  
• Regular tablet Playstore Android Apps usually do not work properly on Android TV devices.
  
• Amazon devices have no Google Playstore, but instead have there own FireOS Apps store - with more Apps vs Android TV.
  
• Apple TV 4/4K devices have no Google Playstore, but instead have there own tvOS Apps store - with more Apps vs Android TV.
  
• Android TV boxes (think Shield, Mi Box, Jetstream 4k Ultra HD) use a simple remote and simple Apps designed for use on the TV screen.
  
• Amazon FireTV and Apple TV hardware uses a simple Interface and Wireless remotes as well.
  
• All devices can use Voice searching with a compatible Wireless remote.
  
• All other regular tablet/touchscreen based - Android OS boxes need a Wireless Air Mouse or touchpad Keyboard to use touchscreen Apps.  
  
• Those Apps are much harder to use on a TV screen. A lot of people hate using tablet Apps on a TV screen with any sort of mouse.
  
• Included Infra Red only remotes will not work properly with touchscreen/tablet Android Apps.
  
• All versions of Kodi do Not need an Air Mouse remote or touchpad Keyboard to use properly.
  

• Basically any modern device sold as 4K capable will be able to decode 8/10bit HEVC.
  

• Basically you are trying to get a 4K TV to use it's superior, high quality , hardware picture upscalers when displaying all non 4K content.
  
• Intel hardware has always been known for high quality picture upscaling. NVIDIA Hardware (inc. GPU cards) not so much...
  
• Unless media player hardware can already do decent hardware picture upscaling (like the Apple TV 4K), you want a device that can do auto 720/1080p <<-->> 4K resolution switching those are....
  
• Intel / AMD x86-64 computers.
  
• All AMLogic S9xx devices running OSMC or LibreELEC / CoreELEC Kodi
  
• Zidoo X9S and (and possibly HiMedia Q5/10 ?)
  
• NVIDIA Shield running Kodi Leia, however virtually all other Apps on 2015/2017 Shields and all non 4K, Android TV user interfaces and elements will still have to deal with Poor picture upscaling (click)
  
• The new 2018 - FireTV Stick 4K I believe also does auto resolution switching.
  

• Raspberry Pi's
  
• Various Intel Machines running Windows, and a special Fork of Kodi.
  
• The DIY Intel - with Windows 10 and GeForce GTX 960 or later Nvidia graphics card solution, preferably GeForce GT 1030 or better.
  
• HiMedia Q5/10 Pro - using an external (non Kodi) software solution.
  
• Zidoo X9S - using an external (non Kodi) software solution. Has full Bluray Menu support.
  

• Zidoo X9S (possibly does 24bit Multichannel audio - confirmation needed)
  
• HiMedia Q5/10 Pro (confirmation needed)
  
• WeTek Hub / Play2 (CoreELEC)
  
• ODROID N2 / C2 (CoreELEC)
  
• Vero 4K (OSMC- 24bit/192kHz)
  
• Various cheap AMLogic S9xx devices running CoreELEC Kodi Leia
  
• Chromeboxes (24bit/192kHz)
  
• Intel / AMD x86-64 computers, inc. Macs running Windows.(24bit/192kHz except Sky/Apollo/Kaby Lake onwards)
  
• Apple TV 4K audio capabilities are found in THIS review (click)
  

• New: Ugoos AM6 (possibly the Ugoos X2 and X3 Cube as well)
  
• WeTek Hub / Play2
  
• MINIX U9
  
• NVIDIA Shield
  
• 2016 Xiaomi Mi Box - NOT the 2018 Mi Box S
  
• AMLogic S9xx devices running Android Nougat 7.x - ONLY - Firmware
  
• Zidoo X9S / HiMedia Q5/10 Pro (uses their own media player software and a Kodi front end interface)
  

• Intel / AMD x86-64 computers
  
• ODROID N2
  
• Apple TV 4K using the superb Channels App or running MrMC (highly modded Kodi Jarvis) ... equal with the following two...
  
• All AMLogic chipset based boxes, eg the WeTek, MINIX, ODROID, Vero 4K devices plus others.
  (You have to use Android 7.x or earlier & Kodi/SPMC Jarvis or CoreELEC / OSMC Kodi)
  
• Raspberry Pi's.
  
• NVIDIA Shield** However 1080i mpeg2 TV - stuttering video playback (click) have been reported.
  
• The previously mention Channels App (click) now has Android TV support.
  
• The Plex DVR is an unknown quantity, careful self research should be done.
  
• Avoid Amazon FireTV (inc. Stick 4K) & Xiaomi Mi Box hardware for anything to do with high quality - Kodi deinterlacing.
  
• Virtually all AMLogic Android devices running Android Kodi Leia only output half motion deinterlacing, it's OK, but no good for fast sports action ball sports viewing.
  

• WeTek Play2 - when used with TvHeadend in this unofficial Marshmallow - Android TV ROM
  

• Important NOTE: Unless you have a HDMI connected Dolby Digital Plus Audio receiver, expect 2.0 Audio only from DD+ copy protected streaming Apps running on ALL externally connected Android TV platforms - like the Shield, Mi Box and Jetstream 4k Ultra HD.
  
• If you have older Dolby Digital 5.1 only capable audio receiver hardware, only properly Dolby Audio licensed specific hardware platforms such as the Apple TV's, and Amazon Fire TV's can do Netflix / Amazon / VUDU / iTunes - DD+ 5.1 to DD/AC3 5.1 audio downmixing.
  
• This 5.1 DD audio can then be passed thru various model TV's and out via Optical/ARC to older audio equiptment.
  
• The Apple TV's also do DD+ > multichannel LPCM decoding to support older HDMI connected AVR's.
  
• Only the XBOX ONE and Apple TV HD/4K is approved to stream Netflix Atmos Audio
  

• PLUG n Play:
  
• New: Verizon Stream 4K and the Air TV Mini - HDMI dongles (4K HDR Netflix / 4K HDR Amazon Prime Video / 4K VUDU)
  
• Ematic Jetstream 4K Ultra HD (4K HDR Netflix)
  
• NVIDIA Shield (4K HDR Netflix / 4K HDR Amazon Prime Video / 4K VUDU)
  
• New: 2019 Nvidia Shield (4K HDR & DolbyVision Netflix / 4K HDR Amazon Prime Video / 4K HDR DV VUDU)
  
• Apple TV 4K (4K HDR & DolbyVision Netflix / 4K HDR Amazon Prime Video / 4K HDR DV VUDU / 4K DolbyVision iTunes)
  
• Xiaomi Mi Box (4K HDR Netflix / 4K HDR Amazon Prime Video)
  
• Amazon Fire TV devices, the Gen3 pendant (HDR), NEW FireTV Stick 4K / 2019 Cube (HDR / DolbyVision).
  
• Intel / AMD x86-64 computers with GeForce GT 1030 or later Nvidia graphics card solution running Win10, using either dedicated Apps or a Web Browser. See HERE (click) for details.
  
  
• 1080p SDR Netflix:
  (Can only get Android 1080p Netflix with a special, difficult to use - tablet / mouse version of Netflix OR use the Kodi Leia Netflix Addon)
  
• WeTek Hub & Play2
  
• MINIX U9-H
  
• Intel / AMD x86-64 that can CPU Software 1080p H264 video when running LibreELEC - using the Kodi Leia Netflix Addon
  
• Rockchip RK3399 Hardware running LibreELEC Kodi.
  
• New: Mecool KM3 / KM9 - these Apps (click) may re-add Netflix ATV support
  
• New: ODROID N2 ( 1080p Netflix - CoreELEC OS)
  
• New: Other AMLogic S922X / A311D chipset devices running CoreELEC Kodi.
  

(2015-12-21, 05:50)tiho Wrote: What about this : http://www.geekbuying.com/item/GeekBox-Open-Source-Cross-TV-BOX-Android-Ubuntu-Dual-Boot-4K-RK3368-Octa-Core-2G-16G-AC-WIFI-1000M-LAN-BT4-1-HDMI2-0-OTG-358067.html?gclid=CJKQwZmE7MkCFcE_GwodPbMD9A.

Quote:AMLogic devices to keep an eye on would be the very recently released AMLogic S905 series like the new Lollipop equipped MINIX U1. Other S905's will be coming in 2016, from well known reputable manufacturers. Devices that are not rushed to market, like dirt cheap stuff from Asia with lots of Firmware bugs and NO support.

(2015-12-21, 14:51)dukester Wrote: hardly able to consider the minix and wetek "cost effective" amlogic devices considering they sell for 3 times the price of most amlogic devices.

Quote:...the best Kodi devices have a decent, active, knowledgable, respected manufacturer device support forums. Manufacturer experience with previous successful, similarly specced Hardware devices also is very important

Quote: the MINIX U1 was one of the first rushed to market s905 boxes and it was borky as can be when if came from the asian factory full of bugs.

(2015-12-27, 03:46)psysfaction Wrote: Sadly Atmos will not be possible with the Pi since it does not send the Metadata if it is decoded into PCM streams.

(2015-12-27, 03:46)psysfaction Wrote: Thank you for the good write up.

I would add a line in HD-Audio about Atmos and the soon to be released DTS:X.
For me this is one of the more exciting things that happened lately for home cinemas.

I have been using Atmos and it works well under Openelec with a Braswell Chip.

Sadly Atmos will not be possible with the Pi since it does not send the Metadata if it is decoded into PCM streams.