[MediaPi]

of those options
i own 2 gen2 cubes which are not being used because they got replaced with 2 gen3 cubes
i would *never* pick the 4k max
i don't know much about the odroid

so i would go for the gen3

This is a quote from YadaYada

Sad to see the Amazon Fire TV 2nd gen Cube always getting excluded. It uses an s922z which is equivalent to the the s922x-j, does Dolby FEL etc. Also includes full DRM (Netflix, Widevine L1, Playready). Has good CoreELEC 15 & EmuELEC 20 support
It does require unlocking 68, but then you have FireOS with full Magisk control. All DRM streaming apps still working.
They can still be found on eBay new/sealed for $40-70 regularly.

https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/best-de...2024/52405

the odroid N2 is S298 , it's the first revision then you had N2+ which was like 30% improvement. then you have the S229-XJ that's in the AM6B+, which is the same in the gen 2 fire (s922z)

the 2nd gen is literally an AM6B+ but better because it can do things the AM6B+.  YadaYada is the developer who discovered suitable dovi.ko modules for the S905X4 and S922X, so he knows his stuff

@MrCrispy it's not even a choice, if you could guarantee the gen 2 will is old version then it spanks the N2 and it will spank the other boxes too. get the 2nd gen. you got yourself half price AM6B+

Yes, I do have a seller who has a unopened Cube 2. My only concerns are the steps required to block updates/flash new firmware etc - I've read the linked threads and its still not clear to me how to do it, and if you can still use the native FireOS functionality (e.g. apps, the voice control), how to switch between them, and then like you mentioned there is the issue of which remote to use etc. 

I have used custom rom's on my phone before and that involved TWRP and Magisk so this sounds familiar, but I also remember lots of things can go wrong.

I don't understand you said it spanks the N2, is that because N2 won't do DV? speed should be equivalent?

You'd get a better answer if you ask on this thread
https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/best-de.../52405/433

N2 can't do FEL, It's slightly slower and you don't have dual OS.
signde had good points too, he's owned those boxes, I prefer what he said but ask in that thread too

[signde]

of those options
i own 2 gen2 cubes which are not being used because they got replaced with 2 gen3 cubes
i would *never* pick the 4k max
i don't know much about the odroid

so i would go for the gen3

This is a quote from YadaYada

Sad to see the Amazon Fire TV 2nd gen Cube always getting excluded. It uses an s922z which is equivalent to the the s922x-j, does Dolby FEL etc. Also includes full DRM (Netflix, Widevine L1, Playready). Has good CoreELEC 15 & EmuELEC 20 support
It does require unlocking 68, but then you have FireOS with full Magisk control. All DRM streaming apps still working.
They can still be found on eBay new/sealed for $40-70 regularly.

https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/best-de...2024/52405

the odroid N2 is S298 , it's the first revision then you had N2+ which was like 30% improvement. then you have the S229-XJ that's in the AM6B+, which is the same in the gen 2 fire (s922z)

the 2nd gen is literally an AM6B+ but better because it can do things the AM6B+.  YadaYada is the developer who discovered suitable dovi.ko modules for the S905X4 and S922X, so he knows his stuff

@MrCrispy it's not even a choice, if you could guarantee the gen 2 will is old version then it spanks the N2 and it will spank the other boxes too. get the 2nd gen. you got yourself half price AM6B+

Yes, I do have a seller who has a unopened Cube 2. My only concerns are the steps required to block updates/flash new firmware etc - I've read the linked threads and its still not clear to me how to do it, and if you can still use the native FireOS functionality (e.g. apps, the voice control), how to switch between them, and then like you mentioned there is the issue of which remote to use etc. 

I have used custom rom's on my phone before and that involved TWRP and Magisk so this sounds familiar, but I also remember lots of things can go wrong.

I don't understand you said it spanks the N2, is that because N2 won't do DV? speed should be equivalent?

Once a Cube 2 is rooted, switching between FireOS and CoreElec is as simple as turning the device on either with or without a USB drive connected. The device cannot be remotely powered on so you'll have to do this either by pulling power or using a top button.

Skipping the first forced update, rooting, and blocking future updates is all covered in the xda thread.  Once that is done there are special instructions specific to the Cube 2 for setting up CoreElec, again covered in an xda thread.

I believe OP of the xda threads is Yada Yada from the CoreElec forum and very helpful if you run into problems. As I mentioned the Cube 2 overall experience is not as smooth as the AMB6+ but thanks to that person it's a lot better than it used to be. IR remote support is decent now, there are scripts for drag and drop updating, the top buttons on the device work, there are scripts for rebooting into FireOS from CoreElec, and CE /storage can be moved to the emmc. Early on there were some sporadic lockup bugs that happened during CE boot but these have also been minimized through yada's efforts.

On the FireOS side almost nothing is lost. There are a handful of apps that detect root and will not function on a rooted device but no major apps I can recall that do this.

In CE, IR remotes work with the native hardware. Non LE bluetooth remotes work as well but LE bluetooth does not work natively. You can however use a separate BT dongle as long as there are linux drivers for it.

I personally bought one just for fun but again I strongly suggest the Homatics for you, especially if you are having trouble following the linked guides. It will just work out of the box better, you don't have to fiddle with update blocks, you'll have wired gigabit ethernet and BT with no dongles, and generally it has more users so more support.

[mrcleeo]

Is there a box that does Disney+ , Prime Video in HDR/DV and AV1? I don't need FEL as I have the AM6B+ I also have a shield pro. Just looking for something faster than the Shield

[izprtxqkft]

Is there a box that does Disney+ , Prime Video in HDR/DV and AV1?

cube gen 3 does all these

[Hitcher]

Just looking for something faster than the Shield

Define faster?

[MrCrispy]

This is a quote from YadaYada
https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/best-de...2024/52405

the odroid N2 is S298 , it's the first revision then you had N2+ which was like 30% improvement. then you have the S229-XJ that's in the AM6B+, which is the same in the gen 2 fire (s922z)

the 2nd gen is literally an AM6B+ but better because it can do things the AM6B+.  YadaYada is the developer who discovered suitable dovi.ko modules for the S905X4 and S922X, so he knows his stuff

@MrCrispy it's not even a choice, if you could guarantee the gen 2 will is old version then it spanks the N2 and it will spank the other boxes too. get the 2nd gen. you got yourself half price AM6B+

Yes, I do have a seller who has a unopened Cube 2. My only concerns are the steps required to block updates/flash new firmware etc - I've read the linked threads and its still not clear to me how to do it, and if you can still use the native FireOS functionality (e.g. apps, the voice control), how to switch between them, and then like you mentioned there is the issue of which remote to use etc. 

I have used custom rom's on my phone before and that involved TWRP and Magisk so this sounds familiar, but I also remember lots of things can go wrong.

I don't understand you said it spanks the N2, is that because N2 won't do DV? speed should be equivalent?

Once a Cube 2 is rooted, switching between FireOS and CoreElec is as simple as turning the device on either with or without a USB drive connected. The device cannot be remotely powered on so you'll have to do this either by pulling power or using a top button.

Skipping the first forced update, rooting, and blocking future updates is all covered in the xda thread.  Once that is done there are special instructions specific to the Cube 2 for setting up CoreElec, again covered in an xda thread.

I believe OP of the xda threads is Yada Yada from the CoreElec forum and very helpful if you run into problems. As I mentioned the Cube 2 overall experience is not as smooth as the AMB6+ but thanks to that person it's a lot better than it used to be. IR remote support is decent now, there are scripts for drag and drop updating, the top buttons on the device work, there are scripts for rebooting into FireOS from CoreElec, and CE /storage can be moved to the emmc. Early on there were some sporadic lockup bugs that happened during CE boot but these have also been minimized through yada's efforts.

On the FireOS side almost nothing is lost. There are a handful of apps that detect root and will not function on a rooted device but no major apps I can recall that do this.

In CE, IR remotes work with the native hardware. Non LE bluetooth remotes work as well but LE bluetooth does not work natively. You can however use a separate BT dongle as long as there are linux drivers for it.

I personally bought one just for fun but again I strongly suggest the Homatics for you, especially if you are having trouble following the linked guides. It will just work out of the box better, you don't have to fiddle with update blocks, you'll have wired gigabit ethernet and BT with no dongles, and generally it has more users so more support.

The Homatics is S905X4, Ugoos AM6B+ is S928, am I right that the Homatics will be slower (in UI speed) and similar to FireStick 4k, whereas the Ugoos/Shield/Fire 2/3 will be faster?

Also the FireCube 2 and used Odroid N2 are both $60-70, the Homatics/Ugoos will be 2-3x more costly, so that's one big thing making me consider the older devices. The one big difference I see between these is support for AV1.

for FireCube 2
- if I move CE to emmc it will be faster, or no real difference?
- it stays powered on all the time, correct? is there a big idle draw?
- does CEC work? I love CEC, if I use my FireStick remote it will turn on the stick, Avr and Tv, switch to right input etc.
- will voice commands on Cube work?

[clarkss12]

I purchased >>
Delivered on Sat, Aug 31
Return Window Closed on Sep 30.
New AMAZON Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen Streaming Device Alexa Voice Remote 4K HDTV

Still sealed in the box.  I had big intentions on setting up a dual boot CE system, but still have not gotten around to it.  Doubt if I ever will.  It is still sitting on my coffee table waiting for me to make a decision on what I am going to do with it.

[signde]

Yes, I do have a seller who has a unopened Cube 2. My only concerns are the steps required to block updates/flash new firmware etc - I've read the linked threads and its still not clear to me how to do it, and if you can still use the native FireOS functionality (e.g. apps, the voice control), how to switch between them, and then like you mentioned there is the issue of which remote to use etc. 

I have used custom rom's on my phone before and that involved TWRP and Magisk so this sounds familiar, but I also remember lots of things can go wrong.

I don't understand you said it spanks the N2, is that because N2 won't do DV? speed should be equivalent?

Once a Cube 2 is rooted, switching between FireOS and CoreElec is as simple as turning the device on either with or without a USB drive connected. The device cannot be remotely powered on so you'll have to do this either by pulling power or using a top button.

Skipping the first forced update, rooting, and blocking future updates is all covered in the xda thread.  Once that is done there are special instructions specific to the Cube 2 for setting up CoreElec, again covered in an xda thread.

I believe OP of the xda threads is Yada Yada from the CoreElec forum and very helpful if you run into problems. As I mentioned the Cube 2 overall experience is not as smooth as the AMB6+ but thanks to that person it's a lot better than it used to be. IR remote support is decent now, there are scripts for drag and drop updating, the top buttons on the device work, there are scripts for rebooting into FireOS from CoreElec, and CE /storage can be moved to the emmc. Early on there were some sporadic lockup bugs that happened during CE boot but these have also been minimized through yada's efforts.

On the FireOS side almost nothing is lost. There are a handful of apps that detect root and will not function on a rooted device but no major apps I can recall that do this.

In CE, IR remotes work with the native hardware. Non LE bluetooth remotes work as well but LE bluetooth does not work natively. You can however use a separate BT dongle as long as there are linux drivers for it.

I personally bought one just for fun but again I strongly suggest the Homatics for you, especially if you are having trouble following the linked guides. It will just work out of the box better, you don't have to fiddle with update blocks, you'll have wired gigabit ethernet and BT with no dongles, and generally it has more users so more support.

The Homatics is S905X4, Ugoos AM6B+ is S928, am I right that the Homatics will be slower (in UI speed) and similar to FireStick 4k, whereas the Ugoos/Shield/Fire 2/3 will be faster?

Also the FireCube 2 and used Odroid N2 are both $60-70, the Homatics/Ugoos will be 2-3x more costly, so that's one big thing making me consider the older devices. The one big difference I see between these is support for AV1.

for FireCube 2
- if I move CE to emmc it will be faster, or no real difference?
- it stays powered on all the time, correct? is there a big idle draw?
- does CEC work? I love CEC, if I use my FireStick remote it will turn on the stick, Avr and Tv, switch to right input etc.
- will voice commands on Cube work?

The Ugoos AM6B+ is S922x, not S928x. The newer S928 devices are faster but they do not support FEL and there are no certified Android TV units yet as far as I know, just AOSP units.

But yes the Homatics will be a bit slower than a Shield of Fire Cube 3 in Android / FireOS. When in CoreElec though it is such a lightweight OS the difference will be less noticeable, especially if you move storage to the emmc.

FireCube 2 Questions 

• Yes, CE is noticeably snappier with the Cube 2 once you move /storage to the emmc.
  
• Yes, the Cube 2 will need to stay powered on all the time if you want to use. There is data in the xda threads about its idle current draw. I'll go ahead and tell you it's very low.
  
• Yes, CEC works. I don't use it though so can't tell you any nuances there.
  
• Voice commands on the Cube will still work but only when booted into Fire OS.
  

I've stated this once already but the Homatics can be purchased on Aliexpress for ~$100 so the difference in price is not that high. Last I checked the Cube 2's were going for mid 60s on ebay but that is before tax and shipping which is usually extra.

I've owned every generation shield tv pro, I own all the latest Fire TV devices, and an AM6B+. The homatics is my device that I use daily for almost everything, I dropped my shields for it.

[clarkss12]

I've stated this once already but the Homatics can be purchased on Aliexpress for ~$100 so the difference in price is not that high. Last I checked the Cube 2's were going for mid 60s on ebay but that is before tax and shipping which is usually extra.

I've owned every generation shield tv pro, I own all the latest Fire TV devices, and an AM6B+. The Homatics is my device that I use daily for almost everything, I dropped my shields for it.

Why is the Homatics your main media player?  Android or CE??  What percentage is your usage??

[signde]

I've stated this once already but the Homatics can be purchased on Aliexpress for ~$100 so the difference in price is not that high. Last I checked the Cube 2's were going for mid 60s on ebay but that is before tax and shipping which is usually extra.

I've owned every generation shield tv pro, I own all the latest Fire TV devices, and an AM6B+. The Homatics is my device that I use daily for almost everything, I dropped my shields for it.

Why is the Homatics your main media player?  Android or CE??  What percentage is your usage??

Mostly Android with occasional CE usage.

The Homatics can do HD10+, YouTube HDR, AC-4 audio from the HD Home Run, and passes through every audio codec. Kodi playback is rock solid on the device. My day to day usage is usually a variety of those apps so for me it is an improvement over the Shield and I don't really notice any speed difference. On the rare occasion I will watch BR rip I will fire up the AM6B+ but if the Homatics was my only device it would have me covered there too now with CE.

I keep Fire TV devices around though because they seem to cast the widest net in terms of support all features in all streaming apps. For example, the latest gen Fire TV devices are the only ones that can get 1080p with HDR for Thursday Night Football in the Prime Video app and 1080p with HDR for Sunday Night Football in the Peacock app.  The Homatics is certainly capable of this but for whatever reason, neither app maker has provisioned the device for it.

The Fire TV devices drive me nutty though. Even after bypassing their insanely horrid add ridden launcher, their audio output in Fire OS is a mess. Neither DD nor DD+ is passthrough, it's force transcoding (probably due to Alexa). To not get forced transcoding you can use the Best Available mode which decodes on the device but then always sends Dolby MAT as output. Denon AVRs give you very limited output modes when the input signal is MAT. It's super frustrating.

[clarkss12]

Those are all good reasons for the Homatics Media player. The only thing lacking for me is the lack of VC-1 video codec support. I either have to use Emby or Plex for transcoding capability, or use a different device.

I have the Dune HD Homatics version of this box, And the Dune HD app plays the VC-1 video codec without any issues.

I have a lot of Blu-ray rips that are in that pesky VC-1 video codec.

[hdmkv]

I watch BD & UHD rips 90% of the time, so AM6B+ gets the most use, with Dune Real Vision 4K second for 3D, and third Fire TV Cube 3.

[clarkss12]

I watch BD & UHD rips 90% of the time, so AM6B+ gets the most use, with Dune Real Vision 4K second for 3D, and third Fire TV Cube 3.

Do you use any streaming apps?? If you do, does the Fire TV Cube 3 play everything??

[hdmkv]

Cube 3 supports 4K & all HDR formats with Netflix, Prime, D+, etc. I use Prime occasionally & SmartTube quite a bit.

[MrCrispy]

I watch BD & UHD rips 90% of the time, so AM6B+ gets the most use, with Dune Real Vision 4K second for 3D, and third Fire TV Cube 3.

Do you use any streaming apps?? If you do, does the Fire TV Cube 3 play everything??

its one of the most expensive and capable streaming boxes. Honestly for most people who just want streaming its overkill.