Connecting the TV box through HDMI can easily upgrade the old TV to a smart TV. It is also very convenient to watch dramas, play games, and connect to the Internet of Things at home.

(Dazhi)

Taiwan's cable TV users continue to decline, and OTT audio-visual services such as Netflix and Disney+ are rising. This has driven the sales of smart TVs, Internet TV boxes and other related equipment. Upgrading can be described as convenient and cost-effective.

However, there are still some key points to pay special attention to before choosing a TV box, in order to buy a truly suitable model.

Choose the right picture quality with TV

All major TV boxes or streaming platforms advertise high-quality images, such as 4K, but if the hardware of the home TV itself does not have 4K technology, then even if the TV box supports 4K, it is useless.

It is recommended to choose a suitable TV box picture quality based on the TV specifications, which is an ideal way. It is not necessary to pursue 4K, otherwise it is a waste of money.

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Pay attention to the support of the installed system

Most of the TV boxes in the market use the Android system, and some operators will add exclusive functions to highlight the differences. For example, the new version of Chromecast launched by Google is the main upgrade of the Google TV system.

It is reminded that although most Android TV boxes have a built-in Google Play store, you can download apps by yourself, but some apps are not TV versions, but only mobile versions, and the experience of installing them on the TV will not be very good.

As for Apple fans, the best choice is Apple TV, which has functions such as AirPlay, and there are not many other TV boxes that support it.

Confirm which audio-visual platforms are provided

Before purchasing a TV box, it is best to check whether it provides or supports downloading of the audio-visual platforms you often watch. However, for well-known platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, almost all major TV boxes support it. Don’t overdo it. Worry.

An additional reminder is that some TV boxes will emphasize having Netflix authorization, the difference is that they can watch 4K quality videos, but they must be paired with a subscription.

All major mainstream TV boxes and common streaming audio-visual platforms are supported.

(Flipping Google official website)

If the specifications are sufficient, there is no need to chase the top

TV boxes are the same as mobile phones and computers. After a long time of use, the performance of the TV box will inevitably decline, and the opening and operation of the App may freeze.

Although it is generally recommended that the core specifications of the TV box be as high as possible, including the processor, memory, storage space, etc., in fact, the cheap models on the market are enough to run smoothly. Instead of buying a full one at a time, a better way is to As long as it is enough, treat it as a consumable.

Pay attention to the legality of the source

At present, all major TV boxes pay great attention to the legality of the source, and will not build or support the download of apps that can watch pirated videos, and will only provide paid legal audio-visual platforms.

Because the TV box is a radio frequency device, it must pass the NCC certification before it can be sold. If you are not sure whether the purchased model meets the government regulations, you can check on the certification website.

With the rise of online video and video streaming such as Netflix, Taiwan's cable TV has seen a wave of cord-cutting, and many people have switched to using TV boxes.

(Reuters)

Additional features are not necessarily required

In addition to watching TV series, some TV boxes will also add some additional functions, such as connecting a game handle to turn the TV into a large-screen game console; or becoming a part of the Internet of Things at home. Take Google Chromecast as an example. There is a compatible Google Smart home devices can be connected in series using Chromecast, and voice control can be performed.

In addition, some brands will strengthen the design of the remote control to improve the intuitive operation.

Considered a smart TV accessory

If I already have a smart TV at home, do I still need to buy a TV box?

Think of the TV Box as an auxiliary tool!

For example, in a limited smart TV system at home, some audio-visual platforms or functions are neither built-in nor downloaded, and can be solved with a TV box; or, a smart TV that has been used for several years, the system update rate and smooth operation It may not be as good as in the early days. At this time, it is time for the TV box to come in handy. After all, buying a TV box is more economical than replacing a TV.

Stable Internet connection quality

In addition to the influence of the TV box itself, the home network environment is also very important for watching videos to run smoothly.

According to Netflix’s official statement, to watch 1080p video quality, the minimum internet download speed is 5Mbps, and 4K video quality requires 15Mbps. It is recommended that at least 20Mbps ~ 60Mbps is more appropriate.

Watch big-screen TV at home, watch dramas without spending a lot of money to upgrade equipment, and the TV box is economical and convenient.

(Da Zhi)

"Summarization of 3 Mainstream TV Box Features" ➤Apple's new generation Apple TV 4K upgraded A15 chip

Although the price of the Apple TV Box is high, the quality and stability are also the best, and the operation performance is smooth, and there is absolutely no problem of freezing due to long-term use.

The latest Apple TV 4K upgrades the A15 chip and HDR10+ for better playback quality.

In addition, it also integrates many Apple services, such as App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, etc.; it is equipped with Siri Remote.

Apple's new generation of Apple TV 4K integrates many Apple services, including Apple TV+, Apple Music, etc.

Apple’s new-generation Apple TV 4K, WiFi 64GB priced at 4,490 yuan / WiFi+Ethernet 128GB priced at 4,990 yuan.

➤Google's new generation Chromecast supports Google TV

Google's new generation of Chromecast is fully equipped with Google TV system, with optimized operation interface and more convenient browsing. It is equivalent to transforming the home TV into a Google TV smart TV.

The appearance is small and compact, and the installation does not take up space. Currently, HD and 4K versions are sold, and the Google Play store is built in.

The remote control is combined with Google voice assistant, and has shortcut keys for YouTube and Netflix.

Google's new generation Chromecast supports Google TV.

(Flipping Google official website)

Google’s new-generation Chromecast is priced at 1,199 yuan for the HD version and 1,999 yuan for the 4K version.

➤OVO B9 built-in streaming TV channels

For those who have elders at home or who are used to watching Channel 4, the Taiwanese brand OVO is a good choice. It has built-in streaming TV channels, and you can watch nearly 100 genuine Channel 4 for only an extra 99 yuan a month. , such as FTV, Sanli, etc., can also download various apps and built-in Google Play store.

For the latest B9 model, the startup home page can be set as an audio-visual app or a streaming TV channel.

OVO B9 has a built-in streaming TV channel, and you can watch the genuine fourth channel.

OVO B9, priced at 2,180 yuan.

Pictures provided by: Apple, Google, OVO, Dazhi


※Please refer to the announcement of each channel for the price of the product.