The Android TV Box: A Clever Way To Convert Your Non Smart TV To A Smart TV

A lot of people in my neighborhood have been asking me about the Android TV box and what it can do. In this column of the magazine, I will be providing you with the answers to; what one can do with a TV box, the differences between a TV box and other streaming devices in the market. Why you may most likely choose an Android TV box over other types of stream devices.

What Is A Streaming Device?

A streaming device is a digital device that gets content from the internet or home network to your television.

What Is An Android TV Box?

Any digital device that streams content from the internet, connects to your TV and runs on the Android operating system is called an Android TV box.  

The Android TV box’s operating system is the same as that your android smartphones and tablets. Though, in most cases, the operating system of the Android TV box is slightly older than that of smartphones, virtually all of the apps that you can run on your Android smartphone, can also function on your Android TV box.

WHY VARIOUS NAMES?

Android TV Box is associated with various names or terminologies and probably these names have to do with location, forum, and social media groups one belongs to. For example, in North America, it is called “Streaming Devices or Streaming Media players. At times, they’re mistakenly called Roku boxes. In Europe, Android TV boxes are generally called Kodi boxes or IPTV boxes. While Asia calls it TV box or Android TV box. A lot of people in Nigeria refer to it as a TV box or Android TV box also. I prefer calling it Android TV boxes though, this device can do so many other things other than just streaming movies online.

 Difference between Android TV box and other streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku Box.

The key difference between Android TV Box, Apple TV, Roku Box, and other brands is that they all run on different operating systems. Also, the hardware is manufactured by different companies, they all deliver broadly the same services. For example, the latest Samsung phone is running an Android OS that of the IPhone runs on iOS while a Windows Phone uses WP-OS yet they all achieve almost the same thing using different hardware and software approaches.

Why Android TV box

The essence of a TV box is to make it easier to access your favorite TV programs on your television as it is on your smartphones. You can access the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, Cinema HD, Haystack, Stremio, etc through its native app, making it a more seamless and enjoyable experience. Netflix and Amazon prime are some of the world’s best streaming services, so having their interface work seamlessly on your big stream is very important.

It is important to know that different TV Box operating systems have different launchers. This gives you a different look and feel, when it comes to using your favorite apps and navigating between them. On other streaming devices like Roku, you have to live in their world, their ecosystem, and run their apps. You don’t have much choice, you only use what they have in their app store.

They have limited app bank to choose from, whereas the Android variant has a large App bank and is very easy to install.

Ultimately, the android TV box gives you flexibility more than any other streaming device. Android TV boxes may have their setbacks – they can be time-consuming to set up correctly, and they may need to be tweaked regularly especially when new firm wares are released, but its advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

If you are the kind of person who loves having the options to install whatever and tweaking your system to suit you, then you are the right person to get an Android TV box.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANDROID TV BOXES

Does the android box come with channels?

No, it does not come with any channels. Honestly, the Android TV box is not a decoder or a free-to-air device. So, you shouldn’t think of it that way. It is not the same thing as a cable subscription (DSTV or Gotv). Android TV box is a device that lets you stream or cast other services you want to access on your television screen. For example, you can watch Netflix or Amazon prime videos (if you are subscribed) on your non-smart TV through the box.

It doesn’t come with any channels, you have to procure it yourself. The good news is that a lot of TV channels now have a streaming service. So you can access their service/programs through apps without a TV antenna.

Most of the TV channels – such as ABC, CBS, CNN, SHOW TIME, AMC, Cinemax, PBS, etc – all have streaming services, so you can access their service by visiting their website and follow the instructions. Most of them even have handy apps in the Google Play Store.

Can you watch normal tv on android box?

Yes, there are several apps that will allow you to stream your favourite channels. Apps like Direct TV, Media Lounge, Live Net TV bundle a couple of popular channels together for streaming on your box. It feels a lot like you’re watching cable TV but the channels are delivered via your TV box rather than a cable.

How to connect your Android TV Box to your non smart tv

Android TV boxes are designed to be very easy and intuitive to use, just like your smartphones. All you need to do is to connect your TV box to your internet router and using the HDMI cable to connect it to your television. When you power it on, an interface will appear on your screen and the box usually comes with a dedicated remote. Just like your phone, you start to download your favorite apps. Many a time, apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime are already pre-Installed.

Do I Need An Android Box If I Have A Smart TV?

Smart TVs are televisions that come with a lot of features of a TV box built-in. Most Smart TVs come with preinstalled apps and it is not open for installation of new ones. Android TV Box is very flexible and customizable with access to Play Store, unlike most smart TVs. If you have a Smart TV, you don’t need an Android TV Box unless looking for flexibility and customization.

Do I have to pay a monthly Fee for an Android Box?

No, there is no monthly fee attached to owning an android TV box. Just like when you buy a phone, computer, or gaming console, you get to make a one-off payment for an Android TV Box.

You don’t have to pay any ongoing fees to an Android TV Company. But that does not mean that you will not pay for your internet and your apps. For example, if you want to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or other services on your TV Box, you are going to pay for those subscriptions. Android TV Box is pretty useless without a good internet connection.

What to look out for when buying an Android Box?

What you should look out for when buying an Android TV box depends on your priorities. Are you looking for high-quality videos, rapid response (speed), or something cheap that will just stream your Netflix and Amazon Prime? Once you know what you want to do with your Android TV box, you can prioritize your need. It is important to know this; buy a TV box with a recent version of the Android operating system, so that it will not become outdated too quickly. You should also consider a quality processor, as this often dictates speed. The size of the memory, to be able to manage your favorite applications and quality of the video output to compliment your TV.

Must you connect Android TV box to the Internet?

Yes. An Android TV box is a streaming device. It needs the internet to be able to stream content hosted online to your TV. Just like your mobile cell phone and computer, it needs an internet connection, whether you are streaming live or downloading to watch later. If you have content on your flash drive, the box can play it without the internet. If you want to enjoy your TV box, you need a strong internet connection.

Conclusion

An Android TV Box is one of many streaming devices available to convert your non-smart television into a smart TV. With the box, you can stream all of your favorite content directly to your big screen. Android TV box runs on the Android operating system which is the same as that of Android smartphones. They are other streaming alternatives available, such as Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.

One of the key benefits of Android TV over many other streaming devices is that it is flexible. For example, if you are using an Apple TV box, you are generally stuck with Apple’s apps and Apple’s ways. But with Android’s operating system, which is an open-source, almost anything you imagine already has an existing app. So, while your Android TV box will come with a great launcher and lots of native apps, you are still very free to customize your box as much as you want. We can help you get a good TV box and we can also help you configure it, call 08184315594. You can also leave comment below.