Category Archives: TV Box

A TV Box is a mini PC, it has a CPU, a graphics card (GPU), RAM, internal storage (ROM) and even Wifi and Bluetooth. Some models have USB ports where we can connect a skewer or hard drive or a keyboard or mouse (they can also be connected via Bluetooth) and a card reader to expand storage. You can also install other operating systems, as long as they are compatible

Chromecast, TV Box, Personal Computer

Chromecast

Chromecast

Google Chromecast is an audiovisual (multimedia) playback device for devices, especially older network televisions, manufactured by Google

It was officially announced on July 24, 2013 along with its Nexus 7 line of tablets, at an event in San Francisco

Like the previous Nexus Q, all its components are manufactured entirely within the United States

Basically it is a Wifi access point, with interchangeable USB and HDMI plugs, which once connected to a television with HDMI input and configured the Chrome web browser from a PC or an Android mobile phone, replicates the web pages that are viewed to the television; In the case of YouTube and Netflix, they send the video signal

Google made APIs available so that any video player can interact with Chromecast in the future

There are a total of four models or generations

Specifications
Generation CPU type RAM (base) Mem. internal Wi-Fi Security Weight and measurements Screen
First generation Marvell 88DE3005-A1 to 700 MHz 512 MB DDR3 2GB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n to 2,4 GHz WEP, WPA/WPA2 34 g.; 72 x 35 x 12 mm. 1080p to 60 Hz
Second generation Marvell 88DE3006 to 1,3 GHz 512 MB DDR3 256 MB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac to 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.0 WEP, WPA/WPA2 39 g.; 51,9 x 51,9 x 13,9 mm. 1080p to 60 Hz
Third generation Marvell 88DE3006 to 1,3 GHz 512 MB DDR3 256 MB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac to 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.0 WEP, WPA/WPA2 39 g.; 51,9 x 51,9 x 13,9 mm. 1080p to 60 Hz
Ultra Marvell 88DE3218 to 2,133 GHz 1 GB DDR4 128 MB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac to 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.0 WPS, WEP, WPA/WPA2 47 g.; 58,2 x 58,2 x 13,7 mm. 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, Doybly Vision
Chromecast with Google TV (4k) Amlogic S905X3 Cortex-A55 Quad-Core to 1,91 GHz 2 GB DDR4 8GB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac to 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.2 WPA2 56,7 g.; 162,2 x 61 x 12,5 mm. 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, VP9 and HLG, Wide color space with HDR10 and HDR10+, Dolby Audio Passthrough Mode
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) Amlogic S905X3 Cortex-A55 Quad-Core to 1,91 GHz 2 GB DDR4 8GB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac to 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 4.2 WPA2 55 g.; 162,5 x 61 x 12,5 mm. 1080p, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, Doybly Vision, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos using Dolby HDMI Passthrough

On September 30, 2020, Google presented the fourth generation of Chromecast, which for the first time would have remote control and the Google TV operating system, based on Android TV and in 3 new colors and includes a USB-C port, instead of the USB used by the previous

Software

Chromecast uses an operating system specially designed for the device, in which Miracast is used to display content; The system is composed of the following parts:

  • Starting screen: this is displayed when content is not being sent
  • Application screen: this shows the content sent

Functioning

Thanks to Chromecast, a mobile device becomes a personalized remote control

Mobile phone apps can be used to search and navigate, as well as play and pause content, rewind playback, control volume, and even create playlists

While sending content, you can use your phone for other functions

The Chromecast can be comparable to the “extend screen” function of some operating systems; this means that at no time is the Chromecast's memory used to store applications

Using the Android SDK, it is programmed together with an Android or Chrome app; this means that it must (for now) be accompanied by an app (for Chrome or Android), since the device does not have an application launcher

Also, Chromecast can be used as a wireless display using its Chrome extension (or Chromium based)

Generations

First generation

It was the first presented by Google, it had the appearance of a black pendrive, with an HDMI output that could be connected directly to the computer or television or through a short cable included in the box

At the beginning it did not have any graphical interface, today it has a screensaver that is activated when not in use, the screensaver searches for photos on the internet and displays them along with the time and name of the device

It also had a micro USB input for power and a button that allowed you to reset it after holding it down for 25 seconds, it also had an LED that indicated the different states of the device (solid white meant that everything was working correctly and flashing white meant that there was no internet connection)

It is currently discontinued and it is not possible to buy it

Chromecast Audio

The Chromecast Audio is an externally the same device as the second-generation Chromecast and on the inside it adds a sound processing chip

This Chromecast can't stream video, it can only stream audio

It does not have an HDMI connector or any type of video output interface, its only output is a 3.5" jack and inside it an optical audio output

It is currently discontinued and it is not possible to buy it

Second generation

The second generation was launched two years later, in 2015

Its exterior design underwent a major change as it took the form of a circular disc slightly larger than the UMD (Universal Media Disc, a type of optical disc developed by Sony, known mostly for its use in the PlayStation Portable)

The name "Chrome" was no longer inscribed, the 3D logo was now integrated

The HDMI was not integrated, a cable came out and at one end the connection pin

The micro USB input, the LED (with the same states as above), and the reset button are retained

It is currently discontinued and it is not possible to buy it

Third generation

Chromecast 3

It didn't add big improvements apart from being 15% faster than version 2, its WiFi AC added more speed, we could choose between dark gray and white, when before only the former was available

In the updates section, Google added support for Home, being able to control it by voice if we have a Home device at home

It premiered in Europe at a price of €39, while weeks earlier in the United States it went on sale at $37

Chromecast Ultra

With the arrival of 4K resolution to television broadcasts over the Internet on platforms such as Netflix or Wuaki TV, the need is created to bring a new device to the market, which in addition to supporting this resolution, improves data transfer and therefore, video loading times, and the overall response of the device

It was released in Europe in November 2016 at a price of €79, while weeks earlier in the United States it went on sale for $69

Fourth Generation

Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

It was released on September 30, 2020

For the first time it includes a remote control in which it integrates the Google voice assistant, shortcuts to Netflix and YouTube, buttons to control basic functions of the TV, home theater and soundbars such as on and off, volume and selection of inputs of the device to be controlled and includes the Google TV operating system (not to be confused with the predecessor of Android TV), which is an Android TV interface customized by Google

In addition, it comes in 3 new colors (Blue, White and Pink) and includes USB-C port

This new generation of Chromecast, in addition to supporting 4K resolution, also has support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

The official name of this generation is "Chromecast with Google TV" (USA/Mexico) being the first not to have the name "Google Chromecast" and the first device to have the Google TV system, which will replace Android TV in the following years

It launched in the U.S. for $50

Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

It's a scaled-down version of the Chromecast with Google TV that features a 1080p resolution and supports the AV1 video codec

It is only available in white

It was released in the United States on October 10, 2022 for $29.99

Discontinuation and successor

After 10 years since the launch of the original Chromecast, Google decided to end software and security updates for the device in April 2023

On August 6, 2024, Google announced that it would end production of the Chromecast product line and sell the devices until existing inventory was exhausted

The company said it would continue to provide software and security updates for the remaining devices

The same day, the company announced Google TV Streamer as its next streaming device

Google TV Streamer 4K

The product has a slanted, wedge-shaped design and is designed to sit in front of a TV, avoiding the dongle form factor of Chromecasts that allowed them to be hidden behind TVs

Specifications
Model CPU type RAM (base) Mem. internal Wi-Fi Security Weight and measurements Screen Ports
Google TV Streamer 4K Mediatek MT8696 Quad Core A55 at 1.8 GHz (64 bit) and a PowerVR GE9215 GPU at 750 MHz 4 GB DDR4 32GB flash storage 802.11 ac at 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 WPA2 162 g.; 16,26 x 7,62 x 2,54 cm. 4K HDR a 60 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HDMI 2.1, USB-C 2.0 OTG and Gigabit Ethernet

On the back of the device, hidden from view, there are three ports: a USC type C for power, an HDMI port to connect to the TV, and an Ethernet port in case you want to connect the Google TV Streamer directly to the router

In its original packaging, only the USC type C cable and its power adapter are included

But not the HDMI cables (required to connect the Google TV Streamer to the TV)

Not even the Ethernet (necessary to connect directly to the router and have a faster connection speed)

It uses a Mediatek MT8696 SoC, which is the same one used by the Fire TV Stick 4K Max 1st Gen of the year 2021 (Amazon's stick)

Its operating system is Google TV 14 (32-bit) and includes a Bluetooth remote control, which integrates a microphone for Google Assistant to do all kinds of searches

The remote control is one of the things that has changed in this Google TV Streamer compared to previous Chromecasts:

  • The volume up and down buttons move to the top to be less hidden
  • The home button is highlighted, instead of the voice control microphone; and there is no app list button
  • The big news in terms of functions is the programmable button, at the bottom of the remote control, marked with a star icon. It can be customized to open an application or perform the function you want
  • Includes only the YouTube and Netflix buttons
  • The device has a small physical button located on the back, next to the charging port and the standby light. If pressed, the remote control will start making a ringing sound and the LED at the bottom will light up for you to find it, and it won't stop until you press any button
  • Google promised a major breakthrough in AI on this device. However, the operation is very similar to the basic Google Assistant. Speech recognition is more accurate than Google Assistant from just a few years ago

We also have an integrated Chromecast 4K to send content from our mobile phone and all the certificates for streaming apps in 4K Dolby Vision quality with Dolby Atmos sound

Receive updates thanks to Google OTA support

Supports most modern video formats such as h.265, VP9 with native 4K@60fps HDR resolution support, supports recent AV1 codec for streaming services

In contrast to the initial price of Chromecasts, Google TV Streamer has had a higher launch price

It was released in the United States on August 13 for $99

And on September 24 in Europe for €119

TV Box, Personal Computer, Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a family of low cost single board computers (SBC) developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Logo Raspberry

Originally the promotion of computer science education in schools was sought

But it has become more popular in the personal computer market

It is even sold as robotics or home automation components

One of its characteristics is that it does not include peripherals (such as keyboard, mouse or case), these components must be purchased separately

Its accessories have been included in official and unofficial packages

Description

It is not expressly indicated whether it is free or trademarked hardware

In your official web They explain that they have distribution and sale contracts with two companies, but at the same time anyone can become a reseller or redistributor of Raspberry Pi cards

Therefore, it implies that it is a product with registered property, maintaining control of the platform, but allowing its free use both at an educational and private level.

On the other hand, the software is open source, its official operating system being an adapted version of Debian, called Raspberry Pi OS, although it allows the use of other operating systems, including a version of Windows 10

In all its versions, it includes a Broadcom processor, RAM, GPU, USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet (the first model did not have it), 40 GPIO pins (from the Raspberry Pi 2) and a camera connector

None of its editions includes memory, this being in its first version an SD card and in later editions a MicroSD card

The foundation supports downloads of ARM architecture distributions:

  • Raspberry Pi OS (derived from Debian)
  • RISC OS 5
  • Arch Linux ARM (derived from Arch Linux)
  • Pidora (derived from Fedora)

Mainly promoting learning the Python language

It also supports Tiny BASIC, C, Perl and Ruby languages

Raspberry Pi Foundation developed the first models

After the release of the Raspberry Pi 1 Model B, the Raspberry Pi Trading was created and Eben Upton as CEO during the development of the Raspberry Pi Model 1 B+

Raspberry Pi Trading is responsible for developing the technology

The foundation is a non profit educational organization, which aims to promote the teaching of computer science in schools and developing countries

Sale of units

According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, more than five million Raspberry Pi were sold in February 2015, making it the best selling British computer

November 2016, they sold 11 million units, and 12.5 million in March 2017, being the third best selling “general purpose computer”

July 2017, sales reached about 15 million

March 2018, sales reached 19 million

Most Raspberry Pis are built in a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales; the rest are manufactured in Asian countries such as China or Japan

Models

Model A

Raspberry Pi 1 Model A (discontinued)

Raspberry's first model, started selling in 2012

Raspberry Pi A

It lacked an Ethernet port, so it required a USB Wi-Fi adapter to connect to the Internet

It had 26 GPIO connectors, video output via HDMI and Video RCA, a 3.5-millimeter Jack connector, a single USB connector, MicroUSB (for power) and a camera connector

Its processor was a Broadcom BCM2835, Single-Core at 700MHz

It also had 256 MB of RAM and a Broadcom VideoCore IV chart

It required a 5-volt, 2-amp power supply, a common element to other versions

Its initial cost was 40 euros

Raspberry Pi 3 model A+

Announced in November 2018

A+ models have lower performance so their price is lower

It has 512 MB of RAM (shared with the VideoCore IV GPU), a single USB port and lacks a wired network connection (RJ-45)

Model B

Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (discontinued)

It appeared in 2012, is a variant of the Model A, which included several improvements, such as a double RAM, from 256 MB to 512MB

An additional USB port and Ethernet connector (RJ-45), so internet access was now possible without peripherals

It remained both in size and cost

There were no variations on the processor or the graphics

Raspberry Pi 1 model B+ (discontinued)

A short time later the Model B+ was launched, it is a variant of Model B with little modification

It included 4 USB ports and changed the SD memory to a MicroSD

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B

It was released in 2014 and is the first model to use the BCM2836 processor, different from the previous three, but from the same manufacturer

Raspberry Pi 2 B v1.1

It goes from one core to four, and from 700 MHz to 900 MHz

However, it uses the same graph, the VideoCore IV

Doubles the amount of RAM, from 512MB to 1GB

Although because this memory is shared with the graph, there is really something less

It also includes 40 GPIO pins, keeping all four USB ports

RCA connection is deleted

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

It came to light in 2016, renewing its processor, once again from broadcom company

Raspberry Pi 3 B

It was a Quad-Core, but it goes from 900 MHz to 1.20 GHz

Keeps RAM at 1GB

Its biggest novelty was the inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (4.1 Low Energy) without the need for peripherals

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

It appeared in March 2018 to update the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and among its improvements features a new processor and better connectivity

Going from 1.2 Ghz to 1.4 Ghz and in terms of wireless connectivity now incorporates dual band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Its new Ethernet port triples, from 100 Mbits/s to 300 Mbits/s

Also features Bluetooth 4.2 (Low Energy)

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Announced in June 2019

Raspberry Pi 4 B

HDMI ports have been replaced by two microHDMI ports

It has the ability to operate a display at 4K at 60 Hz or two 4K displays at 30 Hz

USB 3.0 ports have been included and the Ethernet port is no longer limited to 300 Mbps

Its Broadcom processor is up to three times more efficient than the previous one

Three models are available, depending on their amount of RAM, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8GB

Raspberry Pi 5 Model B

Announced in September 2023

Raspberry Pi 5 B

The COVID-19 pandemic forced chip manufacturing plants to close completely or partially, causing a severe shortage of components

Due to this situation, the launch of the Raspberry Pi 5 had to be delayed for two years

There have not been too many technological advances compared to its predecessor the Raspberry Pi 4:

It has a quad-core ARM A76 processor (64 bit – 2.4 GHz) and integrated VideoCore VII 800 MHz GPU for overall performance 2 to 3 times higher than version 4 and greatly improved graphics

New features included on the card, such as the ON/OFF button and PCIe 2.0 port, as well as the integrated RTC connector for even more possibilities and improvements

Completely redesigned and improved connectivity with high-speed Micro-SD port for the OS, 2x simultaneous 4K-60 fps for the display, 2x USB 3.0 5GBps for transfers, etc

Depending on your RAM, there are 2 versions to choose from: 4GB and 8GB (LPDDR4X-4267)

Raspberry Pi Zero

Apart from normal models, the Raspberry Foundation has also taken out another range of boards called Raspberry Pi Zero

They are much smaller and less powerful than their sisters, but it is precisely their attractiveness, less consumption and a much lower price

Pi Zero

It was the first model, released in 2015

Worth $5, it's much smaller than a regular Raspberry, in fact it's smaller than a $5 bill

It's 40% more powerful than the first Raspberry model

Its Broadcom BCM2835 microprocessor operates at 1 GHz with a single core

It has 512 MB of RAM, and shares the VideoCore IV chart

Due to its size it replaces the HDMI port with MiniHDMI

It also doesn't use standard USB, but it has two MicroUSBs, one power and one data

It has RCA output, but instead of per pin there are only two connectors integrated into the board

Use MicroSD as a storage system

Pi Zero W

Es la sucesora de la Pi Zero, la W es por Wireless, ya que la única novedad de esta placa con respecto a su antecesora es la inclusión de Wi-Fi y Bluetooth

Its price is $11

Pi Zero WH

It doesn't make any difference in hardware

The specifications remain the same as the Zero W, apart from the inclusion of a 40-pin GPIO pre-solated connector

Peripheral

Video camera

In May 2012, the foundation reported that it was experimenting with a camera module for Raspberry Pi

The prototype used a 14-megapixel sensor, and was connected to the board's CSI port using a flexible flat cable

In November of the same year, the final prototype was presented at the 2012 Electronic Fair in Munich, and it was disclosed that the sensor would be 5 megapixels and that it could record video at 1080p H.264 at 30 frames per second

The module was finally released on May 14, 2013 at major suppliers

The dimensions of the module are 25 x 20 x 9 mm

In order to make use of it, it has to be activated in raspbian's raspi-config menu

At the end of October 2013, an infrared camera module was also released

Clock

In order to save economic and space costs, Raspberry Pi does not have an internal clock that preserves the time and date when turned off

The Network Time Protocol is used, otherwise the minimum date stored by default is November 30, 1999

Several manufacturers have designed small cards with a DS1302 chip and a CR2032 lithium battery that connect via GPIO port

When booting, the driver software for that device is loaded into memory, consulting the date and time

Testing from time to time while it's running

Other

Peripherals, keyboards, mouse and cases are marketed by companies outside the foundation

For example, the Gertboard, which has been created for educational purposes, serves to make use of the GPIO port and to be able to interact with LEDs, switches, analog signals, sensors and other devices

It also includes an optional controller for Arduino to be able to interact with the Raspberry Pi

Software

Raspberry Pi mainly uses GNU/Linux operating systems

Raspbian, a Debian derived distribution that is optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware, was released in July 2012 and is the distribution recommended by the foundation to get started

Slackware ARM (also called ARMedslack) version 13.37 and later boot without any modification

The 128-4096 MiB of RAM available on the Raspberry Pi covers the 64 MiB of RAM required to boot this distribution on ARM and i386 systems without using a graphical interface (fluxbox window manager operating under X Window System requires 48 MiB of additional RAM)

More specific and lighter distributions such as IPfire (distribution to be used as firewall), 77 or OpenELEC and OSMC (distributions with Kodi Media Center) are being created

The GPU is accessed using a closed-source firmware image (a binary blob), which is loaded into the GPU when booting from the SD card

The file is associated with Linux kernel drivers that are also closed source

Applications make calls to runtime libraries that are open source, and they make calls to open source drivers on the Linux kernel

The kernel driver API is specific to these libraries

Applications that use video make use of OpenMAX, three-dimensional applications use OpenGL ES, and 2D applications use OpenVG; OpenGL ES and OpenVG make use of EGL and the latter, the kernel open source controller

February 19, 2012, the foundation launched a prototype SD card image that stored an operating system and could be loaded into an SD card

The image was based on Debian 6.0 (Squezze), with the LXDE desktop and Midori browser, plus some programming tools

The image worked under QEMU allowing the Raspberry Pi to be emulated on other systems

March 8, 2012, the foundation launched Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix (now called Pidora), which at the time was the distribution recommended by the foundation

It was developed at the University of Seneca in Canada

It set out to create an app store for people to exchange programs

October 24, 2012, Alex Bradbury, the foundation's Linux development director, announced that all videocore GPU driver code running on ARM would be open source, using a modified BSD 3-clause license

Source code is available in a foundation repository on GitHub

November 5, 2012, Eben Upton announced the launch of the RISC OS 5 operating system for Raspberry Pi to the community, and could download the image for free from the foundation's website

His relationship with the RISC OS community dated back to July 2011, when he spoke in it of a hypothetical version

The operating system includes a lot of applications like ! NetSurf for web browsing, ! StrongED to edit text, ! Master to edit music, ! Packman for package management or an app store called ! Store where you can find free or paid apps

Also included are manuals for creating basic applications for the operating system

November 24, 2012, was announced in the Minecon in Paris, the game Minecraft: Pi Edition for Raspberry Pi, based on the Minecraft: Pocket Edition version for smartphones and tablets

The download was first made available officially and for free on February 12, 2013 from the game blog, as version 0.1.1 alpha, along with instructions to run it on Raspbian Wheezy

One of the main features of this release was being able to interact with the game programmatically, with the intention of motivating children to learn how to program

May 25, 2013, the foundation reported that work was under way on a version of the Wayland graphics server for Raspberry Pi, to replace the X-window system

This change would achieve smoothness by using the desktop's graphical interface, as processing would be done by the GPU video core and not the CPU, without interfering with 3D rendering

June 3, 2013, was launched on the foundation's website for download by the NOOBS (New Out of Box Software) application, a utility that makes it easy to install different operating systems for Raspberry Pi

It is distributed as a zip file that is copied unzipped to an SD card of 4 gb or more, and once the board is booted with the card for the first time, a menu appears in which you can install one of the different distributions in the free space of the memory card, or access the internet with the integrated Arora browser

Later if desired, you can access this menu by pressing the shift key during boot to reinstall the operating system, choose another one, or edit the config file.txt

NOOBS contains the general GNU/Linux distributions Raspbian, Arch Linux ARM and Pidora; distributions for mediacenter with Kodi Openelec and RaspBMC; and the Risc OS 5 operating system

September 26, 2013, an official version of Oracle Java JDK ARM with hardware floating-point support was added to Raspbian repositories, offering much more performance than the openJDK ARM version already in place so far and more application support

It was also announced that this version of Oracle Java JDK would be included within the distribution in future versions of Raspbian

Operating systems

List of operating systems that work, have been ported, or are in the process of being ported to Raspberry Pi:

  • Complete operating systems
    • AROS
    • GNU/Linux for ARM processor
      • Android​
      • Arch Linux ARM
      • Debian Whezzy Soft-Float, Debian version without hardware floating point support
      • DietPi, lightweight Raspbian based distribution and easy menu setup
      • Firefox OS
      • Gentoo Linux​
      • Google Chromium OS
      • Kali Linux
      • Manjaro Linux Arch based Linux distribution, with 64 bit, 32 bit and ARM architectures
      • Open webOS
      • PiBang LinuxRaspbian derived Linux distribution with different desktop and applications
      • Pidora Fedora Remix version optimized
      • QtonPi linux distribution with a cross platform application framework based on Qt framework
      • RaspbianDebian Wheezy version for ARMv6 with hardware floating-point support
      • Slackware ARM also known as ARMedslack
      • Ubuntu MATE
      • Void Linux
      • Parrot SecOS
    • Plan 9 from Bell Labs
    • RISC OS 52​
    • Unix
      • FreeBSD
      • NetBSD
    • Windows
      • Windows 10
      • Windows CE
  • Lightweight multipurpose distributions
    • DietPi best light distribution for the Raspberry pi
    • Minibian Raspbian based light distribution
    • Moebius Debian-based ARM HF lightweight distribution that uses the Raspbian repository and fits on a 1GB SD card, uses few services and is optimized to use low memory
    • Squeezed Arm Puppy a version of Puppy Linux (Puppi) for ARMv6 (sap6) specifically for Raspberry Pi
  • Single purpose light distributions
    • Instant WebKiosk operating system with only one browser
    • IPFire
    • Micro Elastix open source solution for unified communications
    • OpenELEC
    • LibreELEC
    • OSMC distribution to make a media center with the Raspberry Pi
    • Raspbmc Distribution (discontinued)
    • Xbian is a small, fast and lightweight distribution to make a media center with the Raspberry Pi
TV Box, You-Box, Personal Computer

You-Box

You-Box

Youin You-Box was an audiovisual (multimedia) playback device for devices especially old televisions, which was manufactured by Youin

Youin is one of the big players in the world of electric scooters and, in addition to having controlled products related to mobility

During the transition that took place in February 2024 to TDT in HD in Spain, it diversified its activity and entered the world of smart television

Currently their website does not collect any more orders, they do not indicate anything about support and there is no information about the manuals for these devices

Its first device was the Youin You-Box, a proposal with Android TV launched to compete with alternatives such as Chromecast con Google TV or the Fire TV Stick 4K

There are a total of two models

Specifications
Model CPU type RAM (base) Mem. internal Connectivity Security Measurements Screen
EN1040K Quad-Core ARM Cortex A55 to 1908 Mhz 2 GB RAM DDR3 8GB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac a 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz, Ethernet 100 MB, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB C, Micro SD, HDMI, AV & SPDIF WPA2 235 x 162 x 65 mm. UHD 4K HDR 60fps H.265/HEVC 10bits, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS, AAC
EN1060K Quad-Core ARM Cortex A55 to 1908 Mhz 2 GB RAM DDR3 8GB flash storage 802.11 b/g/n/ac a 2,4 GHz / 5 GHz, Ethernet 100 MB, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB C, Micro SD, HDMI, AV & SPDIF, DVB-T2 DONGLE WPA2 235 x 162 x 65 mm. UHD 4K HDR 60fps H.265/HEVC 10bits, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS, AAC
Supported codecs
Codec Resolution
VP9 Profile-2 4Kx2K@60fps
H.265 HEVC MP-10@L5.1 4Kx2K@60fps
AVS2-P2 Profile 4Kx2K@60fps
H.264 AVC HP@L5.1 4Kx2K@30fps
H.264 MVC 1080P@60fps
MPEG-4 ASP@L5 1080P@60fps (ISO-14496)
WMV/VC-1 SP/MP/AP 1080P@60fps
AVS-P16(AVS+) /AVS-P2 JiZhun Profile 1080P@60fps
MPEG-2 MP/HL 1080P@60fps (ISO13818)
MPEG-1 MP/HL 1080P@60fps (ISO-11172)
RealVideo 8/9/10 1080P@60fps
Supported video files
Codec
*.mkv
*.wmv
*.mpg
*.mpeg
*.dat
*.avi
*.mov
*.iso
*.mp4
*.rm
*.jpg
*.bmp
*.gif

Software

You-Box uses an operating system designed especially for this type of device, in which Miracast is used to display content; The system is composed of the following parts:

Starting screen: this is displayed when content is not being sent
Application screen: this shows the content sent

Functioning

Use Android TV as the main application screen, where we can quickly access everything we have downloaded

It is also quite easy for us to access the content that we have been playing from the list, that allows us to resume our favorite series or movie in a matter of seconds

In addition to being able to access the applications that we have downloaded, this device has Chromecast Built-In, so we can send content from the phone to the box, as if from a Chromecast it was about

This Chromecast Built-in has small limitations regarding Chromecast, since it is a service emulated by software, although the experience is similar

Models

EN1040K

At the design level this Android TV box has a fairly compact box that will barely take up space in the furniture where we place it

The device fits in the palm of a hand and has a small central LED that tells us when it is off (red) and when it is on (blue)

It is made of plastic, with the company logo on the top and various ports both on the back and on the sides

When we turn it we find multiple ports to make connections: slot for micro-SD cards, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 on its side

On the back, the power input, an Ethernet port that supports up to a maximum of 100 MB, HDMI 2.1, AV, optical input for audio cable and USB-Type C cable

Its casing is made of a somewhat porous plastic, on which it is easy for dust to become embedded in its surface, so it is recommended to clean it from time to time, so that it does not generate too much heat

Although thanks to its internal heatsinks and small size, heat is not usually a big problem

In terms of performance, it is fluid and fast, the device already comes with 8 GB of memory, of which just over 5 are free to install our apps

It is enough to download a couple of heavy applications so that the storage fills up and we have to uninstall apps to free it up

To solve this lack, it has microSD, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB C slots that allow us to connect memory cards, USB flash drives and Type C Hub to read local content from Android TV

MicroSD cards or USB flash drives can also be left connected (if we remove them we will not be able to access the apps) to use them as shared internal memory, which will be added to the 8 GB that it has

Video playback is automatically adjusted according to the content we are watching, with a maximum resolution of 4K up to 60 FPS and with HDR playback in formats such as Dolby Vision

If our television does not support said resolution, the contents will be adapted to the maximum resolution supported by it, without rescaling of any kind

It includes a very complete, somewhat small remote control, which allows us to access all the buttons without overlapping keystrokes between them

The controller is well finished visually and is quite complete in functionality, with several interesting dedicated buttons: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Vídeo and Google Play

Likewise, we have a dedicated button for the Google Assistant, just by pressing it, we can speak directly to the microphone included in the remote control, to give it voice commands

It also has buttons to add content directly to favorites or access settings

The You-Box control is thus even more complete than that of the Chromecast con Google TV, with a similar size, but with fewer buttons

Preinstalled has the version of Android TV 10 which can be updated via OTA and the official Google patch of October 2020

It was launched in Europe on June 7, 2021 for €79.99

EN1060K

EN1060K no incluye ninguna mejora en cuanto a hardware, manteniendo todas la características del EN1040K

Includes the DVB-T2 DONGLE to be able to comfortably watch TV via TDT, which even supports the H.265 codec, compatible with TDT2

Preinstalled has the version of Android TV 10 which can be updated via OTA and the official Google patch of December 2022

It was launched in Europe on March 21, 2023 for €89.90

DVB-T2 DONGLE

The USB dongle plugs into the USB-C port and the other end to the antenna cable

Once turned on, we can use the pre-installed TV LIFE app and from it, tune in to the TV or radio channels that come to us through the antenna

Then, whenever we press the television-shaped button on the remote control, we can directly access the TV LIFE application and watch live television

pre-installed apps

pre-installed apps
app Description
Netflix subscription service to watch series and movies
Prime Video subscription service to watch series and movies
YouTube subscription service to watch current music videos, content about video games, beauty, fashion, news, learning and much more. Allows creation of user channels and sharing videos with friends on any device
Google Play Películas subscription service to watch series and movies
Google Play Juegos subscription service to play alone or with friends, includes tracking of your achievements. Allows you to save your games where you left them and recover them on any device
Google Play Store store service, contains free or paid apps through subscription. Serves as a repository for installation on the device
TV Box, Personal Computer, Roku

Roku

Roku

Roku Streaming Player, or simply Roku, is an audiovisual (multimedia) playback device for devices, especially old TVs, manufactured by the American company Roku Inc

Different operators provide OTT content service in the form of channels

The name comes from the Japanese kanji 六, roku, which means six, since it was the sixth company that Anthony Wood (founder and CEO since 2002) created

It is basically a Wifi access point, with interchangeable USB and HDMI plugs, which once connected to a TV with HDMI input replicates to the TV what is seen on the Roku

Although the Roku device can be used globally, its official support and distribution is only available in the following countries:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • French
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Peru
  • Costa Rica
  • Brazil
  • Puerto Rico
  • El Salvador
  • Ecuador
  • Venezuela
  • Bolivia
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Paraguay
  • Uruguay
  • Belize
  • Panama

Software

Roku uses a custom Linux distribution called Roku OS as its operating system

Software updates include bug fixes, security updates, feature additions, and many new interface revisions

Roku pushes OS updates to supported devices in a tiered release

OS updates are rolled out to a percentage group of candidate devices to ensure that the build is stable before it is massively available

The most recent versions of Roku OS are: Roku OS 14 (released in September 2024) for compatible streaming devices and Roku OS 13 (released in April 2024) for Roku TVs

All second generation and newer devices receive updates to the Roku operating system

First generation devices are discontinued and no longer updated

Services

There's no subscription fee for the service, but individual channels and content may require a fee

Content varies according to the country where Roku officially operates

Technical support is provided free of charge

OTT Applications

In countries where Roku has a presence, users can access channels from most OTT services, such as YouTube, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Twitch, Facebook Watch, to name just a few

Online Roku Channels

The content of the Roku DVP is provided by Roku partners, and is identified using the vernacular channel

Users can add or remove different channels from the Roku Channel Store

Creating Service for Roku Player

Roku is an open-platform device with a freely available software development kit that allows anyone to create new channels

The channels are written in a Roku-specific language called BrightScript, a scripting language that the company describes as unique, but similar to Visual Basic and JavaScript

Developers who want to test their channels before a general release, or who want to limit the audience, can create channels private or non-certified that require the user to enter a code on the account page of the Roku website

These private channels, which are not part of the official Roku Channel Store, are not reviewed or approved by Roku

There is an NDK (Native Developer Kit) available, although it has additional restrictions

The Roku Channel

Roku launched its own streaming channel on its devices in October 2017, exclusively for the United States

It was a free service, but with ads

The channel contained licensed content from studios such as Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Warner Bros., as well as channels such as American Classics, FilmRise, Nosy, OVGuide, Popcornflix, Vidmark, and YuYu

As of August 8, 2018, The Roku Channel can be found available online

Roku also added the Free Featured in the upper section of the main menu from where users could access series and movies from their partners

In January 2019, premium subscription options for partner content providers were added to The Roku Channel

Anti-piracy measures

In June 2017, a Mexico City court banned the sale of Roku products in Mexico after a lawsuit filed by Televisa owned Cablevision

The lawsuit stated that the devices were being used by people illegally streaming television content without permission from copyright holders

The devices were used to install services that were not offered in the official Channel Store

Roku defended itself against the allegations, stating that these apps were not officially certified and that the company had actively taken steps to prevent its platform from being used for illegal streaming services

On October 16, 2018, the 11th Collegiate Civil Court in Mexico City lifted this prohibition, in Mexico

During May 2018, in an attempt by Roku to stop piracy, users of channels such as YouTube and Netflix and other popular channels, were greeted by an FBI logo warning them that the channel was removed for piracy

This was a mistake on Roku's part and was quickly resolved

Roku TV

Roku announced its first (self-branded) smart TV in early 2014 and it was released in late 2014

These TVs were manufactured by various companies, using the Roku user interface as a the brain of television

Roku TVs Upgrade Just Like Streaming Devices

Newer models also integrate a set of features for use with over-the-air television (DTT) signals

Such streaming includes a program guide that provides information about series and movies available on local television, as well as where such content will be broadcast and the ability to pause live TV (although the user must connect a 16GB or larger USB drive to use this feature)

In November 2020, added the function Airplay to Roku TV, including smart TVs, which allowed screen mirroring or sharing other features on an iPad, iPhone, or Mac

In April 2021, Roku announced the release of Roku OS 10, which included Instant Resume for streaming channels and automatic configuration for game consoles, Airplay 2 and Starter Kit support for streaming boxes and Roku HD TVs

In March 2022, Roku announced Roku OS 11, which added new audio options, custom photo screensavers, and more

In October 2023, Roku announced Roku OS 12.5, which focused on sports, live TV, and simpler content discovery

In April 2024, Roku OS 13 was released, this OS update was announced for all Roku TV models and many Roku streaming players

The update was said to offer improvements to content discovery, navigation, and other features, including auto-adjusted picture modes and Custom Backgrounds

In September 2024, Roku announced the release of Roku OS 14

This update included a new Kids & Family Zone added to the home screen, the ability to give the go-ahead or thumbs down to content, and the option to use voice commands to update smart TV settings, among other changes

On September 29, 2024, operating system 14 was officially released, many fourth generation Tablo DVRs could no longer play at all or, after adjusting the settings, played, but without audio

As the aforementioned issues have not yet been resolved, it is not recommended to upgrade on all smart TVs, even though it is available

Generations

First generation

Roku announced the first Internet video device, the Roku DVP, on May 20, 2008

This device was using a modified version of Linux

Prior to fall 2010, three versions of the Roku DVP were available:

  • Roku SD: it only receives content in standard definition, has an Ethernet connection, and a Wi-Fi antenna that supports 802.11g
  • Roku HD: supports content up to 1080p (Full HD) has an Ethernet connection and a Wi-Fi antenna that supports 802.11g
  • HD-XR: It streams content in SD and HD, has a dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi antenna and a USB port on the back

Since September 2010, Roku has modernized its line of devices:

  • Roku HD reviewed: became the basic model of the line, offering 720p content reception, with 802.11g Wi-Fi reception and an HDMI port
  • Roku XD: added 1080p content reception and an improved remote control
  • Roku XD|S: offered component video and optical audio output, a dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, and a USB port for playing videos, music, and photos

Currently discontinued since 2015, all models manufactured before 2011 are not possible to buy them, nor do they receive updates

Second generation

On July 20, 2011, Roku updated its product lineup with three new devices:

  • Roku 2 HD:
  • Roku 2 XD:
  • Roku 2 XS: With an Ethernet connection and the motion remote for gaming, the Roku Game Remote used Hillcrest Labs' Freespace motion control technology, so users could control games with natural gestures

The Netflix app was revamped for all three models; offered the option of subtitles, if the program included them

On October 11, 2011, was presented the Roku LT as a reduced, low-cost version of the Roku 2 XS

The model consisted of two AV ports, an HDMI and a 3.5" composite micro-SD

The same content capacity was available, except that it supported gaming, and its highest video resolution was 720p

There was no Ethernet port or micro-SD card slot

The function Roku Search added October 29, 2012

This feature allowed users to search for movie and TV show titles, actors, and directors; for multiple services on Roku from the United States such as Amazon Video, HBO Go, and Netflix

The feature was only available on Roku 2, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku LT, and Roku HD, due to technical limitations on previous models

On May 14, 2013, an updated software interface for second-generation Roku units was released

This is the same interface that was introduced with the launch of third generation players

On July 26, 2013, in the United Kingdom, BSkyB launched a Now TV-branded Roku LT, which allowed users to stream Now TV content to their TVs, as well as access content from BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, Spotify, and Sky News

Third generation

On March 5, 2013, Roku announced the release of its updated media player, the Roku 3, with a faster CPU than the Roku 2 XS, and a Wi-Fi Direct remote instead of Bluetooth

The Roku 3's remote included a headphone jack (with headphones included) for a private listening mode

Roku announced in 2015 two new versions of its devices:

  • Roku 3 (4230): with a new remote control, a microphone for voice search
  • Roku 2 (4210): with a much faster processor than the old Roku 2, but its remote no longer has a built-in headphone jack

The Roku 2 model number before the one released in 2015 was 2720

This naming scheme caused some confusion among consumers

Fourth Generation

On October 6, 2015, Roku officially announced the launch of the Roku 4

The new device had 4K video streaming capability, a remote control finder, updated software (Roku OS 7), and hardware that included support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi

The Roku 4 began selling in October 2015

Fifth Generation

On September 26, 2016, Roku renewed its entire lineup of streaming players with 5 new models:

  • Roku Express: low end
  • Roku Express+:
  • Roku Premiere: high end
  • Roku Premiere+: supports HDR video using HDR10
  • Roku Ultra: supports HDR video using HDR10

In April 2016 he launched the new Streaming Stick 3600 as a sixth option

Sixth Generation

In October 2017, Roku introduced its sixth generation of products

Updates included the removal of the models Premiere and Premiere+, the introduction of the Streaming Stick + (with an improved Wi-Fi antenna), as well as new processors for the Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Express and Express+

Seventh Generation

In September 2018, Roku introduced the seventh generation of its products

The products Express (3900), Express+ (3910), Streaming Stick (3800) and Streaming Stick+ (3810) they are unchanged from the last generation

The Ultra It's the same device as the last generation, although it now comes with JBL Premium Headphones and was catalogued with a new model number, 4661

Roku resurrected the names of Premiere and Premiere+, However, these two new models bear little resemblance to those of the fifth generation: the models Premiere (4620) and Premiere+ (4630)

The new models Premiere (3920) and Premiere+ (3921) are essentially based on the Express (3900) with added 4K support

Eighth generation

En septiembre de 2019, Roku presentó la octava generación de productos

The same year, Netflix announced that it would stop supporting older generations of Roku, including Roku HD, HD-XR, SD, XD and XDS

As well as XD and XDS of the brand NetGear as of December 1, 2019

Roku had warned in 2015 that it would stop updating its players manufactured before May 2011

Ninth generation

On September 28, 2020, Roku introduced the ninth generation of products

A was launched Updated Roku Ultra along with the incorporation of the Roku Streambar, a Roku device and 2-in-1 soundbar

The micro-SD slot was removed from the new Ultra 4800, which made it the first Roku device since the first generation to lack this feature

On April 14, 2021, Roku announced the Roku Express 4K+, that replaced the devices Roku Express Eighth generation

And the Voice Remote Pro, as an optional upgrade for existing Roku players, and Roku OS 10 for all newer Roku devices

Tenth generation

On September 20, 2021, Roku introduced the tenth generation of products

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K was announced along with Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, which included a Roku Voice Remote Pro rechargeable Updated with Lost Remote Finder

Roku announced a Roku Ultra LT upgrading it with a faster processor, more powerful Wi-Fi and Dolby Vision, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming and built-in Ethernet support

Roku also announced Roku OS 10.5 with several new and improved features

On November 15, 2021, Roku announced the economic model Roku LE (3930S3) that would be sold at Walmart, as long as supplies lasted

Which lacked 4K and HDR10 support, which made its features similar to those of the Roku Express (3930) Aug. 2019

It had the same form factor as the Roku Express except that the plastic casing was white instead of black