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MECOOL M8S PRO PLUS Amlogic S905X 2GB RAM 16GB ROM US$31.99 (~$42.77) @ Banggood

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MECOOL M8S PRO PLUS Amlogic S905X 2GB RAM 16GB ROM US$31.99 (~$42.77) @ BanggoodAffiliate
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Steptoe on 01/07/2017 - 23:56 banggood.com (698 clicks)
Last edited 17/07/2017 - 11:57
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MECOOL TV Box that claims to support 4K Netflix and Youtube (Cheaper than the Xiaomi MiBox 3)

Mecool M8S PRO PLUS Amlogic S905X Quad Core 2GB DDR3 RAM 16GB ROM Android 7.1 2.4G WiFi 100M LAN 4Kx2K 60fps HDR10 H.265 HEVC VP9 Android TV Box Mini PC Support 4K Netflix Youtube

Features:

CPU: Amlogic S905X 64 bit Quad-core ARM® ™-A53 up to 2GHz
GPU: Penta-core ARM® Mali™-450
RAM: 2GB DDRIII
ROM: 16GB
WiFi: Built in 2.4G WiFi Support IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Ethernet: 10M/100M
OS: Android 7.1.1
Video Decoder: H.265 4K @60fps 10btis, VP9 Profile 2
HDR: HDR 10, HLG HDR

Seems to suggest 4.5% CashBack from Cash Rewards as well, if that's your thing.

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Referee gets $2 in coupons. Referrer gets 10% off (if referee spends over US$10)

Electrical & Electronics Android TV Kodi MECOOL Media Player Netflix YouTube Android

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closed Comments

  • jv on 02/07/2017 - 00:06
    +3

    Ethernet: 10M/100M

    What? No token ring???

    • Steptoe on 02/07/2017 - 00:09
      +1

      No, but you can sideload Morse Code app

      • jv on 02/07/2017 - 00:12
        +1

        Thanks… Don't think I can keep up with 4K though…

    • m9 on 02/07/2017 - 01:01
      +1

      USB to BNC adapter :)

    • garage sale on 02/07/2017 - 08:07
      +4

      100m ethernet is full duplex unlike wireless and has less bloat unlike wireless so in real world probabaly transfers data faster than AC wireless. more than gfast enough for 4 k video.

      it's about throughput more than marketing

      • terrys on 02/07/2017 - 09:35

        Also, given that most of us are going to end up with fraudband, Gigabyte ethernet is not needed until we get an NBN :-(

        • rhino015 on 02/07/2017 - 13:25

          Netflix suggests 25mbps is fine for 4K streaming. So what are you watching that's bottlenecking at 100mbps or even 60? Or you just live in a share house full of nerds with multiple 4K streams?

        • terrys on 02/07/2017 - 15:07

          @rhino015: We were discussing the need for gigabyte ethernet. Turnbull and fellow idiots appear to suffer under the delusion that a person, let alone a household, will use an Internet connection for one purpose at a time, limited to the median requirements of communications circa 2009. Given the vast differential between such usage in 2009 compared with that of 1999, and the relevance of Moore's law regarding advances in digital technology, we are stuck with a network that is already unfit for purpose.
          You may regard your system as an extension of your TV. "Nerds" generally refers to people who don't.
          Dated this 8706th day of September 1983.

        • rhino015 on 03/07/2017 - 14:57

          @terrys:
          How many 4K streams are you doing though, seeing as you seem so angry about lack of gigabit internet? I'm not on NBN, but I'm on VDSL2 with a local company, so the same tech as FTTN, and I get 67mbps ($20 less per month than NBN) and totally unlimited as well) and I'd be content with anything over say 50 for my needs atm and in the foreseeable medium term future, seeing as I can stream 2 separate 4k streams.

          NBN just became available for me, and the node is literally 12m from where the Telstra phone line enters my house, so in theory i should be able to get even faster speeds on the NBN compared to my existing FTTN, where the node is quite a fair distance from me a couple blocks away.
          Yet I still have no intention of paying the $20 extra per month to switch to NBN for a speed increase that will positively affect my life in no way other than bragging rights with friends. I still download movies very quickly and tv show episodes crazy fast. And I can stream anything in 4K and defintely won't be buying an 8k tv for 10 years, so I'm pretty good for now.

          I understand the NBN was poorly managed and politicised, but I'm just wondering if your frustration for the speeds are just based on that, rather than it not suiting your needs. Otherwise I'm curious what your heavy use cases are.

        • terrys on 03/07/2017 - 16:26

          @rhino015: "How many 4K streams are you doing though, seeing as you seem so angry"

          Your fantasies are your own concern. Had I a genuine 100/40 connection, that would be almost good enough to have my system as a part of the network one mile away that I could utilise. I am not able, under the FTTN, to obtain one feed for phone and one for 'Net, two separate 100/40 feeds which could be paired for internet, and am severely limited already in remote editing of video and audio files that would have been no problem at all with the genuine fiber connection that would have cost the same price, and been delivered sooner.
          I'm more curious about how you, as an Ozbargainer, can be so defensive about an obvious mis-sale of a dubious alternative to a known and tested product that has ended up costing more when it was said to be cheaper, has not yet been delivered as promised tho it was promised to be faster, and has severe intrinsic limitations that were glossed over or wrongly dismissed that have not and cannot be fixed.
          T

        • rhino015 on 03/07/2017 - 16:27

          @terrys: I'm just curious what your use cases are. Or if you're just venting about the whole NBN process?

        • terrys on 07/07/2017 - 08:21

          @rhino015: No you're not, I listed one above. You are trolling. FWIW, at 10:30 pm 5/7/17, my download rate was 1.6mbs.

        • rhino015 on 10/07/2017 - 14:39

          @terrys: Sorry I swear your comment didn't have anything about the remote video editing when I read it before posting that last reply. Weird as. Did you somehow edit that comment or something?

          So your answer is that your use case is live video editing? How does that work? You copy video files from your work server down to your home machine to work on and then upload them again?

          No I'm just genuinely curious what use cases people have for needing faster internet than 2x 4k streams at once, which is the most likely high bandwidth scenario in my mind.

          I fully understand being upset about the whole politicisation of the NBN. I just wonder how many ppl will actually run into bandwidth issues assuming they get 50+mbps and by when.

  • garage sale on 02/07/2017 - 00:14

    i e got he me cool m8s s912 version which costs a bit more and has more memory. works fine .

    with netflix 4k …… you also need to be on the right subscription and enable the resolution once you've loaded the netflix client on the device ….. and what you want to watch is in 4k not 1080 or 720.

  • jeffr on 02/07/2017 - 00:24
    +2

    Xiaomi Box 3 International has been as low as AUD $75 and I have provided the specification below so its easier to make a comparison. Will be good to see how the MECOOL unit goes.

    CPU: Quad core Cortex-A53 2.0 GHz
    GPU: Mail 450 750 MHz
    RAM: 2Gb DDR3
    ROM: 8Gb eMMC (flash memory)
    Wifi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz
    Bluetooth 4.0
    OS: Android TV 6.0
    Google Cast technology

    Video decoder:
    4K image quality
    VP9 Profile-2 up to 4K x 2K @ 60fps
    H.265 HEVC MP-10 at L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 60fps
    H.264 AVC HPat L5.1, up to 4K x 2K at 30fps
    H.264 MVC, up to 1080P at 60fps
    Supports HDR10/HLG HDR processing (software upgrade required)

    Audio: DTS 2.0+ Digital Out, Dolby Digital Plus Up to 7.1 pass through

    Interfaces:
    HDMI 2.0a x 1 port (HDCP 2.2)
    USB: USB 2.0×1 port
    AV: SPDIF Out / 3.5mm audio output x 1 port
    Power: 1 port
    Multi-language support

    Package:
    Mi Box x1
    Bluetooth voice remote control x 1
    HDMI cable x1
    Power adapter x 1
    Manual x1
    Set of pre-installed APPs: Google Play, YouTube, Red Bull TV, Netflix etc.

    The Xiaomi Box 3 USB port does support an external Lan adapter such as the UNITEK USB 3.0 HUB 3 Port with Gigabit Ethernet Lan Adapter 1000Mbps (Model:Y-3045). Unitek adapter has Main Chipsets: VL812 (VIA) and AX88179 and 2-in-1 dual functionality. Three USB 3.0 ports and one 10/100/1000M Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

    USB3.0 Port: high data transfer speed up to 5Gbp/s, backwards compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

    www.ebay.com.au/itm/UNITEK-USB-3-0-HUB-3-Port-with-Gigabit-E…

    • batrarobin on 02/07/2017 - 00:55

      Wonder how is this one different:

      https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32763568588.html

      • ccsvchost on 02/07/2017 - 00:58

        Wrong link?

        • batrarobin on 02/07/2017 - 01:01
          +1

          No sorry I meant the usb 3.0 ethernet adapter to the one that the OP mentioned.

        • ccsvchost on 02/07/2017 - 01:02

          @batrarobin: My bad didn't realise they mentioned that as well

        • Op54 on 02/07/2017 - 03:04
          +1

          @batrarobin: When I got my MiBox3 I tried 3 different USB to Ethernet adapters and adapter hubs before finding one that actually works without issue (Most simply are not recognized by the unit. And you cannot install software to use an adapter that does not have the correct native chip type.
          The one I have that is actually a similar price to the one linked above is this one at Aliexpress:
          https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ugreen-USB-Ethernet-10-100-1… Currently $24.50. There is also the option of the USB 2 version for just $14.50 (That would be fine as the MiBox is not USB 3)
          USB 3 to ethernet and handles 3 USB 3 devices without issue for me (All the hard drives and thumb drives I have used are seen by the MiBox and play back fine).

        • batrarobin on 02/07/2017 - 15:21

          @Op54: Thank you Op54 That is exactly what I was after, I want to use it with my MiBox 3 so will stick with Ugreen USB2.0 as you suggested. Thank you once again.

    • bargaino on 02/07/2017 - 22:25

      Plugging a USB3 hub into a USB2 port will not make it faster.

      • Op54 on 06/07/2017 - 18:09

        @manic, nobody suggested it does make it go faster :-), I only ended up with a USB3 to ethernet with 3 X USB sockets because that was the only recommended working one available on the day I purchased it online for the MioBox3 I have, otherwise I would have purchased the cheaper USB 2 one (That was not in stock during that week).

    • garage sale on 24/07/2017 - 20:21

      Well, my Mi Box arrived today ….. the Mecool is better.
      The Mi box doesn't allow the loading from the playstore of Iview, ABC Me, 9Now, Freeview, SDS Demand or any of the other Australian apps ….. the Mecool does, as does the Nexbox A95x.

      All mi box is good for Kodi and Netflix …… all players do those ………..it's the Australian apps you also want.

      The nextbox A95x has nicer interface than Mecool, but once app is running it doesn't matter.

      • Steptoe on 24/07/2017 - 21:21

        Yes, limited choices via the Play Store App for Android TV

        I read somewhere to try accessing the Play Store via Chrome. Else sideload the apks you want.

        Also for the MeCool, there is a FreakTab forum thread that you might find alternate ROM.

        • garage sale on 25/07/2017 - 08:42

          Thanks will give it a go …… Nice piece of hardware but on the mecool s912 the icons are a bit small ….. But else very fast unit. Not sure if I'm over spending buying 2/16 units or better with 1/8.

  • Clear on 02/07/2017 - 01:50
    +3

    Just a FYI: I spoke to Netflix regarding this two days ago and neither the brand MECOOL or the manufacturer Videostrong are on their internal list of approved devices.

    It's very possible that the manufacturer is doing a dodgy for sales or it has been very very recently approved.

    • Steptoe on 02/07/2017 - 07:45

      Remains to be seen if the claiims arei legit. If it's a hack, others will soon be on the bandwagon.

      • garage sale on 02/07/2017 - 08:23

        most of these boxes seem similar and it's the soc and generic designs that are used with the specific companies adding some cosmetics and extra apps in the android deployment to differentiate their products. yes i have flashed firmware from different suppliers to different boxes usually due to support disappearing so now i run tronsmart on non tronsmart boxes….. and when my mi box 3 arrives will be interesting what needs to be done to flash the xiaomi firmware to another 905x.

        unlike phones these things are so cheap that there seems to be less of a community playing with firmware and support disappears quickly when a new soc is released so don't expect updates for years to come…..

      • Clear on 02/07/2017 - 09:06

        I think it's something a long the lines of Videostrong saying the TV Box is 4K therefore Netflix will be 4K.

    • garage sale on 25/07/2017 - 08:43

      Ahhh approved or supported …..big difference ….. There is no approval program ….

  • raydragon on 02/07/2017 - 08:15
    +2

    Yeah doesn't fill me full of confidence, no pictures of the interface so it's not gonna be anywhere near as polished as the Mi Box with Android TV. The few screenshots that are present show a notification bar at the top of the screen so probably not a lot different to the hundreds of other boxes out there meaning that using anything with included remote other than kodi will be a chore.

    • terrys on 02/07/2017 - 09:40
      +1

      No bluetooth listed to get over that with a keyboard, only USB2, and 32 Gb maximum for the memory card - quite a hodge-podge of old tech with a new paint job.

  • garage sale on 02/07/2017 - 08:32

    the interface on the tronsmart and nexbox is nicer but these things aren't a big investment and if you watch youtube or use as a browser you need a keyboard anyway or wave the remote like harry potter does his wand to enter text.

    • terrys on 02/07/2017 - 09:41

      No bluetooth.

  • cli on 02/07/2017 - 09:56

    This is with AU adapter (quote: A right AC Adapter will be sent as your shipping country)
    http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MECOOL-M8S-PRO-Plus-Youtube-N…

    • Clear on 02/07/2017 - 10:03

      No it just means an EU/US to AU adapter is included.

  • costas60 on 02/07/2017 - 09:56
    +2

    Ordered one
    for $42 it is a great buy

    • garage sale on 02/07/2017 - 13:34

      my mecool from Banggood came with an AU 5V power pack …bangood seem to be better with AU packs and cables than most.. for the money they are an OK TV box, mine does Iview, freetv, big driver for me was Android 7, and like with all these boxes ….. android 8 will probably need a new SOC so new box, hence I don't overinvest ….. they all do the same things when watching a movie.

  • D3m3ntia on 02/07/2017 - 10:20
    +1

    Meh. Expect zero support on these Chinese boxes, you'll get what you receive and that'd be it until someone has some spare time to make a bloatless rom for it. There's plenty of fake mxq firmware out there on site bricking people's boxes.

    • xdirex on 02/07/2017 - 19:48

      Are they fake or is it the fact that there are several similar but different boards all sold under the MXQ label?

      Always check the board revision code when flashing a firmware.

      • D3m3ntia on 03/07/2017 - 08:06

        The MXQ Pro which has appeared a few times on this forum has a 905. The firmware preloaded starts with p201 then with date variances. Googling reveals sites with various dated p201 firmware for the 905 soc, but if you read up on them everyone that has ever tried it bricks their device.

        • bargaino on 03/07/2017 - 09:28
          +1

          Citation? Some people use the word "brick" wrongly and over-dramatically. There should be no reason to over-write the boot-loader / recovery.
          Are people doing that? Its not bricked if you can boot to recovery. Hold in the reset button while powering on.

          There are several hardware variants of the "MXQ pro". Mine arrived with a 905X, p212
          I flashed LibreElec, but only after testing it by booting from SD card.

        • D3m3ntia on 03/07/2017 - 21:06

          @manic: try this. http://chinagadgetsreviews.com/download-latest-android-lolli…

          Or just search on Google for p201. Librelec is the only thing you'd use on these boxes, but I was actually talking about official firmware support of which there is none on these things and nets are filled with purportedly updated firmware like this one which don't work.

        • bargaino on 03/07/2017 - 23:41
          -1

          @D3m3ntia:
          Who would download from a site like that? If people don't know enough to see that site is rubbish, why would they even consider reflashing their firmware? It even tells you not to.

          Anyway, firmware failing to boot is hardly "bricking". You don't say your PC is bricked if Windows gets corrupted.

          I don't see why you are saying the firmware is "fake" though. Just the wrong one for your hardware. Since it does not say which hardware variant it fits its more likely than not to fail.

  • AlbyDuck on 02/07/2017 - 10:29
    +1

    If you want Android, spend more and get the Xiaomi. It's more expensive (but still cheap in the overall scheme of things) but the only one with any real manufacturer support. It's pretty much guaranteed to run 4k Netflix and the rest.. The best reason to get something like this Mecool or any other generic s905x box is to put LibreElec Kodi on it. Here's the thing with Kodi builds for the S905X SoC though. Not all wifi chipsets are supported. This is because many Chinese manufacturers can't be arsed providing proper Linux drivers. Some boxes have other issues. If you want such a box for LibreElec, you should probably do a bit of research first. For what it's worth, I've got a Beelink MX III II running LibreElec and it runs it very well.

    Edit: For your extra money with the Beelink you also get 5Ghz wifi. Pretty handy when the ethernet speed is only 100Mhz.

  • miq on 02/07/2017 - 13:00

    Lol. No way in the world would I enter passwords for any accounts on these cheap, junky, spyware riddled Chinese boxes.
    Even at $0 this isn't a bargain.

    • xdirex on 02/07/2017 - 19:51
      +1

      A lot of people flash them with different firmwares. Not for everyone, but unbeatable bang for buck if you know what you're doing…

  • bargaino on 02/07/2017 - 22:28

    Waste of money.
    The only spec you need to know is that it is running regular touchscreen Android, not Android_TV.

    Also, I suspect the Widevine Level-1 DRM will prevent installing LibreElec on this,
    so you will be stuck with buggy unsupported Android implementation.
    And even if Netflix does work in 4K, it may not do so for long.

    Get a Mi Box if you want cheap HD Netflix.

    But if this will accept LibreElec, then bargain kodi box!

  • Steptoe on 15/07/2017 - 00:29

    Ok so it arrived on Friday afternoon.

    YouTube
    Version 1.3.8
    com.google.android.youtube.tv

    So I'm guessing they've side loaded the AndroidTV version. The stats for nerds option show it's putting out 1080p (no a 4K 📺).

    Netflix
    Version 4.8.3 build 9574
    com.netflix.mediaclient

    Not sure how to tell what resolution I'm seeing, but the HD button is enabled

    Anyone else received theirs?

  • Steptoe on 24/07/2017 - 21:16

    FreakTab forum look like they will have alternate ROM soon enough.

  • Clear on 28/07/2017 - 11:55

    Confirmed to not have Netflix 4K

    • Steptoe on 28/07/2017 - 17:22

      Is there a test video on Australian Netflix to tell you what resolution you are getting?

      I can get 1080p from YouTube.

      The GearBeat firmware gives Root access, so able delete the suspected adware/spyware.

      • Clear on 29/07/2017 - 07:15
        +1

        trebor is Australian. You'd get the same with any Netflix account as the certification on the device isn't there. It does have DRM Widevine LEVEL 1 however which a lot of TV boxes don't have making it a very capable device. That's why it can do Netflix 720p.

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