Cheap TV Adapter with Google Play

stator

Hi All,

I have a HUMAX Freeview box (FVP-4000T) that lets me stream recorded TV programs onto my mobile phone and it works really well.

I was under the impression that the HUMAX H3, which is a streaming box, would allow me to extend the main box's functionality into another room. But it's crap. It only lets you play videos, it offers no functionality to delete or set recordings and has no access to UK catchup like iPlayer etc.

I tried using Miracast from my mobile phone, but it won't work. None of my mobile devices support simultaneous streaming via Miracast and access to home WiFi. So I can't use a phone to stream via WiFi onto my TV.

What I want is some kind of HDMI Android Device that I can plug into my dumb TV and stream recordings off my Freeview recorder using the very good HUMAX google Play store Apps. So it has to provide full access to the Google Play store. I don't want one of the devices that has it's own App store, like the Humax H3 or the Amazon devices (which I believe have their own App store)

I've looked at Google Chromecast but I can't tell if it has full access to the Google Play store or if it just has access to apps designed for the Chromecast device?

I've already got a cheap HDMI Android stick, one of the MK809 type devices. But the stupid thing has crap software, the Google Play store doesn't work.

So I'm looking for recommendations for specific devices that you have used that can be plugged into an HDMI port on a TV and has a fully working Google Play store.

I would also consider buying a cheap Tablet, if it supported streaming to the TV via Miracast at the same time as accessing the internet. But I've not found anyway of telling whether a device supports this without buying it.

worried_jim

I have got google play on my firebox, you just side load it, takes about 90 seconds.

Carrot007

stator wrote: »

I've looked at Google Chromecast but I can't tell if it has full access to the Google Play store or if it just has access to apps designed for the Chromecast device?

Chomecast is just a stick to stream things to if your TV does not already support such. It needs an android device to stream from and not all apps will.

stator wrote: »

I've already got a cheap HDMI Android stick, one of the MK809 type devices. But the stupid thing has crap software, the Google Play store doesn't work.

Cheap device sucks shock?

stator wrote: »

I would also consider buying a cheap Tablet, if it supported streaming to the TV via Miracast at the same time as accessing the internet. But I've not found anyway of telling whether a device supports this without buying it.

A tablet is alwasy going to be a pain to use, especially via casting.

stator wrote: »

So I'm looking for recommendations for specific devices that you have used that can be plugged into an HDMI port on a TV and has a fully working Google Play store.

Amzon's device's are nice but you have to go to a little but of effort to put play on. The stick is low specced though. On the plus you get a designed for TV interface.

There are many android box's out there. However you have to realise they are just plain android and not optimised for tv's, though you there are many interfaces you can use and some will include as default the problem is you lose control.

Amazon have many such devices there. Do look at spec's though. At least android 7 would be a good start. Don't skimp of ram / storage and SOC.

A quick look show's this which seems reasonable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABOX-Processor-Bluetooth-Responsive-Keyboard/dp/B078GWKMDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518973392&sr=8-1&keywords=android+7.0+tv+box

Doubt you would get anything usable cheaper and spending a bit more may be advised.