Entry-level Android TV boxes are now already pretty cheap, and in the past we’ve seen deals in for around $25 and less, but with SCISHION V88, I think it’s the first time I see a new 4K Android TV box selling for less than $20 shipped.
SCISHION V88 specifications:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3229 quad core ARM Cortex A7 processor @ 1.5 GHz with ARM Mali-400MP2
- System Memory – 1GB DDR3
- Storage – 8GB eMMC flash + SD card slot up to 16GB
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 4K2K @ 60 fps, and 3.5mm AV output (composite)
- Audio Output – HDMI, AV, and coaxial S/PDIF
- Connectivity – 10/100Mbps Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
- USB – 4x USB 2.0 host ports
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
- Dimensions – 11.6 x 11.6 x 2.5 cm
The devices runs Android 5.1, and ships with a power adapter, a HDMI cable, an IR remote control, and a user’s manual. It also looks pretty similar to MX4 TV box minus Bluetooth support.
Based on my experiences with MXQ 4K and Zidoo X1 II, devices based on Rockchip RK3229 are pretty good at playing 1080p and – to a lesser extent – H.264 and H.265 4K videos, but will feel sluggish for many other apps, although it’s quite possible the upgrade to Android 5.1 improved the situation (my two reviews are based on Android 4.4). For ARM Linux fan, this may not be the best hardware to play with Linux either, and you’d better stick with Amlogic S905 devices if you want to experiment.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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This is definitely a fake. Such boxes doesn’t support 4K output over hdmi. And if so, there is no benefit in support of playback of 4K video files. So, I don’t know any reason to place “4K” label on the top of the box.
@GLaz
All Rockchip RK3229 TV boxes support HDMI 2.0 output up to 4K @ 60 Hz, and they can decode and output videos up to 4K reasonably well too. However, as with all other ARM based TV boxes (except Nvidia Android Shield), the user interface is normally 1280×720 or 1920×1080, so if you expect a 4K mini PC, meaning browsing @ 4K resolution, then no, it can’t handle this.
Hello, can I ask you what’s the situation about rockchip kernel source code? Is it public or not? 🙂 For this reason in old days I’ve opted for Amlogic solution instead of rockchip…
Thanks
@anthony
I’m not aware of any leaked source code for RK3229. If a development board is released that would help.
There’s some work in mainline @ https://patchwork.kernel.org/patch/9189637/, but probably initial support, and not really usable.
Thank you! So i will stay with Amlogic for now:) thanks again
I got a bit from Gearbest about 4k boxes which show prices from $21US to $26 US for boxes. Interesting to set this off by going to Gearbest (I have an account with them).
I ordered one of the promo boxes as I need a box, will see how it works.
this is the chip capable for 10bit h264 anime?
@TC
Yes. But I’ve noticed RK3229 cannot play all 10-bit H.264 videos. For example, it can’t handle “16 refs” videos.
I do not trust GearBest. I’ve purchased from them six times before and had several problems each time regarding the actual shipping of the items. They lie without reservation, and I think that is the way they thing business is done. Out of those six orders, I have only received ONE that didn’t have some sort of shipping hassle involved, even when I pay for expedited. Great website, terrible company.
Also, how many times have they run promos, then sent an email 3 days later declaring “sorry, we are out of stock”? Bogus company. If it looks too good to be true… it IS. GearBest sucks. Won’t get fooled again.
Anyone know if possible to running ubuntu or debian in this box ? I found in another store $19.99 too https://www.chinavasion.com/china/wholesale/Android_Media_Players/Android_TV_Box/V88-Android-TV-Box/
But I just want to running some cheaper linux server if are possible to install debian/ubuntu server.
@Kiko
It might be possible, but since there’s no source code out there, you’d have to use the provided Android kernel, which for example forces you to be root for network access, and you won’t be able to enable your own features/modules. So it’s far from ideal.
@cnxsoft
So do you have any other box suggestion fully compatible with debian/ubuntu server ? Because I have an old Mele A2000 and want a little upgrade. thanks
@Kiko
I think you could try one of Amlogic S905 TV boxes, that go for around $25 or less. Something like NEXBOX A95X -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2016/06/01/nexbox-a95x-android-tv-box-powered-by-amlogic-s905-processor-sells-for-27/. Sometimes they go around $22 to $23 during promotions. You won’t get a SATA port like on MeLE A2000 though.
Can this TV box be used to my PC monitor to make complete TV set? where also I can buy decoder to be able to see TV channels
There is a s905x version for £ 17.06 GBP
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_434477.html?wid=21
Who makes this box??? I see it on the internet made by Scishion and Mifanstech. Who is the real and who is the copy ??? And why does Sunvell also make the T95 ??? What’s real ???
@semperfi
Usually none are copies. There’s often one company that does the hardware design, one that manufactures it, and several companies that use that hardware and stamp their logo on it. Sometimes it’s possible to find the manufacturer with the MAC address or checking the PCB.
@cnxsoft
Thanks for the fast response. Awesome. Hey, so I’m trying to do cheap kodi boxes for friends and family. I’m looking at getting the PRO version of this one but I’m worried about people saying it’s poor on “wifi”, doesn’t do “dolby” and only does “720”. What box gets me “cheap”, “dolby”, “wifi”, “1080” ?
@semperfi
A MXQ NEXBOX s805 soc, if you can find one or OTT M8 s802 soc . Both only Android 4.4 but stable Kodi from my experience.
@theguyuk
Thanks for the input theguyuk !
1000 box need
I bought 3 boxes from Gearbest and initially they all worked fine but after a few months 2 of them cannot connect to internet either by wifi or ethernet cable, anyone had same issue and how to fix it? and how to update the firmware?
Thanks
Claimed on 4 day sale at gearbest http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_401687.html