There are already a few set-top boxes that are designed to be placed on top of a television such as Archos Connect TV. Those usually come with a webcam, which makes them ideal for video conference, and much more convenient than mini PCs with a webcam such as Measy U2C or B12. GeekBuying is now offering such device with the MK818B (aka MK818) powered by RockChip RK3066 with 1 GB RAM, 8 GB Flash, and a 0.3 MP front camera for $84.99.
They could probably have done without the “so far away, yet this close!” marking at the front of the device…
MK818B has the following specifications:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3066 Dual Core Cortex A9 @ 1.6 GHz + Mali-400MP4 GPU
- System Memory – 1GB DDR3
- Storage – 8GB NAND Flash + SD Card slot (Up to 32GB) + micro SD Card slot (Up to 32GB)
- Camera – Built-in front 0.3MP camera
- Video Output:
- mini HDMI 1.4a up to 1080p60
- AV/YPbPr up to 1080p60
- Audio I/O – Built-in Microphone, headphone jack, stereo out
- Video Container Formats – MKV(H.264 HP), AVI, RM/RMVB, FLV, WMV9, MP4..
- Audio Formats and Codecs – MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, OGG, AC3, WAV…
- Connectivity:
- WIFI – IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- LAN – 10/100M Ethernet (RJ45)
- Bluetooth V4.0
- USB – 1x USB host port + 2x mini USB (1x OTG, 1x for power)
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
- Dimensions – 127.8mm x 60.6mm x 15.9mm
- Weight – <100g
The device runs Android 4.1, but the firmware will be upgraded to Android 4.2. Beside MK818B media player, the package contains a 5V/2A power adapter, an mini HDMI to HDMI cable, a mini USB to USB cable for power, a mini USB to USB female adapter, and a user manual.
Apart from GeekBuying, you can also buy the device for $80 and up on several shops in Aliexpress. The camera resolution is rather low, but considering all the features packed in this set-top box the price is still quite competitive, even if you don’t need the webcam. If you need lot of storage, and don’t want to connect a USB hard drive, the 2 slots for SD and microSD card will allow you to add up to 64 GB storage.
For those of you who prefer running Linux, PicUntu could be an option with some work, but supporting the camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (depending on the module used) is usually problematic as binary drivers may not be available for Linux, and some companies do no release their drivers’ source code.
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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Can someone of you tell me ho to activate rj 45 eth interface? Even if present in the system menu, it cannot be enabled.
the actual android release (the native one 4.1.x) doesn’t permit interface activation.
Is there somewhere a linux version specifically for this device?
thank.