I’ve recently tested two Android TV boxes with an HDMI input, namely HPH NT-V6 and M-195, and with the firmware they had at the time of review, the HDMI input just acts as a dumb HDMI input port, and there was nothing much I could do with it. Now comes Zidoo X9, another Android TV box powered nby Mstar MSO9810 that also comes with an HDMI input port, but this time, they’ve implemented a PVR function, so if you have a low end satellite, cable, or terrestrial receiver, you can connect it to Zidoo X9 and record programs, which makes it much more useful.
Zidoo X9 specifications:
- SoC – Mstar MSO9180D1R quad core Cortex A9 processor up to 1.5GHz with
octa-core ARM Mali-450MP6 GPUMali-450MP (2 or 4) GPU
- System Memory – 2GB DDR3
- Storage – 8GB eMMC flash + micro SD slot
- Video Output / Input – HDMI output up to 4K, HDMI input with PVR and Time Shifting support, and AV port (Composite + stereo audio)
- Audio I/O – HDMI Out and In, AV, and optical S/PDIF
- (Main) Video Codecs – H265, VC-1, WMV-HD, MPEG1/2/4 up to 4Kx2K, etc..
- Audio Codec – MP3, AAC, AC3, DTS-HD Master, TrueHD 7.1 pass-through, etc…
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet, Dual band 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi (MT7632 module), Bluetooth 4.0. Dual external antennas.
- USB – 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 host ports.
- Misc – ON/OFF switch, reset pinhole, LCD display on front panel
- Power Supply – N/A
- Dimensions – 187 x 127 x 27 mm (aluminum enclosure)
It looks very similar to Kaiboer F5, but they’ve added dual bad Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, and I understand the firmware is completely different.
The device runs Android 4.4.2 with Google Play Store, a custom version of XBMC optimized for Mstar MSO9810, and an interesting user interface called ZIUI. If you are mainly interested in HDMI in function, jump to 5:49, where you’ll see the configuration menu for PVR function that allows to record in HD, VGA, FHD resolution and MP4 or TS container, and specific the starting date/time. H.264 is used to encode the video, and you can choose the recording path, for example on SD card or USB hard drive. Warning: If you are a member of the grammar/vocabulary police, this video may make you faint / feel unwell.
Zidoo X9 can be purchased for $169 on Amazon US, but I can’t find it anywhere else. You may be able to find more information on ZidooX9 product page, and ask questions on the Forums. [Update: GearBest sells the device for $119.99 including shipping with coupon ZDX9CN]
Thanks to Harley for the tip.
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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Not everyone out there is looking to completely cut the cord of pay TV. For those who maintain a “basic cable” feed, the ability to record is a major selling point.
Are there any other media players out there with HDMI *input* and record capabilities?
Yep – cable cos charge big money for PVR in their boxes. Hope this is first of many 🙂
@Jon Publix
I think it’s the first product I see with HDMI in + PVR capabilities.
Otherwise, I’ve tested a DVB-S2 media player with PVR, but DVB-C / DVB-T2 / ATSC versions also exists.
Hi, thanks for posting the review. I’ve tried a few of these HDMI-IN devices (amlogic, rokchip, realtech) and they all suffer from “judder” or sync issues with a set top box (comcast) as source. This is especially obvious on an HD news ticker (such as Fox news / ESPN) where it’s not smooth.
If it’s not too much trouble could u confirm if these models are smooth? Also I was looking for picture in picture function…do they do that? I don’t need recording function.
Tks again for post and informing me of these new models! 🙂
@John
I haven’t really checked the smoothness. But as you can see with M-195 I had a color issue. HPH NT-V6 was OK in that regard.
All I can do (with the firmware I tested) was to start the app and see the HDMI input. No PiP, no PVR, no other useful features. So they acted about the same way as an HDMI switcher. I’ve seen a video (Chrbax on Youtube) with a Geniatech box (Amlogic processor) that could do PiP.
hi all,
We will be upgrade X9 firmware this week, it may include below features:
Fixed the PVR “judder” 🙂
A redesigned file manager, which utilizing more screen space.
A redesigned album app, reduce OOM occurence.
A redesigned MediaPlayer, making the operation easier.
Redesigned PVR function, easier and stable UI experience
A new version of KODI for Zidoo, based on new Kodi version.
A more powerful memory management system, increasing system efficiency
The upgrade will be carried out through OTA online, X9 will be notified for upgrade automatically.
@mirror
Thanks for the update!
Can you confirm if there will be a Picture in Picture feature with this new firmware?
Many thanks (and to you cnxsoft)
It has just been listed on GeekBuying for $149.99 (Presale only) – http://www.geekbuying.com/item/ZIDOO-X9-Quad-Core-Smart-XBMC-TV-BOX-MSTAR-Android-2G-8G-4K-H-265-Player-7-1-Pass-Through-Dolby-w–HDMI-in-USB3-0-2G-5G-WiFi-BT-339305.html
@John
Hi,PIP function is in the making,maybe the next firmware version will be support
It’s also on GearBest now, same price ($149.99) – http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_130785.html
Hi all We had a new firmware,You can get the download URL tomorrow A list of updating softwares System: 1, FIX removing the system promptS which hold resources. 2,FIX solving recording jitter 3, some unsupported ISOs lead localMM to be corrupted. 4,FIX advancing decoding，solving some problems that m2ts can not do 5, upgrading KODI(XBMC) from alpha to RC3 6, Upgrading teleswitches which can only cut definition of 4k30,4k25,1080P,720P . 7, upgrade: different kinds of repairs, upgrades, and revisions of native players. 8, Upgrading audio player supporting the file of CUE. 9, Upgrade system settings: setting languages without focuses, removing the… Read more »
@mirror Hi, I hope you had a good holiday over the festive period. I have the zidoo X9 with me now and have done the OTA upgrade. You have done a good job with the device. Hardware feels solid and the UI is nice and the OTA update worked perfectly, well done! Some feedback on the HDMI-IN: 1) Your latest firmware breaks ‘pass through audio’. I only hear audio if I select “L-PCM’ instead of pass-through (previous f/w worked with pass-through audio). 2) When there is a lot of movement on the screen (ie. sports and a news ticker such… Read more »
@John
Thanks for feedback,We will strive to do the best.About test,Please give me ur email,my EMAIL [email protected]
@mirror
Hi there,
I sent you an email on 02-Jan 10:51am. Did you get it? Maybe in your junk mail?
Cheers
@John
Can you post a sample recording on a file sharing site from a channel with a news ticker? I would like to compare the quality to other HDMI recording solutions like hauppauge hd pvr, etc. What format (H264, HEVC, etc) and bitrate does it use to record 1080i channels? Are they recorded in original 1080i format? Does it record AC3 dolby digital audio? Thanks.
@标
zidoo x9 support hdmi in 1080p record by H.264 format
@John v1.0.2.5 coming soon System Update List: 1. Add the function of Bluetooth connects automatically after power on. 2. Smooth the dtshdma audio of Blu-ray 3d movie 3. Smooth truehd track occasionally 4. Modify the error problem of video interface when 4K output or inserting HDMI OUT line 5. Add the flip function of Remote key Software update list : 1.The APK still shows recommended data even doesn’t get into the network. 2. Data keeps updated after the recommended data changed. 3. Add the dragging function of UI mouse 4. Optimize the font styles 5. Modify the error indicator problem… Read more »
setting — about — update– local update then select the file,Done!
OTA does not seem to work right now. Any reason for that?
There is no online push now,You can download this file,then select local update.
@mirror
Thanks. I want to check OTA update too, so I’ll just wait for it.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
online OTA is ready,Please try it again.
@mirror
OK, the OTA update is working. At least it’s downloading now.
Very nice to include a detailed changelog to your firmware updates, many companies often provide updates without saying what they’ve changed.
@mirror
I can’t use Google Play Store (with this firmware and the previous one).
Network is working, and I could login into my Google Account, but when I start the Play Store, it just shows “Check your connection and try again”. I have no problem using the web browser either.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Thanks for feedback,I has added this bug in our mantis,
@标
zidoo x9 pvr and xbmc record demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUK2rtPYnVI&list=UU4yn2j_bkBUJZZJCGySmIPg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS_PJaBo4nA
Zidoo X9 is now available on DealExtreme too ($144) -> http://www.dx.com/p/zidoo-x9-quad-core-android-4-4-2-smart-google-tv-player-w-2gb-ram-8gb-rom-silver-us-plug-375473?Utm_rid=93072394&Utm_source=affiliate
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
You can insert a keybord then press “Print Screen” to take screenshots
@mirror
That’s what I get: http://www.cnx-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/zidoo_x9_google_play.png
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
hi,Please download PlayStore(version 5.1.11) or wait us update the fireware version:v1.0.26 ,sorry
It’s my great honor to share with everyone here: In the next two months,we will launch two competitive and fabulous products. One is Android Box with DVB T2 which will completely redefine the android box+T2 conception ,like AMLOGIC MX,it is compatible with DVB parts very well and designed with wonderful experience UI,its price will be also very good for marketing, Zidoo will be the only one supplier of Turn key! The other is ANDROID BOX, which is the first one of Framework with 64Bit A53 quad-core ARM. It might be dobule systems both UBUNTU and ANDROID L ZIDOO D1 Android… Read more »
@mirror
I’ve also seen your blog post. Nice pictures 🙂 Would you also have detailed specifications?
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Hi,Around by the end of this month, we will update the specifications of D1 and model of 64Bit on our BLOG.
@mirror
Hi Mirror, I find this product interesting and really want to buy one for some testing and if they reach our requirements maybe we could want to buy more.
If the machine works as we want, can we send you especifications to build a new product similar to this especifications, but with some more?
Also I need to know if we want to use the hdmi input to some more functions can we develop an android app that can use this hdmi input?
Is there some contact to interchange emails and ask you more detailed information
@Manuel
Hi Manuel.my email:[email protected]
We can open HDMI IN API, however, maybe you need to tell us more details about your requirements .
@mirror
Hi Mirror,
Do you have plan to have a isdb-t android box. Here in the Philippines is ongoing testing in digital tv broadcasting adopting isdb-t Japan. Please enlighten me if you have that box. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Boyet
@Mirror
Will it record game play from PS3 ?
Regards,
Tomb
@Tomb
As we know, I can’t talk more about the topic of HDCP. However, you can have a try, maybe you might enter the game first, then put HDMI to HDMI IN of X9 with the cable.
@ HI Mirror
I got the point. Thanks for the answer. I have just ordered my ZIDOO at geekplaying.
Tomb
This product looks good, I would probably buy one if you add Giga Ethernet connectivity!
What is the difference with Kaiboer F5?
@TrunCkZ
Android 4.4, HDMI IN record, 5 g WIFI, BT 4.0, Better compatibility of media,a nearer western OPENGL UI, all of these are unique characteristics of X9
Will it play 23,976 @ 24 hz or output true 23,976fps in Kodi ?
@Jimmy
There’s not even an option for 24 Hz. I forgot to test automatic frame rate switching.
Recording from HDMI it’s a joke. Worked in first firmware, and doesn’t work in next firmware.
Seems this device is also a joke. Blu ray 3d without 1080p24 support ?? it’a fake device.
Sorry to say that but this is reality.
I buyed open chameleon device and i have both in parallel and i see improvement from openhour chameleon, but zidoo should take advice from consumer about features request.
why zidoo admin banned my ip? because i ask about defects? i can’t access forum from my network
@adl
I’m the admin of zidoo forum,We never BAN your IP. Why do you say that?
We open Forum, in order to listen to the views from users, and to improve our firmware.Therefore, why we do such you said that?
It is a a fake device without 1080p24hz? What’s more, we are developing this feature now.
HDMI IN Record, we had said that it only supports the PCM audio, if you failed, please check your own environment, we have hundreds of thousands of users to confirm its availability.
@adl
ZIDOO X9 can automatic switch to 24hz when play blueray 3D movie,
but can’t auto switch to 24hz when play bluray2D movie with 24hz. there are few this kind of movie.
we’ll add a option to settings , so that user can’t switch to 24hz manual before play 24hz movie.
The new firmware v1.0.2.7 for x9 coming soon
Including several new functions:
Open Recovery menu,
A brand-new File manager,
Add new remote control with powerful function for mobile (access Android phones),
Optimize the Samba，
It can call Video player from third party file manager.
Fix the problem of some coding the subtitles garbled, such as Korean SMI.
v1.0.2.7 System Update: Add the recovery function, press the recovery key to boot. If can’t find MstarUpgrade.bin in USB DISK, enter into the interface of recovery. Change the color of the recovery interface. The backup menu on the interface of recovery, only backup user data and tv data. Zidoo RC >> Add the remote control of Android mobile phone, easier operation, support a variety of operation ways. The choices of operation: button code/ handle code/ mouse code/ gestures code. Add the management APP of cell phone. Add the function of screenshots. Zidoo UI Add the icon of redraw. Modify the… Read more »
@Tomb
hi,look this,ZIDOO X9 HDMI IN record Play Station 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8Dpimibqys
Hi, what maximum bitrates during the record HDMI IN?
The new firmware v1.0.2.8 for ZIDOO X9 update list: 1,Optimization record, when recording for the TS format , VLC can not play, video and audio out of sync issues 2,Repair open WiFi set probability lead to system settings without response issues 3,Remote control shortcut keys [16:9] remove the ZOOM1 and ZOOM2 options 4,Default set to open the WiFi 5,When installing apk google play verify that the default is off 6,Remove the built-in GoogleMap application 7, For reservation recording time changed to 12/24 hours 8,Repair a plurality of recording path does not display issues 9,Increase recording to a samba device(ensure shared… Read more »
1) How does the MSTAR MSO9180D1R 1.5GHZ compare with other popular android box SOCs (ex. RK3288 , AllWinner A80, Tegra K1, Samsung Exynos 5422,AMLogic AML8726-MX, etc)?
2) Is there WiFi Display or Miracast that works reliably?
3) It’d be great if it had a built-in ota hd tuner (atsc, etc).. but can it work with an external usb3 hd tuner (something like the PT-681)?
4) Are there instructions on how to update to firmware version v1.0.2.8?
Hi friends,
During recording from HDMI in:
1) Is it possible to watch the recorded part of the video at the same moment?
2) Is it possible to access other functions, like music, video or game?
Thanks in advance!
@Fábio
If I remember correctly recording happens in the foreground, so you can do any of these.
TimeShifting is the closest you can do for achieving 1).
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Thank you for the reply!
Did you mean “can do” or “can’t do” since the recording happens in the foreground?
About TimeShifting, according what I read, this device does not have this function, right?
Regards,
Fábio
@Fábio
Sorry, I mean “can’t”.
I think I used TimeShitfing… Maybe I forgot. The review is @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/02/11/review-of-zidoo-x9-android-media-player-and-video-recorder/