Zidoo X9 is an Android TV box powered by Mstar MSO9810 quad core processor, with an HDMI input port that allows video recording up to 1080p, and that’s the only device that could properly display pictures and play videos at 4K resolution (Up to 30Hz) in a recent test. You can buy on GearBest for $120 with coupon, but GeekBuying has launched a promotion where the first 100 orders can get the device for just $99.99.
Here are the specifications as a reminder:
- SoC – Mstar MSO9180D1R quad core Cortex A9 processor up to 1.5GHz with octa-core ARM Mali-450MP6 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)
The device is running Android 4.4, and video recording can be done either their HDMI In app or Kodi.
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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>octa-core ARM Mali-450MP6
maybe 6 core?
HDMI IN supports hdcp? what codec does it record in? screenshot suggests 60Mbits at 720p, that is some weird bitrate for this resolution
@porosenok
It’s a 6 fragment cores + 2 shader cores GPU, hence the confusion.
@rasz_pl
I’m not sure how I can test HDCP. I’ve read a PS3 would do, but I don’t have this. I just have Android media players, a DVB-T2 set-top box, and my PCs / laptops.
I divided 3.49GB by 7h55m22s, and I get 1 Mbps, so for 720p it even seem quite low. I understand it’s H.264. I’ll try it anyway. I’m just waiting for the new firmware, and playing with other things in the meantime.
@rasz_pl
About HDCP, there’s a cryptic message @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/12/05/zidoo-x9-android-media-player-features-an-hdmi-input-port-with-pvr-time-shifting-functions/#comment-343212, which may suggest it works.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Here is the new firmware:
http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2015/02/05/zidoo-x9-v1-0-2-5-firmware-and-flash-method-released-20150205/
@Gabe
Thanks, but that’s old new firmware, I’m waiting for the new new firmware (1.0.2.6)
This product looks good, I would probably buy one if you add Giga Ethernet connectivity!
I am waiting for your final test!
@Gabe
Lucky day: http://blog.zidoo.tv/2015/02/the-new-firmware-v1-0-2-6-for-x9-release/
I’ll give it a try.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
hi,please go to here:) HOW TO SOLVE THE CONNECTION FAILED PROBLEM OF GOOGLE PLAYSTORE
http://blog.zidoo.tv/2015/02/how-to-solve-the-connection-failed-problem-of-google-playstore/
@mirror
It’s OK now. After firmware upgrade I still had the issue. But I did another factory reset, and connected with Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, and now I can install apps with Google Play.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
>I divided 3.49GB by 7h55m22s, and I get 1 Mbps, so for 720p it even seem quite low.
doh, /slaps his own face/, I divided by 60 instead of 3600, yeah it looks like 1 Mbit for 720p, thats even worse 🙂 🙁 ten times too low for good quality
Connecting your PC and looking into GPU panel in windows should be enough to see if it can do HDCP, Nvidia one has a clear indication when HDCP enabled HDMI monitor is connected.
i had to send back my m-195 to geekbuying couse it broke down on me hopefully they change it for this one if not then i asked for the rikomagic s812 box. the only thing about this box that gets my attention is the hdmi in record option and the cpu i never had a mstar cpu box before.
Why should anybody chose this box ? Despite the ok XBMC/Kodi support the device is lame as hell. It scores 15.000-16.000 Antutu Points which means that it is beaten by Amlogic 805 and Rockchip 3188T powered devices without problems. For that price you can have the Pipo X7 or a powerfull Rockchip 3288 or Amlogic 812 Device.
@Hulk Hogan
Maybe you can Spend some time read this blog and make your opinion?
http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/01/26/4k-output-and-video-playback-capability-tested-on-6-arm-based-mini-pcs-and-boards/#ixzz3Qy0ek0S2
Or you can tell me any other box support HDMI record?
@mirror So it has a better image quality AND HDMI record ok. BUT I bet over 90% of the users don’t need HDMI Record BUT want a fast device they can use for gaming, browsing, movies, ect. And so for 90% the users this box is a waste of money. If you like the box = fine. I don’t. If they would release a box with their plus features (HDMI IN and better image quality) AND more Power for gaming ect. –> That would be a great box. They picked one of the worst quad-core chips there is (speed &… Read more »
@mirror
Oh I see you work for Zidoo.
Well in that case: Why for the love of god did you pick that lame SOC for a 2015 Box (For 2013 it would be ok, rivaling RK3188 ect.) ?
You have HDMI IN/Record and a good image quality but this isn’t enough IMO.
@Hulk Hogan
Despite the ok XBMC/Kodi support the device is lame as hell?? Are you sure that you really have used ZIDOO X9?We are very working hard on refining the firmware! However, you told me that it’s meaningless for what we did. Is the technology just change the chassis, isn’t it? (You can look at the 3288 and 805 with the poor quality in anywhere.)
BTW: There is 10% needing to RECORD according to what you said. But why do you said again: Why should anybody chose this box?
About 2015 for zidoo,you can look this:http://blog.zidoo.tv/2015/02/happy-new-year-with-new-fabulous-android-box/
@mirror
You still didn’t answer my question why Zidoo picked a SOC that performs 15.000-16.000 Antutu points instead using a new/fast SOC. You saw the reviews that say gaming mostly sucks on the X9 ? It would be like Samsung releasing their new Flagship Phone and it would feature a chip that is as fast as Phones with Chips that came out 2013. I didn’t say its meaningless for giving the customers good support. My point is you picked the wrong SOC !
@Hulk Hogan @mirror Hi Guys, I don’t think you need to argue. There are different type of products on the market. Zidoo X9 is clearly not designed for gaming, or as a high-end Android mini PC. The selling point is the HDMI input with PVR function that is not found on any other devices on the market. So people who want HDMI input video recording capabilities may consider Zidoo X9, and people who want to play games and/or a fast platform, should buy other products. Edit: I’ll also mention WeTek Play. It’s a dual core set-top box (Amlogic AML8726-MX) that’s… Read more »
@Hulk Hogan Hi Hulk Hogan, I don’t understand why you would like to play games on android tv box??? To have ‘cheap, ugly’ upscaled graphics on big TV ? Maybe because most of the games for Android are free to play, that’s the reason ? X9 wants to be good media player and i hope it will be (waiting for my to be delivered). For me that’s the most interesting TV Box on the market with PVR function, S/PDIF and very good quality Kodi video playback, AND constant updates of the firmware – at least up to now zidoo is… Read more »
@Tomb
Thank you for your support for X9, we will make more efforts to do well jobs of support and firmware updates, to develope some more interesting features of x9.
@Tomb 1. “I don’t understand why you would like to play games on android tv box??? To have ‘cheap, ugly’ upscaled graphics on big TV ?” –> to answer with your own quote: “Don’t force your opinion that ‘everybody’ needs”. There are awesome looking games like “Game of Thrones” “Shadowgun” or the Gameloft Games that are not cheap & ugly. I don’t say everybody needs gaming but I bet that many more need/want gaming than PVR. 2. “All other boxes with RK3288, Allwiner Octa, are not better than my HDMI stick with RK3066.” LOL and I say that the Zidoo… Read more »
Hi , I am using this box and its really nice. Nice picture and even though its being doubted on speed it works super fine on Kodi/Iptv/Live Tv. Only problem I m having is to install an app from USB. Anyone can help please ?
Thanks
zidoo device quality is very good. Also video quality output is very good but need improvement.
After tried some recording tests, software that record video doesn’t record also audio, only video.
Neither if i reset device it’s working.
@Bravo150
Media Center –> explorer 🙂