While Rockchip RK3229 SoC has a pretty weak processor (4x Cortex A7) and GPU (Mali-400MP2), its media capabilities are very good for the price, as it can handle 4K video playback of 10-bit H.265 @ 60 fps, as well as 10-bit H.264 @ 30 fps reasonably well based on my experience with Zidoo X1 II. However ,so far all RK3229 devices I’ve seen ship with 1GB RAM, which may be fine for video playback with Kodi using the default skin, but may be a limiting factor if you have higher requirements. R-BOX fills the void in the market by being the first RK3229 TV box with 2GB RAM for just $35 including shipping.
R-BOX specifications:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3229 quad core ARM Cortex A7 processor @ 1.5 GHz with ARM Mali-400MP2
- System Memory – 2GB DDR3
- Storage – 8GB eMMC flash + micro SD slot
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 4K2K @ 60 fps, and AV output (composite + stereo audio)
- Audio Ouput- HDMI, AV, and optical S/PDIF (TBC)
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – 3x USB 2.0 host ports including one OTG capable
- Misc – IR receiver, built-in microphone, power button, reset pinhole, front panel LCD display
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
- Dimensions – N/A
It adjusted the specs with data from GeekBuying, because they must have been in a Friday rush to update the page, as since their are some item that are clearly wrong: HDMI 1.4b, 4x USB ports… and some doubtful such as Gigabit Ethernet and optical S/PDIF (since there’s no such connector in the rendering above).
Previous RK3229 TV boxes would all run Android 4.4, but GeekBuying and an Amazon seller both report R-BOX to run Android 5.1 with a custom version of Kodi 16.1, with the Android version confirmed in the screenshot below. The device ships with an IR remote control, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a user’s manual.
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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Too bad, still no vp9 support : (
@kw
RK3229 SoC specs claim VP9 support, but last time I tried to play 4K VP9 @ 30 fps it did not work.
To me VP9 is mostly interesting for YouTube, but I understand you need an officially approved Android TV port.
You could still download 4K YouTube videos, and play them in the box, but as I said last time it did not work.
While the prices are getting better on these Android devices the habit of some boxes being vague or wrong with specifications when sold by some suppliers will only reduce customer trust in Android devices, I suggest.
Sounds like this could make a decent super-cheap server, but not much progress on Linux for RK3229?
@onebir
I normally prefer servers with internal storage. You can add a 32GB flash, but still pretty small.
RK3229 SDK has not been leaked
Some support have made it to mainline linux -> https://lwn.net/Articles/670740/
You could still probably hack something using the Android Linux kernel to boot a Linux rootfs, but it’s not ideal.
Normally it helps a lot if somebody releases a development board, as then they have to provide the kernel sources, and documentation to work with the board.
@onebir: Had the same idea 😀
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft): Could you recommend some cheap boxes for using as servers? Preferable with audio-out, enclosure and powersupply.
Oh and thanks for all the nice, clearly written and highly technically reviews and hints! 🙂
Hello,
Also the others RK3229 Boxes with 1GB
get Android 5.1.
I test already and will release Rom.
@tutnixzursache
I can’t recommend, but people have made progress on Amlogic S905 TV box. Mostly read the comments @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/12/06/how-to-run-headless-linux-on-amlogic-s905-devices-such-as-mini-mx-or-k1-plus/
Something like MINI MX should now cost $35 (with 1GB RAM).
I think much better 2GB box is Mini M8S which has S905 with decent WiFi and BT 4.0. And is currently available for less than $32 on eBay.
@cbm80
The must be the one @ http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-M8S-TV-Box-Amlogic-S905-Android-5-1-Quad-core-2-4GHz-WiFi-B-4-0-2G-8G-/121964370949
It looks good too, and for Linux definitely better. It should be better in Android too, except for people who want to play 10-bit H.264, or very high bitrate videos (100Mbps+).
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Yes, I purchased this one. I can see that they raised a price little bit. But it is still very competitive for 2GB version of S905 box.
@onebir
I think if you want a server, get something else. The general use processor is pretty bad in this one… the main advantage of this box is that the video engine is supposed to play pretty much everything, including files that most more expensive boxes fail at.
Is there going to be a review of this device, cnxsoft? It sounds rather interesting… I know previous RK3229 experiments had failed, but perhaps this one is better? They promise 5.1, and a custom Kodi build that may actually work well? Plus having 2 GB RAM may also help avoid some issues…? Basically it might be a RK3229 that actually works…?
@kadajawi
I guess not.
MXQ-4K was not good, but Zidoo X1 II was not too bad once I disabled MediaScanner -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2016/04/11/zidoo-x1-ii-4k-android-tv-box-review/
It’s quite possible Android 5.1 offers a better experience without that small hack.
R-Box stock firmware:
* SD card update: http://www.mediafire.com/download/ltouqwhk0g0vzkd/update.zip
* PC update: http://www.mediafire.com/download/zlx8v7216evvwu4/update-rk3229_5.1-R_BOX-ota_v3-20160615.rar
R-box when watching movie few minute always reboot to R-box logo. Flash new firmware and change power adapter still have this problem.
Hi,
I bought one of this box and I can’t get 1080p output; it is set to 1080p in HDMI mode, but it is 720p resolution upscaled to 10800, not real 1080p resolution, the same is in KODI, it recognise only the 720p resolution.
I am very disappointed in this…
@dpanijan
Sometimes they’ll set the user interface at 1280×720, but videos will still be played at the video output resolution (in your case 1080p).
can someone explain what to do with these random reboots? just watching youtube makes it reboot in like 5 minutes…
this is very disappointing. and i can not get the wireless update (or any method) working, the same update is there again available for install…
grrrrr
@CH
same thing happens to me as well! did you find anything to stop it?
The R-Box is a very nice media player, specially when its price is taken in to consideration.
Best $35 I have spent on an ATV box. Comes with learning remote that works well for an IR remote.
Firmware support has been uncommonly good and swift.
Reboots resolved with the latest firmware…SD and USB update versions available.
I would buy it again, without reservation.
http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2016/07/01/r-box-android-5-1-1-rk3229-2g8g-kodi-16-1-pre-installed-4k-tv-box-firmware-update-20160701/
BTW There is no mic(as pictured) and the display is blue, not red.
Storage is not unified, but some are working to resolve that.
So how does this compare with the rboxstreamtv box