134 Misc: Android TV Box (134.html)

(as of Nov 22, 2019)

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thumb: Android TV Box

Android TV Box

The Android TV Box (shown near the bottom right corner of the TV screen) is an inexpensive miniature computer that provides access to the Internet. It is especially designed to watch streamed movies on an HDMI television set, without requiring a monthly cable subscription. It is an ideal miniature travel-computer that fits in your overnight case and only needs a hotel TV with HDMI, WiFi and a 110v outlet. If you encounter problems or don't know what to do, look at the "Bugs, Problems . . . " section near the bottom of this webpage.

Components

All of the components of the Android TV Box appear in the photo below. The list of the names of these components appears below the photo. All components marked "included" come with the Android TV Box. The other components must be purchased separately.

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thumb: Android TV Box Components

Android TV Box Components

1. TT TV Box housing the computer (included)
2. Power supply for the TT TV Box (included)
3. Mini Keyboard (included)
4. 10 inch USB Power cable for the wireless Mini Keyboard (included)
5. USB dongle for the Mini Keyboard (included)
6. HDMI-to-HDMI cable (included)
7. Remote Control TV clicker (included)
8. 2 AAA batteries for the Remote Control TV clicker (not included)
9. Mouse (not included)
10. A 16 GB USB Flash Drive (not included)
11. A 110v USB charger block (not included)
12. Wifi router (not shown, not included)

Setup

The setup process is very simple. This Android TV box needs either a live Ethernet cable or a live WiFi connection (with password if necessary). The computer in the Android TV is an internal part of the small black box named the TT TV Box. This box has numerous connectors that accept the cables or wires from the other components. Setup is as follows:

The Mini Keyboard is not necessary, if you are using a mouse or remote control.
If you are using a mouse, connect it to the front USB Port on the TT TV Box.
The Remote Control TV clicker is not necessary to test the Android TV Box.
The 16 GB USB Flash Drive is not necessary to use the TT TV box. It is mainly for backups.
Plug one end of the 10 inch USB Power cable into the USB charger block which is plugged into a 110V outlet.
Connect the other end of the 10 inch USB Power cable to the Mini Keyboard to begin charging it for up to 6 hours.
Continue setting up the main components as follows:
Use the HDMI-to-HDMI cable to connect the TT TV Box to the TV, noting which HDMI port you use.
Power on the TV and select the correct HDMI port as input.
Instead of using Wifi, if possible, connect the internet Ethernet cable to the TT TV Box.
Power the TT TV Box by connecting the power supply to it and into a 110V outlet.
Note:
The Android TV box is starting up fine when the TV briefly says "Android TV"
During Start-Up, the TV should show 4 dynamic icons while the TT TV Box is booting up (for less than 1 minute).
Start-Up is complete when you see the window titled "UltimateTV-My App" with "NetFlix", "YouTube" etc. (shown below)
The Internet is connected correctly if the date on the screen is current.
Later you can. . . .
Insert the 2 "AAA" batteries into the Remote Control TV clicker.
Connect the Dongle to the back USB Port on the TT TV Box.
Click on "My Apps" then click on "SetUp Wizard"
Begin to use the Mini-Keyboard once it is charged.

Set up the Wifi, if necessary

If the Android TV Box has produced the Android TV window (shown below) with the correct date, then the WiFi (or Ethernet) has already been set up. If WiFi has been set up and is being used, the WiFi icon (top right corner) should be green. If Ethernet is being used, the Ethernet icon (top right corner) should be green. If neither icon is green or the Year of the date is 1969 or if the Date is incorrectly shown as Dec 31, then the WiFi must be set up. To do this:

Click on the "My Apps" button.
Find the "Setup Wizard" icon and click it.
Select your language eg "English". then click "Next".
Click on "Next" to NOT adjust the screen zoom.
If your router name appears with a "check mark", the Andoid TV Box already knows the password.
If not, Move the cursor to select your router name, then click on it.
A text box will appear named "Password".
An on-screen keyboard will also appear.
Enter the WiFi password.
Click "Next".
A picture of the "Launcher" page will appear.
Click "Next".
A picture of the Remote Control will appear.
Click "Confirm".
Click the "Return" key or the "Right Mouse key" or reboot the Android TV Box.
The main "Launcher" page will re-appear.
The Wifi icon should now be green and the correct date should be shown.
The Android TV Box is now ready to be used.

How to navigate around the Android TV Window

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thumb: Android TV Main Window

Android TV Main Window

The 4 icons in the top right corner of the home page (main Window) represent:
a) wifi in use (when lit)
b) memory card inserted and in use (when lit)
c) USB port in use (when lit)
d) ethernet cable in use (when lit)

Using the Remote Control

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thumb: Remote Control

Remote Control

The above photo describes an old version of the Remote Control.
The new Remote Control provides a numeric keypad, as well.

Using the Mouse

Some people prefer using a mouse (instead of the Mini Keyboard) to control the Android TV.
However, the Remote Control provides more functionality than most mouses.

To select something, move the mouse cursor onto it then "left click".
To return to the previous menu (or screen), simply "right click".
To move the "screen window" (eg left) hold the left button down "to drag the mouse cursor".
To type in text, move the mouse cursor into the text field, then use the on-screen keyboard.
To finish typing, click on the "GO" button on the on-screen keyboard.
In "Live Net TV", add a network to "Favorites" (the Heart icon) "hold the left mouse button down" over the icon.

How to use the Mini Keyboard as a Mouse and Keyboard

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thumb: Android Mini Keyboard

Android Mini Keyboard

NB the Mini Keyboard must be charged prior to using it.
Ensure that the Dongle is plugged into the TT TV Box
Set the Power Switch of the Mini Keyboard to "ON"
The mini Keyboard is now ready to be used. It can also be used instead of a mouse.
It has 3 led indicators:
Blue - connected to the Android TV Box
Red - battery is charging
Yellow - transmitting data to the Android TV Box
To take a snapshot of the screen using the Mini-Keyboard, while holding down the blue Fn key, click on F7.
The two keys on the extreme left (showing mouse images) are equivalent to left and right mouse key clicks.
The touch-pad at the top center can be used to move the mouse cursor.
Ctrl+ and Ctrl- will magnify and unmagnify what is on the window/screen.
The magnifying glass and the house icons invoke google-search and return to the home page
The 4 arrows in the top right corner of the mini KeyBoard move the focus from one icon to another on the window.

How to install "Live Net TV"

tba.

Suggestions

Every 2 weeks, or when you wish to save your pictures, do a "backup".

Do NOT do the following:

Do NOT click on "factory reset".
Do not save many movies on the Android TV. It's memory can only hold 2 or 3 full length movies.

How to Choose what to watch

Of course, this little computer can be used to access the internet to read email etc. But when watching TV without a cable box, you must know how to select what to watch. The Android TV box provides these main ways to select what to watch:

free movies (select "My Apps", then select "Popcorn Time")
free networks (select "My Apps" then select "Live Net TV")
Netflix movies and episodes ($$$ select "Netflix" and login with the Netflix userid and password that you are paying for)
YouTube videos (select Chrome, then begin typing in "YouTube", select "m.YouTube.com")
Movies and News (select Mobdro)
For a guide to what is playing on each network, select the "Guide-TV Listings" icon in "My Apps".

Using the FileBrowser

Go to the Home Page
Click on the FileBrowser (the Folders icon)
Click on "Local Disk" in the Device List
Click on the Folder to be viewed (eg Downloads)
The list of its contents will appear.
(Most of the folders are empty).
To see a count of the contents of the folders:
Go back to the Home Page
Click on Settings (the gear icon)
Click on "Storage and Reset"
Click on "Internal Shared Storage"
Folder Counts will appear:
eg Apps, Photos&Videos, Audio, Downloads etc.

Play Audio (mp3s) or view Images

Insert a flash drive containing the audio or images.
Click on the folders icon.
Click on the name of the flash drive.
Click on the folder containing the mp3 or the image.
To display an image:
Click on the desired image.
Click on the "gallery" name to display the image.
Click on "just once".
To play audio:
Click on the desired mp3.
Click on the "music" name to play the mp3.
Click on "just once".
To play many audio mp3s in one folder:
After doing the above.
Return to the Home Page.
Click on the Music Note.
Click on the Menu icon.
Click on "Play Settings".
Click on "Play All".
To stop the Music App:
Unplug the Power from the Androie TV Box.
Plug the Power back into the Android TV Box.

Bugs, Problems, Known Issues ::::: What To Do

Date is wrong eg 1969 or Dec 31. TO FIX - Reboot your router, then reboot the TV Box.
"This Site can't be reached." TO FIX - Reboot your router, then reboot the TV Box.
"Your device is incompatible with this version [of YouTube]" TO FIX - Use Chrome then YouTube instead.
The Mini Keyboard doesn't work. TO FIX -
a) charge the Mini-Keyboard for up to 6 hours.
b) plug the Dongle into the TT TV Box.
c) Move the power switch on the Mini-Keyboard to the ON position.
d) Power OFF and then Power ON the Mini-Keyboard (using its Power switch).
The TV screen remains black.
a) Power on the TV.
b) Select the correct HDMI port on the TV.
c) Connect the HDMI-HDMI cable from the TT TV box to the TV.
A specific program icon isn't visible. TO FIX - Scroll down using the mouse wheel.
How to delete an application icon from the Quick Menu. TO FIX Selecting it agains will toggle it off.
The Home Page won't display. TO FIX - Remove power from the Android TV BOX, then click "Factory Settings".
The music app won't stop playing. TO FIX - Remove and replug power to the Android TV Box.
Which weather app will put a widget on the home page??
How to pair the Remote Control to the TV Model??