Product review Android TV BOX Mecool KT1, 2/16 GB, Android TV 10, DVB-T/T2/C tuner, WiFi, BT, RJ45

Another product released in 2021 by Mecool is the Android TV BOX KT1. The product is equipped with an Amlogic S905X4-B quad-core processor, complemented by an ARM-G31 MP2 graphics chip. It has 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory. Possibility of connecting to the Internet via WiFi 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (IEEE 802.11 b/g/nac) and wired Ethernet connection (LAN). Also supports Bluetooth 4.2 Dolby Audio. The Android TV 10 operating system is installed, which includes the Play Store with TV applications and OTA updates. Many image formats and video codecs are available (the device supports AV codec).

The device contains a DVB tuner (DVB-T/T2/C) and a built-in Chromecast function. The case has HDMI, AV, USB (3.0 and 2.0) inputs, SD card connectors, RJ45, over-the-air television antenna and power supply. The product comes with a remote control, which, despite its simple design (buttons are only needed for operation), connects perfectly to the device and has voice control capabilities..

The black body and small size allow the device to be integrated into the interior of the room. Connected to a TV, it does not attract the viewer's attention. I received TV BOX Mecool KT1 to test its performance in comparison with older models Mecool KI, KIII, K5.

Connecting the device to the TV was very quick and efficient using an HDMI cable. After turning on the TVBOX Mecool KT1, the automatic process of starting the Android system began. Clear and understandable commands at every stage. The main page of the device has appeared, differing in the appearance of previous versions. Access “SETTINGS”, where you can easily find the information you need and make the necessary changes to the device. For a quick start, several basic programs are installed on the device. With Google Play, you can find your favorite apps and install them without any problems. I personally tested the downloaded IPTV Player. After turning on the movie, the first thing that caught my attention was the picture quality, sharp and clear in HD quality, the sound was normal. The device also has ChromeCast functions - for transferring photos and videos from another device, for example from an Android phone, to a TV.

It's time to check your over-the-air TV tuner. The instruction manual in English contains only basic information - short and to the point. It was difficult to find information about accessing general TV program settings (this is not explained in the instructions). By pressing and holding the Live TV icon, we enter general settings and only after selecting the appropriate TV tuner. In the next step we open a rich menu of channels and TV usage. Setting the TV tuner parameters and searching for channels is the same as on a classic TV. There are TimeShift and DVR functions, as well as scheduling program recordings. To do this, you need to connect an external drive to store recordings. After searching for TV channels, the picture quality was perfect, but a problem arose with the sound. It was not on all channels. According to information found online, some older TV models may have audio problems, so it is recommended to download and upload newer firmware to the device.

In my overall opinion, the device made a positive impression: small size, easy start-up, clear menu, image quality (channels broadcast in HD quality provide a clear image) and additional device capabilities mentioned above. Streaming programs work perfectly. Unfortunately, I also have reservations about the Android TV BOX Mecool KT1, so I will list some of its disadvantages: 1. The sound of some HD TV channels does not work, you need to select the original sound or download a newer firmware; 2.When switching channels, a transition occurs from one channel to another. It's a short moment, but noticeable; 3.Netflix program – a problem with this program already existed in previous models. After running the installed Netflix program, the program error appears and it cannot be launched. In all likelihood, installing an "external" NETFLIX program will allow you to use it.