Zidoo X9 Android Media Player Features an HDMI Input Port with PVR & Time Shifting Functions

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_X9Zidoo X9 specifications:

  • SoC – Mstar MSO9180D1R quad core Cortex A9 processor up to 1.5GHz with octa-core ARM Mali-450MP6 GPU Mali-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.

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69 Comments
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Jon Publix
Jon Publix
9 years ago

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?

onebir
onebir
9 years ago

Yep – cable cos charge big money for PVR in their boxes. Hope this is first of many 🙂

John
John
9 years ago

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! 🙂

mirror
9 years ago

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.

John
John
9 years ago

@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)

mirror
9 years ago

@John
Hi,PIP function is in the making,maybe the next firmware version will be support

mirror
9 years ago

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 »

John
John
9 years ago

@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 »

mirror
9 years ago

@John
Thanks for feedback,We will strive to do the best.About test,Please give me ur email,my EMAIL [email protected]

John
John
9 years ago

@mirror
Hi there,

I sent you an email on 02-Jan 10:51am. Did you get it? Maybe in your junk mail?

Cheers

Mark
Mark
9 years ago

@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.

mirror
9 years ago

@标
zidoo x9 support hdmi in 1080p record by H.264 format

mirror
9 years ago

@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 »

mirror
9 years ago

mirror :
v1.0.2.5 download url:http://apidl.zidoo.tv/x9_ota/full_lemon-ota-1.0.2.5.zip

setting — about — update– local update then select the file,Done!

mirror
9 years ago

cnxsoft :
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
9 years ago


online OTA is ready,Please try it again.

mirror
9 years ago


Thanks for feedback,I has added this bug in our mantis,

mirror
9 years ago


You can insert a keybord then press “Print Screen” to take screenshots

mirror
9 years ago


hi,Please download PlayStore(version 5.1.11) or wait us update the fireware version:v1.0.26 ,sorry

mirror
9 years ago

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
9 years ago


Hi,Around by the end of this month, we will update the specifications of D1 and model of 64Bit on our BLOG.

Manuel
Manuel
9 years ago

@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

mirror
9 years ago

@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 .

boyet0173
boyet0173
9 years ago

@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

Tomb
Tomb
9 years ago

@Mirror

Will it record game play from PS3 ?

Regards,
Tomb

mirror
9 years ago

@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.

Tomb
Tomb
9 years ago

@ HI Mirror

I got the point. Thanks for the answer. I have just ordered my ZIDOO at geekplaying.

Tomb

Damienzo
Damienzo
9 years ago

This product looks good, I would probably buy one if you add Giga Ethernet connectivity!

TrunCkZ
TrunCkZ
9 years ago

What is the difference with Kaiboer F5?

mirror
9 years ago

@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

Jimmy
Jimmy
9 years ago

Will it play 23,976 @ 24 hz or output true 23,976fps in Kodi ?

adl
adl
9 years ago

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.

adl
adl
9 years ago

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.

adl
adl
9 years ago

why zidoo admin banned my ip? because i ask about defects? i can’t access forum from my network

mirror
9 years ago

@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.

mirror
9 years ago

@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.

mirror
9 years ago

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.

mirror
9 years ago

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 »

mirror
9 years ago

@Tomb
hi,look this,ZIDOO X9 HDMI IN record Play Station 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8Dpimibqys

Serg
Serg
9 years ago

Hi, what maximum bitrates during the record HDMI IN?

mirror
9 years ago

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 »

ben
ben
9 years ago

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?

Fábio
Fábio
9 years ago

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
Fábio
9 years ago


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

Boardcon Rockchip and Allwinner SoM and SBC products