WeTek Core is the latest media player from WeTek Electronics, based on Amlogic S812-H processor with 2GB RAM, and 8GB flash. By default, it will ship with Android 5.1 using DRM libraries enabling Netflix HD, but you’ll also be able to install OpenELEC, and later on Lubuntu once/if the community gets involved like for WeTek Play. The company sent me one sample, and I’ll start by checking out the device and internal hardware.
WeTek Core Unboxing
That’s the package which lists the specifications and provides links to WeTek Facebook page and forums.
The box ships with a 12V/1A power adapter with clippable US, EU and UK plugs, an HDMI cable, WeTek’s IR and RF 6-axis remote control with voice search function, a small (and cool) tool for firmware updates, and a blue document showing the device’s ports.
The power button and LED are located on one of the corners at the top. One side has a micro SD slot and two USB 2.0 host ports, with the rear panel featuring an AV jack, a Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI output, optical S/PDIF, and the power jack.
You can have a better look in the unboxing video.
WeTek Core Teardown
There are only two screws to remove, and only one is hidden under a sticky rubber pad. You’ll likely break the warranty if you open the box though, as the other screw has a sticker. You’ll also notice WeTek Core is one of the rare TV box supporting wall mount.
Once you’ve loosened the screws, you’ll need some plastic tool to pop out the top cover.
There’s a small heatsink covering Amlogic S812 processor, the board name is S812_KI_Rev1.3, and the MAC Address suffix E8:18:63:50 looks up to Wetek Electronics registered in Hong Kong. Main components include four NANYA NT5CB256M16BP-EK DDR3 chips (2GB RAM in total) , SKHynix H27UCG8T2ETR 8GB NAND flash, and Ampak AP6330 wireless module for dual band WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. Gigabit Ethernet is implemented with Realtek RTL8211F transceiver and Pulse H5007NL Gigabit magnetics module. Three header are unpopulated: a 4-pin J1 header for serial console, a 26-pin header (J9), and an 8-pin header (J3).
Two internal USB ports can be found inside the case, with one used by the remote control’s RF dongle, and one free to use.
Remove two more screws to completely take out the board. The bottom of the board features the micro SD slot and Genesis Logic GL850G USB 2.0 hub controller.
WeTek Core is not up for sale just yet, but the price is rumored to be around 109 Euros including EU VAT. If you already own WeTek Play or an older Informir MAG STB, you can however apply for a 10% discount code by providing your WP membership number, or trading your MAG device. Based on the counter on that page, I understand WeTek Core will launch at the beginning on November.
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.
