Review of Beelink MINI MX TV Box with MX Player

Beelink MINI MX Amlogic S905 Android media player has similar features, and costs about the same as K1 Plus TV box I reviewed last week, so it would be interesting to compare both. While specifications are similar there are some differences. For example, MINI MX lacks AV output, and only features two USB ports against four for K1 Plus, but it supports Gigabit Ethernet which could be an advantage while playing high bitrate 4K videos, as well a Bluetooth 4.0. I’ve already provided pictures and torn down MINI MX, so today is time for the full review and a comparison with K1 plus.

First Boot, Settings and First Impressions

I connected my USB 3.0 hard drive to one of the USB port, and a USB hub to tghe other port with a USB webcam, a USB keyboard, and two RF dongles for a gamepad and an air mouse. I also inserted the usual HDMI, optical audio and Ethernet cables, and connected the 5V/3A power supply. The boot usually takes a little over 50 seconds, only a little slower than K1 Plus (48 seconds).

Click for Original Size
Click for Original Size

I think I’ve seen this launcher before, although don’t quite remember on which device exactly. It includes 6 large icons, with 4 of those (Online Video, Recommend, Music, and Local) being some folders for apps, and My Apps providing access to all installed app, and Settings to the usual Amlogic settings app. There are also customizable shortcuts on the bottom of the screen, and status icons and date & time on the top.

Some of Pre-installed Apps
Some of Pre-installed Apps

The list of pre-installed app is pretty standard, except APP4TV app linking to some streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu, and KodiMate which will install some add-ons for Kodi. More on this latter.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

The settings app is exactly the same as on K1 Plus, except for the add accessory option to add Bluetooth devices. Apart from that, the list of the main options remain the same:

  • Network – WiFi, Ethernet, and VPN configuration
  • Display
    • Screen resolution: Auto, 480p-60Hz, 576p-50Hz, 720p 50/60Hz, 1080i 50/60Hz, 1080p 24/50/60Hz, 4K2K 24/25/30/50/60Hz or SMPTE
    • Screen position
    • Screen rotation (middle port, force land, original)
  • Sound – System sound (On/Off), and Digital sounds (Auto detection, PCM, HDMI or SPDIF)
  • Preferences – HDMI CEC (But not working: “This remote device does not support CEC”), and Play back settings with “HDMI self-adaption” On/Off.
  • Remote & accessories – Add accessories for Bluetooth

About_MINI_MXWiFi, Ethernet and Bluetooth all worked OK, and I could set video output to 4k2k 60Hz. However, the same problem (as in K1 Plus) occur, with the video output sometimes falling back to 1080p50.

More Settings will lead you to Android 5.x Android settings with all standard options including Bluetooth, Printing, Language & input, etc… The internal storage is comprised of a unified partition (wrongly reported as being 8GB large), and with around 4.25GB free space, just like one KI Plus

Going int to “About Mediabox” section shows  MINI MX “model number” running Android 5.1.1 on top of Linux kernel 3.14.29, and the firmware build was s905_102L1. You can also go to a System update menu in this section, and the good news is that it’s working, and I got the firmware updated to s905_103L1, while NOT getting my data and apps wiped out. But unfortunately it was only released after I finished testing, so I did not test Dec 4 firmware in details. Nevertheless that’s a big plus against K1 Plus here. The firmware is also rooted by default.

MINI_MX_OTA_Firmware_Update

I could use the provided infrared remote control up to 10 meters, but it’s quite directional, so you have to make sure you point it to the device, especially once you start getting over 5 meters away. There’s no IR learning function in this remote, and HDMI-CEC is not working either. I did not use the remote control very long, and fully switch to MeLE F10 Deluxe for the rest of the review, especially since the status bar can be shown and hidden easily.

I could install most apps required for the review from the Google Play Store, except Antutu Video Tester, which I normally side-load anyway. Applications that require telephony / SMS, GPS or limited to specific country can’t be installed, and that’s fine. I also installed Riptide GP2 from Amazon Underground since I got it for free over there.

If you want to see some details about the settings I did not cover here, you can watch the user interface walk-though video.

The device can be cleanly powered on and off with the remote control. Standby mode is not implemented, which mean you’ll need to wait 50 seconds or so each time you boot the device. There’s no power button on the unit.

I’ve also done some powered measurements with in power on and idle states both with a USB hard drive connected and without:

  • Power off – 1.0 Watt
  • Idle – 2.2 Watts
  • Power off + HDD – 1.0 Watt
  • Idle + HDD – 3.3 Watts

MINI MX seems to consume a little less than K1 Plus in power off mode (1.3W), and much lower in idle mode, where I could not K41 Plus to get below 6 Watts in idle mode. It’s not perfect though, as there’s still some residual power used in power off mode, and the best device will just show 0 or 0.1 Watt while powered off.

Beelink MINI MX stays quite cool, as I measured 39°C and 44°C on the top and bottom of the case after running Antutu 5.7.1, and after playing Riptide GP2 for about 15 minutes (although not with maxed out graphics settings), the maximum temperature went up a little to 45°C and 48°C.

The firmware is stable, but feels sluggish at times, where I may have to wait 1, 2 or 3 seconds before I can move the mouse pointer, and it miay take 5 to 8 seconds to go back the launcher after exiting an application.

Kodi 15.2 is pre-installed in the device without add-ons, and this time I had no problem with an incorrect resolution being reported, even when settings the resolution to 4K 60 Hz.

MINI_MX_Kodi Kodi_15.2_MINI_MXAs mentioned before I noticed an app called KodiMate in the firmware, so I started it.

KodimateLots of plugins for Kodi apparently. So I clicked on AllPlugins and it downloaded some files, and installed Kodi add-ons, including the infamous Navi-X or 1 Channel add-ons, which are banned on Kodi forums.

Kodi_15_Add-ons_MINI_MXI guess they’ve done that to avoid getting caught at the customs, as the box is shipped without any piracy add-ons, but the user can easily install them at home.

One Kodi developer informed me that Kodi was not ready for Amlogic S905, but I still gave it a try in case Netxeon or their partners worked on Kodi. Unless otherwise noted, all videos are played over Ethernet from a SAMBA share.

I started with Linaro media samples, Elecard H.265 samples, and low resolution VP9 video, and I was pleasantly surprised not to get the letterbox issues as in K1 Plus.

  • H.264 codec / MP4 container (Big Buck Bunny) – 480p/720p/1080p – OK
  • MPEG2 codec / MPG container –  480p/720p/1080p – OK
  • MPEG4 codec, AVI container 480p/720p/1080p – OK
  • VC1 codec (WMV) – 1080p – 480p/720p/1080p – OK
  • Real Media (RMVB), 720p / 5Mbps – OK
  • WebM / VP8 480p/720p/1080p – OK
  • H.265 codec / MPEG TS container  – 360p and 720p OK, 1080p some massive audio delay or AV sync issue, and not very smooth
  • WebM / VP9 (no audio in video) – OK

Not too bad actually, although H.265 hardware decode does not seem implemented. But then I tested with audio video samples in Kodi, and MX Player, and things started to get bad in Kodi for some reasons, and DTS and Dolby are not supported by the system, except if you use audio pass-through.

Video PCM Output
(Kodi)

PCM Output
(MX Player)

HDMI Pass-through
(MX Player)
S/PDIF Pass-through
(MX player)
AC3 / Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio OK, video not smooth No audio OK (Dolby D 5.1) OK (Dolby D 5.1)
E-AC-3 / Dolby Digital+ 5.1 Audio OK, video not smooth No audio OK (Dolby D 5.1) OK (Dolby D 5.1)
Dolby Digital+ 7.1 OK No audio, and slowmo video No audio Audio Formats Not Supported over S/PDIF
TrueHD 5.1 Audio OK, video in slow motion No audio OK (TrueHD 5.1)
TrueHD 7.1 Audio OK, video in slow motion No audio OK (TrueHD 7.1)
Dolby Atmos 7.1 Audio OK, video not smooth No audio Continuous beep and Dolby D 5.1 shows in AVR
DTS HD Master Audio OK, video not smooth No audio DTS 5.1 only DTS 5.1
DTS HD High Resolution Audio OK, video not smooth No audio DTS 5.1 only DTS 5.1

I still tried 2 4K videos in Kodi 15.2:

  • Beauty_3840x2160_120fps_420_8bit_HEVC_MP4.mp4 (H.265) –  Plays at 3 to 4 fps
  • big_buck_bunny_4k_H264_30fps.mp4 – Starts in slow motion, and then play with massive artifacts

I wanted to show it in video, but I shot the video about an upgrade to 103L1 firmware which also includes Kodi 16.0 Beta. The artifacts are gone, but Kodi is crashed/exited for both videos.

So I’ve just switched to ES File Explorer + MX Player for the remainder of the test, starting with 4K videos:

  • HD.Club-4K-Chimei-inn-60mbps.mp4 – OK from USB HDD, but buffering a lot from network.
  • sintel-2010-4k.mkv – OK, but no audio.
  • Beauty_3840x2160_120fps_420_8bit_HEVC_MP4.mp4 (H.265) –  OK
  • Bosphorus_3840x2160_120fps_420_8bit_HEVC_MP4.mp4 (H.265) – OK
  • Jockey_3840x2160_120fps_420_8bit_HEVC_TS.ts (H.265) – OK from USB HDD, but gets stuck while streaming from network
  • MHD_2013_2160p_ShowReel_R_9000f_24fps_RMN_QP23_10b.mkv (10-bit HEVC) – OK
  • phfx_4KHD_VP9TestFootage.webm (VP9) – Will stop after a few seconds while playing from SAMBA share
  • BT.2020.20140602.ts (Rec.2020 compliant video) – OK from USB HDD, but stopping after a short while while playing from network.
  • big_buck_bunny_4k_H264_30fps.mp4 – OK
  • big_buck_bunny_4k_H264_60fps.mp4 – Audio/video synchronization issues, and the video is not very smooth
  • Fifa_WorldCup2014_Uruguay-Colombia_4K-x265.mp4 (4K, H.265, 60 fps) – OK, but no audio.
  • Samsung_UHD_Dubai_10-bit_HEVC_51.4Mbps.ts (10-bit HEVC / MPEG-4 AAC) – Very good USB HDD, but won’t play at all from network (Black screen only)
  • Astra-11479_V_22000-Canal+ UHD Demo 42.6 Mbps bitrate.ts (10-bit H.265 from DVB-S2 stream) – Plays fine most of the time OK, but it will freeze and the same exact point every time for several seconds. (tested on USB drive only).

The results are very similar between Video Player – as tested with K1 Plus -, and MX player. I’m a little disappointed that the Gigabit Ethernet connection does not improve playback from the SAMBA share, so there must be a another bottleneck.

I’ve also tested some other videos with various bitrates

  • ED_HD.avi – Not very smooth at all, and no audio
  • big_buck_bunny_1080p_surround.avi (1080p H.264 – 12 Mbps) – Video OK, but no audio
  • h264_1080p_hp_4.1_40mbps_birds.mkv (40 Mbps) – OK, but the video buffered once
  • hddvd_demo_17.5Mbps_1080p_VC1.mkv (17.5Mbps) – Could be smoother, and no audio
  • Jellyfish-120-Mbps.mkv (120 Mbps video without audio) – Not 100% smooth, but no buffering while playing from network… Same results on USB drive

The last one is interesting… That 120 Mbps video is the video with the higher rate in my video test files, but the network can cope fine, although video decoding not being optimal. The videos is a 1080p H.264 video at 24 fps without audio.

Just like Video Player, MX Player can’t handle Blu-ray ISO files reporting “can’t play this link”. My two 1080i video samples could play fine, and the two hi10p video had the usual issues, and MX Player lacks support for subtitles:

  • [Commie] Steins;Gate – NCED [BD 720p AAC] [10bit] [C706859E].mkv – Audio OK, some video artifacts, and no subtitles
  • [1080p][16_REF_L5.1][mp3_2.0]Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu BD OP.mkv – Audio OK, more artifacts, and no subtitles

Although LG 42UB820T UHD television does not support 3D, I’ve still tested some stereoscopic 3D videos check decoding:

  • bbb_sunflower_1080p_60fps_stereo_abl.mp4 (1080p Over/Under) – OK
  • bbb_sunflower_2160p_60fps_stereo_abl.mp4 (2160p Over/Under) – MX Player exits immediately
  • Turbo_Film-DreamWorks_trailer_VO_3D.mp4 (1080p SBS) – OK

I’ve also tested some longer movies, or video clips, and MX Player does not support IFO files, but I had no troubles with VOB, MKV, AVI, MP4 and MKV video, except for the lack of DTS/Dolby support with PCM output, as I did not get audio at all when these codecs were used.

Previously I also tested a 2-hour video in Kodi 15.2, and it plays all the way without issues, except that there was some stutter when the camera was panning, probably due to the lack of automatic frame rate switching support.

MINI MX got 891 points in Antutu Video Tester 3.0, or a little lower than the 906 point in KI Plus, but still without many unsupported videos.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

I’ve also included the result from DRM Info, which shows Widewine nor PlayReady are installed, and the former may be any issue for some video streaming apps such as Netflix.
MINI_MX_DRM_Info If you want the video samples used in my reviews, please visit “Where to get video, audio and images samples” post and comments section.

Network Performance (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)

MINI MX could transfer a 278MB file @ 1.5MB/s on average between the flash and a network share (SAMBA), which makes the device only of the worst performer.

Throughput in MB/s
Throughput in MB/s

Gigabit Ethernet, tested with a large file, was much better in both direction (flash to SAMBA, and SAMBA to flash) with an average transfer rate of 15.7 MB/s, one of the best in all devices I’ve tested.

Throughput in MB/s
Throughput in MB/s

However since with Gigabit Ethernet, this test is also impacted by the internal storage read and write speeds, it’s always good to test raw performance with iperf. I’m using a full duplex transfer for 1 minutes with the command line “iperf -t 60 -c server_ip -d“. But most of the time, it seems to kill Ethernet connectivity, so the test would not complete, and I was unable to browse the web anymore. So I rebooted, and it went a little further but full duplex is not handled very well with an excellent 894 Mbit/sec in one direction, but only 16 Mbit/sec in the other.

Thoughput in Mbps
Throughput in Mbps

You can also check iperf output:


There’s again a problem with the timings showing 2204.7 seconds instead of 60 seconds.

Miscellaneous Tests

Bluetooth

Contrary to Videostrong KI Plus, Beelink MINI MX does support Bluetooth, and it worked pretty well, as I could transfer photos over Bluetooth with my smartphone, listen to YouTube music videos via a Bluetooth headset, and pair No.1 D3 smart watch with the device. Since the firmware is rooted, I could also successfully use a PS3 Bluetooth game controller with Sixaxis.

Storage

The same “10 MB free space bug” found in Amlogic Android Lollipop SDK also occurred here with the NTFS & exFAT partitions on my USB hard drive. My FAT32 micro SD card could be mounted fine, and I got access to all the space..

File System Read Write
NTFS OK No (10 MB free space)
EXT-4 Not mounted Not mounted
exFAT OK No (10 MB free space)
BTRFS Not mounted Not mounted
FAT32 OK OK

That means I had to skip USB storage benchmarks, and only ran A1 SD bench app on the internal. with the app reporting 27.62MB/s read speed and 15.95 MB/s write speed. A pretty decent results for a low cost TV box.

Read and Write Speeds in MB/s (Click to Enlarge)
Read and Write Speeds in MB/s (Click to Enlarge)

And that makes me scratch my head as to why I regularly experience some slowdowns, and it may take over 5 seconds to get back to the home screen…

Gaming

In my last review I said I had never seen Candy Crush Saga on any devices, except the lower end ones based on single or dual core Mali-400 GPU, but for some reasons, I had some serious stability problems with the game on the platform. As I ran the game, the volume was a little high, so I tried to lower it, but the system would not react at all, and the game exited, or crashed, 4 times. So I tried to reboot, and could finally start to play, but I had some moments where the pointer should be stuck, the audio would cut, and finally the game exited…

Somehow Beach Buggy Racing was much better, even with the graphics quality set to the maximum  “high resolution”. It played quite smoothly, but with some very short freezes (<0.5 second) from time to time.

Riptide GP2 was also interesting, and while it was very playable with default settings, it would just exit/crash when I tried to set the quality settings to the maximum, 100% reproducible. So I set it to one bar less, and the game could run for a while, before exiting as I tried to play… So I went back to default setting and I could play 4 to 5 races for about 15 minutes. When I exited the app manually, it took 8 to 9 seconds to go back to the launcher.

CPU-Z still detects a quad core Cortex A53 processor @ up to 2.02 GHz with a Mali-450MP GPU, with the board being called “p200”.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

The Antutu 5.7.1 score was 28,390 points or about the same as K1 Plus.

Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge

Conclusion

While the firmware is mostly stable, I did experience some slow downs that didn’t seem related to a slow flash, and games were somewhat unstable for some reasons. This review also confirmed that Kodi 15 nor 16 is ready for Amlogic S905, but that does not stop manufacturer from pre-loading their half-baked version, so I had to test video with MX Player, which was much better, and similar to K1 Plus. Gigabit Ethernet performance was pretty good, but somehow it did not help with videos played from the network, while WiFi performance was very poor. So while MINI MX has potential, Beelink/Netxeon still have some work to do to make it a usable device.

PROS

  • Recent Android 5.1 OS firmware
  • Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 2160p 60Hz; 24/25/30/50/60 Hz refresh rates supported
  • Good 4K H.265 (10-bit) and H.264 video playback in MX Player (USB HDD only, not from network)
  • Good Gigabit Ethernet performance
  • Dolby 5.1 and DTS audio pass-through is working.
  • Proper power handling
  • OTA firmware update is working.
  • Built-in Bluetooth works fine
  • Very good price/performance ratio, provided issues are fixed

CONS

  • The firmware experiences slowdowns at times, and it may take 5 to 9 seconds to go back to the launcher after exiting an app.
  • Pre-installed Kodi 15.2 (102L1 firmware) or 16.0 Beta (103L1 firmware) are not really usable
  • HDMI – Dolby Digital 7.1+, TrueHD / Atmos, DTS HD audio pass-through not working; CEC not working; Video output resolution set in settings is not always used at next power on.
  • Gigabit Ethernet does not seem to help with playing videos over SAMBA
  • Missing DTS and Dolby support for PCM output
  • No DRM installed, even Widewine Level 3 required for SD playback on relevant apps.
  • Poor WiFi performance
  • Stability issues with games including Candy Crush Saga
  • USB hard drive partitions (NTFS / exFAT) reported as having 10MB free only, basically rendering the partitions read-only.

Both Beelink MINI MX and Videostrong K1 Plus have issues, many of them overlap in both devices as their firmware is based on the same Amlogic SDK, and the products are been rushed to market. I can’t really recommend any device right now, but working OTA firmware updates for MINI MX does bring some peace of mind. You’d also have to consider whether you need Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth (lacking on K1 Plus, but present on MINI MX), or AV output and more USB ports as found on K1 Plus. I understand two issues – DRM and DTS & Dolby support – can’t be fixed with firmware upgrades, so I’d wait if you need either or both.

I’d like to thanks GearBest again for providing Beelink MINI MX sample for review. If you’d like to go ahead and purchase the device, you could do from their shop for $40.89 including shipping. You can also find the TV box on some other e-retailed such as GeekBuying ($44.99), eBay, Amazon US ($55), and others.

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289 Comments
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newest
Koying
9 years ago

Would you mind testing latest kodi nightlies on this (and future/past S905), please. I’ve merged a bunch of aml fixes.
S905 firmwares are still quite shaky nowaday, hard to find a proper baseline…

You can contact me directly at koying_at_kodi_dot_tv

Thanks

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

I’ve got a Mini MX sample from Beelink factory and have been talking with them about a lot of these issues. As for 103l1 it should fix the storage misreporting – have asked beelink for a list of other change notes. There are some issues with Wifi for which they are talking to their design team about – may need hardware changes. HDMI-CEC does work perfectly on my LG TV – So something specific to your setup not working. (Although enabling it changed the whole UI to chinese – that was fun to get out of…) I removed their KODI… Read more »

Bobby
Bobby
9 years ago

Thank you for your honest and detailed reviews. My main source of news for this technology the past years. Keep up the good work!

As for the S905 boxes I have high hopes that software will mature and it becomes a cheap and stable 4K platform.

asht
asht
9 years ago

so glad to see and read your review, I’m waiting for mine to arrive still but am concerned, due to no widevine am I correct in thinking netflix won’t work!?! this is big problem for me if so… is it easy fix in update for them if thats the case?! I stupidly ordered this box at a point not knowing it was so new.. then learning about it all & drm, maybe I should have ordered something with an older processor… hmm..

Oren
9 years ago

Hi!
Why do the S905 (or for that matter all AML based boxes) don’t allow Dolby/DTS HD formats (X or Atmos)? is it a license issue? is it solvable in software?

Koying
9 years ago

S905 is capable of HD audio passthrough, so it’s a firmware thing.
A very imprtant thing to consider when buying one of the bazillion AML device on the market is the support history from the vendor.

If you go el cheapo on ebay, you’re guaranteed to get no firmware support at all…

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

I’ve got this box, when I try and update to the new firmware it unzips then it says “Your system was damaged, wireless update is disabled!”

I’ve tried factory reset but its still not working.

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Tried using ota update app manually selecting and now I’m getting:

Finding update package…
Opening update package…

— Secure Check…
Secure check failed.

Installation aborted.
OTA failed! Please power off the device to keep it in this state and file a bug report!
Formatting /data…
E:format_volume failed to unmount “/data”
Formatting /cache…
Data wipe failed.

Recovery is listening adb sideload…
Waiting adb sideload command…
E:Cannot load volume /misc!

Sigh.

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago


I think it’s my own fault. I edited the build.prop and digging around in the zip file the update script checks the hash of all the files. I removed the build.prop check and secure check completes but because its a modified zip it fails.

I did back up the build.prop but the data partition got wiped. I need to get the original build.prop from somewhere now 🙁

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago


Thank you so much. I will try and edit my original build.prop first I think I see what I changed.

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

@TheLegendOfMart
I’ve got 103l1 for the mini mx in the usb burning tool format if needed.

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

@Whiterat
I would really appreciate the files just in case I can’t get this working.

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Man this box is really messed up, can’t even load play store now to install root and build prop editor.

Whatever you do DO NOT mess with any system files or you will end up in a world of pain.

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

@TheLegendOfMart
103L1 Minix MX Image (for USB Burning Tool):
https://mega.nz/#!i0oVSYCQ

natsu
natsu
9 years ago

@Whiterat
how did you fixe the permissions please

hxm
hxm
9 years ago

thank’s for the review.

I ordered that box without knowing the issues it have. some will be fixed by firmwware update but sadly some need hardware change or factory fix.

But what i learned form that is to never hurry to buy new thinks. i will wait for review before to decide.

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Yeah I’m stuck now I cant load Play Store even if I delete cache, it just loads and crashes instantly. Tried uninstalling updates and it just crashes when I click install on an app.

I would really appreciate the usb burn tool files Whiterat.

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

@TheLegendOfMart
My comment is “awaiting moderation” presumably because it has a link in it….

103L1 Minix MX Image (for USB Burning Tool):
“hxxps : // mega . nz / #!i0oVSYCQ”

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Thanks but it’s asking for a decryption key.

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

Ah sorry – “!bQrAHUlqDFQ7hTSiBaT8JG4KL6tWTApJO2P4GoUvA-M” (without quotes)

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Thank you so much, been trying to sort this for 4-5 hours now.

Mac
Mac
9 years ago

Good detailed review. Have the S905 myself, decent box but I would concur it has iffy game performance with the Mali 450. Just 1Gb ram doesn’t help either so I wouldn’t expect any miracles in this department. I had issues with supplied Kodi 15.2, streaming among others but since installing the firmware upgrade & Kodi 16 these have been ironed out and now working. Be patient on the restart after firmware upgrade it does stick on that Mini Mx logo for a while. I would say Beelink were eager to get it to market early and let the early adopters… Read more »

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

Does the Mini MX even have an OTG port because I’ve tried both USB ports and it’s not showing up at all.

Stane1983
9 years ago

Language switching is known issue (at least for me) even on m8 devices. Happens only on LG afaik and it switches to Korean, not Chineese. Happens when auto switch language on box is enabled.

Whiterat
Whiterat
9 years ago

@TheLegendOfMart Yeah, USB-A on the side is for OTG – Flashed mine with it ok. (Windows 10 with Burning tool 2.0.5.15) @Stane1983 Ah sorry my mistake – That’d make sense. On these boxes the auto language switch is enabled by default and you cannot disable until you’ve enabled cec and the language has already changed at that point. Just tried latest nightly on 103l1 and still about the same as my first post (which is pretty good). Aml codecs in use, passthrough still working (albeit with intermittent drop outs) and no auto framerate switching. Changing digital_raw makes no difference to… Read more »

number 63
number 63
9 years ago

is it possible to unpack the .img file in windows?

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

It works! Thank you so much.

I tried everything last night and I couldn’t get it showing up, had another go this morning and it flashed first time!

I see they still haven’t fixed the notification bar being on top of all the apps though 🙁

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

What down arrows?

All I see is a black bar along the top with ethernet icon and time, if i drag it down it is the standard lollipop notification tray.

Aleksandr
Aleksandr
9 years ago

Hello!
You could not send the link to the firmware as well as the program for the firmware and write as you flashed the device ?

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago


I flashed the full firmware linked above and I don’t see the status bar only the notifications bar. I have wiped and erased I don’t know how many times.

Stane1983
9 years ago

@number 63
With aml tools no, unless you do some reverse engineering with usb burning tool. Binary that pack/unpack .img file is part of amlogic sdk and runs only on Linux machines. Does not include source code.

Kasam
Kasam
9 years ago

Also bought this beelink mini MX from Gearbest thinking the S905 would be the answer to 4K goodness. Really disappointed so far. First of all, trying to use a remote without a keyboard is impossible. It also did not work with my Bluetooth keyboard which works fine with Nexus 5, Hudl2. It did pair it OK, but nothing after that. I tried big buck bunny, 4K, 60fps and it was mostly unwatchable. Glitchy dropped frames. Audio ahead. Pointless. Kodi 16 was dead when clicking on video add ons. Not tried the nightly builds yet. I tried a Philips UHD demo.… Read more »

Kasam
Kasam
9 years ago

Forgot to mention, YouTube app has a hard limit of 1080p? Anyone know why?
VP9 codec issue? How do I even get a VP9 codec on Android or get the YouTube app in 4K?

I managed to use browser as desktop and YouTube desktop site to pick 4K. But super glitchy and won’t go full screen.

oman
oman
9 years ago

Mini Mx Firmware 103L1:
USB image package:http://pan.baidu.com/s/1kTroe5h password:wd1g
USB Flash Tool:http://pan.baidu.com/s/1o65Zrqa password:jw5v
SD image:http://pan.baidu.com/s/1c0ukerQ password:yt2a

For the wifi performance, we have optimized it in the mass production batch..

Other bugs,we’ll fix them step by step by OTA.

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

What does mass production batch mean? How can we identify if we have a box from mass production. I bought it from Gearbest.

Stane1983
9 years ago

@Gabe
Mass production means production of large amounts of same devices. Production of samples (small amounts) for existing and potential customers is another thing.

If you bought your product from online store it came from MP batch for sure.

hxm
hxm
9 years ago

@oman

You said : [For the wifi performance, we have optimized it in the mass production batch..]. if that mean that the box’s that you will produce will have a modification to optimize wifi.
Question : what will be the solution for the people who bought a box on presale (for example Gearbest) ?

For DTS and DRM : will you offer an online service (a paid update) that will add DRM and DTS on SDK ?

Stane1983
9 years ago


For at least M8 devices you can try code 10362. This is vendor(0x1b8e)+device(0x0cec) converted to decimal. Thats only combination that gives me 5 digit code from cec driver of m8 kernel and it’s hardcoded.

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

@oman
Could you please tell us starting from what serial number or other code of the box is the wifi better?

number 63
number 63
9 years ago

has anyone manager to download the links on baidu for sd card?

number 63
number 63
9 years ago

@oman cannot download sd card link as need an account because of size? can you upload to an engish site?

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

I’ve uploaded it to Mega:
https://mega.nz/#F!gYllUJZT!ImP51gNI-QfcQsJVIJ02Jg
I’ve got my box today. WIFI is OK on my box, I’ve tested with speedtest app: I get around 30 Mbps download & 40 Mbps upload speed. The date code(if it’s relevant) on the sticker of my box is 15.11.17(1) . I’ve tested CEC briefly & it works on Samsung H5500 series TV.

number 63
number 63
9 years ago

@gabe , thank you gabe have you tested kodi etc for video quality and speed etc

TheLegendOfMart
TheLegendOfMart
9 years ago

I figured out how to get the nav bar but pressing the down arrows doesn’t hide the notification bar.

It’s annoying having it floating above all apps.

awakened
awakened
9 years ago

Hello, I just got this unit yesterday. Setting up the whole system was no problem (got similar one from other vendor), but using SPDIF passthrough for the audio signal, I was not able to get it to work. Everytime I try to play a file (with DD or DTS audio), there’s a strange sound coming out of the speakers (hissing, continous beep etc.). It happens also when trying to send the signal through HDMI into the TV speakers. Thanks for any help, much appreciated.

awakened
awakened
9 years ago


Strange, I have another box with the same HW specs working without this issue, the only difference is Android version.

Andrei
Andrei
9 years ago

Compare Amlogic S905 and Allwinner H3.
Beelink X2 TV Box and Beelink MINI MX

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

Stane1983 :
@number 63
With aml tools no, unless you do some reverse engineering with usb burning tool. Binary that pack/unpack .img file is part of amlogic sdk and runs only on Linux machines. Does not include source code.

For S805 there was Customization tool from Amlogic which worked under Windows. But it doesn’t work with S905.

awakened
awakened
9 years ago

Just to clear out, right now the problem is gone after a sytem update, which was run automatically by the device itself the next time I turned it on. Still don’t know, what was the real cause, though.

Kasam
Kasam
9 years ago

Is there any TV box with 4K@ 60fps, smooth and 3GB+ of RAM and minimum 16GB or 32GB internal Storage?
1GB/8GB limits are crippling IMO.

Dave
Dave
9 years ago

Has anyone successfully got DTS/HD or Dolby TrueHD passthrough working via HDMI in Kodi on this box? I am able to force dd 5.1 but for the life of me can’t passthrough the rest.

Number 63
Number 63
9 years ago

Any news on an openelec for the mini mx?

dewettie
dewettie
8 years ago

@Kasam
Nagrace HPH NT-V6
4GB RAM & 32GB ROM
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Nagrace-HPH-TV-BOX-of-RK3288-4G-32G-with-wireless-airmouse-2-4-G-remote-controller/1494386_2048811107.html
Without airmouse
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/HPH-RK3288-tv-box-NT-V6B-4G-32G-Storage-with-HDMI-2-0-With-AP6335-free/1494386_1999602114.html
$10 discount coupon – PROMHPH321WW – Put in order message and email seller on Aliexpress with it and your countries tax requirements.
You also get 2 free gifts with any order.

number 63
number 63
8 years ago

another advert mmm no thanks

Number 63
Number 63
8 years ago

So no news on openelec for the mini mx

fred
fred
8 years ago

I tried, no success…. i thought i could replace my xtreamer mk1, but no way : DD or DTS 5.1 is not working with kodi in passthrough.
MX player does not play the video smoothly… but plays DD 5.1… so basically unusable…
Very very disapointed…

fred
fred
8 years ago

I tried, no success…. i thought i could replace my xtreamer mk1, but no way : DD or DTS 5.1 is not working with kodi in passthrough.
MX player does not play the video smoothly… but plays DD 5.1… so basically unusable…
Very very disapointed…

@fred

Moreo ver, no sleep mode in idle…. so it stays powered on…

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

@fred
Thanks for confirming. It is quite dissapointing that this is the case. I have a 3 year old Xtreamer Prodigy Black which this unit replaced and that had no problems dealing with HD Audio passthrough. In saying that, the higher bit-rate blu-ray rips have started to struggle on it so I’ve sacraficed HD Audio for totally playable video in Kodi on this new box. Hopefully an update to the device/Kodi will address this issue. Not holding my breath though 🙁

Dave
Dave
8 years ago


I’ve been using the pre-installed Kodi. How does one go about installing one of the daily builds on this box? Sorry.. complete noob! 🙂

fred
fred
8 years ago

I tried the 15.2 installed, jarvis ans spmc (13.3 i think…). No success.
gonna try the vidonxbmc to check…but i’m really doubtful.

Fred
Fred
8 years ago

Vidon not working either. Except for dts sound surprisingly. But the video is stuttered… So exit vidon.

Perhaps i’ll give a try on the nightlies but for rel, i’m quite sure that android is not made for xbmc yet… Tonight i had to switch back to my xtreamer mk1 which is so old but plays almost everyhting i have without any problem…
So i think my xtreamer won’t be replaced unfortunately…

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

@Fred
Thanks for commenting ont he Vidon solution as I came across that the other day and wasn’t sure.


Is it easy to install apk’s to this system? Do we putty in to the device.. or?

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Any feedback about kodi nightly build and beelink mini mx ?

I propose to add brand’s support services in your review ( if a brand have a website, forum and section to announce new firmware with changelog…)

Fred
Fred
8 years ago

I tried the nightly… No more luck.
The only waynto have 5.1 volume is really es explorer+mx player. But it is not really easy to control with the remote….

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

there is two new s905 device from beelink :
Beelink MX64 TV Box Android 5.1 (Bluetooth 4.0 2G 8G eMMC 2.4G / 5.8G WiFi 1000Mbps LAN ) 62$
Beelink M18 TV Box Android 5.1 (Bluetooth 4.0 2G 16G eMMC 2.4GHz / 5.8GHz WiFi 1000Mbps LAN) 69$

they have 2Go + eMMC but nothing is said about DRM or Dolby and DTS.

I ordered the mini mx one, now i understand what mini mean 🙂 and it’s the first time i hate a box before receiving it

Number 63
Number 63
8 years ago

Mini mx not so bad , issue with speed could be down to firmware and the cpu is set to hotplug, change it to performance and its much better , but when openelec comes should be a lot lot better.

fred
fred
8 years ago

@hxm

I agree. And that basically means that no effort will be made on firmware enhancement… beelink will just release new models every few months…

Number 63
Number 63
8 years ago

Beelink have already released 3 firmware updates for the mini mx, they are normally good with updates for their boxes. And no i dont work for beelink lol

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

What will be your feeling if you paid for a new car and in the first month they released a new version fixing all the issue discovered in the first one.

We paid for an unfinished product. The issue with Wifi can’t be fixed by firmware update.

fred
fred
8 years ago

@Number 63 Let’s face it. The three firmwares were correcting huge bugs… but there will be one more release, with no correction of very important things (like going to sleep ! how come the box has to stay awake in idle always…) It is not a phone wainting for a call, just a box for TV. And moreover there will not be any new functionnality…. nothing. But to be fair, Beelink is like a lot of other brands… those who are releasing a new product every few months so no way to follow firmwares for everyone… Look the example of… Read more »

fred
fred
8 years ago

@hxm

Exactly what i’m saying. But as I said and to be honest, Beelink is not the only brand doing this… only few (and more expensive in fact) brands are really following their firmwares…

But wait and see… even if i don’t have much hope 🙁

Number 63
Number 63
8 years ago

Majority of android software is built on phone stuff so no surpise it has things like keybad etc in it. But thats life and for me im waiting for openelec so all these issues you bring up dont really affect me anyway. Majority of stuff in firmware is cross comatible anyway across s905 so firmware alterations or improvements in 1 will be passed to another. But its simple really , dont buy a mini mx wait 6 month for the new mx64 then have the same issue. By the way just because a company release a new product doesnt mean… Read more »

Andrei
Andrei
8 years ago

The consumer will put everything in its place. If they do not correct deficiencies – not buy Fail! We could put the firmware source (SDK).

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

@oman
If you’ve got some input into the firmware dev team at beelink, could you please ask them to enable the xpad.ko module in the kernel build in the next release? I was able to build it myself and enable it due to the mini mx being rooted out of the box (hooray!), but it would be nice if that wasn’t required. This was needed to allow a Logitech F310 gamepad to work when plugged in to either of the USB ports. Presumably other would appreciate a couple of the related USB gamepad modules being enabled as well.

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

@Andrei

The DRM and Dolby can be fixed in the SDK. But where to found that modified SDK for s905…

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

@Joel Squire

Hi,

can you please, explain us how you did that?

Cause i’m trying to use my Xbox 360 wired USB controller, which is supposed to work out-of-the box on Lollipop, but on the Mini Mx, it doesn’t work!

I hope Beelink will enable pads controller support but for now, i hope you can help us do it ourselves.

Thank you.

Andrei
Andrei
8 years ago

I am not a developer Beelink MINI MX.
I have no SDK.
May dear cnxsoft will help to get the SDK developers Beelink MINI MX.

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

@Gee Follow the instructions from earlier here to build the kernel. Then run make ARCH=arm64 menuconfig and enable the xbox controller module (it’s under Device Drivers/Input Device Support/Joysticks and Gamepads), and re-run make ARCH=arm64 CROSS_COMPILE=aarch64-linux-gnu- This will create drivers/input/joystick/xpad.ko. You need to transfer this file to your Mini MX. I used SSHDroid and WinSCP. Then, I ssh’ed into the Mini MX as root, chdir’ed to where I transferred xpad.ko to, and ran insmod xpad.ko The hardest part was guessing that this was needed at all, after much staring at the logs and plugging and unplugging the gamepad. So at least… Read more »

Gabe
Gabe
8 years ago

init.rc is in initramfs which is part of boot.img, so you have to modify it to make it stick. Or you could use init.d or an apk that runs scripts on startup(for insmod command)

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

@Joel Squire Thank you very much. Infortunaly, i’m not a linux guy and i think i need linux box installed to compile all that stuff! It seems a bit complicated for me now but i will try cause i really want to learn. Do you mind, send here, your xpad.ko if it’s compatible with the last firmware 103L1 get from OTA, please? So anybody can transfer and run the install part of your instructions. I think it will be helpful for all people like me without a linux enough skills to build a linux kernel. Thanks you very much for… Read more »

rgray318
rgray318
8 years ago

Any chance we can review both the Beelink MX64 and M18 please? I just purchased the M18 Amlogic S905 this morning because I saw it on sale and it had many of the specs I wanted. However, after reading this I’m not so sure it was a good decision even though its a different model from the MINI. Would be nice to see what an expert who knows how to test stuff thinks about it and if its worth the $65 paid for it. Thanks

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

@Gee

Sure, try this.

pseudobacon
pseudobacon
8 years ago

So I managed to get TWRP installed but it looks like the firmware is 32 bit instead of 64 bit since it will only install 32 bit Xposed Framework

Gabe
Gabe
8 years ago

Standby mode works with CEC.

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

@Joel Squire Thank you very much! You make my day…better…my year! Following your instructions, I have just copied your file xpad.ko to a folder on my internal memory (/sdcard/myfolder/) via a usbkey. Installed and launch a Terminal Emulator app and type theses commands: su insmod /sdcard/myfloder/xpad.ko I plugged my Xbox 360 Wired controller and It works like a charm with my games: Riptide GP2, Soul Calibur, Shadow Gun, Modern Combat 5, NFS Most Wanted… To make a bit permanent, i use a workaround: i just use the app Kernel Adiutor, which i already using to change my cpu governor to… Read more »

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

I tried to install the nightly Kodi build (.apk) but after attempting to install it says “App not installed”. I am not an Android expert so maybe I am doing something wrong?

madmal
madmal
8 years ago

Hi, great review. Have ordered one of these from Gearbest to replace an MXQ-85, this will be a small upgrade. As this unit runs Lollipop I’m planning to use an external DAC. Has anyone tried this successfully and is the volume controllable? This unit does not have an AV output and I will be stuck for getting audio into my amplifier without taking this approach.

Also does hardware acceleration with the Kodi amcodec now work properly? I have issues with this on the MXQ (blank screen) and have to use an old version of XBMC which works around this problem.

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Hi,

I received my box today.
it updated to the last firmware. Kodi jarvis is working but when I launch kodimate to get kodi addon it did not work. i always get this message “please check your network and try again”

Any help please

freekwe
8 years ago

Openelec build is available for this device!!
http://amlinuxmedia.com/forum/index.php?topic=13.0

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

@freekwe
Hopefully they can iron out all the kinks

Andre
Andre
8 years ago

cnxsoft – MINI MX 104L1 has already. – Who has?
zRam used?

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

Firmware 104L1 is available.

Fred
Fred
8 years ago

@mbake5

Any changelog ?

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

@Whiterat

Hi,

You say, you flashed your with the OTG port. But how do you get an male to male OTG type A cable?

I have done the 104L1 update and it don’t boot and it stays stuck on the boot animation!

I hope i can flash the 103L1 img file with Amlogic USB Burning Tool but I can’t figure out how to make an OTG male to male cable!

Thank you for help

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

@Fred

It just says minor bug fixes. I noticed power off allows reboot and suspend. The interface seems quicker.

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

@Gee

I had the same question. I think any USB male a to male a cable will work but hopefully someone can confirm. That is a relatively uncommon cable but you can find it.

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

Thanks guys, but unfortunately, a male to male usb cable i made doesn’t work. i have linked wire by wire (red, green, white and black) from 2 usb males full-size connectors. (I guess, maybe it don’t require the fifth pin that need to be shorted on a micro-usb connector to make OTG) When plugged, the device seems powered (the front red light is on) but nothing happen on the PC. Then i tried to plug it, pressing the recovery button hole… nothing! I can’t understand why it fails to boot after the last OTA update and i’m desperate if i… Read more »

fred
fred
8 years ago

Cant’ you use the SD card for flashing ? (asking never done it actually, but i read that it is possible… perhaps not on boot though)

martin
martin
8 years ago

I was also stuck at boot after the upgrade but managed to restore it using the SD card flashing method.
-Extract the _sdcard.zip folder contents to the root of a micro sdcard and insert the sdcard in your Mini MX
-Unplug the device
-Press and hold the recovery button on the bottom and plug in your device..hold until update starts

I didn’t lose any data in the process and after recovering I was able to do the upgrade to 104L1 without issues

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

Thanks for you suggestion but i already tried to flash with the sd card putting the 3 files from the rar provided here.
But it fails and return me to the recovery screen like this screenshot http://postimg.org/image/5moenlua7/

I can’t understand what the update messed up in my box.

I just hope my last chance to recover it is to flash via OTG but i need a male to male cable scheme!

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

I was able to install firmware via USB flash drive. At first it wouldn’t mount because of the size of the USB drive. It needs to be 32GB or less to mount. I partitioned the USB drive to less than 32GB and formatted with FAT32 filesystem. I copied the 3 files to the root of the partition and then at the recovery screen pick “Apply update from EXT”. Select the zip file and the upgrade will complete.

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

ok thanks for the hints, my SD Card is 16GB, i will try to make a 4GB partition

But how do you navigate throw the recovery to pick “Apply update from EXT”?
I connected a PC keyboard, i can move to highlight but can’t select with the Enter key!
I tried with a mouse but it doesn’t seem to work too.

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

Progress…I just used another mouse and i could try to flash picking the zip from the recovery menu.

But the flash fails, saying that it can’t apply a old build over a newer!

So i guess i need a 104L1 build to reflash it via SD Card…

Maybe someone, can provide me the l04L1 firmware in a SD Card package?

Thanks

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

Hi! I tried the OTA update, by after the package was downloaded, i got the message, that my system is damaged. I’m downloading the USB img file from http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/amlogic-based-tv-players/s905/beelink-ac/548647-mini-mx-major-update%EF%BC%8Cthrough-ota-upgrading but have not a clue, hot to install this firmware. Any ideas ? 😛

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

You could install OpenELEC.

The stock firmware (104L1) has some minor video stuttering problems during playback using the latest Kodi nightly build. It is most noticeable during fast panning scenes. The built in MoviePlayer doesn’t seem to have that issue but all other players that I tested do have that problem including Kodi.

OpenELEC playback is perfect. Boot time is about 15 sec and uses very little memory since the install package is around 100MB.

Robcrack
Robcrack
8 years ago

Hi,
Use Openelec file (http://amlinuxmedia.com/downloads/alex/OpenELEC-MiniMX.arm64-7.0-devel-20160109002102-r21816-g767dc42.zip) to update via recovery sdcard.
When done, use 103L1 zip to flash via recovery from sdcard.
Then update to 104L1 online.
It work for me.

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Hi,

Is it possible to flash openelec and the stock firmware sidebyside ? (So we can choose witch image to load on boot)

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

It doesn’t have dual boot capabilities like a WeTek. But if you don’t like OpenELEC then can you reload the stock firmware. OpenELEC is perfect if you intend for the device to only be a media center. If you want to install apps and browse the internet, etc. then you will need to use Android (stock firmware).

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Thank you @mbake5 for your feedback

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

mbake5 :
You could install OpenELEC.

Good suggestion, but I use my box more for gaming/youtube/gmusic less for videos.
So i thought maybe i can install it then flash back to the stock firmware, as a workaround to my old over new firmware flash pb.

But I have seen on the forum, that on one of the last build of Openelec, after install, there is no more access to the recovery menu! Bad news if i flash this, maybe i never can’t revert back to stock!

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

I installed the latest build of OpenELEC and the recovery menu works fine. I was able to go from 103L1 -> 104L1 -> OpenELEC 20160109 -> 103L1. Now that I verified I can switch back and forth I will go back to OE.

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

Thank you very much, all of you, guys!

I just flashed Openelec via SDCard methos, then i flashed stock 103L1 firmware and it worked!!!
I made the 104L1 upgrade again and it works too!

Thanks! With that update/boot issue and your help here, i have learned a lot about this box, recovery methods and OTG cable!

“that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

Hi guys. When i’m trying to perform OTA update, I got a message, that my system is damaged, and update failed. Is there anyone who encountered this kind of problem ? Is there any other way to perform an update ? Current firmware has terrible Wi-Fi signal strength, so I urge this update :/

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

@baro7
I was only able to get my firmware updated successfully by booting into the recovery bootloader and starting the upgrade from there, with the firmware image written to an sdcard. There’s an app on the app store that will force the boot into recovery mode.

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

Damn :/ I tried that. Update is starting automatically. But after 1-2 minutes, i got an error:

Formatting /data…
E:format_volume failed to unmount “/data”
Formatting /cache…
Data wipe failed.
Recovery is listening adb sideload…
Waiting adb sideload command…
E:Cannot load volume /misc!

I got no idea :/

baro7
baro7
8 years ago


Got the same issue :/ How did you managed this situation ?

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

If someone who has a working OTA update could post the u-boot env serverip value they have, I’d appreciate it.

Also, we need a better forum for discussing this stuff…

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

I don’t think everyone knows how to update this device. Here are some methods: If you want to flash firmware from Android (easiest method): Don’t use ‘Update&Backup’ Android app to update. It doesn’t work. Go to Settings…More Settings…About MediaBox…System Update. I don’t have Android anymore so I am going off of memory. If you want to flash firmware via Recovery mode and SD card then: Extract zip file to root of SD card (the following three files should be on the root of the card: a different zip file, factory_update_param.aml, and recovery.img. Make sure SD card is 32GB or less…FAT32… Read more »

fred
fred
8 years ago

My god, I’m very happy that i refused the update….

Whatever, it does not bring anything really interesting in fact…

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

@mbake5
I did exactly what You described. I tried 1st, 2nd & 4th solution – all of them failed.
Main problem seems to be here:
Formatting /data…
E:format_volume failed to unmount “/data”
Formatting /cache…
Data wipe failed.

Someone has the same issue couple of posts earlier, with previous firmware version. I’m wondering, if he managed that somehow.

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

Can you wipe from the recovery mode? If not maybe you can flash to OpenELEC and then back to 103L1 like Gee did.

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

No, I can’t – the same problem. Hm, sounds like a plan, I try this definitely. Is there any tutorial I can refer to ? How to go back to Android from OpenELEC ?

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

hi, That was exactly my problem a couple of days before. To resume, here is everything i did to solve it (!!! this method will reset data !!!): – get the Full build of Openelec (i used 20160109 build) http://amlinuxmedia.com/forum/index.php?topic=13.0 – extract the 3 files to usbkey (somebody advise here to better use partition under 32GB) – plug the usbkey, mouse and hdmi – plug the power, pressing the recovery button/hole with a touchpick – it will fails to flash and bring you to the recovery screen – on the menu choose “Apply update from EXT” and choose the zip… Read more »

Eric
Eric
8 years ago

@Whiterat Mini MX Software update,Firmware Version: S905_104L1 Based versions: s905_103L1 Updated content: 1.Default open wifi; 2.Solve the problem of time synchronization; 3.Using a 12-key remote control under the condition of Recovery mode; 4.The Power button of remote control pop-up menu (sleep, shutdown and restart); 5.Support customization bt MAC address; 6.Solve the LED light in the sleep and shutdown state display of purple; 7.Wifi signal improved; 8.Storage holding public version modification; 9.Airplay support ios9; 10.Optimize the UI refresh rate; 11.Solve the problem of DMP function can not be used; 12.Optimization of DDR parameters, solving the problem of individual board crashes; 13.Solve… Read more »

Eric
Eric
8 years ago

@fred  Mini MX Software update,Firmware Version: S905_104L1 Based versions: s905_103L1 Updated content: 1.Default open wifi; 2.Solve the problem of time synchronization; 3.Using a 12-key remote control under the condition of Recovery mode; 4.The Power button of remote control pop-up menu (sleep, shutdown and restart); 5.Support customization bt MAC address; 6.Solve the LED light in the sleep and shutdown state display of purple; 7.Wifi signal improved; 8.Storage holding public version modification; 9.Airplay support ios9; 10.Optimize the UI refresh rate; 11.Solve the problem of DMP function can not be used; 12.Optimization of DDR parameters, solving the problem of individual board crashes; 13.Solve… Read more »

Andre
Andre
8 years ago

included zRams in Firmware Version: S905_104L1?

Eric
Eric
8 years ago

@Andre
yes,MX Mini system which comes with memory compression technology!

Dave
Dave
8 years ago


Thanks for the changelog. Shame HD Audio Passthrough in Kodi is still an issue :/

Harry
Harry
8 years ago

Eric :
@fred
 Mini MX Software update,Firmware Version: S905_104L1

Thank you,

i also had the update error and could only via the OTG the 103L1 new install. Can I now the 104L1 just about installing and my settings are retained? Or do I need to take the card-file.

I have no more faith in the update function 🙁

edit: the download of pan.paidu …card-file is down …usb file is very slowly and aborts. I try tomorrow again.

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Can some check if he has the pvr clients ? On mine with stck firmware 104 and all plugin downloaded from kodi mate, there no pvr client at all on kodi ?

Please help

Harry
Harry
8 years ago

Have a S905_104L1_sdcard downlod found and over recovery install. In freaktab has a nice user to dropbox uploaded.

Finally done 🙂

Fx
Fx
8 years ago

@mbake5

same problem here, did you managed to update kodi ?

mbake5
mbake5
8 years ago

Yes, I uninstalled the version of Kodi that came with the box and installed the most recent nightly build of Kodi. It worked without issues.

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

@Gee
Thx a LOT! It works like a charm now. WiFi strength is ok now. Thx for help!

true86no
true86no
8 years ago

@Gee
Thanks. Used your methods but after flashing OpenElec I flashed 104L1 right away. Since it’s already downloaded. Worked fine.

fred
fred
8 years ago

Hi so basically, to sum up, we shoudl’nt apply the ota, but downloading the 104 and apply through sd card directly on 103l1 is ok ? But is it worth ? 104l1 vs 103l1 is really useful ?
thanks.

baro7
baro7
8 years ago

To me, its finally worth the money I spent on this device 🙂

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Hi,

I noticed that with spmc I got on video\acceleration information ( multi threaded software decoding; libstagefright; MediaCodec). And with kodi I got (allow hardware acceleration amcodec; MediaCodec ).

On SPMC it’s software decoding not using amlogic hardware acceleration.

If someone installed nightly build of kodi beta, can he check if he has software or hardware acceleration and post feedback

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

Kodi Rc 1 is out how can update beta?

Unfortunately i have an error when i do OTA update “Check Faild! Check your OTA servier argent” 🙁
Any idea….

Firm :104L./KODI beta 3git

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago


Thaks 🙂 I’ll try it …:)
And wiat next update mx ….

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Hi,

Mini mx has the ota update for firmware.
to update applications you can use google palystore…but for kodi the rc1 is not published on playstore nore all the night release.
i tried to update kodi to the last 16 rc1 by downloading the apk from kodi.tv but i got error and the instalation abort 🙁
Has someone did succed on that update ?

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago


And what is Kodi mate ?

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

thak you withot space 😉
It’s an addon …i see,
But where can find to install it…i uninstall i think its an useless app unfortunately…

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

Thanx 🙂

Agratam
Agratam
8 years ago

@hxm
Yes, i did it yesterday. I had to uninstall the 16b3 before though.
It didn’t work as update

regards

Agratam
Agratam
8 years ago

I read:
9.Airplay support ios9

How is this working, I’ve not been able to stream anything from mi Ipdat to the Mini Mx.
Maybe it’s not on stock firmware and an app is needed?

Thanks

Dimmen
Dimmen
8 years ago

hi guys, may be someone will be interesting my experience, the link to the files is in the description of the video

Replacement launcher, change the boot animation, change kodi.
https://youtu.be/RFwiJsKCGNk

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

@Agratam

Thank’s for your feedback.
Question : After the installation of kodi 16 RC1, Did KodiMate worked for you to installed the extra addons ?

regards

Kingking
Kingking
8 years ago

@pseudobacon
How did you get TWRP & Xposed installed on it?
Can you send me the link for the files please?

fred
fred
8 years ago

Hi, someone tried OTA from 102L1 to 105L1 straight ? I don’t want to manage a boot loop problem…

Armando Basile
8 years ago

Hi all, i buyed Plater MX64 http://www.amazon.it/Plater-Lollipop-Quad-core-Bluetooth-Doube-sided/dp/B019DC8A7K
but i think that hw is the same of Minix. Could i try to upgrade firmware with openelec procedure and after 105L1 ?

Mark Baker
Mark Baker
8 years ago

@Armando Basile

No, that won’t work. Openelec for the Mini MX won’t work on that device.

Armando Basile
8 years ago

@Mark Baker
Do you know if is possible to use 105L1 firmware for this device Plater MX64 ?

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

unfortunately my usb game controller don’t work:(

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

azozoh :
unfortunately my usb game controller don’t work:(

Hi,

To make your pad controller, you need the module: xpad.ko

See, Joel Squire’s posts and mine, in this thread, to know how install this module.

It works very well with my Xbox 360 controller.

Thanks and all credits to Joel Squire!

Agratam
Agratam
8 years ago

@hxm
Sorry for the late answer. Yes KodiMate is still working when updating Kodi

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

@Gee
And please share mx complied xpad.ko 🙂
THX

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Agratam :
@hxm
Sorry for the late answer. Yes KodiMate is still working when updating Kodi

thank’s for your feedback

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

azozoh :
@Gee
And please share mx complied xpad.ko
THX

Have a look at Joel Squire posts, please.
He has done a great job, compiling the module and sharing it with useful instructions.

He shared it in this thread
http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/12/04/beelink-mini-mx-review/#comment-520723

I finally, make it apply automatically on boot using the init.d script emulation of this app: Kernel Adiutor.

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

@Gee
THX :9 i will try it …

azozoh
azozoh
8 years ago

It will be good in the next update 😉

Gee
Gee
8 years ago

azozoh :
It will be good in the next update

If you’re talking about the xpad module, i think yes.

I use the same file with updates 103L1, 104L1 and now 105L1!

Joel Squire, who compiled it, may know and explain better

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

Unless they upgrade the kernel version (which seems unlikely unless without an android version update as well), the module I compiled should continue working across updates. Hopefully they’ll build this module in an a future release, it’s just one flag that they have to change :/

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

Unless they upgrade the kernel version (which seems unlikely without an android version update as well), the module I compiled should continue working across updates. Hopefully they’ll build this module in an a future release, it’s just one flag that they have to change :/

Madmal
Madmal
8 years ago

Been running this box for a couple of weeks now as a slight upgrade to the MXQ 85 I had previously. I wasn’t at all impressed with Android Lollipop running on this, it didn’t seem to run as smooth as the older MXQ box which had the s805 with the 4.4 version of android. I was getting stutters and lag in android switching between menus. Also some other issues like not being able to run Kodi minimised in the background, the volume control in Kodi would not work with my external DAC, 100% or mute only. Decided to ditch Android… Read more »

Luttwich
Luttwich
8 years ago

Joel Squire : @Gee Follow the instructions from earlier here to build the kernel. Then run make ARCH=arm64 menuconfig and enable the xbox controller module (it’s under Device Drivers/Input Device Support/Joysticks and Gamepads), and re-run make ARCH=arm64 CROSS_COMPILE=aarch64-linux-gnu- This will create drivers/input/joystick/xpad.ko. You need to transfer this file to your Mini MX. I used SSHDroid and WinSCP. Then, I ssh’ed into the Mini MX as root, chdir’ed to where I transferred xpad.ko to, and ran insmod xpad.ko The hardest part was guessing that this was needed at all, after much staring at the logs and plugging and unplugging the gamepad.… Read more »

Joel Squire
Joel Squire
8 years ago

@Luttwich
Seems like it should work. I took a quick look at he module code, and it looks like it’s standalone. Give it a try!

murali
murali
8 years ago

I have been using this player for past few weeks. I wanted to run it in portrait mode. I tried to change ro.sf.hwrotation=90 in build.prop. But it was not working. Does the stock rom support screen rotation? Please excuse me, if it is not right forum to ask this question.
Thanks!

Bandu
Bandu
8 years ago

Excellent review – learned much from it. I have MX Plus box. I was using PlayOn XMBC to play videos (because it is able to passthrough DTS-MA & E-AC3 unlike MX Player). I was under the impression that box is supposed to output 720p video resolution when I play a 720p media (allowing TV to upscale). Instead, I get the output matching resolution that I have configured in Android->Settings->Display (seems weird). I tried setting it to “Auto” but then it always falls to 720p, even when I play 4K media. Is there a way to configure this to output the… Read more »

Bandu
Bandu
8 years ago


Thanks for the quick reply!

I was under the impression that my expensive TV can do a better job of upscaling :). I could be wrong.

So, as you advised, I have tried to set Display Resolution to 4K (and also 1080p) but when I wake up the box from sleep, it has automatically fallen back to 720p (even if ‘auto adjust’ setting is off).

Could there be something else causing this issue?

Thanks!

Bandu
Bandu
8 years ago

@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Thanks for clarifying that. I was scratching my head until hair falls off. I shall too wait then. To make sure I understood this correctly: Regardless of the player I use (MXPlayer or VidOn), it will produce the video in the same resolution that is set under Android-Settings-Display-Resolution (except frame rate switching done by player). Correct? Next Q: I am using a USB hard disk to store my media. When I set the box to OFF (standby mode), USB disk continue to rotate. Is there a way to turn the disk off (I am assuming continue running… Read more »

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

hi,

is it possible to have dual boot so we can launch openelec from sdcard with that box ?

thank’s

Andre
Andre
8 years ago

When will s905_106L1……..

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

Hello Guys! Received my Mini mx last week and the software is buggy, also after last update. But the box itself is beautiful and Kodi 16 Jarvis final version works fine 🙂 But, I tried to unroot the box because I can’t use it with my IPTV providers ITV app. I bought the box for watching IPTV via that app and for Kodi. Unrooted with a app from Playstore, but that unfortunatly bricked my device… Thanks to this forum I’ve managed to get it working again 🙂 Nothing worked, SD-card update, USB burning tool etc. So I tried to install… Read more »

junkpod
junkpod
8 years ago

hi guys, does anybody knows what kind of IR receiver stays inside?
I set my Harmony600 succesfuly to replace the bundled remote, hurray, i’m happy.
But I would like to set zhe play/pasue etc. buttons to work also (which are not in the remote originaly), so I tried MS mediaplayer setting and tested with KODI addon Keymapper, but it seems it cannot see any command.

So, is it possible to select any remote device to send any command it can interpret?

ALso a 106L pretty waited:) I’ve heard Tronsmart updated their S905 device with a fancy changelog.

int0x13
int0x13
8 years ago

When will be published the next firmware? Do you know ?
Is there any chinese website where we can see?

vaggy
vaggy
8 years ago

I am interested to buy beelink minimx 2gb+16gb version, but i am afraid because of the problems mentioned in review. I read in your posts that with OTA updates some of them are solved. How is your minimx kodi and android experience with the latest update (which is it? – 105L?) and what are the basic problems remaining?

Bandu
Bandu
8 years ago

When I try to add a Google account (or when I open GooglePlay app), I get an error “can’t establish a reliable connection”. Anyone knows how to get around this issue? My network connection is working and this problem is only when accessing Google – it looks like. Thanks!

roor
roor
8 years ago

I bought the 1gb+8gb version recently. I succesfully replaced the provided remote (broken 🙁 ) with another one based on NEC IR protocol (WDTV live remote control). I followed this guide (http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/amlogic-based-tv-players/aml872mx/tronsmart-ab/firmware-roms-tools-ab/9997-prometheus-universal-remote-setup-for-any-amlogic-board-with-ir). After the first run, I successfully installed the proposed latest software android release. Then, I had no problem to access the Google PlayStore and installed new applications (latest Kodi 16 release). The device is already rooted when delivered, so you do not need to install any other apps. I installed ssh server on it, and it runs pretty well. I also tested Linux/OpenElec/Kodi 6.1RC2 installed over a MicroSD… Read more »

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

roor :
I also tested Linux/OpenElec/Kodi 6.1RC2 installed over a MicroSD card (Android install is kept untouched). It runs very well too with HEVC/H.264 1080p video playing and also PVR (TvHeadEnd client).

Hi roor, can you explain how you did to run openelec from sdcard without erasing android.

Bandu
Bandu
8 years ago

Bandu :
When I try to add a Google account (or when I open GooglePlay app), I get an error “can’t establish a reliable connection”. Anyone knows how to get around this issue? My network connection is working and this problem is only when accessing Google – it looks like. Thanks!

I have managed to solve the issue by performing a factory reset. (If anyone else having the same issue).

roor
roor
8 years ago

@hxm
Hi hxm,

Just follow the instructions here: http://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=638.0
For more information, you may register and read the developer forum thread dedicated to OpenElec over MiniMX :
http://amlinuxmedia.com/forum/index.php?topic=13.0

junkpod
junkpod
8 years ago

@roor
Hi, do you think I can use the minimx OE image to MX64 too, or I have to find other image file?

roor
roor
8 years ago

@junkpod

I don’t think so. Even if SoC is identical, there are many differences between MX64 and MiniMx. Wifi specs are different, USB-OTG, 2GB RAM, may be Gigabit PHY is different… I don’t know if there is one available OE image for MX64. You may have a try getting the DTD file from the android image and replacing on OE image.

viewbowl
viewbowl
8 years ago

Have you tried Avdshare Video Converter which can Convert all PS3  unsupported MP4 to PS3 supported video formats with the highest converting speed.

tomer
tomer
8 years ago

Can I turn off WIFI and Bluetooth for this box? (this is quite important for me). If yes how?
In that case playing 1080p from DOK is flawless?

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

Guys! Update s905_106l Is out now!
I succesfully update the box via OTA

Fred
Fred
8 years ago

@SvD

Hi, from which version ? I’m still with the original factory version, as i don’t want to brick it…and moreover, there’s not really enhancements… Passthrough does not work with kodi, autoframerate, etc….

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

@fred

From version s905_105l

Koxx
Koxx
8 years ago

@SvD

did you receive it from OTA ?
I haven’t seen it.

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

@Knoxx Yes I did receive it from OTA. When I plugged in the poweradapter, there was a pop-up:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=1AB826D3FF90E739!9596&authkey=!AOTkR9rhZB3KKjc&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg

Koxx
Koxx
8 years ago

Koxx :
@SvD
did you receive it from OTA ?
I haven’t seen it.

oups … I missed the OTA sentence. I’ll try to force the update.
Any changelog ?

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

It only says: minor bugfixes

int0x13
int0x13
8 years ago

The new firmware has Kodi 16.0 stable version, nice!

int0x13
int0x13
8 years ago

i cant make work extendedInfo script on Kodi 16.0, i have an error:
“ERROR: CAddonInstallJob[script.extendedinfo]: The dependency on xbmc.python version 2.0.0 could not be satisfied.”

tomer
tomer
8 years ago


Thanks for your answer.
Where exactly is the wireless module? Is the Bluetooth there too? And is it straightforward to open the box and to remove it?

tomer
tomer
8 years ago


Thanks! As I’m not interested in taking out the module in working condition, can I just cut the voltage to the unit or damage it in an easier way?

tomer
tomer
8 years ago


Can you explain how? I guess I have to do this when the box is connected to the main….

tomer
tomer
8 years ago


Thanks again. I guess I’ll go for unsoldering. Btw do you have a guide comparing different boxes? I consider also
the Tronsmart MXIII or Ms8+ for wired FHD only via OE. Anyway unsoldering the wireless units for them would be the same?

Tony
Tony
8 years ago

Got one of those
Started it, hooked to wifi, downloaded update, reboot, stuck for ever on boot logo.
Is this box dead forever or can I resurrect it still? The firmware links pasted above are dead. Is there an official support email for this box anyone knows?

SvD
SvD
8 years ago

@Tony See my earlier post, this should work.

fred
fred
8 years ago

@roor

Hi Roor, i tried to boot from SD on Openlec, following your post link, but no way. It is booting on Mini MX and i can see the SD Card in the file manager. But no way to boot from it… is there anythintg special to boot on it ?

I used linux and disk image writer to restore the img on the SD card.

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

@fred

I got the same issue as i explained in the post [http://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?PHPSESSID=07cc4878237faeae5cfe39f996f81443&topic=638.msg4357#msg4357]
try to launche update & restore, choose any zip file and clicke on update, after the reboot, i choose to reboot on bootloader. after that the arlinuxmedia will be launched correctly. (probably going to bootloader made the box able to boot from and SDCARD).

tomer
tomer
8 years ago

How is the performance if I boot OPENELEC from microSD? Is it enough for FHD playing?

fred
fred
8 years ago

@hxm

Hi,
thank you for your answer. But just a small question : what zip file i use ? I’m still on the original firmware, and i don’t update because i’m afraid of the reboot loop issue a lot of people had… So what zip file can i use ?

hxm
hxm
8 years ago

Choose any zip file not containig upgrade…the deal is to enter the recovery mode once and choose reboot in bootloader.

Other have rebooted the box into recovery by pressing the small button in the pin hole.

Good luck.

On sdcard openelec boot very quickly faster than loading android + you will have more free memory than on android…give it a try and give feedback.

With time you will notice that having only 1go of ram is not good. The v2 of that box have 2go.

tomer
tomer
8 years ago

I mean – how is the performance with micro SD OPENELEC compared to regular installation of OPENELEC?

int0x13
int0x13
8 years ago

@tomer why do you need to remove wifi and BT module?! What the hell are you doing?
i’m trying to use my external USB DVD player to playback DVD movies with Kodi but Android is unable to mount the DVD player for some reason, do you have any idea. Here is the log:

[81832.871153@1] usb 2-1.4: new high-speed USB device number 25 using dwc_otg
[81832.996013@2] usb-storage 2-1.4:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[81832.997384@2] scsi30 : usb-storage 2-1.4:1.0
[81834.022377@2] scsi 30:0:0:0: CD-ROM TSSTcorp CDDVDW SE-S084C TS01 PQ: 0 ANSI: 0

int0x13
int0x13
8 years ago

the DVD player is detected, but it’s not mounted, i tried to mount manually but failed.
Here is the output of the command:
http://pastebin.com/1WwHBysZ
iso9660 is in the list. So i guess it’s a matter of mounting the DVD player, but so far i dont find the solution. Thank you.

tomer
tomer
8 years ago

@int0x13
I refrain from using appliances which emit RF radiation. So I want to try to do it via hardware and software together.

Can I do this turn WIFI off when OE is booted from a microSD? e.g. by putting there something like a batch file?