Is there any excess performance to be had with having a dedicated iptv unit like a MAG 254 vs running STB Emulator on a capable android box? I am currently running STB Emulator on a M8S+ and wondering if getting a MAG 254/250/ AVOV will bring me any benefit?
I've used stb emulator on my minix U1. I also own a mag254, avov tv online plus and the new Dreamlink t1. The experience on any of these Iptv boxes are far better than the STB Emulator in my opinion. The Dreamlink t1 is by far my favourite device as channels load hella fast and kodi with a complex build such as spins runs just as fast as my minix U1.
don't omit avovs
I am wondering about the same dilemma.
When i used the STB emulator there was a bug at the time so that username/password logins that some providers use would not come up, so it meant I basically could use those providers. Providers that only only MAC address were fine, but some do use two methods for authentication.
Not sure if the bug is fixed yet.
I have a Mag 254 box, and an STB emulator installed on my android box. TBH once I chose the Exo Player as mediaplayer for STB it was at least as good as the Mag box...if not a little snappier. Even though the Emulator is only a 5 MB program I find myself using it most of the time.
I'm surprise not more have chimed in on the performance question.
Also, I'm not sure how you configure STB emulator, but you should compare the configuration/setup process as well vs dedicated units. It's dead easy on the Avov units.
Is stb emulator better than kodi?
I like the dedicated.
My vote. Emulator
There is a general principle in life about tools. A tool that does only one job will do it better than a tool that does several jobs.