IPTV setup (Beginner)

by RuntimeEnvironment

Hello folks,

I have spent the last month on testing different IPTV provider and can say that I found 2-3 good ones (fulfilling my needs).

During the testing period I used Kody and IPTV Simple Client - Kodi Addon.

The good thing is that my Sony TV (Android TV) runs Kodi and does it ok. Could be a bit more smoothly, but its ok. What Im more missing are some essential things a "real" TV GUI has. Maybe I have overlooked those features in Kodi but I doubt that.

Thats why Im thinking about a STB just for IPTV. Ive read tons of STB reviews and this shall not be the topic here. What I want to know is:

Can a real set top box e.g. Formuler Z7+ give me a more "natural" TV feeling?

Thanks in advance for your answers,

Claas

blindfist926

Can a real set top box e.g. Formuler Z7+ give me a more "natural" TV feeling?

Yes, my parents have been using one of these for the last 6 months and I basically set up the channel list as it was with Cable TV except obviously now with hundreds of more channels. The big thing with these Formuler devices is really the MyTVOnline app that really sets it apart from anything else. For us the first month with the box was with some trouble as they were updating and ironing out the bugs (boxing going into a coma basically not waking up) but by the second month it was all running pretty smooth. One app that's completely free that I do like is the ProgTV, but the reason I don't use it myself is because it's a little more fiddly than MyTVOnline and it doesn't run particularly well on the Z7+. Maybe give that app a try if you've got a capable piece of hardware and you might be able to save instead of buying a Formuler. I recommend these MX3 air remotes too if you're using other hardware, it gives you the cable/satellite box experience without having to buy these dedicated IPTV boxes.

I actually just bought the Emby for Android TV app the other day too which runs great on the Formuler Z7+ so am probably going to be getting rid of the Roku as that's all I was using it for. And I'll eventually be getting rid of a second Roku and going for an Android box+MX3 remote with an IPTV (as the kids will be using this one ProgTV might be a bit too much for them) and Emby app combo to hopefully give me similar usage to the Z7+.

Sylocule

If you can get it for your Sony, STBEmu looks and acts like a Mag device.

Alternatively, Smarters Pro is an excellent app for IPTV.

I’ve got a Mag 322 and I’m not all that impressed. My much older 1st gen Firesticks work better, IMO. They all run the Smarters app

Estartithomey

Can't answer that except heard good things about it. I run a mag 322 box and happy with it. Just developers starting to block portals. Bud thatsxa different topic.

SonicIPTV

We dropped our Kodi addon long ago and our official App is so much better, its as close as you can get to a standard cable/satellite UI with tv guide, etc. There are also other stand alone apps we support that are known for their TV-like looks and functions for example Perfect Player.

RuntimeEnvironment

Oh big thanks for your thought. What I dislike the most on the Kodi App Im using is the channel management. I could rearrange the m3u by hand with some tools. But I like better with a nice GUI. Recording/Time shift are other points ...

All things a modern TV is capable of. Maybe I should try out you suggestions and order the Formuler and try it myself.

mrkingpin007

forget kodi ... install iptv extreme pro app on android.

that's what I installed on my friends 4k sony tv.

RuntimeEnvironment

Just a short follow up: I tried Perfect Player, Simple Player and IPTV Smarters Pro and I didn't like the experience I made. Time to take some money and buy a Formuler. Ive heard so many good things about. Well see.

MakeMyDay84

Z7+ is good without all the bugs but so far it's been disappointing tbh. Tvip is the way to awsome box who runs both Linux and Android.

Just curios which country you watch most what's ur needs?

domyates

I used Kodi on my Bravia with Helix. https://helixhosting.ninja/aff.php?aff=93

Initially it was ok, But Perfect Player is much better and more stable