I have a raspberry pi running osmc. my streams run through TVHeadend software built into osmc, means I have full PVR experience with live pause and recording, series recording. And any Kodi on the same network can run the TVHeadend addon giving full PVR usage on that as well.
Z8 .... Best of the best ...
If you decide you want a Z8 PM me and I can get you a better deal than the retail price.
I can second this about the Formuler Z8, I also have a shield but the Z8 is where I watch my iptv.
The built in iptv app is light years ahead of iptv Smarters, STBEmu etc. It just works as a satellite/cable box and looks good too.
I would like to use my shield as the Netflix app on the Z8 doesn't work that well and I'd much rather just have one box to do it all but as of now I go between the two.
In general almost any tv box currently is capable working well with iptv. However, if you wish the best experience both in interface and compatibility, you should look to boxes with Android TV bundled, like Mi Box S, for example.
I use an MX10 Pro with Tivimate installed. Works great. Remote has all the functions. VPN autostarts. Never tried recording or timeshift. About $40.
First Nvidia shield expensive, but does worth the money. Don't waste your time and money cheaper unreliable TV boxes.....
Formuler, Buzz, Dreamlink (rebranded Formuler) etc are all IPTV specific devices running Android but with proprietary guides and functions that deliver a near cable like experience.
The Shield runs Android TV and can sideload android apps, but it lacks the the additional features the devices above provide.
So the Forumler and such can do what a shield does but the reverse is not true..does that make it a better device? Depends on needs/preferences.
I use my shield with Tivimate more often because of GeoForce Now...if strictly an IPTV session then the Formuler.
Heres some Pics of the z8
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19BgGJrnFfUNXtxnhjq9CY7KuHD51xXNV?usp=sharing
The Amazon Firestick with STBEmu is a legit choice. I have the 4K device and it runs pretty smoothly for my needs.nevwr had a dedicated MAG box so can't compare but works pretty smooth.
You can read about setting IPTV using firestick here.
first off they have a built app so u do not rely on a secondry ap. Next will be ram as most boxes on have 1 or 2 gig of ram. lastly the android boxes have too man secondary app that use of that ram even tho they are not active. Last is the android on most boxes is not upgraded and can never be so any box from before 2015 will have older android os and most apk will not work. Dedicated iptv boxes usually have better abilities for 4k ufd and fhd
The Z8 has a beautiful guide built in with cable tv like functions on it.
Recording
TimeShift
Restart Current Show Options Now
and much more...
The Z8 has replaced my shield which wasnt an easy task. Shield is the Android TV King. But the z8 is the IPTV King