Yes, I’m fully aware that the best way to have a streaming box is to run Linux on a Raspberry Pi, and if anyone has a guide for how to best set that up, connect to various streaming services, and allow casting from a phone then I’m very happy to check it out. However, I’ve heard Android TV boxes/sticks are still relatively customisable so I’d really just like something I can run SmartTubeNext on and cast YouTube to the TV without any ads. I’m not going to be putting much in the way of personal data on it so it’s obviously doesn’t need to be the most secure/hardened thing in the world, but I’d still rather avoid the dodgiest of boxes. Any recommendations for something cheap-ish and private-ish?

  • snoopaEnglish
    7·
    1 year ago

    Here is the actual answer you were looking for: The Dynalink TV Box (4K) for $30.

    • Unbeatable price
    • One of 3 TV boxes supported by LineageOS for best privacy. Only other ones are the Nvidia Shield devices ($100+) and the Google ADT developer devices (can’t be easily purchased)
    • Possible to use without GAPPS or with GAPPS and a root firewall
    • Can use VPN or custom DNS despite regular Android TV limitations
    • Full DRM/Widevine support for UHD content even with LineageOS flashes

    I’ve personally used one for months now for GApps-free, Widevine compatible streaming on Netflix, Prime, Newpipe, etc. I used LOS + Mullvad VPN + AFWall + several Xposed modules to hide root and it all works just fine.