Android boxes with HDMI input for video recording
There are plenty of Android boxes with HDMI output that let you run Android
apps on a TV. But there are only a few models that have HDMI input and
software that lets you record videos.
One oft the first was the Zidoo X9, which launched earlier this year and
which sells for about $120. Now there’ a cheaper option called the
Tronsmart Pavo M9 which is available from Geekbuying for $90. Some retailers
are selling it for even lower prices.
pavo m9_02
Both boxes feature HDMI input and an app that lets you record videos to the
device’s built-in storage or a USB flash drive or hard drive. You can
record videos at 720p or 1080p resolutions and choose to save videos as MP4
or TS files.
Note that there doesn’t seem to be a way to schedule recordings, and I
wouldn’t expect to be able to record encrypted digital television
broadcasts. But CNX-Software managed to use the Zidoo X9 to record HD and SD
television, save a video showing gameplay and video playback on a computer
running Ubuntu, and record a screencast from OpenELEC running on a PC.
zidoo x9_03
CNX-Software also notes that there are reasons the Tronsmart model is
cheaper: it has a 1GB of RAM rather than 2GB, features a plastic case rather
than metal, lacks Bluetooth support, and only supports 2.4 GHz WiFi
connections (the Zidoo X9 also supports 5.0 GHz.
The Tronsmart box features an Mstar MSO9180D1R quad-core ARM Cortex-A9
processor, Mali 450 MP2 graphics, 8GB of storage, a microSD card slot, HDMI
input and output, S/PDIF, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, two USB 2.0
ports, one USB 3.0 port, an IR port, and a wireless remote control.
pavo m9_01
The Zidoo X9 has similar specs, but also features Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-
band WiFI.
All told, these devices could be an interesting option for folks looking for
an Android box that can record screencasts and the occasional unencrypted
television channel. But if you’re looking to create a fully functional
digital video recorder with support for electronic program guides and
scheduled recordings you’re probably better off using a Windows or Linux
box that can run MythTV, Media Portal, and accept input from a CableCard or
coaxial cable connection.