Make a smart tv from old TV thanks to Ferguson Fbox ATV

You can connect it to an older LCD TV with an HDMI output (and even via cinch if necessary) and watch movies on YouTube, Netflix, IPLA, Plex and other "players". Nothing prevents us from playing movies from files, together with subtitles. The same goes for music - online (e.g. Spotify) or files. We have complete freedom.

The reason is simple - ATV is short for Android TV. In other words, FBOX is managed by the same system that most of us have on our phones. We have access to the application store, and after enabling installation from unknown sources, you can also install programs (APKs) that are not officially in the store. Of course, you have to be careful not to accidentally catch the virus on "Andek" ;).

A huge advantage is the support for many multimedia formats, including 4K videos. Video 4K 60 fps (70 Mbps) and 4K 30 fps (50 Mbps) did not impress Ferguson. Music in 24-bit AIF files with a bit rate of about 2 Mbps - also no problem.

Ferguson FBOX ATV - test

Ferguson FBOX ATV works great as a discreet addition to the TV set. The device is very small. It is less than 2.5 cm high and 10 cm wide and long. On a table or TV cabinet, it takes up virtually no space.

The black housing is unobtrusive, and the matte surface is scratch-resistant (e.g. during vacuuming).

Perfect ergonomics

Despite the small dimensions, the manufacturer has managed to design the housing in a thoughtful way. All the most important input ports are placed not on the back, but on the sides to facilitate the use of storage media.

On the left side we have a slot for a microSD card up to 2TB capacity, so in practice for any currently available media of this type. The micro SD card does not protrude beyond the housing, so it perfectly serves as a permanent memory on which you can install programs and store multimedia.

You can also see the slots used to cool the electronic components. The second set of slots is at the bottom. This arrangement allows the air to flow freely and effectively lowers the temperature inside. The FBOX ATV stands on four small rubber pads.

On the right side there are two USB ports - 1x fast USB 3.0 and 1x USB 2.0. Thanks to this, we can connect a fast flash drive or portable disk and play even very demanding movies and quickly copy files.

The most important exits are built into the back. We have it here:

Configuration

Connecting and initial configuration of the device is very simple. It shouldn't be a problem for anyone who has set up an Android phone at least once. In fact, it is even simpler, because FBOX ATV does not require so many steps.

We connect the box to the power supply, then to the TV via HDMI. We choose the language, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network (or connect the Ethernet cable), and then log in to your own Google account. Nothing to worry about - you'll be fine.

System

Ferguson FBOX ATV is managed by the Android TV system. In practice, it is a classic "Andek", but with a strongly changed interface, adapted to large displays (televisions and monitors) and operated with a remote control or other controller.

The vast majority of the interface has been translated into Polish. However, I did find a few options that were in English. The system version currently available is 7.0, but I received information from the manufacturer that work is underway on a newer version of Android for FBOX ATV. Regardless, version 7.0 works well and aside from Android security updates, it doesn't lack any functionality.

By default, Android TV serves us large, clear tiles with recommended media (usually YouTube videos), and a little lower with applications. Among the standard programs available immediately after the first configuration, I found YouTube, Chrome, Android TV Remote (remote control), Netflix, Plex, Play Store, Miracast, Media Center, Aptoide, Aptoide TV and several smaller apps.

But ... within a dozen or so minutes of the initial setup, I already had a handful of other programs installed, mostly for movies and music, of course. All this from play store or apk files.

Easy operation with the remote control

Moving around the interface is convenient thanks to the remote control included in the set. It is worth noting, however, that this is not a small remote control, which is often added to competing Chinese "boxes", but a large, full-fledged remote control with a numeric keypad, multimedia buttons, directional buttons, volume control buttons, and also (often used by me) ) with the function key to which I assigned the option of taking screenshots in the system.

Keyboard? No problem!

Although the keyboard is not included in the package (at such a low price it's hard to demand), but I paired the Ferguson ATV with the Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard. It connected quickly, worked seamlessly, and dramatically accelerated typing longer names into YouTube, Google Search, or the Chrome address bar.

In my opinion, operating the system is even more convenient using the keyboard than the remote control, although of course this applies to basic functions (e.g. simply navigating the interface and turning on / off the application).

The same goes for your web browser. You can scroll through pages faster with the directional keys (even faster if you hold "Alt"). We open the links with Enter, we go back with Ecap, and if we want to close the application right away, we press the classic Alt + F4. Only navigating links using Tab is unpleasant, because the browser does not highlight selected links. The multimedia keys for volume control and play/pause also worked.

Overall, operation is much faster than using the remote control alone. This applies not only to navigating the interface, but above all to entering text.

Android + Linux

Ferguson FBOX ATV can have two Android TV + Linux operating systems installed and (note!) both can run simultaneously. No need to fiddle with booting to one and then to the other - we have both on hand at the same time. For example, you can download something from a torrent on Linux (fully legal of course!) to a directory that is watched by Plex on Android. Everything is indexed on a regular basis, and we do not waste time and nerves.

I believe, however, that two operating systems on such a TV box is not a function for everyone. In fact, most typical users will be satisfied one hundred percent with Android TV, and they will not even think about Linux. That's why I don't treat it as a big real advantage, although of course for geeks, it will be a real treat.

YouTube 4K, Netflix, HDR, Spotify

Linux is a cool thing, but most people will buy this box anyway to be able to quickly and comfortably watch movies on a TV or monitor and listen to music on active speakers or home theater. We basically have nothing to complain about here.

We turn on Netflix, we can watch even with HDR (in Full HD). It will also easily handle YouTube 4K and, of course, the aforementioned movies from files (4K + subtitles + multi-channel sound with Dolby Atmos). If necessary, we can even send something to the TV from a smartphone wirelessly via Miracast. Generally - it's good.

No connection speed issues. Ferguson FBOX ATV has dual-band Wi-Fi MIMO (2.4 + 5 GHz), it even works in the "ac" standard. There are two antennas in the housing. The signal strength is good, as is the connection stability. If we have a good Wi-Fi router at home and a relatively fast internet, we will have absolutely no problems with playing 4K movies from the Internet.

Low energy consumption

It is also worth adding one very important thing. The tested equipment consumes about 3-3.5W of energy when playing 4K movies. It's really very little. We are sure that the continuous operation of the equipment for a long time will not cause us large expenses. It is a box for thrifty, consuming very little electricity.

Finally, for enthusiasts of technical data, we present a shortened FBOX ATV specification:

Summary

A typical mortal like me buys a "TV box" to watch movies and listen to music. As soon as possible, as easily and as cheaply as possible. In this respect, the Ferguson FBOX ATV is excellent.

It is a small, inconspicuous box that will transform an old TV into a Smart TV. For relatively little money, we get Netflix, YouTube 4K, playing 4K movies from files (with surround sound and subtitles), streaming music, e.g. from Spotify and many other features of Media Center equipment. We can set up a server or connect to it, operate the ATV remotely, display the image wirelessly via Miracast, browse the Internet, and all this is conveniently operated from the couch, using the remote control or keyboard and displayed on a large screen.

Ferguson FBOX ATV costs about PLN 300. It's worth buying if you don't want to spend money on a new TV. It can be connected to both a TV and a monitor, and the sound can be transmitted, for example, via optical fiber to a home cinema.

Final Rating:

94%