Today we are going to talk about a completely different TV Box to everything we have seen so far in "smart boxes" for TV. If we like the concept of Open Source and the power to sauce with the components and configuration of our TV Box, the Khadas VIM 2 Max it is a device to follow closely.
Analysis of the Khadas VIM 2 Max, a DIY open source TV Box
TV Boxes allow us to convert an ordinary TV into a Smart TV or multimedia center for use. They usually work with Android, with all the good and bad that this entails.
This unique TV Box, on the other hand, is closer to a Raspeberry Pi, both in concept and usability. We can install Android and use it as a normal TV Box, or we can install Ubuntu or OpenELEC / LibreELEC and go one step further. What there is no doubt about, is that we are facing an Open Source device with which we can play and get as much hand as we want.
Design and presentation
The Khadas VIM 2 Max is presented in an original book-shaped box. Inside we find the device as such, which comes mounted on a transparent casing, exposing the "guts" of the device. Also has 3 physical buttons power, reset and function.
Technical specifications
As far as hardware is concerned, this Khadas VIM 2 has a processor Amlogic S912 Octa Core 1.5GHz, Mali-T820 GPU, 3GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
In terms of connectivity, it has 2 USB 2.0 ports, a USB Type C input to charge the device, SD slot, HDMI output and a LAN port. It has really tiny dimensions of 9.20 x 6.60 x 2.20 cm and a weight of only 70 gr.
Here is a comparative table between the Khadas VIM 2 and the Raspberry Pi 3B:
What can I do with a Khadas VIM 2 Max?
The truth is that on paper the number of things we can do with this Khadas VIM 2 is super attractive:
- Supports Ubuntu 16.04 and higher, Android 7.1, Docker, Buildroot and OpenELEC / LibreELEC.
- Wake on Lan (WOL) to remotely turn on the device from the mobile or PC.
- RSDB (Real Simultaneous Dual Band), sending and receiving data through two bands simultaneously.
- MCU for battery consumption management, EEPROM customization and boot device configuration (SPI flash or eMMC).
- Supports networks WiFi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac.
- Reproduction of 4K video.
It is clear that for all this to work correctly we will need a good forum, support and software repository that we can have for our exploits with the Khadas. Luckily, the device has a very active community, with a forum where we can consult and download everything we need.
Price and availability
The Khadas VIM 2 Max currently has a discounted price of 109.99 $, about 93 euros to change, on GearBest. If we are interested in getting it, we can also take advantage of the following discount coupon -valid between August 20 and 29- to reduce a good pinch:
Coupon Code: GBVIM2MAX
Price with coupon: $ 99.99, about 84 euros.
On the other hand, between August 21 and 29, every day from 09:00 (UTC), the store will put 5 devices on sale at a price of $ 49.99, just over 42 euros. You just have to be aware, and as always, be the fastest and most accurate (9:00 UTC corresponds to 11:00 AM Spanish time).
In addition to all this, the first 300 units will be able to add the remote control for 0 euros (come on, it is free) to their order.
GearBest | Buy Khadas VIM 2 Max
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