Hi, Guys:
After play so many quad core tv sticks, today we will introduce a new quad core TV BOX with Ethernet port, external wifi antenna;
Model is K-R42, Actually we have seen this model in our competitor’s site before, but we don’t hurry to list it for sale, because we want to test the performance, and we need to know what we are selling 
So, here we go, let’s check how good this first quad core tv box:
1 Specification:
| Hardware Spec: | |
| Operation System | Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean |
| Language | Multi-Language support |
| Chipset | RK3188 28nm Cortex-A9 Quad core. |
| GPU | Mali400 MP4 |
| SDRAM | DDR3 2GB |
| Nand Flash | 8GB Nand Flash. |
| Storage Extension | Support MicroSD(TF) ，Up to 32GB |
| Network | 2.4GHZ WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, LAN 10/100M Base-T |
| Power Supply | DC 5V/2A |
| Interface: | |
| HDMI Out | 1xHDMI(A type Male) Full HD 1920x1080P |
| USB Port | 2XUSB Host |
| Data Output | 1xSPDIF |
| AV Out | 1×3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| Network | 1xRJ45 LAN Port |
| Power Supply | 1xDC Jack(2.1mm) |
| Antenna | External WiFi antenna |
| Media Parameter: | |
| Audio Container: | Support MP1、MP2、MP3、WMA、WAV、OGG、OGA、APE、FLAC、AAC、M4A、3GPP…etc Audio formats.Muliti -EQ mode，Support Synchronized lyrics and full-page lyric display. |
| Audio Out | HDMI Data Output |
| Video Decoder | MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4,H.263, H.264, AVS, VC-1, RV, VP6/VP8, Sorenson Spark, MVC 1920x1080P 60FPS |
| Video Encoder | H.264，VP8，MVC(1080P) |
| Resolution | Full HD1080P@30fps |
| H.264 Data Rate: | Up to 60Mbps |
| Image browser | Support JPG、JPEG、BMP、GIF、PNG、JFIF…etc photo format.Maximum resolution up to 8192×8192. |
| Text-Reading | Support TXT、LRC、PDF、Html、Htm、EPUB…etc formats(Depends on APK install)。 |
| Software Compatibility | Windows XP,Window 7, iOS,Android |
| Software Extension | Support Google Play & APK install。 |
| DLNA,Wimo Protocol | Support DLNA,Wimo Protocol |
| Remote Control | Support Smart phone remote control、2.4GHZ wireless air mouse/Remote controller. |
| IM Software | Support Skype/QQ/MSN/GTALK (Depends on APK install) |
| Offic Software | WORD/EXCEL/PDF(Depends on APK install) |
| Others Parameters | |
| Operationg Temperature: | -10~40℃ |
| Storage Temperature: | -20~50℃ |
| Humidity environment | 5%-90%(No condensation) |
| Certification | CCC,CE,EMC,FCC,Wi-Fi |
| Dimension | 142x95x16mm |
| Net Weight | 130g |
| Accessory List | |
| 1.Standard Package: 1xGift box、1xManual、1xAdapter(DC 5V/2A),1xHDMI Cable 1x IR Remote Controller | |
This specification is coming from factory directly, and we can see some highlights for this K-R42 TV BOX:
1 Coming with Android 4.2.2 Jelly bean OS directly;
2 Coming with external wifi antenna (we will put some test for wifi in following reviews)
3 Coming with multi-port, such as Ethernet port,SPDIF port, headphone jack, and usb ports.
4 Coming with a extrea remote control, and easy to use! you also can power off your device with the remote!
5 Coming with physical power on/off button, you never need to worry how to power off my android tv box
Now let’s begin the review:
Part 1: Appearance Review
The first bulk is only light blue colour, no other colour now, please notice when you place order. The physical power on/off button is on the front of K-R42. The remote control is using 2pcs AAA battery, factory don’t product battery in the package, it is safe for the shipping and custom, so when you get this K-R42, you should install the battery in remote first;
Now let’s check the ports on K-R42, from left to right:
External wifi antenna;
RJ45 port for Ethernet;
USB 2.0 port for keyboard/mice or usb disk/hard driver;
SPDIF for audio output;
HDMI port
OTG port for connecting with PC;
AV port;
DC port;
There is still one usb 2.0 port and one micro sd card slot on the side;
Here is the bottom of K-R42, and the recovery button is here, you can use it for firmware upgrade;
Remote Reivew:
You can power on/off the K-R42 with the botton on remote. Please notice this remote don’t have Gyro, so it just like a keyboard/mice, i tested with the XBMC,it’s good to use.
After change to Mouse mode, you can press the direction key to control the mouse on your TV.
Inside of K-R42:
Part 2 System Review:
Classic Android 4.2 OS, and no other chinese app built-in, the cleanest rom i have seen ever:) build in google play store.
Also build in the latest Rockchip smartphone control app, install the following app in your smartphone,
http://www.mediafire.com/download/9ettekulsbk5g82/RKRemoteV2.0.2.rar
and put this tv box and your smarphont in same network, you can enjoy to control this tv box with your smartphone;
Here is the system information, you can find the kernel version and build number here;
About wifi, the external wifi antenna made K-R42 has amazing wifi signals, i will do a compare with other mini pc in later review, but from this photo, we can see, the link speed is 150MBPS, and i already confirm with factory, the K-R42 use the realtek 8188 wifi chipset;
Screen resolution,i have to say, this tv box is still coming with 720p upscale to 1080p. and the real 1080p firmware will coming later;
Benchmark Reivew:
1 Antutu Benchmark:
2 NenaMark Benchmark:
3 Vellamo Benmark:
APP Review
Google Play Store:
Google Play store is built-in, but not coming with the latest version, you can update by yourself easily, and If you met problem about some apps is incompatible with your device, you can see this instruction:
http://www.andromint.com/install-incompatible-android-apps-from-google-play/
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2143039
Youtube
running the latest Youtube app which is got from google play store, no problem in play HD videos;
Web Browser
Build-in Adobe Flash Player
Skype
Skype video chat is working on K-R42, We tested with Logitech C170 Webcam, audio and video all ok.
Netflix
Ok, i have to tell you bad news about Netflix, the K-R42 sample we tested still have scrambled problemed, i have reported this problem to factory,and wait for a new update. but as we all know, All of other android 4.2 tv sticks have those problem before, but rockchip has fixed the problem, so i think the K-R42 just need a update to fix the problem.
RKgameController
RKGameControlSetting is an Android application that will help you define the regions on the screen used in a game and the corresponding buttons to map these regions to. I have tested with an allwinner a31 tablet, it just works great, i don’t feel any lags.
Please make sure your smartphone or tablet is in the same network with your TV BOX, and you should install the latest smartphone controller app in your smartphone or tablet.
For more information, see here:
Wireless Display
Wireless Display is the newest tech which allow you to mirror your smartphone to your TV, K-R42 is built in the wireless display app, if you want to use this function, run this app first, and then open the wireless display function in your smartphone or tablet, choose K-R42 to pair, and connect. We have tested with google nexus smartphone and xiaoMi 2 smartphone, all work. but as far as i know, the Samsung smartphone don’t work with this now.
XBMC
Because K-R42 is still base on rockchip rk3188 chip, so still no hardware decoding on this device, but you still can run this XBMC version in your K-R42. however, if you want to play 1080p movie smoothly, you should use the external video player, see instruction here
File explorer
Tested with 1TB USB HARD DRIVERS, and try to play the 1080p file through the hard drivers, all working!
WIFI test
Till now, K-R42 has the best wifi signal in all of the tv box i tested, The external WIFI signal is really helped a lot.
ROOT
The K-R42 is rootable, you can follow the instruction here:
Firmware
Android 4.2 Stock firmware for K-R42 is here:
password: geekbuying.com
Get the K-R42 from Geekbuying.com:
You will get the best price, best Tech support!
Does this one really not have any built-in Bluetooth at all? That really would be a shame!
In case it does have it, which BT chip is being used and it better be BT 4.0 BLE and not just the outdated BT 2.1+EDR.
Yes, the factory only have the one without bluetooth now. sorry for that.
Dongle’s with rk3188 are very hot.Are K-R42 have this problem too ?
If it had some more USB ports and some more flash it would be perfect. But also this way, it is supposed to be a great device.
anyword on DD 5.1 and DTS passtrough via HDMI or spdif?
720 HD is 1280 x 720 pixels. Antutu reported 1280 x 672. What happened to the other 48 lines? Will it be a true 1920×1080 required for 1080p when the new firmware is released?
Is the “stock” rom link back to v4.1? Also, is the Netflix issue only associate with v4.2?
Hi, the stock rom in post is for android 4.2. and netflix will be solved in next firmware update.
the other 48lines is taken by the bottom of the screen(black lines), and yes, i will push factory to release the real 1080p firmware for this.
Yes, the Black one will be in stock next week.
Better a lot than the dongles, because it has bigger PCBA board. much more size for heat.
Some questions:
1) You can show on youtube the detailed video-review K-R42 with demonstration of work?
2) You plan to put in a box with K-R42: 1xAV cable?
3) When it is exact and in what kind will be Bluetooth (it is built in new models, or external in usb, or…)?
Thanks for answers.
Based on discussions with others having issues with RK3188 and Netflix, some had success with downgrading to v4.1. The documentation listed v4.1 as one of the earlier versions for this piece of hardware. If they can provide that it might be worth testing.
i will order a K-R42
if finless makes a rom for it
Yes, we will make him do that
Hi, the nextflix fixed firmware will get soon, we will release that once we get.
thanks for your suggestion!
Does it has heatsinks on Rockchip and memory? If not – I’ll order those from Fasttech to save the time.
i already ordered a 37mm x 37mm x 6mm NORTHBRIDGE self-adhesive heatsink on ebay, to be on safe side.
i’ll hope you will include a eu power supply
But other sellers saying this k-r42 aka mk888 comes with blue tooth?
They are liar. now the K-R42 only have no bluetooth version in market, yes, factory will do the bluetooth version,but not now. we have contacted with the factory directly, so we know what it is real in stock in market.
To Eric,
Answer my question please: http://www.geekbuying.com/geekgiz/index.php/2013/06/24/k-r42first-rk3188-quad-core-tv-box-review/comment-page-1/#comment-23074
Sorry to answer late.
I am doing the video,and will upload to youtube soon;
the factory don’t put the AV cable in the package, but it can work with any av cables,you can get one from our store.
now k-r42 don’t support bluetooth, and we also don’t find any usb bluetooth dongle which can support, but the factory tell us, they will release the bluetooth version in next month.
Thanks for the answers.
We are waiting for the video and a new model with bluetooth 4.0 (hopefully).
will you include a EU power supply in the box
Yes,we will ship the correct charger as the shipping address you left in our store, please don’t worry.
Does this device have overheating issues?
No,it has no heat problem, because it has much more room for heat.
No problems with heat with 1080p, too?
“Fred says:
June 26, 2013 at 1:17 pm
anyword on DD 5.1 and DTS passtrough via HDMI or spdif?”
Can you test this please? This is the only thing that holds me back from buying it.
Just to check this device is also called CS918?On ebay it says it has bluetooth and it has a different(nicer looking) remote but it costs more.When are you going to get this device with bluetooth and with a different remote? and when you do get it notify us in this forum
Can the AV port be used just four sound(without video) because i want to connect my PC speakers to the TV Box.
@Eric: if the factory isn’t already doing in the upcoming BT version, then please all the influence GB can muster, tto push them to use a modern Bluetooth 4.0+BLE (aka Smart ready) solution and not some several years old BT v2.0 or v2.1, that doesn’t even support high speed mode over WiFi.
According to several Broadcom press releases, the current up to date BT v4.0 chips are hardly more expensive than the outdated old ones, therefore the device manufacturers can’t blame the RF chip makers for not doing the right thing.
But from a buyer’s perspective it makes a huge difference in the purchase decision, if the product supports the current BT v.4.0+BLE or not.
Well, looks like my RF keyboard was cutting out w/o me noticing it in time
Here is the correction for the first paragraph of my previous post:
@Eric:
if the factory isn’t already doing it in the upcoming BT version, then please use all the influence GB can muster, to push them to use a modern Bluetooth 4.0+BLE (aka Smart ready) solution and not some several years old BT v2.0 or v2.1, that doesn’t even support high speed mode over WiFi, let alone low energy mode.
@Eric:
What do you say the comparing K-R42 and Kaiboer F4?
Push the factory as hard as you can to release the Bluetooth version.
And answer my question:
-Can the AV port be used just four sound(without video) because i want to connect my PC speakers to the TV Box.
HI,i just test it can’t just use the av port for sound. sorry.
Kaiboer F4 is designed for china market, and price is higher a lot than k-R42, also not in stock now.
HI, can you answer a few questions for me please:
Is a version of this player available that has VGA output? It’s frustrating that most of the newer players have dropped VGA support.
I understand that the Zealz GK802’s internal NAND flash memory is actually a removable micro SD card. This is a really useful feature as it means that the device is essentially unbrickable. Does this player have the same arrangement, or is the NAND flash soldered on to the PCB?
Can the player be supplied with a UK compatible power supply (i.e. one with a three pin plug)?
Thanks for your help.
Hi,thanks for your questions. first, we can send you the UK adapter , so don’t worry, the nand flash is on the pcb, not like the zealz gk802. but flash firmware is also easy on this. and now this one has no vga port, but you can use this adapter to use vga:
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Measy–H2V-1080P-HDMI–to-VGA–convertor-cable-for-Android-TV-Box—TV-Stick—MINI-PC-314924.html
did you try to connect it to the old CRT TV with AV output?
YES, Just tried, and AV output working, you should set the screen to 576p and then use the av cable to connect, av cable don’t support 720p and 1080p.
@ Eric: Since the HDMI port apparently is not the regular size A, but the smaller C-type mini version, you should update the description and pics accordingly to correctly reflect the state of affairs.
Otherwise people are in for a bad surprise, when they try plug in their longer, standard HDMI AA type cables and it won’t fit.
@ Eric: Since the HDMI port apparently is not the regular size A, but the smaller C-type mini version, you should update the description and pics accordingly to correctly reflect the state of affairs.
Otherwise people are in for a bad surprise, when they try to plug in their longer, standard HDMI “A<>A” type cables and it won’t fit.
Can I use a USB sound card so that i can connect my PC speakers with the device and could I connect a microphone that way too?
Thanks in Advance
@Eric:
Tell, in what actually a problem with K-R42, what you till now have not shown video the review in YouTube?
I just finish the video, and prepare to upload, you will see the video on monday
tomorrow it is weekend here.
@Eric:
Many thanks!!!
What is the difference between this and the Eny Technology EKB311?
Can you please let us have option to buy the 16gb model too instead of just the 8GB model?
I went to kingnovel website and read they have 16gb and 32gb model too.
I am interested to buy, plse let me know when bluetooth model is available and best if can buy 16gb gb model too.
Thanks.
I asked the factory when are they going to release the Bluetooth model and they said that they will release it on the 25th this month
(a lot of waiting).
So i have a question for geekbuying if they are going to release it on the 25th when are you going to put it on sale?
I can not find the video test to see K-R42. In YOUTUBE says that there is no flow and it is impossible to see.
Vladimir, have you seen this:http://www.geekbuying.com/item/K-R42-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-RK3188-28nm-Cortex-A9-1-6Ghz-Mini-TV-BOX-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-External-Wifi-Antenna-Ethernet-Port-with-IR-Remote-Controller-Black-317141.html
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/T-R42-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-RK3188-28nm-Cortex-A9-1-6-GHz-Mini-TV-BOX-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-BT-RJ45-External-Wifi-Antenna-with-IR-Remote-Controller-Black-317424.html
That’s the version with BT isn’t it?
Do you plan to release a version with more internal flash memory?
Eric:
I recently purchased the TV-BOX K-R42 and I received an email from Jin Nuowei with this img. file: RK3188_BOX_Kingnoval_K-R42-1_NETFFLIX_8188EU_20130702_B
Is this a new firmware to install Netflix? There was no explanation in the email. Thank you.
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/T-R42-Quad-Core-Google-Android-4-2-2-RK3188-28nm-Cortex-A9-1-6-GHz-Mini-TV-BOX-HDMI-HDD-Player-2G-8G-BT-RJ45-External-Wifi-Antenna-with-IR-Remote-Controller-Black-317424.html
This version w BT is the BT really 4.0? Because I saw other sellers on Aliexpress selling with BT EDR 2.0.. if same manufacturer, I don’t think it will really be different or will it really be BT 4.0? Also look forward to option to buy one with 16GB ROM instead of 8GB ROM.
LinuxMint says: July 4, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@ Eric: Since the HDMI port apparently is not the regular size A, but the smaller C-type mini version, you should update the description and pics accordingly to correctly reflect the state of affairs. Otherwise people are in for a bad surprise, when they try to plug in their longer, standard HDMI “AA” type cables and it won’t fit.
Can I clarify what type of hdmi port the version with BT has? Thanks.
A question about this device. I read that it doesn’t have bluetooth. Is it still possible to have a keyboard and mice (f.e. Logitech MK320) via USB? And why is it such a big deal then to have Bluetooth on the device?
Next to that. What is the better option: A Neo X7 or this one taking in account that the price difference is 40%
Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack on the K-R42?
hello
is it spdif DTS ans AC3 passthrough?
thank you
@TH0CKX
If you want Blutooth, get T-R42
Keyboard and mouse work, however keyboard layout is only american
K-R42 ist a great device from hardware side, but software is still not fully stable and the device doesn’t have good (community) support. E.G. still no 1080 support.
@GT Yeoh
3.5mm headphone jack works fine.
Will these device recognise a 3tb USB hard drive
Does this device play MKV files
Just regarding xmbc i tried the latest version 12.2 (Frodo) and it works fine on this device plays HD videos over the network amazingly well with no issue.
Skype doesnt work doesnt recognize cams creative and logitech
we test with C170,it works. which model do you have. there are some custom rom support for k-R42,and it add the more webcam support.
How do I use the AVI Out on the K-R42?
Will it work on any old SD NTSC TV with RCA inputs, or is this for some other format?
Thanks
hi..i don’t have a sky sports subscription…will I still receive the channel unblocked with this unit?
thanking you in advance.
my computer will not recognize my device, is there a program that i can down
load, my device does not turn on
I think you don’t install the driver correct, you should check this post, and install the driver first:
http://www.geekbuying.com/geekgiz/index.php/2013/11/08/have-problem-in-install-the-rockchip-drivers-no-worry-rockchip-release-the-drivers-auto-installation-tool-download-here/#.UpQFauJbJu4
Hi Eric,
1. Could it be flashed with Linux XBMC? (like Pivos XIOS DS)
2. Can it read .MKV files? If not, can you push for that as well as the full HD 1080p pls?
3. Does come in other colours than black? (like shown on dh-pretech.com)
Thank you
HI
1 it can install XBMC android, and it also support Picubuntu, you can seach information” picubuntue” in our blog to get more information;
2 it can read MKV file;
3 now it just have black colour.
thanks
Are there any possibilities of updating the K-R42 to Android 4.4.1 KitKat? Thanks