The Formuler Z8 Android TV box is one of the most popular IPTV boxes on the market. With its focus on IPTV, powerful hardware, and great software, it provides an excellent streaming experience. In this 2022 review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the Z8‘s features, performance, and overall value as an IPTV box.
Overview of the Formuler Z8
The Formuler Z8 is an Android-based TV box designed specifically for IPTV. With its customized firmware and software, it aims to provide the best IPTV experience possible.
Some of the key features and specs of the Z8 include:
- Quad-core Amlogic S912 processor
- Mali-T820 MP3 GPU
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage
- Android 7.1 OS
- Dual-band WiFi
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 4K video support
- HDR 10 and HLG HDR support
- Dolby Digital Plus and DTS audio
- Support for IPTV through the MyTVOnline 2 app
- Infrared remote with dedicated IPTV buttons
Design and Build Quality
The Z8 features an all-black plastic shell with vented sides for cooling. The overall build quality feels solid and durable. At 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches, it has a nice compact footprint that fits well in entertainment centers.
The device includes an external dual-band WiFi antenna that screws into the back to provide better wireless performance. There are also plenty of ports, including HDMI 2.0, AV, Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 3.0, and an microSD card slot.
Hardware and Performance
Powering the Z8 is a quad-core Amlogic S912 processor with a Mali-T820 GPU. This provides good overall performance for an Android TV box. The Z8 handles 4K video playback smoothly and is able to run IPTV streams without any buffering or lag issues.
The 2GB of RAM offers enough memory for multitasking and running IPTV apps, while the 16GB of internal flash storage gives you room for installing streaming apps and games. If you need more storage, you can add a microSD card up to 128GB.
In terms of connectivity, the Z8 includes dual-band 802.11ac WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet. Both provide fast and reliable connectivity, although wired Ethernet is still recommended for the best IPTV performance.
Video and Audio Quality
With 4K, HDR 10, and HLG HDR support, the Z8 delivers an excellent viewing experience on high-end TVs. It can play 4K video files and streams smoothly without any dropped frames. HDR content looks great with expanded color gamuts and enhanced contrast.
The Z8 can pass through Dolby Digital Plus and DTS audio from IPTV streams and media files. So you can enjoy surround sound audio if your TV, soundbar, or home theater system supports it.
Overall, the video and audio quality is highly impressive for an Android TV box in this price range. IPTV channels and on-demand video play smoothly with no buffering or quality issues.
Software and IPTV Experience
The Z8 runs a customized version of Android 7.1 focused on providing the best IPTV functionality. The launcher features large tiles and sections for your favorite IPTV apps and streams. Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Plex, and more are available from the Google Play Store.
But the star of the software is the MyTVOnline 2 app. This customized IPTV app offers efficient use of the remote control, voice commands, and deep integration with IPTV services. It makes it easy to view live TV streams, access VOD content, view TV guides, schedule recordings, and more.
Some of the key benefits of MyTVOnline 2 include:
- Support for M3U playlists and Xtream portal logins
- Intuitive EPG guide with descriptions and images
- Video on demand with both catch-up and movie/TV libraries
- Advanced recording options to local drives or network storage
- Ability to create custom channel groups and favorites
- Multi-screen with the ability to watch four streams simultaneously
- Support for external players like MX Player or VLC
Overall, MyTVOnline 2 provides one of the best and most full-featured IPTV viewing experiences available. Its integration and customization for the Formuler remote make IPTV usage very smooth.
Remote Control
The included remote control is designed specifically for IPTV usage. It features commonly used playback buttons like Guide, Record, Rewind, Playlist, Audio Track, and more. There are also four color shortcut buttons that can be programmed for quick access to favorite apps or IPTV functions.
The remote utilizes IR but also includes an IR extender cable to allow for positioning anywhere in your entertainment center. Even without direct line-of-sight, the remote worked reliably up to 20 feet away in testing.
While the remote lacks premium features like Bluetooth connectivity or voice control, it provides excellent utility for controlling IPTV and the Z8 interface. The custom buttons and layout make IPTV usage much easier compared to remotes on generic Android TV boxes.
Network Performance
With its dual-band WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet, the Z8 provides excellent wired and wireless performance:
WiFi Speed
- 2.4GHz band: Up to 240Mbps
- 5GHz band: Up to 867Mbps
Ethernet Speed
- Up to 940Mbps with CAT5e/CAT6 cable
These speeds are more than enough for smooth IPTV streaming. Even with multiple IPTV streams and other traffic, the Z8 had no issues maintaining stable connections that avoided buffering or quality dips.
For the best results, wired Ethernet is still recommended. But the dual-band WiFi performed admirably well in maintaining high throughput across multiple rooms and even floors.
Additional Features and Accessories
Some other notable features of the Z8 include:
- Support for USB tuners to integrate OTA antenna channels into the IPTV experience
- Automatic updates to get the latest firmware and software improvements
- Plenty of accessories like keyboards, remotes, and adapters available from Formuler
Formuler also offers IPTV-focused accessories to further enhance your streaming experience:
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USB Tuners – Allow integrating OTA antenna channels into the MyTVOnline 2 app.
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Hard Drive Enclosures – For connecting external hard drives to expand DVR storage.
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Wireless Keyboards – Full keyboards with touchpads for easier text entry and navigation.
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Specialty Remotes – Advanced RF remotes with air mouse functionality.
What Users Are Saying
Across various reviews and forums, Z8 owners have mostly positive things to say about their experience:
- Excellent performance and stability with IPTV services
- Easy setup and integration with M3U playlists and Xtream codes
- Highly customizable software for organizing favorite channels and VoD libraries
- Great value for a device purpose-built for IPTV
- Rock-solid hardware that can stream multiple HD/4K channels without buffering
- Impressive wireless performance compared to competitors
- MyTVOnline 2 app that makes IPTV a pleasure to use
Some users did note that the base Android OS being version 7.1 is getting a bit dated. But Formuler does a good job keeping the firmware up-to-date.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for IPTV with customized software
- Excellent MyTVOnline 2 app for IPTV services
- Great IPTV-centric remote control
- Powerful hardware delivers smooth streaming
- Good wired and wireless network speeds
- Automatic firmware updates
- 4K, HDR, and surround sound support
- Excellent value and reliability for IPTV
Cons
- Only 16GB internal storage
- Runs older Android 7.1 OS
- Single recording stream supported
- No voice control or premium remote
- Only 1 HDMI port
- Not ideal for generic streaming box use
Should You Buy It?
If you regularly use IPTV services and want the best streaming box customized for IPTV, the Formuler Z8 is an excellent choice. It outperforms generic Android TV boxes with software and hardware designed specifically to deliver great IPTV experiences.
The Z8 provides a complete end-to-end solution for IPTV with its optimized app, remote control, DVR features, accessories, and support. Plus it offers great performance for the price.
Alternatives like the BuzzTV XRS 4100 or Dreamlink T3 provide similar IPTV-focused experiences. But the Z8‘s superior software, hardware, accessories, and support make it the top contender if you‘re willing to pay a little extra.
For generic streaming box use, devices like the Fire TV Stick 4K or Chromecast with Google TV could be better options. But if smooth, reliable IPTV streaming is your top priority, the Formuler Z8 is hard to beat.
Where to Buy the Formuler Z8 (2022)
The Formuler Z8 retails for $159.99 directly from Formuler and other major retailers like Amazon. Make sure to look for authorized Formuler sellers to get full warranty support and authorized devices.
Some of the best purchasing options include:
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Formuler.tv – Get it directly from Formuler with full warranty.
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Amazon – Frequently discounted and ships quickly with Prime. Look for ships and sold by Amazon.
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eBay – Search for authorized Formuler Z8 sellers with good buyer ratings and protections. Avoid non-official device listings.
For the best value, look for bundle deals that include accessories like IPTV subscriptions, keyboards, or storage expansions. And be sure to buy from reputable sellers authorized by Formuler to get warranty support.
The Verdict? A Top Option for IPTV Enthusiasts
With its unmatched software and focus on IPTV, the Formuler Z8 stands out as one of the top options for IPTV streaming in 2022. It combines great hardware performance with customized apps and features that make IPTV a pleasure to use. For enthusiasts wanting the best IPTV experience, the Z8 is a superb choice.
