[Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers] bigtalker:
You have established an indisputable case pointing to the obvious conclusion that you have a dud MiBox.

Your process of elimination with multiple tvs and multiple MiBoxes allows for no other conclusion. You have closed the testing loop with no uncertainty as your tvs obviously provide proper DRM and SHOULD work with Netflix as intended.

I agree with your statement about having a faulty MiBox.

As to your other proclamations, I disagree.

The overwhelming reason MiBox errors out with Netflix is that Netflix will fail 100% in an environment with iffy or no DRM on the attached screen.

Out of a 300+ installed base of MiBox, there has been exactly 1 with proven faulty HDMI circuitry that fails to recognize DRM.

OTOH, out of 200+ distinct tvs in this senior citizen's complex, there are 98 tvs that do not present any hint of DRM capability. Due to policy enacted by Netflix, any other branded streaming device connected to a screen lacking DRM, such device will always display, although only at SD resolution.

MiBox, using Netflix with a DRM compromised screen, only streams for a few seconds and then an unrecoverable blank screen along with a vague error message ensues. There is no other outcome allowed BY NETFLIX in this scenario. Either you have a DRM equipped screen and streams play at a resolution suitable for your screen, or they dont play at all due to lack of DRM. There is no middle ground as with other streaming devices connected with tvs that lack proper DRM.

You, unlike most other users, have multiple tvs with functioning DRM and multiple MiBoxes with which to draw meaningful conclusions.

Other users who are experiencing failure are only testing a single MiBox with a single screen, I think you will agree, no meaningful conclusion can be drawn from that scenario. Only certain conclusion is 'something's wrong', but there is not enough data to pinpoint exactly what element is causing the failure.

In those cases, I am going to default to the idea the screen is the issue. There are a much larger number of screens that lack proper DRM than there are faulty MiBoxes. Sorry you had the exception that proves the rule.

Secondly, Amazon does not sell MiBox, only available on their market by 3rd party sellers. Higher prices do not imply a higher level of service or support but simply illustrate that there is an 8-10% cost for selling on Amazon's platform that comes right off the top of the transaction into Amazon's greedy hands!

Third, Walmart has one of the most liberal exchange/return policy of any retailer in the US. Electronics vendors are held to a very strict policy. If returns exceed 1.7% of sales, you lose the contract to sell in Walmart's stores. MiBox has been going strong since its introduction by Walmart as the exclusive outlet in USA since Oct 2016.

---------- Post added at 05:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 AM ----------

Without a doubt there are buggy MiBoxes out there. However, there are a much greater number of buggy TVs that lack proper DRM than there are faulty MiBox. There are solid, statistically meaningful numbers to support that assertion.

The greater issue, which falls at Netflix's feet, is the drastically different Netflix outcome in a common situation: involving screens that lack proper DRM, because that is the situation that is most frequently encountered by individual users.

With Netflix running on MiBox connected to a DRM deficient screen, Netflix runs for 5-15 seconds and blows up with a non-descript error message. Nada mas!

With Netflix running on Roku, Amazon devices, or even cheap throw-away-Chinese no-name boxes, again, connected to a DRM deprived screen, Netflix will allow an uninterrupted stream. That stream is limited to SD resolution since, as we all know, Netflix requires an unbroken chain of DRM digital security to permit HD or better streams.

Why is noone asking Netflix the obvious question, "Why are you not permitting MiBox the same SD option you allow with every other streaming box, Netflix approved device or not"?

Feel free to speculate what you think Netflix would respond?

---------- Post added at 05:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:05 AM ----------

Totally unlikely. Both Xiaomi and Walmart are scrupulous practitioners of sophisticated barcode for production and inventory tracking. There is no merit to your postulation at all.

You have a better chance of getting beer in your Coke can.