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The General

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Here we take a look at 2 high profile IPTV Streaming OTT Hardware Brands known to market. Formuler and Buzztv . Formuler have just release their first ever new Formuler Z Mini Stick (05/03/2024). Lets compare this to the existing Buzztv HD5 Stick and see whats it really worth and whether is worth buying or not.
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BRAND/MODEL
PROCESSOR
(CHIPSET)
GPU
RAM
INTERNAL STORAGE
LAN
WIFI
BT VERSION
PVR
REMOTE CONTROL
FORMULER Z MINI​
RealTek RTD1325​
Mali-G57 MC1​
2GB LPDDR4​
8GB eMMC​
×
NO LAN
AC 2x2​
5.0​
×
Limited

GTV - BT1

BUZZTV HD5​
S905Y4 Quad-Core Cortex-A35​
Mali-G31 MP2​
2 & 4GB LPDDR4​
16/32/128GB eMMC​
10/100​
2T/2R
Dual Band 5G​
5.0​
✅
Internal + External
BT-400
Smart Remote App

Android OS

The Formuler Z Mini Stick is running Android 12 AOSP whilst Buzztv HD5 is running Android 11 AOSP. Both are customised. We are unable to compare android versions as its customised open source projects and we don't see a major difference when we relate this to the manufacturers own integrated application.

GPU Graphics Card + RAM & Internal Memory
Buzztv HD5 Sticks run the Mali-G31 MP2 Graphics card and Formuler Z Mini Stick has Mali-G57 MC1. Antutu GPU benchmark score for Mali-G57 MC1 is more than twice the performance than the Mali G31 MP2 Graphics card. Formuler claim it reduces lag and improves game play and navigation, however with their low RAM size and only 8GB internal memory, how much of a difference does it really make when the user has memory constraints on the Z Mini Stick?

*Although this the table is a brief comparison, Formuler opted for the Z Mini stick the RTD1325 by RealTek which has limited information to date versus the widely popular S905Y4 AM Logic used by Buzztv.

Formuler have yet a again opted for a lower RAM size compared to Buzztv 2 of the 3 HD5 Stick models. Formuler Z Mini Stick is only a 2GB Ram and 8GB of internal storage therefore the device would run less smoother and managing data, navigation, memory intensive apps and some gaming would not be as fast as Buzztv HD5 4GB RAM models.

Now we see Formuler Z Mini only offers 8GB of internal memory of which some of that memory would be used for default apps and files like MOL3 otherwise known as MYTV Online 3, its a shame it will lack internal memory. The Buzztv HD5-16 Stick is also 2GB of RAM but there stick is doubled the Internal Memory (16GB eMMC) again some of that memory used up by default files and apps.
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Widevine DRM (Credit to XDA Developers.com)

BUZZTV L1 & FORMULER L1 & L3
Apps like Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO and others use Widevine DRM streaming protection. There are 3 Widevine security levels: L1, L2, and L3. Lets break it down.

  • Widevine L1: Which is the maximum level of protection, where the media/content is decrypted and managed fully in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Devices with L3 support can play Widevine-protected content at the highest possible resolution.
  • Widevine L2: Devices with L2 in the TEE will play at maximum resolution of 540p, additionally video processing occurs in software or separate video hardware.
  • Widevine L3: This is the lowest-supported option, where the DRM is entirely software-based. A device that only has Widevine L3 has no Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) for DRM encryption to run in. In most cases, Widevine-protected content will only play in 480p.
In summary, Android devices support either L1 or L3 security levels, depending on hardware and software implementations, as does Chrome OS. The Chrome web browser on desktops will only ever support L3 at maximum. If your device is only L3-compliant, you’re capped at sub-HD resolutions. Only L1 secure devices with processing taking place entirely in the TEE can playback HD or higher quality content from Widevine-secured services. L1 is backwards compatible L3.

Buzztv HD5-16, HD5-32 and HD5-128 Sticks all have a LAN Ethernet port if the user wishes to connect directly to Ethernet Cable to Router or Switch, this is a decent offer as to ensure even more network stability, running a hardwire is a great choice to have. Formuler Z Mini does not include a LAN Port.

We can see the Buzztv HD5 sticks has USB 2.0 Port which can be much needed for storing and transferring data, apps, and recordings. Formuler sadly failed to offer a USB Port or any type of external memory port.

Both the HD5 and Z Mini sticks offer a USB Type C Power port for convenience as the this allows reverse insertion support

The KIT
Comparing what the user would get in their gift box/order, Buzztv offers The HD5 with power cable, global power supply consisting of UK + EU + USA/North America power attachments and the BT-400 smart remote. Formuler gift box includes the Z Mini, Power cable, EU power supply (Unknown if UK sales will have a 3 pin power supply) and the GTV Remote control. Both remotes are able to detect the TV Code to control power and source. Formuler GTV BT1 Remote has a google voice function and after speaking with Buzztv we been told they have a surprise on the remote options that will be released soon.
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BUZZTV 5 VS MOL3 (MYTV ONLINE 3)

Both box manufacturers offer their own exclusive app embedded into the software. Both have a lot of similarities and it seems Buzztv are gaining popularity with their current Buzztv 5. MOL 3 allows the user to record one and watch another and store via NAS network, with no external port for media storage it lacks recording capabilities as not everyone has a NAS network option at home as its not yet widely popular in homes. Using NAS may result in users investing in buying a NAS network system which means additional costs. Although, the user may be able to record within the internal memory on the Z Mini Stick, its could be pointless when powered up as it will be limited up to only 8GB, with Buzztv also offering multi line recording and bigger internal memory sizes, it means enough room to record internally. Buzztv 5 also allows the user to download TV Series and VOD with a USB (Insert USB to HD5 and sync to the HD5 PVR).

Both offer different user interface modes, Buzztv Dark modes + Default Blue and Formuler Themes. Buzztv has a great option that allows the user to change the Some Screen to 3 different versions, (Modern, Classic, Media Player 1. Media Player 2) and option to add a wallpaper on Modern. Formuler MOL3 offers one type of Home Screen and an option to change the wallpaper. Both offer Auto Frame Rate (AFR) function that matches the media player's output frame rate to the original frame rate of video content. Both offer Time shift, Back Up & Restore.

* both manufacturer may offer their own custom way of how their application features operate or function.

Retail Price (at 05/03/2024)

Formuler Z Mini Stick 2GB RAM - 8GB EMMC INTERNAL STORAGE£109.00
Buzztv HD5 Stick 2GB RAM - 16GB EMMC INTERNAL STORAGE£99.00
Buzztv HD5 Stick 4GB RAM - 32GB EMMC INTERNAL STORAGE£115.00
Buzztv HD5 Stick 4GB RAM - 128GB EMMC INTERNAL STORAGE£125.00

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Conclusion

Formuler design their products really well and are great in marketing their products with a real contemporary look as seen in on their website and various dealer sites. Although the Formuler Z Mini stick looks great and has a double performance graphics card compared to Buzztv Mali G31, but being mindful the overall specification and value for money is very questionable. The memory is a huge factor as it also effects the overall performance and longevity of this product. Formuler tend to offer an 'overall' lower spec hardware compared to Buzztv who opted more for in favour of consumer choice by offering wide range of models and specs ranging from low, mid and high end that would meet the requirements of the more wider audience. Formuler generally have less in the gift box versus Buzztv with their global power supply option catering for wider countries for consumers that may travel and use the correct power attachments. Noticeably, Buzztv even offers premium batteries with majority of their models. In our opinion the Buzztv 4GB Ram is the winner with only 6GBP difference or save the additional costs as you can opt for Buzztv HD5 2GB Ram and double the internal memory than the Z Mini at a saving of £16GBP, and not forgetting the LAN port and USB external drive option!
 
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