How to choose a TV Box?

1. Video decoding 
The video (hard) decoding capability is related to the encapsulation of the ARM architecture. In view of the needs of the next generation, the box should support video decoding of 4K H.265 10bit, preferably at the same time to support 60fps. To achieve this specification, it is best to have an HDMI 2 interface, or the interface of a video signal that is compatible with this specification. And the video decoding capabilities you choose to support what specifications of the bottleneck or TV, if the TV is 1080p, it is not necessary to support 4K output, but still it is necessary to support H.265, 10bit, 60fps, because of the need to maintain maximum compatibility of sources. 

2. Audio decoding 
There are two aspects. One is the ability to decode the box itself, and the output is PCM - format audio stream, and both digital TV or connected audio can be played. One is a box that parses the source code of the video file, and the source code is transmitted to the TV or audio system to decode. In general, the format that can be decoded by itself also supports the transmission; the format that can be passed through is not necessarily decoded by itself. Through the HDMI line, according to the order: TV audio box < - > < - > connection, if the device supports ARC (audio return), the digital audio stream transmission can be realized. It should be noted that the transmission function of the sound needs to match the version of HDMI, that is to say, if you connect the 4K box and the TV set, the stereo also needs to support the 4K signal. The generally supported format is the two common blue light formats of Dolby Digital and DTS. If you have requirements for HD, you will find a lot of sources already in TrueHD and DTS-HD using Dolby Master lossless audio format, you need to examine whether the box support decoding, or support transmission (and your sound system to support decoding). If the audio system supports decoding, it is a priority to give priority to the transmission. (November 14, 2017: now there have been many sources to provide Dolby Atmos and DTS:X source, and the two one need to examine the format support.) 
3. Media encapsulation 
MKV and other common network video encapsulation format is not said, it is necessary to be able to analyze the multi - channel and multiple subtitles. Look at the BDMV folder or ISO format that supports the Blu ray original disk. 

4.3D 
MKV's up and down, the left and right 3D or the blue light original disk 3D, 3D to 2D support and so on. (today's 4K TV doesn't support 3D, so it doesn't need to be considered if the box supports 3D). 

5. HDR 
High dynamic range is now many 4K TV standard, it can provide high contrast range, is simply the high light dead white, dark black. Need the corresponding sources of support. Of course, it also needs the box decode support. In the play HDR sources do not support HDR color TV, may be wrong. Some high-end player HDR can be mapped to SDR, the ordinary TV set can support HDR sources (but not show the effect of HDR). If you are a 4K enthusiast, HDR must be considered. More and more movies use the 4K HDR format to issue blue light.