I had Rocktek G2 for a few months now. It has WiFi-6 support but not really make much difference as WiFi speeds top out around 300Mbps. I mainly use the gigabit ethernet port.

This is my short summry of this device for what it matters:
1. Dolby Vision support: Profile 5 only which means streaming services only. No Profile 7 support with current firmware.
2. Dolby Atmos support: supports both DD+ and TrueHD bitstreaming
3. DTS-HD support: DTS-HD MA bitsteaming doesn't work which means no DTS-X either. DTS and DTS-ES only.

 

I had Rocktek G2 for a few months now. It has WiFi-6 support but not really make much difference as WiFi speeds top out around 300Mbps. I mainly use the gigabit ethernet port.

This is my short summry of this device for what it matters:
1. Dolby Vision support: Profile 5 only which means streaming services only. No Profile 7 support with current firmware.
2. Dolby Atmos support: supports both DD+ and TrueHD bitstreaming
3. DTS-HD support: DTS-HD MA bitsteaming doesn't work which means no DTS-X either. DTS and DTS-ES only.

Good info on the audio support, thank you!
Did you test the DV profiles? One of the reviews claims: "all popular DolbyVision profiles (profile 5, profile 7 MEL and FEL, profile 8) are supported. "
Wonder if this list will improve with further updates...

 

Here is a performance comparison by androidpctv.com

 

No problem with streaming (never an issue for me in any of my Google TV devices.). I got two firmware updates in this period. From what I heard, Homatics is a little bit behind on firmware updates but they do have a beta tester subreddit where you can sign up for beta firmwares.

 

Doing a bit of research and I found a few tricks for the remote from 1hd.biz:

• Long-press on Home button: Open Apps drawer (same as clicking on the red "Apps" in the Main Menu).
• Double-press the home button: Opens recent tasks to close/run/close all (works from FW 4474 onwards).
• Press the Profile button (left of the Google Voice button): Opens the "right-click" context menu of a shortcut/app.

They also posted this list of shortcuts if you use a full keyboard:
If you connect a keyboard (either USB-wired or with a wireless dongle), here are some useful keys to help you navigate quickly:

• F6: Open YouTube
• F8: Open Netflix
• F9: Open Amazon Prime Video
• F10: Open Google Play Store
• F11: Open FactoryTest app (if installed)
• F12: Open the app assigned to the custom button on the remote
• PrtScr: Snap a screenshot. It is saved in the Images folder on the internal eMMC.

 

Beta software is apparently available by joining a Telegram group and then sending your serial number to a person at Homatics via telegram. I haven't tried this yet.

Some change logs I found over on Reddit for the Beta software versions:

Beta Test Version 3696
20/12/2022
Changelog:

1. fix the issue that when enabling the dolby vision and HDR auto at the same time, the HDR will output the SDR instead.
2. Added the dolby vision manual option, that user can select dolby vision sink 12bits or source 8bits by user.
3. Added the feature that double click on home button, user can revoke the recent tasks to close/run/close all.
4. have Dolby true-hd passthrough
5. LED red light will be turned off when device enters standby mode.

Beta Test Version 51236
11/01/2023
Changelog:

1. auto frame rate

Beta Test Version 51305
19/1/2023
(many issues - unstable) pulled back.
Changelog:
1. fix the issue that when enabling the dobly vision and HDR auto at the same time, the HDR will output the SDR instead.
2. Added the dobly vision manual option, that user can select dobly vision sink 12bits or source 8bits by user.
3. Added the feature that double click on home button, user can revoke the recent tasks to close/run/close all.
4. have dolby true-hd passthrough
5.LED red light will be turned off when device enters standby mode.
6.auto framerate
7.LED control brightness change

 

Just found the info on the latest beta update for the Homatics units.

Beta Test Version 4474
24/02/2023
Changelog:
1. fixed the issue of the pressing the ""device preference->storage->cached data""can't clean the cached data isssue.
2. fixed the dobly truthHD can't output the correct format under the AUTO mode.
3. delete the menu ""smart control"" which is not wrongly put there before.
4. correct the typo, passthrough with the letter R missing.
5. live tv when apk recording issue, when the device in standby mode, recording will be going under standby mode.
6. added the double click on home button will revoke the recent tasks function.
7. added the LED light switch with the whitebox LED light control functions.
8 fixed the issue that Anker soundbar no sound when connected to the box.
9, added the latest google security patch."

For the Homatics units, I hear that new units are currently shipping with 11.8.3660 and that that is the latest production version.

I wonder if the non-homatics like Dune will be able to get these betas and updates... ? That was one reason I chose the Homatics: the apparently active software program.

 

1. fix the issue that when enabling the dolby vision and HDR auto at the same time, the HDR will output the SDR instead.
2. have Dolby true-hd passthrough

Both of these issues are present on the current firmware for Nokia 8010.

Box is unusable right now, and as far as I know, Nokia boxes don't have a beta test group as homatics.

 

What version is your Nokia 8010 software? I'm wondering if the numbering is the same...

 

Mine is running v11.8.2856.

Android TV OS build: RTT0.211009.001.2856

 

I googled a bit and someone on Reddit claims this was the original software on both the Nokia and the Homatics. I wonder if you could load Homatics updates on it somehow.
I was very interested in the Dune version, but was concerned about the update situation and really had no interested in the added Dune app.
Lets hope all the devices get updates once the beta resolves the bugs...

 

My G2 is running 11.8.3660 firmware version. Speculation has been that SEI Robotics is the one creating those firmwares for all three boxes.

 

I think Homatics is SEI Robotics' in-house brand:

FCC ID 2AOVU-SX6BHET

fcc.report

 

I have ordered the Dune variant, I hope I made the best choice ! ^^

 

Please report back what firmware rev. the device comes with, and if it updates what the new version is!

 

I have ordered the dune model.

 

I'd be careful with beta firmwares as they are not Google Certified. As such, some streaming services like Disney+ will not work with uncertified devices.

 

I saw that Homatics bera testers are still able to use Netflix and other streaming platforms with debug firmwares,so maybe those firmwares are using the same build fingerprint as the "release" version .

It would be nice if someone could "sniff" the full firmware download link,that would also help to recover the box from an eventual failure .

 

On another note, I saw one of the audio option on my G2 is 'AC4 Dialog Enhancer'. I wonder if it means there is AC-4 support built-in? I can't find such information elsewhere. AC-4 audio is mainly used in ATSC 3.0 TV broadcasting in US.

 

Normally yes,this is how it's supposed to work ,but i have no idea how these Homatics beta firmwares are "cooked " ,considering that are private builds ,not publicly available anywhere (pushed directly to the device ,based on a serial number white list).

 

Certification means Google need to digitally sign it. That takes some significant time. So, private builds/beta builds are typically not signed.

 

You can spoof the build fingerprint (and if required the security patch too) using the one from a certified build ,so you will pass the safety checks and the beta build would look as legit as the release version .

Done it on several smartphones and it always worked ,but it requires ROOT.

P.S. I guess that a Homatics beta tester could confirm if UHD is working with Disney Plus and beta firmware .

 

And Disney+ checks for rooting as well IIRC.

 

Yes,but the rom builder (LineageOS used the same trick) won't need root ,the "spoof" will be applied directly to the source code.

However ,i don't want to spam this thread with this,but if someone wants to compare the beta build vs. release,then he/she should check the results of this command (from terminal):

getprop | grep fingerprint

 

Great info! I will definitely try this.

 

@vintageveloce you could even save the output to a file on the internal storage like this:
getprop > /sdcard/all_props.txt <- this will get you all the available props and the current value

getprop | grep fingerprint > /sdcard/finger_props.txt <- this will grab only the fingerprint props

If the /sdcard path fails ,you can try with /storage/emulated/0/file_name.txt

Obviously ,for comparison ,these commands should be used on both stock and beta firmware .

 

I'll be very interested to see any differences between the Dune and Homatics Versions, as well as the Nokia and Rocktek. There must be a device type id or something.

 

Still working DTS-HD and DTS*?

 

Check out the video in the first post starting at around 9:48 where the guy tests the audio.
I know they are working on some of that stuff...

 

One thing I don't quite understand is that what's the point of 4GB RAM when it can only run 32-bit apps, not 64-bit apps?

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

 

These aren't really related. 32bit apps can hog space just as much as 64bit apps.
The real issue is that as the OS gets bigger it uses up more of the ram, leaving less for the apps. And of course the apps get bigger too.
And if an app is starved for space it starts using "swapping" or compression (zram) to save space and that slows them down.
Also, having plenty of ram means multiple apps can remain active at the same time, so switching between the apps can be faster.
And it can matter if you actually need to run multiple apps simultaneously, like say a VPN app along with a streaming app.

 

The OS seems to be running in 32-bit mode. In Windows OS, 32-bit OS can usually only use 3GB or RAM. You need 64-bit OS to take advantage of 4GB or more RAM.

I know Shield Pro runs in 64-bit mode so that it can host Plex server.

 

My G2 just got a firmware update to 11.8.4474. Still no Profile 7 DV support but noticed a few new Audio settings.

 

Awesome, good to hear the G2 is getting updates. I had thought 4474 was a beta, but maybe not...

 

Correct, G2 remote has no backlit, nor FF/REW buttons.

 

Updated to top post! Thx.

 

I can also confirm that this box supports AC-4 audio, e.g. it can convert AC-4 into AC-3/EAC-3 audio output. This is important if you want to playback ATSC 3.0 live TV or recordings. Unfortunately, Plex is still dragging its feet to support AC-4.