Mecool M8S Pro L

Channels Android TV
#8

I bougt the M8S Pro L. I plan on starting with that as the client with Channels DVR running on the Mac Book Pro. I plan on replacing within the first month. Just to free up my Mac Book for other needs. I’ve been searching for a NAS alternative. First on the list is Intel NUC (BOXNUC6CAYH). Next is the ACEPC AK1. I know the AK2 is coming but that may be overkill. Both appear to support transcoding by checking the Intel Support App. A key requirement for me is an internal drive. I’d prefer fanless but haven’t found one yet.

I will update with my progress…

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#9

The NUC makes a great DVR. Just make sure you buy the right type of RAM

#10

Good to hear. I plan on running Linux on the NUC. I have experience with CentOS and Ubuntu. Considering Linux Mint. Any recommendation on which Linux and how much ram?

#11

2GB should be plenty if you’re doing nothing but the DVR on there.

I prefer Ubuntu myself but I’ve heard good things about Linux Mint as well.

#12

The M8S Pro L arrived today. Super easy to setup. I have Channels app running on it without any issues. Love the builtin pause and rewind. The guide is awesome. I will setup Channels DVR on my MacBook this weekend. After that, setup the NUC assuming my family likes the new setup.

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#13

I came across the Mecool KM8 yesterday, which is supposedly Android TV certified as well and comes with Oreo installed. I ordered one to try it out.

(Note: No 802.11ac or 5ghz wifi, and ethernet is only 100mbps.)

#14

It looks like the M8S Pro L is a better buy actually. Supports 802.11ac, has more ram and storage, and has a newer GPU and CPU. Hopefully they decide to upgrade it to Oreo.

Glad it’s working well for you!

#15

Channels DVR is now setup on my MacBook. So easy to install and configure. Even with an external drive. Guide download was flawless. Great job with usability.

Time for my users to explore and provide feedback. Early feedback is very promising.

2 Likes
#16

Channels DVR was running on my MacBook so I have moved on to the next phase. I have a NUC6CAYH. I configured with 4GB memory and a 500 GB SSD. I have one thing to checkout because it is prompting me about the new memory when Ubuntu boots. Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS minimal installation. I had to install curl afterwards so I could install Channels DVR.

I get an error when installing Channels DVR. The error is below. Not much info. Any suggestions how to proceed?

$ curl -f -s https://getchannels.com/dvr/setup.sh | sh
Downloading Channels DVR 2018.10.08.2134 (linux-x86_64) to /home/jerry/channels-dvr.
ERROR: Installation of Channels DVR failed.
ERROR: Please contact [email protected] with the full output above.

#17

My 5G network is flaky. I am trying with my 2.4G to see if that helps. I noticed the Download message is now displaying more dots so maybe the download did not complete the first time.

#18

Problem solved. I downloaded the setup.sh, turned echo on and ran locally. It prompted me for my password as I did not run the script as root. After I entered my password I see the message saying Channels DVR has been installed.

#19

Hmm you're not supposed to run setup.sh as root, but I guess it doesn't matter.

#20

I’m guessing sudo wasn’t installed. The install script requires it.

#21

You're not trying to run the DVR on a WiFi-connected device, I hope?

#22

I have been running on wifi with mixed results because my MacBook would auto switch to the 2.4G which is obviously too slow. My plan is to get the NUC configured so Channels DVR runs at boot time without any user intervention. Unfortunately, the memory stick I bought is not compatible so I get a BIOS prompt warning me about the memory. A new memory stick is on order. After which, I put the NUC in my living room next to the router with a wire.

#23

sudo is installed. For the default configuration, sudo prompts for a password when the user credentials are not cached. Which was true for me as I had not run sudo before installing Channels DVR. I recommend running sudo -v before installing.

#24

I received and installed compatible memory today. I now have a setup that I am extremely happy with. I moved my previous recordings by copying the DVR folder and restoring that on the NUC. To summarize my configuration:

  • NUC6CAYH, 4GB memory, 500GB SSD, Ubuntu, wired
  • M8S Pro L for the primary TV, Fire Sticks (different generations) for two other TVs
  • HDHomerun Prime (3 tuner)

After installing Ubuntu Desktop, minimal configuration, I had to install curl so I could install Channels. No other software required.

The NUC boots and Channels starts without user intervention. Which is key for my users. :wink:

I plan on upgrading to the 6 tuner when available. After which, I will get rid of the last remaining cable provider supplied DVR.

Channels DVR is awesome!

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#25

It has been over a year running with this configuration. The only issue is I forgot the Ubuntu root password since I hardly ever log onto the NUC! I recently replaced the Android box with a Fire Stick 4K. I also will be upgrading to 2TB storage. Unfortunately the 6 tuner prime never became available so one cable box remains. I’ve added 2 more smart TVs. Sweet not needing more cable boxes.

Long live Channels DVR!

#26

The Mecools and other boxes claim they run a full certified AndroidTV OS but cannot play NETFLIX or Prime... Also support is lagging where the Shield is fully and timely supported. Cheaper is not always better you get what you pay for.

#27

Agreed. The mecool box was booted out because my user community (my family) wanted Disney+ which wasn’t available on it.