Buzz B5 first impressions

[Emporium]

Go my B5 last week. Plugged it in for a quick test and all I can say is that it is now my default recommended go to box for anyone on a tight budget.

When I had seen the specs I was not expecting to be impressed at all. But surprisingly, it feels quicker than my E2 (which on paper has a better CPU - even though it is also a budget box).

I only tested with a wired ethernet connection, and with a regular 1080p monitor (nothing fancy). The unit powered up pretty quickly. Got the usual setup screens we are all used to on buzz (language, timezone, screen resolution, ...). Then when it goes to launch screen for the first time, it then installs a bunch of other software (netflix, disney+, etc..) so just give it a few minutes. I then disconnected the wired connection for a few seconds to see if it could connect to my wifi and it worked without an issue (as expected). But I prefer wired, so switched back after that.

Then I created an entry for my server and away I went on LiveTV. Considering the hardware and lower specs, I was very impressed with the speed of the unit. I thought it would be an exercise in patience (since I'm used to the X5 and my xrs4900 units), but on the contrary I was impressed. Snappy channel changes and pretty clear image.

I installed a bunch of 3rd party apps to see if they work. For the most part there were no issues. However there were 1 or 2 apps where I found navigation using the remote seemed a little odd and misbehaving. But I will run a few more tests on the weekend and compare with the other boxes (x5 and u5) to see if it is just the app that are misbehaving, or something else.

I will have a little more time this coming week to do a more complete testing of it, using a few more servers and other features.

Bottom line, first impressions are pretty impressive for a budget box.

[dishuser]

was gonna try mine out today but football got in the way...lol

[cownuts]

curious if when changing channels some take longer to load. i found on wicked some movie channels and 1080 channels took some time to load. on the 4000 box no issues. I am still checking things out with this box

[Emporium]

curious if when changing channels some take longer to load. i found on wicked some movie channels and 1080 channels took some time to load. on the 4000 box no issues. I am still checking things out with this box

I don't have a 4000, but it is pretty much on par with wicked between The B5 and my 4500. Which video player are you using ? I find the Primary player is a little quicker to start streaming by just a little bit (at least on wicked).

It is definitely quicker than my E2 however.

[cownuts]

I don't have a 4000, but it is pretty much on par with wicked between The B5 and my 4500. Which video player are you using ? I find the Primary player is a little quicker to start streaming by just a little bit (at least on wicked).

It is definitely quicker than my E2 however.

changing from usa tv to the FHD 1080 channels. in premium movie section long delays witching to hbo channels

[dishuser]

changing from usa tv to the FHD 1080 channels. in premium movie section long delays witching to hbo channels

which hbo channels?

[cownuts]

when opening up premium movies starting at the top crave 1 takes a bit to open then from there carry on down to crave 2, 3, 4. from then on its hit and miss some open with a little delay. then going through us:FHD 1080 channels they take a bit to load. If someone else has this box can they verify this issue. Have reset twice. My old xpl3000 works without an issue. This box doesn't seem to handle wicked. ok3 no issues

[dishuser]

when opening up premium movies starting at the top crave 1 takes a bit to open then from there carry on down to crave 2, 3, 4. from then on its hit and miss some open with a little delay. then going through us:FHD 1080 channels they take a bit to load. If someone else has this box can they verify this issue. Have reset twice. My old xpl3000 works without an issue. This box doesn't seem to handle wicked. ok3 no issues

my son has no issues with the same setup

[dishuser]

what firmware and software versions are you at?

[Emporium]

when opening up premium movies starting at the top crave 1 takes a bit to open then from there carry on down to crave 2, 3, 4. from then on its hit and miss some open with a little delay. then going through us:FHD 1080 channels they take a bit to load. If someone else has this box can they verify this issue. Have reset twice. My old xpl3000 works without an issue. This box doesn't seem to handle wicked. ok3 no issues

I'll try reconnecting my B5 on the weekend, but I am pretty sure I had tried the wicked FHD 1080 channels and was actually impressed at the time on how quick they would come in, for such a budget box. Not saying it compared to my x5, but it was pretty good.

The xpl3000 I really liked, but find it a little too slow for my taste nowadays (guess I'm spoiled). I keep it for occasional testing, but far from being a regularly used box. Last I tested the xpl3000, I could not even use wicked on it since they moved to the new panel, it would hang on loading channels.. Things may have changed (since I know they have made many changes)...

[cownuts]

iptv software 5.0.799. I have a feeling the update might be the issue if it didn't update properly.

[cownuts]

Should have come back sooner with my situation. When first using the new box it is set to stream format TS. I switched to M3U and solved my issue. Should have tried this when I first activated the box. All good and box works great.

[red-oak]

I am thinking it time to move on from my Dreamlink and start to stream , Is buzz B5 a good entry box as I would want a iptv script and replace my dreamlink t6 , I really like the Wi-Fi and looking for an easy step by step to set it up

[dishuser]

I am thinking it time to move on from my Dreamlink and start to stream , Is buzz B5 a good entry box as I would want a iptv script and replace my dreamlink t6 , I really like the Wi-Fi and looking for an easy step by step to set it up

my son has the b5 using wickediptv and luvs it
all devices are at 15% off until the 25th

[Emporium]

The B5 is a great entry level box, and I have one and so do a few of my buddies. But keep in mind it is the ENTRY level box.

"IF" you can afford it, I would go up to the E5 model. The E5 has the same CPU (S905X4) as all the bigger models (Classic, X5, U5, ...) and it is a little faster than the B5 (using the S905W2 CPU). So when launching the LiveTV app, it will load faster than the B5 will. It also has 32GB of storage vs 16GB on the B5, but that won't make a difference for pure IPTV use. However the E5 also has a 1xUSB2 and 1xUSB3 ports, where the B5 only has 2xUSB2. If you plan to do any recordings, I find the E5 with the USB3 port works a little better. And one nice thing, is that the E5 uses a USB-C input for power. So if power supply ever fails, USB power supplies are very easy to find as replacements.


But the good thing, is they both run the same BuzzTV software. And they both both work well. Just pointing out some differences.

EDIT: And don't forget with the current 15% discount, the B5 will drop below the free shipping threshold, so if you buy a B5, you will pay for shipping (which is pretty much close to the amount of the discount). You get an E5, you get free shipping :) So the difference between the B5 and E5 is effectively a little less then usual.

[squirtNcider]

I was just wondering how this box is holding up? Buzz has the BOGO 50% sale now and its only $99, so 2 for $150.
Worth it or better getting one of the newer boxes?

[dishuser]

I was just wondering how this box is holding up? Buzz has the BOGO 50% sale now and its only $99, so 2 for $150.
Worth it or better getting one of the newer boxes?

for iptv only it's a good choice

[squirtNcider]

So if they want to use apps like youtube and stuff, go with the classic? Thats what I had been suggesting to people lately looking for a new box.

[dishuser]

So if they want to use apps like youtube and stuff, go with the classic? Thats what I had been suggesting to people lately looking for a new box.

the classic would be my choice
lots of bang for the buck :thumbsup:

[squirtNcider]

Alright, Ill stick with recommending the classic. Ty.

[Emporium]

the classic would be my choice
lots of bang for the buck :thumbsup:

Same here. I always recommend the classic. Best bang for the buck.

Same CPU as the more expensive series 5 boxes (x5 and u5), and I prefer the BT-250 remote over the BT400 anyhow :)