Coming from plenty of Android and Streaming boxes , I didn’t know what to expect with the highly praised Formuler GTV. Right now my go to box is my Z8. Will it be better? Let’s find out.
Setup was pretty easy and straightforward. It was just a matter of replacing my GTV in place of the Z8 . All connection were the same so no complications there.
Boot was quick with very quick with a nicely animated GTV and Android logo. Love the new layout of the home screen. Everything just seems more refreshed and updated.
I like the way you can scroll through different categories without having to jump in and out of icons all the time . For example with YouTube, you get a bunch of thumbnails of stuff that you might be interested in based on previously viewed videos. Very cool. You can also search by voice by pressing and holding voice command button. In my test , this worked very well and accurate.
Downloading apps is super easy seeing you have full access to Google playstore.
You are able to download apps straight to the box. Basically, if you have Android phone and have downloaded apps, this is exactly the same experience.
Picture quality is excellent.. No surprise here . The GTV was able to decode Dolby DTS and surround without issue. Sound quality was excellent through my Denon receiver.
Scrolling through apps and menus was very quick and smooth. It also loads VOD and animation MUCH quicker than my Z8 with the streaming service that I am using . Very noticeable.
The BT1 Bluetooth remote was the biggest surprise to me. When I first saw it in pics, it seems like a regular sized remote..
I Opened the package and placed it in the palm of my hand. Fit like a glove. Not too big, not too small. Just right..Great balance and weight to it. I have to say, this is one of the best feeling remotes I have ever held. Buttons are nicely spaced apart with good feedback when depressed.
If I had to nitpick it , I would like to see the HOME button raised a little higher than the EXIT and MENU buttons. Right now it’s in a valley between the two which makes it a little difficult to “feel” when not looking at the remote directly.
Setting up the remote was very easy thanks to the dedicated BT1 remote app . It allows you to change hot keys and assign different apps to quick launch . Very convenient. Great job Formuler!
The remote is also Bluetooth which means you don’t have to point the remote at the box to change channels or launch any apps or commands. This is taking time to get used to seeing that I have only used IR remotes in the past. I’m always catching myself pointing the BT1 remote at the TV . Stop it! No need..
In conclusion, I feel that Formuler has really stepped it up with the GTV. Fit and finish along with superb performance and accompanied with the BT1 remote makes for a package that’s hard to beat. This will be my daily driver moving forward !
If you haven’t checked it out yet , it’s really worth a look. 