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PRODUCT DETAILS
Unboxing
The MECOOL K7 comes in a standard cardboard box with the logo of the model on the top, inside we found the TV-Box, the IR remote control, HDMI cable 4K@60fps compatible, Manual, external antenna and a classic DC 12V 1A adapter.
Description
The box of the MECOOL K7 is made of plastic and has a design where only the front LED display stands out with the time and the active channel in blue. On the sides and in the back area we have all the connectors in a classic configuration, the IR remote control has shortcut keys for the functions of the tuners and Android controls. Inside the AV jack we have the update button in case it is necessary to update the firmware, the update port is USB 2.0. On the motherboard we can see the Wifi ac 2×2 MIMO + Bluetooth 4.2 (MTK7668RSN) chip that has an external and internal Wi-Fi antenna.
- Remote Control: Basic IR control / No microphone / No Flymouse / We can choose other alternatives.
- Alternate control: Maybe we can control remotely using the app Cetusplay.
SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
Environment and Android system
We connect the MECOOL K7 to the current and boots the default launcher based on shortcuts, we can customize the middle row by adding shortcut icons to the apps we want. In the installed apps TV Center stands out which is KODI and DTV to use the tuners. The performance of Android 9 is very good at desktop level or with basic apps and works well without forced closures of classic apps.
- Launcher: We can change launcher but only Pixel launcher works 100% / Android UI rendering at 1080p.
- Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / NOT lower or notification bars.
- Languages and Google Play: All the international Android classics / Google Play installed.
- On/Off Controls: If we keep press the power button we have reset and power off option / Configurable in settings.
- System version and root: Android 9 (32 bit) / The system IS root by default / NO menu to deactivate it in settings.
- Support: This box don’t have website for direct support / Firmware available, NO OTA / Custom firmware not available
Network, storage, RAM and ports
The MECOOL K7 TV-Box has eMMC memory as internal storage, has a USB 3.0 port and SD card reader. In the network section you have a Wifi ac 2×2 MIMO + Bluetooth 4.2 (MTK7668RSN) and Ethernet Gigabit port connector. As we can see in the tests the results are good, we have a high Wifi speed and a fast internal memory.
- Storage: Total 32GB – Free 29GB / NTFS + exFAT compatible / Expandable with a USB memory stick.
- RAM: Total 4GB – Free 3GB / LPDDR4.
- Network: Good speed with one internal + external wifi antenna / Range 34 dBm, good. / Bluetooth OK.
- We recommend reading our Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.
| USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 | microSD | SATA | |
| Read / Write | 22/17 MB/s | 110/36 MB/s | 18/19 MB/s | – |
Power and performance
At the power level the MECOOL K7 has with the Amlogic S905X2 Quad Core SoC with ARM Cortex-A53 processors and in the graphic section a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU that is in the mid / low range. This SoC is manufactured in 12nm, has a fairly controlled power consumption and temperatures are low if we demand performance in powerful games. The case could be better with more vent holes, we recommend turning it upside down with the grilles facing up to facilitate the release of hot air if we want to improve ventilation.
- Check our Amlogic S905X2 SoC Comparison against all SoCs in the sector for more details.
- Consumption: Off 0.9W / Standby 6W / Basic use 9.5W / Maximum 11W
- Thermals: Minimum 40ºC / Maximum 73ºC / Maintains performance up to 91% / Heat zone on the top / Noise 0db
- Games and emulators: IS possible to play titles such as PUBG with low settings / Emulators up to Wii / NO Vulkan support.
- Controls: Compatible with Gamepads by cable or bluetooth.
VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST
Video playback test
In the video playback area the MECOOL K7 features the Amlogic S905X2 SoC and a VPU Amlogic TruLife Gen8 compatible with most modern video formats such as h.265 and VP9 with 4K HDR native resolution support and features an app for quality settings of video. We can use players like KODI or PLEXÂ without the slightest problem, the system comes by default with a version of KODI full of addons that we recommend uninstalling. At the audio level we can play DD and DTS sound up to 5.1 through the HDMI port. Check our Amlogic S905X2 SoC Comparison against all SoCs to see more details about A/V aspects of this SoC.
- Video Settings: NO image quality settings / RGB and SDR / HDMI-CEC available / Automatic refresh rate with root + AFRd.
- Audio Settings: HDMI or SPDIF up to 5.1 audio / Stereo Jack.
- Media sharing: Chromecast NO / Miracast NO / DLNA YES / Airplay NO.
- LibreELEC: This model can be compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
- Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder effect, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio guide / Correct dark video playback in Android.
Video results
| Formats | Result |
| h.264 / 1080i / 8bit | Frameskip |
| h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK (SW) |
| h.265 / 1080p / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK (SW) |
| h.265 / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 4K / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P1 / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 4K / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 8K / 10bit HDR | Frameskip |
| Max. Bitrate | 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s. |
- The maximum bitrate depends on the port used to connect or the limitations of SAMBA Networks.
- SWÂ = does not have hardware acceleration and may have have some frameskip in very heavy files.
Audio test results
| Formats | DD / DTS 5.1 | DD+ / DTS MA | DD True / DTS HR | DD Atmos / DTS X |
| HDMI | OK / OK | Core | Core | PCM / Core* |
| Optical | OK / OK | Core | Core | Core* |
- PCM – Stereo only doing downmix from DD or DTS
- Core – Only the core of the format is played back with what we passed to the Dolby / DTS base system
* Our AV receiver does not support these native formats but we verify that it is played back to 7.1
Streaming services
In our usual tests with streaming services we see how the most popular services work. The MECOOL K7 presents the classic configuration without certificates that limits us in quality in several streaming services, luckily it seems that if it is compatible with most services even if they are in their most basic SD quality
- DRM: Google Widevine L3
- Certification: No
- Tutorial: Change the size of the captions and the mouse pointer on Android /Â Install Addons in KODI in a simple way
| Streaming service | Video / Audio | Result | Manual |
| Youtube | HD (720p) / Stereo | OK | – |
| Google Play Movies | HD (720p) / Stereo | OK | – |
| Netflix | SD+ (540p) / Stereo | OK, installing the apk and needs a mouse | Netflix on Android |
| HBO | FullHD (1080p) / Stereo | OK, needs a mouse | HBO on Android |
| Amazon Prime Video | SD (480p) / Stereo | OK, needs a mouse | Amazon Prime video on Android |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo | OK | – |
| IPTV | FullHD (1080p) / Stereo | OK | – |
INSTALLED TUNERS
Start-up and management
The TV-Box MECOOL K7 have installed DVB-T2, DVB-S2 and DVB-C tuners, to manage and view content we have the DTV app, a very simple to use app that guides us through the first setup process. When boot the first time the installation wizard shown us a satellite configuration tool to select our satellite, after that we can start the channel search automatically.
- Installation: Complete configuration of DVB-S2 satellites and zones for DVB-T2 / C.
- Channel manager: Channel management, favorites and recording schedule.
- EPG: control of the EPG grid, programming from the grid, access by key on the remote control.
- DVT Preferences: Management of PVR recordings, child control, network, A / V, EPG and favorites settings.
At the swap level between the different channels we have a good speed and we can access all the functions in a fluid way, the EPG list is updated normally. Within the list we can control our favorite channels to access quickly, we can not sort by channel number directly.
- Channel management: Live list, EPG, Favorites and manager to schedule recordings.
- Channel search: With the OK key we access the channel list, then with the yellow key we can search by name.
Image and audio quality
We verify that at the reproduction level we have an excellent image quality and without jumps even in the 4K channels, the system is compatible with AC3 audio and we can listen to the content of those channels. From the app we can also record the playback content of the broadcast in its original quality up to 4K.
- Image and audio quality: Up to 4K in playback and recording / Supports AC3 sound.
Servers
As usual in these devices we always have an option to activate servers that give us access to several services, in this case it is necessary to enter a code in the DTV app menu to see the extra options.
- Within the Installation menu we must press six times 1 (111111) to display the Smart Data Manager menu.
CONCLUSIONS AND BUY LINKS
Score
MECOOL K7
0.00
Pros
- Triple tuner
- Low thermals
- Good wifi and storage
- Stable Android 9
- Powerful and good future
Cons
- No Android Bars
- Firmware can be improved
- Hot
Opinion
After analyzing the MECOOL K7 we can say that we are facing the direct successor of the classics KII or KIII Pro, a Box that is updated with the Amlogic S905X2 SoC. A device with enough hardware for multimedia use with players like KODI up to 4K, IPTV or to manage its three tuners. The Android 9 installed system behaves normally and runs smoothly thanks to the 4GB of RAM installed although the firmware still has things to polish and has room for improvement.
At the level of WiFi connectivity the MECOOL K7 is quite good thanks to its Wifi aC adapter with two antennas and the internal storage is also very fast. As for power we can play titles like PUBG in medium settings. The included remote control is very simple and can be used for basic apps like KODI or to control the TV app. The box is somewhat closed for a TV-Box with tuners and we recommend turning it upside down if we are going to use it intensively, even in normal position does not overheat thanks to the S905X2 SoC made in 12nm.
In short, the MECOOL K7 is a good TV-Box with tuners that takes the lead over previous models, also for sure it has an interesting future ahead with LibreELEC and custom Roms in no time.
Where to buy
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- Consult our recommended models to see other alternatives.
Add-ons
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MECOOL K7
0.00
Pros
- Triple tuner
- Low thermals
- Good wifi and storage
- Stable Android 9
- Powerful and good future
Cons
- No Android Bars
- Firmware can be improved
- Hot
Hello, i bought the Mecool K7 last December.
Last week the hdmi port stopped working, i tried several cables and ran a factory reset but the screen still flickers a lot.
I bought it from Aliexpresss but im doubting i will get a repair from them.
​​​​​​​
I am considering buying a hdmi port replacement and soldering it to box, but i am not sure which type of hdmi port i would need.
Are the Android boxed a standard hdmi port, would anyone know which one i would need.
thanks
Open a dispute, claim your money back.
After that you can go to a phone repair shop or similar to fix the HDMI.
can I use USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter for the usb port?
No.
Hi, can someone please tell me the followings,
Thank you
Hi.
1.- Depends. The only option is trying the exact hard disk.
2.- Only if you have the box always on with the DTV app open (not recommended)
3.- Yes.
Hi Kim, thank you for your reply.
I am still considering whether to buy this box and therefore not able to try out any hard disk.
What you think, is it worth buying?
Hi
If you want to use it for an intensive use of the tuners go for a specific device for this use without Android.
If your priority is Android and sporadic use of the tuners this is ok.
Thank you Kim for the clear advice. Best Regards
I’ve been playing with it for three days now. Picture starts to stutter after about two hours. It then completely shuts down after about two hours of continuous use. I had to pull the power plug. I think it overheats. I have put it upside down now, see what happens. All ventilation holes are on the bottom.
I have also had one instance where Spotify music and the sat channel’s sound were mixed.. Had to completely reboot it.
Thermals for sure, box design is horrible.
And putting it upside down did not help. After 80 minutes of use it shut itself down again ….
Return it or open the box to improve the ventilation.
Yep. I installed cpu-z and both soc_thermal and ddr_thermal are at 62° Celsius on idle.
How did you open the box? I can’t see how to open it.
I seem to remember… have two screws under the rubber feets and needs a guitar pick (or similar) to follow the union line, check the pictures.
Thank you! Pictures?
Photo of the motherboard in the review.
Thank you!
box design only ? how about software ? it is even worse tha the design
yes it is ! much much worse !
thanks for this many details in the review! one question: can you adjust screen ratio? is it possible to set it in 4:3 like 1024×768? i have a beamer that stretches all the images in 16:9 and i don’t like it, no way to adjust it, i would prefer to set the box image out as 4:3 and get 2 black lines instead of a stretched image. thanks
Hi. Complex, this options i think maybe work if the HDMI and your screen can set this modes. Not sure, sorry.
Does anyone help me dtv app Mecool k7 when scan for Chanel it’s say no program
Check your region and your cable setup.
Does the remote have a radio button or how do you find radio stations ?
Radios are detected when you search the DVB-T2 channels.
No button for radio, the stations are just another DTV channel.
Thanks for that.
Could you help me please.? I see radio stations during searching channels DVB-T2 but then they are not in the channel list. Thank you.
Try this update:
https://www.mediafire.com/file/sbmdd3at1bvzyf6/K7-ota-V2.20191223.142846.zip/file
Copy in a usb drive and use the update tool app.
Do a factory reset after the update, don’t touch the box for 10 minutes after first reboot.
What does this update do?
No info from Mecool.
Unfortunately, my firmware is newer, but looks like some sort of beta, judging from the build name.
Franklin-userdebug 9PPR1.180610.011
V2.20200229.12107 test-keys
Ask to your shop, maybe share with you a new firmware.
Share the link to help others.
If not, try to flash the first version, people say is the best.
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-update/
After flash it don’t touch the box for 10 minutes, wait.
Seller sent me a link to the newest firmware. Unfortunately, that is the version already on the box.
Might try the original firmware, see what happens.
Share the link please, maybe is useful for another user.
I give up. The box is totally useless. By the way, the original firmware gives a signature check failure on boot after confirming upgrade in the OTA tool and subsequent restart.
The latest firmware is the firmware on my K7. Below is the link to the latest firmware.
https://mega.nz/folder/OZ8WCArJ#xOTSX_5MqmWOfHwg4oT7yg
Thanks for sharing, but is this same file:
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-rom/
You need the IMG file to restore a box, use the Method 1:
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-update/
My box would be downgrading. It has later firmware and says it won’t downgrade.
Blue button on the remote. Then put all your radio channels in a separate favourite list “radio”.
Can you make your own different Favourites Lists?
Can you also ORDER the channels in the order you want yourself?
This for me is VERY important and I can’t find it in any specifications.
I need to know BEFORE I buy it.
Favourites yes.
Order no.
https://androidpctv.com/review-mecool-k7-opinion/comment-page-1/#comment-3675
Shame Kim..
Then this is definitely NOT for me.
I once had a receiver you couldn’t reorder and everything was higgeldy piggeldy with no structure and I threw it away in less than a week.
It was VERY VERY frustrating finding the channel I wanted …
e.g.
Channel 5
BBC2
ITV1
Channel 4
Pick
BBC1
Drama
ITV 4
Yesterday
More 4
4 Seven
BBC4
etc etc
80 channels all mixed up.
Yes… is like we explain in the review: “…can control our favorite channels to access quickly, we can not sort by channel number directly.”
Put your channels in the favourite list, that’s all you can do.
But you can sort by name. Favourite list as well.
I’m having a problem with DVBS on my Mecool k7, when I change channels the audio is ok but no picture.
If I switch in and out of the channel eventually on some channels come back but then it looks like the frames are buffering and the picture jumps around speeds up then play normally.
The same dish and my old box worked fine.
Other channels are Ok so it’s not all channels.
The signal quality is good.
Anyone seen the same problem.
Hi. I bought the Mecool k7. Having channels issues with frame rates jumping around. Another issue I have is the onboard keyboard does not work. I have tried some keyboards on Google play but they won’t play either. My firmware on box for Dtv is V1. 0 and the K7 OTA Version is 907001008 . Any help is appreciated.
Hello, can you recommend any good and low budget satellite for this device? I am from Pakistan.
.
Hi to all, i have brought a mecool K7. It is great product but it have a problem with CCCam (or DVB app?). With a working c-line the SAT channel became de-scrambled but the DTT channel still remain scrambled. I don’t understand if the problem is a misconfiguration of OScam or the DVB app as a problem with DTT channel. I have try the same c-line in a KII pro & KIII pro and they working well for all channel (SAT and DTT). I have compared the settings (via webif) and the settings are the same. Any idea to resolve/fix… Read more »
Hello.
I tested with various c-line in Astra 1KR 19.2E and works fine.
What satellite you use?
This box needs time to stabilyze the firmware, after that must works fine.
Do a factory reset, an keep the box on 30 min, reboot, check the bluetooth menu works.
Please inform to you shop to make presion to Mecool to work in the firmware.
Have a nice day.
Hi Kim, like i said, the SAT channels (DVB-S) became de-scambled (it mean the CCcam work for they) but when i go on a DTT (DVB-T – Terrestrial channels) they remain scrambled. Same c-line inserted on KII & KIII pro (and Dreambox) working well on both channel (SAT & DTT). I have compared the settings of Oscam betwen KIII & K7 (via webif) and the settings are the same but CCCam for DTT (DVB-T) channels on K7 not work remain scrambled. This is the main problem for the K7. I have just write to my shop but after 15 days… Read more »
I don’t have DVB-T scrambled channels in my country i can’t test. I will explain in the review, thanks.
If the shop don’t reply open a dispute and claim your money, use paypal or other method.
Is the best pressure measure.
I will try to send your the message to mecool.
I have heard of people having trouble with the firmware on this box.
Has the firmware been improved or is the K7 still on the original firmware that the box was issued with ?
What problems? Specify.
Install the last firmware:
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-update/
Do a factory reset and wait till the OS ends the configuration, 10/15minutes.
Hi. I have latest firmware. Did anyone managed automatic HDMI refresh rate (in Advanced Settings) to work (either with DTV DVB-T2 to 1080p50Hz or with Kodi-TV Center for some MKVs to 24/23.976 Hz) ?
Hi. This setting don’t work, you need to use afrd, see the review link in Video Settings.
new firmware(10-15-2019) does not support the AFRD Auto Frequency Recovery application
Check the root permisions
Hi, got box for one day and I’m not to happy with some features. Firstly box is fast. DVB-T2 picture is not perfect compering with “normal” TV, perhaps need tuning. Second and major issue. When watching video on Kodi and then switching to DVB-T2 kodi video is pausing (really nice feature) but TV video is missing, is like pushed to left only showing one narrow stripe on screen, about 1% of screen audio is working fine. Switching back to Kodi – Kodi is working normally, then back to DTV same situation. No video (or small part of video , audio… Read more »
Hi. Contact with your store or mecool to explain, look like a firmware thing.
Maybe will fix, but are not very critical problems.
You have the last firmware version?
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-update/
Hi, i have contact them but also want to make public announcement to see if anybody else have same problem. For me is big problem because i Like to change programs, a lot. Example watching video on Kodi and wont to check news on TV – restart box
No I didn’t yet install new firmware because guide say do not update if most of things work 🙂
Wise men, if you can survive with the changing bug is more easy to live.
Look like a problem with video overlay rendering.
HI, new day new problem 🙂 I have menage to find temporally solution for video overlay, simply exit DTV app no need for box restart any more. New problem is with audio, sometimes during switching between Kodi and DTV, Kodi sometimes runs out audio, solution is same exiting DTV app. Geekbuying is recommending upgrading to news firmware, but I can’t find online any update information or bug repairs, also no information if update go smoothly. Will wait little longer with update.
I will ask for new firmware, if i found something i will publish it.
Hi, bought this Box as a new replacement for my Mecool K1 Pro, but I am very unsatisfied because of Mecool K7 S2 tuner problem with some transponders which after scan looks like not working (signal is 0% – on the same antenna my K1 Pro shows this transponders very good) as an example : Hotbird transponders : 11449 and 12265. Do you observe such problems and have any solution – maybe it is TV app? Or hardware tuner problem? Can you help me?
Hi. Contact with your store or mecool to explain, look like a firmware thing.
You have the last version?
https://androidpctv.com/firmware-mecool-k7-update/
Este K7 ¿puede exportar listas m3u de los canales de la parabolica?
Si no pudiera, ¿en un futuro se podria?
Con CoreElec ¿se puede exportar una lista m3u?
Seguramente soporte coreleec en un futuro.
Lo de las m3u ni idea.
Hi, can you tell us which difference beetween k6 and k7? They are two different cpu, which one you advice, hisilicon or amlogic?
And about image quality, which is one is better? I read somewhere that hi3798mv200 has bad video quality in SD video, do you confirm this? Reding both review it seems you consider the hisilicon cpu better about image quality. Do you confirm?
Thanks!
Yes, hisilicon is better in PQ, have very good VPU processing unit, better than amlogic.
But what are your preferences, only PQ? Android power? LibreELEC or CoreELEC future support?… is your choice.
You have all the information in the review.
No one have only one right answer.
K6 model had smartcard slot, does K7 support it? In Europe, there are 90% of channels encrypted, so having tuner would be pointless without smartcard slot.
Thank you,
Matevz
Hi.
This box is not oriented to use smart card for decrypt, like previous KII or KIII Pro.
Have a nice day.
This model has TV tuner, so is intended for watching DVB channels. But you can not watch DVB channels, cause there is no cam module for smartcard. The tuner is more or less useless, because you can watch 5-10 free channels. This means no Sport, no movies … It would be nice that review points out that fact, so manufacturer is aware of no need for tuner, if there is no smartcard slot. My recommendation to manufacturer would be, to put twin tuner option and smartcard module with dual decryption mode. You can bet they would sell twice as much,… Read more »
Mirroring? Air play or miracast?
Any alternative to this box (considering the DVB and Android 9) ?
Media sharing: Chromecast NO / Miracast NO / DLNA YES / Airplay NO.
Is the best option in the market right now with DVB, android 9 and some future.
Thank you Kim, sorry I wasn’t clear. My question is: is there the possibility to enable the miracast/airplay (maybe with some app)?
And do you think that in the future there will be the implementation of HD netflix (by a new firmware)?
Not possible miracast/airplay, must be in the system.
Not possible netflix HD only SD+, this need special signatures.
Enjoy the other features.