The RockTek GB1 is the new micro TV-Box that we present today its analysis or review. A product with certificates for streaming and good video quality.
In the RockTek GB1 we find the SoC Realtek RTD1315C that debuts in this format. This small TV-Box offers us as Google TV 12 environment and includes a Bluetooth remote control, which integrates a microphone for Google Assistant and thus make all kinds of searches. Thanks to its certificates we have integrated Chromecast 4K, so we can send content from our mobile and all certificates for streaming apps in 4K Dolby Vision quality with Dolby Atmos sound.
Let’s see in our review how this system behaves and what it offers compared to the rest.
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RockTek GB1 Details
Unboxing
The new RockTek GB1 comes in a plain cardboard box with the product box. Inside we find the small TV-Box, remote control, HDMI cable, USB cable and a first steps manual.
Description
As we can see, the RockTek GB1 has a very compact size. On one side we find a USB-C 2.0 OTG and on the opposite side an HDMI 2.1 connector. On another side we have a status LED on the power button. This small Box integrates a chip with Wifi 5 2T2R and Bluetooth 5.0 with internal wifi antennas. The cooling system fulfills its function well because it hardly heats up.
The remote is Bluetooth and Infrared and features a microphone for Google Assistant. It has dedicated keys for microphone, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and apps.
- Remote : BT IR remote control with mic / Compatible with keyboard and mouse / Google TV Remote.
- USB Port: Allows USB-C 3.0 HUB, for peripherals or add Ethernet.
System and Performance
Environment and user experience
We connect the RockTek GB1 and a configuration wizard is launched where we can adjust the wifi, control our TV by IR. It is also possible to define which apps to install and select the type of content we want to see on the main screen. We have the Google TV 12 launcher based on rows with tabs of the contents or shortcuts to the installed apps. The overall performance is smooth, we move smoothly between the most common apps and the environment in 4K resolution looks very good.
- Launcher: Replaceable / Android UI renders at 4K.
- Multitasking and access: Multitasking NOT available / Notifications on top icon.
- Languages and app store: English and others / Google TV app store.
- See our Android TV User Manual to install classic Android Apps.
System
We check the system data and we see that it only has 32-bit instructions. This TV-Box will have continuous OTA updates to improve and optimize it in the long term.
- Version: Google TV 12 (32 bit) / Model: Morgan / Assembler: Innopia.
- Support: Google OTA support.
Network, storage, RAM and ports
The new RockTek GB1 TV-Box has 2 GB of RAM DDR4 and for storage we have 16 GB eMMC quite fast. In the network section it has a Wifi 5 2T2R wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.0 that give us positive results. We also have a USB-C 2.0 OTG port for connecting peripherals. Expandable storage via USB. It does not support NTFS but it does support exFAT.
- Network: Internal Wifi Antenna / Range -42 dBm / Wifi Links 5G 1600 Mbps.
- Storage: Total 16 GB – Free 9 GB eMMC.
- RAM: Total 2 GB – Free 1 GB / DDR4.
- Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks if we are going to use files from our network PC.
Power and performance
In terms of performance, the RockTek GB1 features the Realtek RTD1315C SoC , a Quad Core with ARM Cortex-A55 processors up to 1.7 GHz and a Mali-G57 MC1 GPU up to 850 MHz which is in the mid-range. The results, as we can see, leave it at the level of an AMLogic S905X4 processor. It is possible to use streaming apps, KODI, PLEX, IPTV and games or emulators at medium level without complications.
- CPU performance: Min. 0.5 GHz / In use 1.1 GHz / Max. 1.7 GHz.
Games and emulators
In terms of games, we can run simple titles, as well as cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GForce Now or play streaming games with our PC using Moonlight and Sunshine. In the emulators section we can get at most run some Wii titles, but we will not have problems with 2D games from classic consoles with emulators like Retroarch or from KODI, the EmuELEC system can not be run, as it is not compatible.
- Games: Simple 3D games / No Vulkan / Emulators up to Wii.
- Controls: We can use USB or Bluetooth Gamepads.
Consumption and temperature
The Realtek RTD1315C SoC is manufactured in 12 nm, has a low power consumption, the cooling system works perfectly and temperatures are low at all times. The power consumption is only 3 W and it is possible to power it with a USB from our own TV if it is 5V 1A.
- Thermal: Maintains performance up to 100% / Surface heating / 0 db noise.
- Consumption: Off 0.9W / Min. 1W / In use 2W / Max. 3W.
Video and Audio Test
Playback test
In the video playback section, the RockTek GB1 is compatible as we have seen with the AV1 codec and all the other classics such as VP9, H.265 and H.264. It also offers support for Dolby Vision/Atmos format and HDR 10 with resolutions up to 4K@60fps. It allows HDMI 2.1 video output with game mode options and also with automatic refresh rate change. In our test this SoC offers a very good image quality in video playback, something we have already seen in ZIDOO equipment.
- Video: 4K@60fps / HDMI-CEC / Refresh Rate auto / Game mode / Dolby Vision.
- Audio: HDMI 7.1 / Dolby Atmos / DTS Core.
- Linux OS: This model is NOT compatible with LibreELEC or CoreELEC.
- Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio / Dark video playback fix
- We recommend reading the Setup Guide of our TV to get the best picture quality.
Video and audio test results
| Codec | Result |
| h.264 | 4K@30 Max (HW) |
| h.265 | 4K@60 Max (HW) |
| VP9 | 4K@60 Max (HW) |
| AV1 | 4K@60 Max (HW) |
- Maximum Bitrate: 350 Mbps.
- HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration.
| Compatibility | Formats |
| Native | Dolby 5.1 – Plus – HD – Atmos / DTS 5.1 – Master Audio – HR |
| Core | DTS X |
| PCM | All |
- Formats: Native = Full support / Core = 5.1 only / PCM = Stereo / More info.
Streaming services
We tested the streaming services to see how the most popular services work. The RockTek GB1 offers maximum compatibility with all the most popular streaming services. We can watch in 4K Dolby Vision Atmos quality the contents of Prime Video, Disney or Max. It is compatible with Netflix on Hailstorm compliant assemblers.
- DRM: Google Widevine L1 / Playready,
- Certificates: Dolby Vision / Dolby Atmos.
Streaming test results
| Streaming service | Calidad / Audio |
| Youtube | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Google Play Movies | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Netflix | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Netflix Guide |
| Max | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / HBO Max Guide |
| Disney+ | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Disney+ Guide |
| Apple TV+ | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Apple TV+ Guide |
| Prime Video | 4K (2160p) /5.1 / Prime Video Guide |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| IPTV | 4K (2160p) / Stereo |
- Multichannel audio only via HDMI connection in streaming services, SPDIF stereo only.
Conclusions and purchase link
RockTek GB1 review
This new RockTek GB1 micro box is a very interesting platform with Google TV to play video with good image quality. The Realtek RTD1315C SoC has enough power for general use of usual streaming apps, KODI, PLEX, IPTV and simple games. It also offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for high quality content, something to take into account.
With the BOX we have a remote control, Bluetooth and Infrared that gives us control without complications to use Google Assistant system. In addition, we have a Wifi 5 2R2T adapter with good speed, but as usual in this format we only have a USB-C OTG for peripherals or Ethernet.
As we can see, the RockTek GB1 is suitable as a quality video player and DRM streaming. If we get it at a good price it is an interesting alternative to Google TV 4K.
Where to buy the RockTek GB1
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Review
Valuation
- Good video picture quality
- Google TV 12
- Dolby Vision / Atmos compatible
- 4K streaming
- BT remote control
- Very compact
- Unknown update support
Score – 88%
