Saturday, July 28, 2012

TVpad M121S 1-week sales promotion (extented)

You can order the TVpad M121S from 30 July till (and including) 5 August (Beijing time) for the promotion price of 229US Dollar ($199 after discount, see details below). The retail price of the TVpad M121S is going to be 259US Dollar ($30 higher than M121 version). As mentioned in the previous post, the TVpad M121S has a new interface and firmware version 3.0 which allows you to watch more foreign channels (Korean channels). Current TVpad M121/120 owners can upgrade their firmware in the future to enjoy the new features.

Update (December 8, 2012): For a limited period of time, you can buy the TVpad M121S for only $199, see this post: TVpad $199





Translated English order form 





The TVpad M121S promotion price conditions are as follows:

The price promotion period is from 30 July till (and including) 5 August (Beijing time)

1. Buy the TVpad on http://www.tvpad.hk/tvpad/01 or on http://en.tvpad.hk/ and copy the following words in the "other request" white column (其他要求) in the order form: "提前预定TVpad M121S新品,8月6日统一发货"  (I would like to get the TVpad M121S)

2. The TVpad M121S units will be shipped starting on 6 August.

3. The $30 dollar discount coupon per unit (14696673) can still be used in this promotion (so the price will be $199 per unit after discount has been applied) and also the Olympics promotion is still valid (see this post). For example, when you buy 2 TVpad M121S units in the price promotion period (30 July - 5 August), you will also get 2 wireless network cards for free.



Video's of M121S interface and app garden






Wednesday, July 25, 2012

TVpad M121S interface, retail box pictures, and new apps coming

A couple of retail box photo's of the TVpad M121S version can be seen below:





In a couple of weeks, the TVpad M121S version will be released that has a new firmware version (3.0). The hardware of the TVpad M121S version seems to be the same compared to the M121 version but the price of the M121S version will be higher than the current price of the M121 (so my advice is to buy the current M121 version before the price begins to rise). Also, there is no built-in wifi chip inside the M121S.

Current owners of the M121/120 version can upgrade the firmware in the future to enjoy the new features. One of the new features is the ability to watch more foreign channels (Korean channels). Also, a new feature is that the system will notify you when an update of an app is available.

A couple of pictures of the new interface:





The new apps that are coming along the M121S are as follows:





This VOD (video's on demand) app has the latest variety shows of mainland China.






This is a news (VOD) app offering the daily headlines of various topics.





This VOD app offers old movies on demand.




This VOD app has the latest TV series of mainland China.




This VOD app has the latest video's about health and medical issues.




This VOD app has educational content for children.




This app is about Buddhism.




Video's of M121S interface and app garden





Saturday, July 14, 2012

TVpad M121 sales promotion activity

For the latest TVpad sales promotion (discount) activity, check this page: TVpad sales activity

Due to the upcoming Olympic Games, TVpad website is holding a promotion activity.

Promotion period: 15 July 00:00 till 15 August 24:00 (Beijing time)

The sales promotion activity is as follows:

1. Buy 2 TVpad units or more (in 1 order) and each TVpad will get a wireless network card for free.

2. Buy 10 TVpad units or more (in 1 order) and each TVpad will get a wireless network card for free    + you will get 1 TVpad unit extra for free. (In total, 11 TVpads + 10 wireless usb network cards) 


http://tvpad.hk/tvpad/02/index.html (TVpad M121 Chinese order page)
http://en.tvpad.hk/tvpad/02/index.jsp (TVpad M121 English order page)

If you want to buy the TVpad M121S, you can buy it on the order pages below:

http://tvpad.hk/tvpad/01/index.html (TVpad M121S Chinese order page)
http://en.tvpad.hk/ (TVpad M121S English order page)


$30 discount code per unit (fill this in the order form): 14696673 (The discount coupon can still be used in this sales promotion activity)

The free wireless network card you will get when you order 2 TVpad units or more: GWF-3133 Wireless USB adapter (150MBps):



Saturday, July 7, 2012

TVpad M121S/M121: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)



This post will mention the most frequently asked questions about the TVpad M233 (TVpad2), TVpad3 M121S or M121 and it will be updated frequently.

Go to this page for the TVpad3 promotion packages: tvpadm233.blogspot.com/2013/11/tvpad-3-discount-deals.html

FAQ


1. Do I have to pay shipping costs when I buy the machine on the official website?
The shipping costs are free for a lot of countries. See the table below (source is tvpad official website). Also, you can see your tracking number in the account you have signed up for during the purchase process.

















2. Do I have to pay import costs/tax?
The vendor will put a very low value on the package, but there is still a chance that you have to pay import costs/tax if the customs does not believe the low value of the machine. Also, the import duty rule (pay tax if the value is over a certain threshold) can differ for each country, so check your customs website about this.


3. What is the after-sale service when you buy the TVpad on the official TVpad website?
You can return the machine within 7 days or exchange the machine for a new one within 15 days if the machine is faulty. Also, this machine has 1 year warranty. If you want to return the machine, put the return receipt in your package and state the following information: your name, order number, registered ID (e-mail and nickname) and returns reason. Before sending back, I still advice you to make contact first with the customer service.

4. Do all WIFI network adapters/dongles work on the TVpad?
The answer is no, not all WIFI network adapters work on the TVpad. The vendor recommends the Netcore NW360 WIFI adapter. An user reported that the following WIFI usb adapter also works on the TVpad: WIFI usb adapter. The vendor also have mentioned that WIFI USB adapters with RT3070 or RTL8192SU chipset inside will work on the TVpad. 
                                                                                                                                       Note: it's best to use a wired connection , more stable in my opinion compared to a wireless connection, but you can always try the WIFI network adapter first. Please be aware that there is no built-in wifi chip inside the TVpad M121S or in the M121. A low cost RJ45 cable would work if you don't mind the long cables in your house or you could buy  powerline adapters (at least two are needed). I must tell you that some people have some problems with the wireless connection (connection not stable enough), so my advice is really to use a wired connection.

There is a WIFI chipset built-in inside TVpad2 (TVpad M233), so you don't need to buy an external WIFI USB stick anymore.

5.1 How to get TVpad working for the first time (short tutorial)?
First, the following items should be included in the TVpad retail box: TVpad set top box, instruction brochure, power adapter, remote, av cable, hdmi cable and 8GB microSD card. After you have connected the TVpad with your TV and started it up, you will be ask to enter a three digit number shown on the TV screen. Type in that number using the remote control. After that, you will be able to configure your settings. (Edit: there is only 4GB microSD card in stead of 8GB in the M121S package and TVpad2 (TVpad M233)

5.2 How to install/un-install the apps on the TVpad?
No apps are installed when you start the machine for the first time. After you have configured your settings, you can install the apps by going to "App manager" in the main menu. In the "TVpad store"  (first tab)(this can be found in firmware 3.0 or higher), you can find all the apps. Choose the app you would like to install and press "OK" in the remote control. You can un-install an app by going to the "Installed apps" tab. Go to the app you would like to un-install and press "OK" in the remote control. 

Apps can also be installed using an USB-stick. Connect your USB-stick with the apps on it with your TVpad and go to "App manager" in the main menu. Go to the third tab ("Others") and there you will find all the apps you would like to install. If you have TVpad2 (TVpad M233) device, then it is normally not possible to install TVpad apps using an USB-stick (there is no third tab). However, you can use some software to allow apps installation using an USB-stick.

6. Will the TV apps work forever?
No, there is a chance that some of the apps won't work in the future.

7. What kind of Internet connection do I need for the TVpad?
At least a download speed of 2 till 3Mbps is going to be needed, 3-4Mbps is more on the safer side. Be aware that these livestreams also uses your upload connection, so you are downloading as well as uploading at the same time. Thus, this could affect your Internet browsing or gaming experience. Maybe your router has the option to limit the upload speed.

8. Do I have to pay a monthly/yearly fee for this device?
No, you don't have to pay a monthly/yearly fee for using this device.

9. How to switch video output from AV to HDMI and vice versa?
Normally, you can switch the video ouput in "Settings" ---> "Video Setting". You can also switch the video output by pressing F1 button for a couple of seconds on your remote control and wait for a couple of minuts. Try this method when the TVpad is turned on and you are only seeing a black screen on the TV. You can switch between PAL and NTSC by pressing the F2 button for a couple of seconds on your remote control.

10. How is the quality of the livestreams and are they stable (without lags or stuttering)?
Generally speaking, the quality of the livestreams is average (they are not HD quality), but still good enough to watch. In the past 11 months, I haven't experienced lags/stuttering, so the livestreams are quite stable.

11. How much is the data usage when the TVpad is turned on?
Since not all the TV livestreams are of the same quality (bitrate can differ), I can only mention a rough estimate of the data usage when you are watching a TV livestream. Watching a livestream for 10 minutes is about 63MB of data usage. This can be higher or lower depending on the livestream you are watching.

12. How to see the channel list within an app?
Press the "Menu" button on your remote to see the channel within the app. You can also change a TV channel by using the up and down "arrows" buttons on your remote and then press the "OK" button.

13. How to update the TVpad apps?
It does not happen often that you need to update the apps. New TV channels can be added by the TVpad management without updating your app. When there is a new update of an app, you need to download the app again and install it again (un-install the old app first). In firmware version 3.0, the system will notify you to update your app.

14. What are the differences between the TVpad M121S and M121? (TVpad M121S vs M121)
The TVpad management only mentioned that the CPU inside the M121S is the TCC8902 and there is 256M RAM inside the M121S. The CPU inside the M121 is the TCC8901 and there is also 256M RAM inside the M121. Searching the Internet for more information about the CPU, it can be noticed that the CPU core is the same between the TCC8902 and the TCC8901 (see this link and this link). They are both clocked at 800MHz. The GPU is also the same. 

Furthermore, M121S has firmware version 3.0 which allows you to watch more foreign channels (Korean TV streams) and it has more video on demand apps. Current M121/120 owners can update their firmware in the future to 3.0 to have the same features as the M121S. It seems that TVpad M121S has only a newer firmware version.

15. What are the differences between the TVpad M311 and M121S?
TVpad M311 was a device similar to the M121, but it was targeted to Koreans living overseas. Instead of Chinese TV channels, the TVpad M311 has Korean TV channels and Korean on demand content. Some while ago, the TVpad management discontinued the M311 (not for sale anymore) and allowed the TVpad M121S to watch Korean TV channels and Korean on demand content.

16. What is the system interface language?
The following languages are available: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese. Korean and Japanese language are only available in firmware version 3.0

17. What kind of video's can be played by TVpad?
TVpad can play video's with the following codecs: H.264, MPEG 1/2/4, VC-1, Real Video 8/9/10, H.263.

18. Can I watch two different live channels at the same time with only 1 TVpad?
No, that's not possible. You will need 2 TVpad units to be able to watch two different live channels at the same time.

19. Is it possible to buy a new remote control when the old remote control is broken?
Yes, that's possible. The market price for the remote control is $15 dollar and you can buy it on the official website. You can also use your Android phone as a remote control by installing the remote control app or you can use an Harmony One remote.

20I am getting a "user does not exist" message (this could happen to TVpad users with firmware 3.0 or higher). What should I do?
It could be your Internet connection. Test whether your Internet connection works or not. Maybe your Internet cable is somehow disconnected (if you are using a wired connection). Also, try to restart your TVpad if you are getting the user does not exist message, this may help. 

If your Internet connection does work fine and you have restarted your TVpad, then you may have a bigger problem. Your TVpad could have been blacklisted/banned. Contact the (online) customer service on the official TVpad website to unban your TVpad by mentioning your problem and the MAC address of your TVpad (this unique MAC address can be found beneath your TVpad)(customer service e-mailaddress: service@tvpad.hk). You can also use the chat service for help (see the next question) If you have bought this device from a dealer/reseller, then this dealer/reseller could have reported to the TVpad customer service that the TVpad device (sold to you) does not work (while it could be working fine). The dealer/reseller will then get a new one from TVpad in return. 

There is also a possibility that there are some problems with the authentication server of TVpad (causing the "user does not exist" message), anyway you should still contact the customer service on the official site about your problem if the problem exists for more than 1 day.

21. How can I contact the customer service for help?
You can send an e-mail to the customer service (service@tvpad.hk) or you can chat with the customer service on the following site: Chat with the customer service 

You can type your question/problem in English in the chat box, but they may answer only in Chinese. Use an online translater to understand their response to your question/problem.


22. How to reset or restore the TVpad M121S to factory settings?
You can reset or restore the TVpad M121S to factory settings by going to "Settings" in the main menu. Then, go to the tab "Factory Default" to restore your settings.

23. Can I use the TVpad on my computer (PC)/laptop?
If your PC monitor or laptop has HDMI input connection, then you can use the TVpad also on that device.


24. What are the differences between TVpad M233 (TVpad2) and TVpad M121S?
TVpad M233 (also known as TVpad2) has a better CPU and GPU compared to the older model (TVpad M121S). A better CPU and GPU does not mean that the livestreams or video on demand content of the apps are of better quality compared to the older model. A better CPU and GPU in the TVpad M233 model decreases the start-up time of the machine.

TVpad M233 (TVpad2) has also built-in WIFI chipset inside, so you don't need an external WIFI USB stick anymore. There is no built-in WIFI chipset inside TVpad M121S. Furthermore, you can play games on the TVpad M233 with the game controller (game controller is provided if you fill in the gift code 14696673 in the order form on the official website). TVpad M233 will also have VoIP support in the future.

The amount of TV apps is currently the same for TVpad M233 (TVpad2) as well as for TVpad M121S.

Friday, July 6, 2012

TVpad M121/M121S: How to record/save your TVpad stream

Following the previous post (watch the same TVpad stream on any devices), this post lets you record/save the same TVpad stream in a very easy way. See the following instructions:

1. Open VLC Media Player (free) on your Desktop PC or laptop.
2. Go to "View" and click on "Advanced Controls". Now a record icon will appear (above the play icon).



















3. Go to "Media" and open your "Network stream" and then enter your network url (ip address tvpad + port number (see the previous post)). Hopefully, you can now see the TVpad livestream on VLC player.
4. Click on the record icon and now you are recording/saving the livestream. Click on the record icon for the second time to stop recording the livestream. The output of the recording/stream can normally be found in "Documents" -->  "Libraries" --> "Videos" (in Windows).


Note: 1 minute of recording is about 6-8 MB large.


TVpad M121/M121S: How to watch the same TVpad stream on any devices (Desktop PC, laptop, tablet (ipad), smartphone) besides your TV

Credits goes to "jason13863", "ninja168", and "phantoman" @ PA forum for pointing this out. 

First, you have to know the ip address of your TVpad in order to watch the same stream on any devices besides your TV (e.g. play the TVpad livestream on your iPad, iPhone and Android device). The ip address of your TVpad can be found in "settings" (Grey icon in the start menu), then go to "cable network icon" or "wireless network icon". Write that ip address down. Now, you only have to put a port number after the ip address. It begins with 6001 and any channel change on your TV will result in the port number to increase with 1 (thus 6002). If port number 6001 does not work for the first time, try port number 6002 and so on. Finally, copy that url to any media player (app) that supports streams (for example, VLC player on your desktop PC or Mac). You can use Oplayer to watch the livestream on your iPad or iPhone.


http://(ip address of your tvpad):(port number)

For example

http://192.184.1.84:6001 (note: ip address you see here is just random numbers) 
http://192.184.1.84:6002 (any channel change on your TV increases the port number with 1)
http://192.184.1.84:6003
http://192.184.1.84:6004
http://192.184.1.84:6005
http://192.184.1.84:6006
http://192.184.1.84:6007
http://192.184.1.84:6008

and so on...............................................

If you want to record/save the stream, see this post

Go to this page for the TVpad3 promotion packages: tvpadm233.blogspot.com/2013/11/tvpad-3-discount-deals.html

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

TVpad M121S/M121 Apps download

TVpad M233/M121S/M121 Apps download

Go to this page for the TVpad3 promotion packages: tvpadm233.blogspot.com/2013/11/tvpad-3-discount-deals.html

You can find the TVpad apps for TVpad M233 (TVpad2) or M121S (a total of 98 apps at the moment) in the "TVpad store" (also known as "TVpad app garden") inside the "App manager" (available since firmware version 3.0) on your device (see these pictures: tvpad app managertvpad store).

No apps are installed if you start the TVpad mediaplayer for the first time, you have to download the tvpad apps and install them yourself. If you don't have firmware version 3.26 or higher (this only applies to earlier TVpad M121S or older TVpad models), upgrade your firmware first (because if you don't have firmware 3.26 or higher, then you can't see the TVpad store).

Install the search app 应用搜索器 in the "TVpad store" for more apps (including 粵海寬頻, 粵海時移 and 港粤快看). TVpad M233 (TVpad2) already has firmware version 3.7, so you don't need to upgrade your firmware. However, TVpad M233 (TVpad2) users need to install something in order to get HK apps (such as 粵海寬頻, 粵海時移 and 港粤快看) that can not be found in the TVpad store (perhaps due to legal reason). See this blogpost for more information: apps installation from an USB device

A short introduction about the different apps for TVpad M233 (TVpad2)/M121S/M121:

粵海寬頻 app and HITV app have mainly live channels from Hong Kong.

粵海時移 app has livestreams delayed by 12 hours.

粤TV app has live channels from Hong Kong.

我爱K歌 app is a Karaoke app.

佛海視界 app, BETV app, and 516網絡電視 app have live channels from China and Taiwan.
(e.g. CCTV2,5,10,11 CTS, TVBS, TTV)

港粤快看 app is a HK video on demand app. The latest HK TV-series, shows can be watched using this app.

粵海寬頻2 回放 app is a HK video on demand app. A lot of video programs can be watched on demand
of HK channels using this app.

影视谷2 app is also a video on demand app. This app can be used for movies and variety shows.

NIJI_Show app has 7 live channels from Japan (e.g. NHK, TBS, Fuji TV) 

体育on Line has live sports channels (CCTV5, MBC Sports, Guangdong sports channel)

NamTV app has livechannels from Vietnam

V-sen app has video on demand content from Vietnam

YOUTUBE app and  优酷看看 (Youku) app are popular video hosting sites to watch video's. 

好播视频 and 好播音乐 app are video and music player. 
(Your own video's and music can be watched/listened using these apps)

老电影HD app is a video on demand app with old movies.

华夏剧场 app is a video on demand app with TV-series of mainland China                                  

每日焦点 app is a video on demand app with the latest news.

热辣综艺 app is a video on demand app with Chinese variety shows.

养生堂 app is video an on demand app about Chinese health culture (e.g. traditional medicine)

巧连智 app is an video on demand app for children (educational content)


佛教學堂 app is an on demand app about Buddhism.

趣味数独 is a Sudoku game app.

80相声 is a video on demand app. Chinese talkshows can be watched using this app.

养生太极 is a video on demand app. Health/Tai Chi video's can be watched using this app.

天天饮食 is a video on demand app. Chinese cooking shows can be watched using this app.

时下热剧 is a video on demand app. Chinese (mainland) TV-series can be watched using this app.

潮汕風情 is a video on demand app. Chinese theatre/opera can be watched using this app.

瑜伽健身 is a video on demand app. Yoga/Fitness video's can be seen using this app.

立波show is a video on demand app. Chinese talkshows can be watched using this app.

郭德網  is a video on demand app. Chinese stand up comedy can be watched using this app.

应用搜索器 is a search app allowing to find some of the apps mentioned above.

港台武侠  is a video on demand app. It has classic martial arts/wuxia drama's.

谍战 is a video on demand app. It has war/spy related Chinese drama's

惊骇时刻 is a video on demand app. Ih has horror movies.

哈利波特 is a video on demand app. It has Harry potter movies.

美剧天下 is a video on demand app. It has TV-series from the United States.

初恋电影合辑 is a video on demand app. It has romantic movies.

天使赫本 is a video on demand app. It has Audrey Hepburn video's

热映影吧 is a video on demand app It has foreign movies.

家庭幽默录像 is a video on demand app. It has funniest home video's


成长的烦恼 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a Chinese reality show

微电影 is a video on demand app. It has short movies.

MJ-Video is a video on demand app. It has video's of Michael Jackson

百老汇 is a video on demand app. It has video's of dance performances

红磡巨声 is a video on demand app. It has music concert video's.

李云迪 is a video on demand app. It has video's of famous pianist Yundi Li.

粤语音乐疯 is a video on demand app. It has music video's of HK singers.

小巨蛋music is a video on demand app. It has music concert video's of various singers. 

郭德纲 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a stand-up comedy (crosstalk) show

百变大咖秀 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a Chinese variety show.

年代秀 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a show called "The Generation show"

女人如歌 is a video on demand app. It has "The winner is..." video's.

中国好声音 is a video on demand app. It has video's of the Voice of China.

晚小品 is a video on demand app. It has video's of Chinese stand-up comedy (sketch)

刘谦变魔术 is a video on demand app. It has video's of magic tricks

世界周刊 is a video on demand app. It has world news video's.

杨澜访谈录 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a Chinese talkshow

动物世界 is a video on demand app. It has animal video's

爱pet is a video on demand app. It has pet video's

走遍中国 is a video on demand app. It has historic video's of China

四大名著 is a video on demand app. It has wuxia/ancient TV-series

倒霉熊 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a cartoon

童真天籁 is a video on demand app. It has kids songs video's

精彩童话 is a video on demand app. It has video's of children stories

微动画 is a video on demand app. It has short animation video's

全民舞动  is a video on demand app. It has traditional dance video's

非常粥道 is a video on demand app. It has video's of making different rice porridge

蔡澜叹名菜 is a video on demand app. It has video's of a food show.

按摩养生 is a video on demand app. It has massage video's

舌尖中国 is a video on demand app. It has video's of tv show "A bite of China"

趣味数独 is s sudoku app.

快乐拼图 is a puzzle app

黑白棋 is a othello app.

雀圣 is a mahjong app.


Below are the TVpad Korean apps (Korean live TV and video on demand (VOD) apps)

Solive is a Korean live TV app. This includes livestreams of MBC, KBS1/2, SBS, tvN TV channel.

KKS is a Korean live TV app. It has several livestreams (SBS, KBS, MBC, ytn)

월드TV is a Korean app with foreign channels (BBC, Bloomberg, CCTV4, CNN)

DB 티비극장 is a Korean video on demand (VOD) app with movies & drama's.

DB 예능hot  is a Korean VOD app with variety shows.

DB 종합오락 is a Korean VOD with entertainment, education, current events and music programs.

DB 기독교 is a Korean religion app.

DB 어린이 is a comic and animation app for children.

DB 요리프로 is a Korean VOD app with cooking shows.     

Hot韩剧社 is a video on demand app. It has Korean drama's.

K-POP is a video on demand app. It has concert video's of K-pop artists

HM인기최신 is a video on demand app. It has video's of popular TV content

DB 종합오락프로 is a video on demand app. It has entertainment, music program video's.