BuzzTV Gen 5 MasterClass & Buyer’s Guide
The new BuzzTV Gen 5 Android TV Boxes are truly remarkable. They offer dozens of features not found in traditional Fire TV and Android TV devices.
Many TROYPOINT fans are flocking to the new BuzzTV Gen 5 devices and with that comes numerous questions on how to use the various features.
This BuzzTV Gen 5 MasterClass consists of seven videos that will help users get the most out of their new streaming devices.
Additional videos will be added to this page over the coming weeks and months.
If you have a question about the Gen 5 devices please use the comment section below.
You will also find a Buyer’s Guide below the videos that will help determine the right BuzzTV Box for you.
BuzzTV Gen 5 MasterClass
MasterClass Intro & Unboxing
*Additional BuzzTV models available – see Buyer’s Guide below
Initial Setup & Sideloading
*Additional BuzzTV models available – see Buyer’s Guide below
Get HUGE Surfshark VPN Discount
Get Best Unlinked Secret Codes
IPTV Service Setup & Best Practices
IPTV setup requires an IPTV service that provides setup through Xtream Codes Portal, M3U, or MAC Server.
When recording IPTV with BuzzTV Gen 5 devices, one recording will be taken up by one connection. If you want to record multiple streams at the same time or watch TV while you record, you will need to purchase additional connections from your IPTV service.
PVR Setup, Recording, Rewinding & Pausing
Launcher Management with IPTV Integration
Remote Control Setup with Tips & Tricks
Enable Screensaver
BuzzTV Gen 5 Buyer’s Guide
Below are the current BuzzTV Gen 5 models available for purchase.
I’m using the new BuzzTV Classic Edition in the video tutorials provided below however the videos pertain to all Gen 5 devices due to the fact they are running the same operating system. The main differences between the devices below are the hardware specs, remote controls, and PVR options included.
Everyone has their specific needs when it comes to streaming devices.
First, if you’re a heavy Netflix user and want to use one of these devices for that, stop right here. These devices are not Netflix certified which means they won’t play in maximum HD resolution. BuzzTV Android TV Boxes are designed for those who utilize IPTV Services and free streaming apps such as Kodi, Syncler, FilmPlus, etc.
If you’re planning on recording to this device, I suggest purchasing a model with at least 32GB of internal storage. Yes, you can record to USB but that’s less than desirable. You will have less problems recording to internal storage. You will also learn more below about PVR+ and regular PVR which is also important if you are going to record quite often.
I also suggest buying a BuzzTV model that includes a Bluetooth remote instead of IR. Bluetooth remotes are more responsive and you don’t need to point the remote directly at the box.
Here’s a comparison chart that indicates which devices come with Bluetooth remotes and which come with IR.
Remote Comparison Chart
Note: The new BuzzTV Classic is not included in this chart but does come with a Bluetooth remote (BT-250).
BuzzTV’s “No Hassle PVR+” allows you to set scheduled programming to record the shows you want to watch. The BuzzTV device will automatically power on & record your show.
Enjoy the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward on Live TV with TimeShift, included on all of our devices. *Compatible with most live TV streams
With the BuzzTV 5 App all devices come standard with PVR & TimeShift.
PVR/PVR+/TimeShift Comparison Chart
If you’re going to be recording on a frequent basis, I suggest purchasing a unit that comes with PVR+.
Note: The new BuzzTV Classic is not included in this chart but does come with PVR+.
BuzzTV Classic 64GB – Used In Videos Above
Regular Price: $149.99
- BT-250 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 64GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV X5 AX Special Edition 128GB
Regular Price: $199.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 128GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi 6
Purchase BuzzTV X5 AX Special Edition
BuzzTV X5 128GB
Regular Price: $179.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 128GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV X5 64GB
Regular Price: $159.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 64GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV U5 128GB
Regular Price: $229.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 128GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi 6
BuzzTV U5 32GB
Regular Price: $199.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR+
- 32GB Internal Storage
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Gigabit LAN Port
- WiFi 6
BuzzTV HD5 32GB
Regular Price: $119.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR (not PVR+)
- 32GB Internal Storage
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Standard LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV HD5 16GB
Regular Price: $89.99
- BT-400 Remote (Bluetooth)
- PVR (not PVR+)
- 16GB Internal Storage
- 2GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Standard LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV E5 32GB
Regular Price: $119.99
- IR-200 (not Bluetooth)
- PVR (not PVR+)
- 32GB Internal Storage
- 2GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Standard LAN Port
- WiFi
BuzzTV B5 16GB
Regular Price: $89.99
- IR-100 (not Bluetooth)
- PVR (not PVR+)
- 16GB Internal Storage
- 2GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Standard LAN Port
- WiFi
Tell us in the comments section if you would like to see a video on other BuzzTV topics. Do you have features that you would like to see in a future BuzzTV update? Let us know.
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Hi, question does apollo tv work on buzztv u5? And if it does how do I set it up?
hi i cant seem to find out if you can talk to the new remote for the buzz tv box (u5) i have been looking at.. i did not see any reference to a mic button or its ability to accept verbal commands..im thinking of getting one but i need this for karaoke night..lol..thanx in advance for help
No you can’t. Ridiculous to pay this much for a unit and so far behind a little firestick.
I have the X5 unit and find it’s terrible compared to the cheap Firestick.
It’s actually a joke the hoops you have to go through to view all IPTV providers.
At least with Tivimate you can watch them all at once and combine a nice favorites list.
Yes you can add the Tivimate app, but when you’re spending this kind of $$$ way should I have too.
I bought a U5 128. I guess I got a bad one. The process to send it back is not easy. You are sending it back to Canada. You pay to ship it back and it is not cheap. Disappointing so far.
Thoughts?
Hi Lou what is wrong with it? Did you try doing a factory reset?
Hi Troy
First it would not connect to Wifi. Had to shut it down and then restart to get it to connect. Then it would not connect to the Google site. Had to shut it down and then restart it. I did a factory reset and the problems did not get fixed. The Amazon cube was easier to get going. I just wanted the option to use my Fiber speed on the unit.
Does this remote have voice command capabilities?
I have a $180 X5 128AI that I regret buying. Despite all the gushing over these devices, I have had a tough go of it … must have gotten a dud. BuzzTV said they’d replace it, but the cost I would’ve incurred to ship it (yes, shipping is YOUR responsibility) — and having to ship it back to Buzz BEFORE they’d send me a replacement — made it not worth any further hassle.
Ended up replacing it with a $20 Walmart onn box, which runs circles around the X5 IMO.
Hi Troy. I’m on my 2nd X5 128 box as the 1st one was defective. My problem is that the video is somewhat washed out and grainy when using IPTV. With the Firestick 4k Max the colors are deep and vibrant using the same service. Am I missing something, perhaps a setting that can be changed? Thanks.
I looked thru the discussion of the Buzz system….it looks like a great system…however, am I reading correctly that the price they quote doesn’t include a power supply. If so, their pricing is deceptive in that one would have to purchase separately just to be able to use the device. This adds $15-20 to the purchase price….very disappointed if this is true…
Hello, that is incorrect. All of their devices come with a power supply.
How reputable is Buzz TV? Noticed in an article from 9to5 Mac and an embedded video in the article from Linus Tech Tips that many Android TV boxes are plagued with backdoors and malware. Is this box similar to the shady ones mentioned in the article and video? Genuine question as I’m trying to move away from the Apple ecosystem and get a new streaming box for my tv.
Since I’m not allowed to post a link, search for “android tv box malware” on Google to find the article. Should be the first result.
Hello, BuzzTV is a reputable Android TV Box distributor. They’ve been in this industry for a very long time and we wouldn’t cover them if they were questionable. There is no doubt that there are shady operators out there and we’ve called out a few in the past. Here’s one of them – https://troypoint.com/superbox-review/
I appreciate the reply as well as all of the great info you provide on this site. Have you, or anyone else, monitored their IP traffic through a pihole or something like that? I’m on the fence between buying a Buzz TV box or going with an nVidia Shield. I’m assuming that I can pretty much do the same on both boxes (mainly IPTV, Kodi, Jellyfin). Still have more reading/research to do on your site before I make a purchase decision.
I got a classic Buzztv 5 because of your recommendation and I like to record. The problem is that some shows that come at 11:00 pm or 11:30 pm only record for 30 minutes out of 1 or 1 1/2 hours. Can you tell me why.
Hi Diana, many times this has to do with your IPTV service. Also, keep in mind your service should have 2 or more connections if you are watching at the same time.
Ok. Don’t know what the problem is but I can get the sub (itv 4)to load channels ok and then connected. I get a epg guide but none of the channels will come on.
I keep getting “Stream is not available Please try again later. “I can load ITV3 and itv6 ok and they work fine
.
What can be happing?
Hi Edward, try rebooting your device. If using a VPN, try turning off/on.
Hi Troy,
I’m interested but could you talk about downloading from streaming like cinema with real debrid links to the buzz box. I have a fire stick now with no storage to download a movie or series. Thanks
Hi Troy
I got a BuzzTV XR4500 and when I go on Google PlayStore and try to download the downloader app. It says this app won’t work on your device. Is there something I’m doing wrong?
Thanks
Larry
There should be a little message on that banner that says something like “details” and then go to “install anyway”. If that message isn’t there, you can turn off Play Protect by going to the Play Store and selecting your icon. Then follow the pathway to get to “turn off Play Protect”. Kind of wish Troy had included that on this tutorial.
My Buzz 4900 stopped working and looks like my isp provider has blocked my MAC address , it works fine at my second location different ISP
Is there a work around
I have the Buzztv X5. When I set recording for a future time I was wondering if it will record in standby mode?
nobody cares about audio codecs. BuzzTV good if you only get sound from your tv. Overprice with no audio codecs. Nvidia Shield is still the way you get audio codecs. Buzz TV overpriced.
Seems most of the boxes, including the top modles come with the BT400 remote, however the 250 has more buttons. Would think the 250 is the more comprehensive remote and included with more devices. Am I missing something with the 400 remote? Are the same shortcuts available with less buttons?
Do you have to use their player, or can Tivimate be installed and used instead?
if my IPTV service provides 5 connections for a single subscription, would a Buzz X5 allow me to record 5 different programs at once?
Yes as long as you have the internet speed to support it.
Hi Troy
I am using my desktop as my Plex server.
Could I use the Buzz tv as the server similar to the Nvidia Shield.
How many IPTV providers can be added to the BuzzTV box? This is important since you need a backup IPTV subscription in case one fails. My old Formuler box holds several IPTV subscription providers.
I have 3 services currently on my XRS4500….TWO on the BUZZTV XC API server,the other on a standalone app….ZERO issues accessing them all.
I’ve had 6 at one point!
I have 5 on mine now. as far as I know there is no limit to them on the BuzzTV boxes.
I was ready to buy one of these boxes, then i started seeing a lot of negative reviews. I know everyones circumstances are different. Would like some feedback from owners and Troy.
My experience has been a bit painful. I purchased the X5 AX Special Edition 128GB based on the recommendation here. I few big pain points as follows: 1)X5 heats up and shuts down. I have to unplug, pause, and reboot. 2) I often have to restart the x5 because the VPN doesn’t connect. I use troypoints recommended VPN. 3) I often have to shut down apps like downloader (force quit) and reopen. 4) the remote is awful. really awful. 5) I have multiple IPTV services (just in case one goes down). The Buzz app only allows one connection at a time (unlike TIVImate, etc) 6) Customer service and follow up is painful.
I’ll stop here. Maybe I have a defective X5.
I’ll keep trying to connect with customer service.
Hi Will, you may want to request a replacement. This doesn’t sound right. Also, a factory reset may help as well. I had to do a factory reset with the Classic right out of the box as I couldn’t get the remote to pair. Once I did that, everything was fine. Regarding their IPTV player only playing one IPTV service at a time, I go through that in my video above. Keep in mind that you can always use your favorite IPTV app on these devices such as TiviMate. You don’t need to use their IPTV app.
Hello Troy,
Absolutely nothing is more aggravating than using a remote to type> The over three.click, down 2 click, up 4 click, over 3 click etc etc etc. What a backward way of inputting to a device! So my question is can a mouse/keyboard be added using a dongle on an available usb port?
Hello Avion, yes it can definitely be used with either a USB mouse/keyboard or Bluetooth wireless one as well. When setting these up, many times I connect my standard wireless logitech keyboard and mouse that I use on my PC and it works great on these boxes. Regarding your Secure Connection Failed message, we will look into that and fix it. Thanks.
Can you hook up an antenna to BuzzTV for OTA broadcasts or doesn’t it have a tuner?
Hi Steve, I haven’t tested using a USB tuner on these devices. I will reach out to my contact from BuzzTV and check on that for you.
Hi Steve, here is the comment from BuzzTV regarding OTA tuners.
Hello troy, recording with a Dailey schedule have you had any problems with it not recording all content?
Hi John, I have only noticed this when using an IPTV service with 1 connection. If you attempt to open the IPTV app, that counts as one connection and if you have a recording going, that is another connection. On my IPTV service with 4 connections, it works perfect.
Hi Troy, I regularly switch between 2 IPTV providers for channels not common to both, using Tivimate. This looks to be a nuisance on the BuzzTV system. Am I missing something, or do you have any other solutions. Using Firestick 4KMax, but recent updates are killing it. Time to change.
Hi Rob, you can definitely install TiviMate on the BuzzTV boxes but the favs won’t integrate on the home screen. Not a huge deal breaker. You are correct, you need to pick the IPTV service that you want to use under Server Settings.
Troy, you and others have written a lot recently about the new Google TV OS, vs Android TV. Should we be buying one of these Buzz models now to replace the Amazon FireSticks, or waiting for the next generation of Google TV boxes to come out?
Hi Peter, we are definitely going to be pushing people toward Android TV boxes/sticks moving forward. The writing is on the wall that Amazon doesn’t like people making modifications to their devices and their constant ads on the home screen are getting out of control. This is why they can sell their devices so cheap…they make up for it in the future with ads. Just like game consoles selling at a loss and they recoup on sales of games.
How do these compare to the Nvidia shield, any comments?
Hi Ron, I would first comment that NVIDIA is Netflix certified and these aren’t. Not sure why people need Netflix when we have Real-Debrid, Syncler, and hundreds of other free streaming apps but some still prefer paying 20 bucks per month for limited content. Also, the Shield has up-scaling capabilities that these do not have. My biggest concern is that I’m hearing rumors that NVIDIA is done manufacturing Shields and they are going to focus on AI.
I’ve heard that rumor, too. My biggest concern is, will they continue to at least do updates to what already exists.
Although, I really can’t see them abandoning a cash cow since their gaming is supposed to be above all others and is their star performer.
Please supply a video comparison between the Formuler 11 Pro max vs BuzzTV top box (X5,U5 or Classic).
Thanks Vic, we plan on doing a written comparison within the next few weeks.
Is the new Buzz tv google certified? Can google play store be installed / accessed?
Hi Ian, please watch the Initial Setup Video. Google Play is already installed.
i have three buzztv boxes.they all accept a internal sata hd.i will not buy a box if it cannot accept a hd.the boxes can record to the hd.i have not seen any updates in a long time.the remote that came with the box is really nice.it would be nice to get a update since the newer boxes probably have a newer operating system.i will not buy a newer nvidia shield as i tried to use a code to download a program and it said not allowed.shield box was removed and boxed.buzztv box will do what ever i ask of it.its pure gold.i use bitdefender vpn which works fine.keep up the good work.thank you.
Hi Ray, you may be using an older box that no longer gets updates. Have you reached out to their customer support about this?
Hi Ray I also have the xrs4900 and love that a SATA hd is a great storage device. The. biggest problem I have is finding a IPTV provider that I can get 3 connections tied for my 1 device for recording programs! It’s M3U and any multiple connections offers now seems is for single device use! Since this is a NO-NO! to give a listing or Rating fo compatible Buzztv XC API login available for our PVR multiple connections we need. HeyTroy help us with a XC list for this! But I do love the Buzztv option for SATA!
Hi Troy right now I’m using a 4K Maxx with USB drives with TV made but every time I get an update it seems to do glitches and I got to start all over again so I would like to look into these boxes are they more consistent then the 4K and what is the difference between regular Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 6 on these Buzz boxes thank you
Hi Dennis, most of these models come with lots of storage so you won’t need USB drives which is very nice. Regarding WiFi 6, this should help – https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/should-you-upgrade-to-wi-fi-6