This BuzzTV HD5 Review is authored by Troy from TROYPOINT. It follows his experience using the Android TV dongle regularly for about two weeks.
TROYPOINT received this streaming device free of charge from BuzzTV. Rest assured, this review is impartial, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this Android TV dongle. BuzzTV had no input or preview of this review before its release.
This detailed review offers all the insights you need before making a purchase.
The BuzzTV HD5 is a budget-friendly version of the BuzzTV X5 that I reviewed earlier. The X5 and HD5 share numerous similarities, resulting in some inevitable overlaps within this review.
BuzzTV is well-regarded for its Android TV Boxes. They cater specifically to users of IPTV services. These devices include a dedicated IPTV application and remote control meticulously crafted for seamless app integration. Moreover, they work flawlessly with side-loaded applications such as Kodi, Syncler, among others.
If you happen to be a TROYPOINT Patron or Founding Member, don’t miss out on my BuzzTV HD5 first impressions video on TROYPOINT Insider! This video guides you through the initial setup process, highlighting the noteworthy aspects of the device, both positive and negative.
BuzzTV HD5 Android TV Dongle
The BuzzTV HD5 distinguishes itself from other streaming dongles/sticks with its spacious 32GB internal storage capacity. It really sets a high standard.
Furthermore, it boasts 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM. This ensures an exceptionally fast and responsive system performance.
The BuzzTV HD5 is equipped with a powerful built-in 2T/2R dual-band WiFi antenna. This delivers blazing-fast download speeds, as demonstrated in my speed tests detailed later in this review.
This dongle is housed in a sleek, plastic shell, featuring a standard Ethernet connection (not Gigabit) and a convenient USB 2.0 port. Its compact design makes it easy to conceal behind a wall-mounted television.
Rather than using stock Android, the BuzzTV HD5 runs on Android TV 11. This is a significant advantage. Android TV offers a user-friendly experience with the remote control, coupled with access to applications specifically optimized for television viewing through the Google Play Store.
I’m pleased to report that the HD5 doesn’t follow this trend, as many off-brand Android TV Boxes utilize a version of Android designed for phones and tablets. They offer a subpar TV experience.
Learn more about the differences between Android TV and Stock Android here
One of my favorite additions to the BuzzTV HD5 is the ability to rewind live TV. It’s a game changer for those moments you want to catch again.
While this review won’t delve into every single feature, I’ll be focusing on the unique and important aspects that set this streaming system apart.
Powerful Components
This Android TV device is packed with high-performance components. This ensures its longevity and ability to handle future advancements in streaming technology. It’s a truly future-proof investment.
A common complaint about streaming sticks or dongles is their limited internal storage. However, the BuzzTV HD5 eliminates this concern entirely.
The HD5 comes equipped with a generous 32GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the 8GB found in many popular Amazon Fire TV Sticks. This vast storage capacity provides ample space for all the applications and games you desire.
The impressive internal storage also proves invaluable for recording live TV through the BuzzTV 5 IPTV application, which we’ll explore later in this review. Additionally, it serves as a robust caching system for rewinding live TV within the IPTV application, further enriching your viewing experience.
The BuzzTV HD5 is equipped with a substantial 4GB of internal RAM. This guarantees a smooth and responsive system performance, eliminating frustrating lags or delays.
It supports both standard Ethernet and dual-band WiFi, providing flexibility in connectivity. I’ll be conducting thorough download/upload speed tests, the results of which you’ll find below.
This Android TV dongle is driven by the robust Amlogic S905Y4 Quad-Core Cortex A55 processor. This processor strikes a perfect balance between power efficiency and exceptional performance, ensuring a seamless streaming experience without excessive energy consumption.
Unlike many generic Android TV Boxes that often neglect updates, BuzzTV excels in providing crucial firmware and software updates. This ensures your device remains optimized and secure, enhancing its overall performance and longevity.
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BuzzTV HD5 Remote Control
In my view, the BuzzTV HD5 remote control is truly exceptional. It offers a level of control and customization that elevates the user experience.
You have the freedom to toggle backlight buttons on or off within the BuzzTV HD5 Remote Control Setup Application. I’ve found the backlight to be a particularly useful feature when watching TV in dimly lit environments, such as my basement.
The remote is equipped with four colored buttons that serve various functions within the BuzzTV 5 IPTV application. What’s even more impressive is that you can map these buttons to launch different apps according to your preferences.
As you can see, I’ve customized my four buttons to conveniently open the TROYPOINT App, YouTube, BuzzTV 5, and Kodi, streamlining my access to my favorite apps.
With the BuzzTV HD5 Remote Control App, you can configure your remote. This lets it control your television’s volume, inputs, and power buttons, which is super convenient.
My only two issues with the remote are the directional buttons. It also lacks voice assistant support.
I wish the up/down/left/right arrow buttons on the remote were more pronounced. It would be nice if you could feel them better. These buttons are flush with the select button. I find myself accidentally pressing it instead of the directional buttons quite often.
The voice assistant doesn’t work on this remote, which is a bummer. I don’t personally use it very often, so it’s not a deal-breaker. However, I wanted to mention it because it might be important to some people. Perhaps a future update can address this issue.
BuzzTV HD5 Regular OTA Updates
Most off-brand Android TV Boxes don’t provide regular over-the-air updates. Some don’t offer any at all.
BuzzTV is known for its regular updates. These updates often address bugs and introduce product improvements.
This shows that the company values its customers. They genuinely want them to have the best possible TV viewing experience.
BuzzTV HD5 Launcher
I’m a fan of the BuzzTV HD5 launcher.
It has a clean design and offers several customization options. You can select from four different home screen layouts.
I find BuzzTV Modern to be the best choice. This is because the Modern home screen lets you showcase your favorite IPTV channels, which is really handy. You can launch your go-to channels right from your home screen!
Another cool feature is that you can personalize the home screen background. You can use your own image, making it truly yours.
One thing I wish it had was the ability to create custom sections. This is something you can do with Wolf Launcher, and I find it helpful.
Overall, I believe most people will appreciate the BuzzTV HD5 launcher. It’s user-friendly and refreshingly free of ads.
BuzzTV 5 IPTV Application
As I mentioned before, the BuzzTV HD5 is geared towards IPTV service users. It comes with their BuzzTV 5 application, which is exclusive to their systems. This app is packed with some really impressive features.
However, if you’re a TiviMate enthusiast, you might not be as fond of the BuzzTV 5 IPTV app. A common complaint from TiviMate users is that you can’t view multiple IPTV services on the same screen simultaneously. You can set up multiple services, but you have to switch between them.
Two significant improvements I’ve noticed in BuzzTV 5 on the HD5 are the ability to rewind live TV. Also, the recording options are much better now.
Rewind IPTV Feature Video
Here’s a quick video showcasing the rewind feature and how to set it up. I recorded this using the X5, but the process is the same on the HD5.
Rewinding live TV is a significant feature, in my view.
Many instances occur when I'm watching an IPTV stream. I desire to rewind and rewatch something.
With BuzzTV 5, that is now possible.
To enable this feature, you have to enable Timeshift in your PVR settings.
You can define the cache size that you want to allocate. You can also use an external USB drive for this as well.
The BuzzTV HD5 also has powerful recording options.
You can do both one-time and multi-day recordings.
I find this IPTV application quite remarkable. The included Bluetooth remote makes it simple to navigate.
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AV1 Codec Support
BuzzTV HD5 supports AV1 Video (AOMedia Video 1).
This will soon be the industry-standard streaming format, making the HD5 another great future-proof device.
Expand Internal Storage
Expanding internal storage allows us to add an external storage device.
An example is a USB drive, and it's treated as internal storage. The good news is that yes, we can expand internal storage on the BuzzTV HD5.
I tried this with a SanDisk 256GB 3.0 USB drive. It functioned exactly as expected.
I'm not sure if this is necessary; the internal storage is quite large at 32GB.
However, that option is available should you require more space for your files.
BuzzTV HD5 Download & Upload Speeds
For the tests below, I used the Analiti Speed test app.
My Internet Service Provider delivers a 1 GB Fiber download speed.
During WiFi tests, I was connected to the 5Ghz band. I used my Asus AC3100 Router, which is in the same room as the BuzzTV HD5 (approximately 20 feet away).
I’m using IPVanish VPN on Chicago Server 04 (chi-a04).
Ethernet Speeds
Please note that the HD5 comes with standard Ethernet. This implies that the maximum download speed will be 100 Mbps. As demonstrated in my speed tests below, WiFi on this device will provide faster speeds.
VPN Off: Download = 94 Mbps & Upload = 83 Mbps
VPN On: Download = 81 Mbps & Upload = 76 Mbps
WiFi Speeds
VPN Off: Download = 455 Mbps & Upload = 134 Mbps
VPN On: Download = 123 Mbps & Upload = 87 Mbps
As you can see, the download and upload speeds are incredible, especially when using WiFi!
Interestingly, when connected to my VPN, the download speed via Ethernet did not significantly decrease.
BuzzTV HD5 Specs
- Operating System: Android 11
- CPU: Amlogic S905Y4 Quad-Core Cortex A55
- GPU: ARM Mali-G31 MP2
- Memory: 4GB
- Internal Storage: 32GB
- LAN/Ethernet (not Gigabit)
- WiFi: 2T/2R Dual Band
- USB: 1 X USB 2.0
- HDMI Output: 4Kp75 10bit: H.265/VP9 P-2/AVS2, 4Kp120 10bit: AV1 HDR10/10+
- Remote Control: BT-400 Smart Remote
- Power Supply:
Supported Devices
- BuzzTV HD5 is compatible with any TV that has an HDMI port. It can also be connected to a computer monitor with an HDMI port.
- This device can work in any region or country. The compatible power kit options are Standard Canada/USA or Universal Power Kit (EU/UK/AU/SA).
- BuzzTV App: BuzzTV5
What’s In The Box?
- HD5 Dongle
- BT-400 Smart Remote
- Type-C Power Cable
- Power Adapter
- Setup/Help Card
- 2 X Premium AAA Batteries
Who Is The BuzzTV HD5 For?
The BuzzTV HD5 is designed for those who use IPTV services. These services should allow for either XC API Login, M3U, or MAC Server setup.
If you’re using an unverified IPTV service, it will likely support one of the protocols mentioned above.
The HD5 is also a great option for those who use free streaming APKs. This applies to apps such as Kodi, Syncler, etc.
This Android TV Box is not meant for those who primarily use Netflix. Netflix is not certified on the HD5.
However, I did test Amazon Prime and found that application is working properly.
What I Like
- Android TV 11 OS
- Strong Processor with Good Power-Saving Capabilities
- 4GB of RAM
- Ethernet Network Adapter
- Dual-band WiFi
- USB 2.0 Port
- Customizable Bluetooth Remote
- Bluetooth 5
- Launcher
- Can Expand Storage
- Great Download/Upload Speeds
- BuzzTV 5 IPTV App
- Rewind Live TV
- Easily hide behind TV
What I Dislike
- No voice assistant on remote
- Directional buttons on the remote could be more prominent
Note: I no longer deduct points for no Netflix certification. This is because of the availability of numerous free streaming apps.
Final Thoughts on the BuzzTV HD5 Android TV Box
The BuzzTV HD5 is a great streaming dongle for IPTV users. It's especially good for those who want to move away from the limitations of devices like the Firestick.
While it costs more than Amazon’s best Fire TV Stick, it offers four times more storage. Plus, you won't be bombarded with ads in the user interface.
The price difference is understandable when you consider Amazon's business model. Companies like Amazon can afford to sell devices at a loss, as they make up for it through the sale of services and products promoted within their interface. BuzzTV, which doesn't have a streaming service like Prime Video to sell, can't utilize this strategy.
If you're considering the BuzzTV HD5, I recommend checking out my review of their new X5 as well. The X5 has a higher price tag, but offers features like Gigabit capability that might be worth considering.
I rate the BuzzTV X5 4.5 out of 5.
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