Dune Boxy Media Player

Dune Boxy Media Player

The Dune Boxy is a compact media player that combines two things that rarely come in the same box: a fully certified Android TV 11 streaming device, and Dune HD’s own media centre software for playing a local file collection properly. Most streaming boxes treat local files as an afterthought, and most enthusiast media players lack the official certifications that streaming services require for full-quality playback. The Boxy carries Google Android TV certification and Netflix certification, with Widevine L1 DRM, and layers the Linux-based Dune HD OS on top through the Dune HD Media Center app.

Hardware is built around the Amlogic S905X4-J processor, the variant of that chip that carries Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos licences, with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU, 2 GB of operating memory and 16 GB of flash storage. The result is a 100 mm square box, 20 mm tall, that hides behind a television or on a shelf and handles both subscription streaming and a hard drive full of films.

Key features

• Certified Android TV 11: Official Google Android TV certification with access to Android TV apps in the Google Play Store and Chromecast built-in functionality.
• Netflix certified with Widevine L1: Full-quality streaming from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max and YouTube, subject to each service’s regional policies.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: The S905X4-J processor carries the Dolby licences, and the HDMI 2.1 output passes HDR, HDR10 Plus and Dolby Vision at up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
• Dune HD Media Center: Dune’s Linux-based software runs alongside Android TV, with an advanced file browser and player, full menu support for movie ISO files and disc structures, and a library view presented as a browsable catalogue.
• Modern video decoding: AV1, VP9 Profile 2, H.265 HEVC, H.264, VC1, MPEG4, MPEG2 and MPEG1 decoding, with upscaling of lower resolutions to 4K.
• Full connectivity: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, a micro SD slot, dual-band Wi-Fi, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0, optical S/PDIF and a 3.5 mm analogue AV output.
• Bluetooth voice remote: A Bluetooth remote with a microphone for voice search, a programmable app button and infrared control of a TV or AV receiver.

Streaming performance

Because the certifications are in place, streaming services deliver the quality they withhold from uncertified boxes: 4K resolution, HDR formats and full app support rather than restricted mobile interfaces. Dolby Vision titles play in Dolby Vision, and audio in streaming services reaches Dolby Atmos where the service provides it. Android TV’s interface keeps services, recommendations and voice search in one place, and the Bluetooth remote’s microphone makes searching by title or actor practical on a television screen. Google’s infrared codes are supported by the built-in IR receiver, a consequence of the certified Android TV platform.

Local playback and the Dune HD media centre

The Dune HD Media Center is where the Boxy separates itself from ordinary streaming sticks. It draws on more than a decade of Dune HD media player development: files on USB drives, a micro SD card or the local network can be browsed as a poster-wall catalogue rather than a folder list, disc images and folder structures play with their menus, and Dolby Vision files receive the advanced handling Dune developed for its standalone players. Audio playback in the media centre covers the popular formats up to Dolby TrueHD with Atmos and DTS:X, plus FLAC and SACD (DSD) material. Supported filesystems include FAT16 and FAT32 and exFAT read-write, and NTFS read-only. The Dune Control mobile app can operate the player, and smart home integrations are included in the Dune software.

Connections and hardware

The rear and side connections cover both modern and legacy equipment: HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.2 for the display or AV receiver, optical S/PDIF for an older amplifier or soundbar without HDMI audio return, a 3.5 mm minijack carrying composite video and stereo audio for an older television, two USB ports for storage, and a micro SD slot for expansion. Networking is dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a 2T2R antenna configuration or wired Ethernet. Power comes from an external 12 V DC supply.

Where it fits

The Boxy suits a home theatre that mixes streaming subscriptions with a personal library on drives or a network share, a bedroom or second-room television that needs proper streaming quality, and any setup where an enthusiast wants Dune’s file handling without giving up certified apps. Its small footprint and low height make it easy to add to an existing rack or hide behind a screen.

Certified streaming on one side and serious local playback on the other, in a box the size of a drinks coaster: the Dune Boxy is the practical answer for viewers who use both and refuse to compromise on either.