Version with ethernet

[CHHE-ledtec]

hi is is possible to change out one usb to a ethernet port .

[magic-blue-smoke]

Hi @CHHE-ledtec
I'm working to start sales of current TV Stick version at the moment and it's very soon
I saw some requests to have Ethernet port instead of one of USB ports. Technically it's not an issue, however while there are not so many requests and some demand is needed to start production. With this, could you please describe the use cases where WiFi is not enough and Ethernet has an advantage over built-in WiFi?

Also anyone reading this feel free to upvoting using emojis to show interest.

[Secarian]

Hi @CHHE-ledtec I'm working to start sales of current TV Stick version at the moment and it's very soon I saw some requests to have Ethernet port instead of one of USB ports. Technically it's not an issue, however while there are not so many requests and some demand is needed to start production. With this, could you please describe the use cases where WiFi is not enough and Ethernet has an advantage over built-in WiFi?

Also anyone reading this feel free to upvoting using emojis to show interest.

In large cities, WLAN can be a problem due to the density of buildings and the amount of interfering signals. WLAN can also be a bottleneck when streaming games or high-resolution videos, especially when it comes to low response times and high data traffic. Apart from that, the WLAN modules on the CM4 are not exactly known for their stability. Personally, I would actually prefer a version with 3 USB-C ports (1x power 2x USB) and a network port.

Small side question:
Are the SoQuarz modules from Pine64 and other CM4 derivatives compatible? Lately it is getting harder and harder to get CM4 at all.

[magic-blue-smoke]

@Secarian thanks for the feedback. I see some people are actually asking for Ethernet version of TV Stick, despite of bulkier PCB and higher stress on HDMI connectors.

Could you please share your thoughts on following:

• All Type-C connectors: to my best believe, most keyboards, mice and gaming controllers have USB-A connector. Am I wrong here or what would make USB-C connectors more convenient?
• Other CM4 compatible SoMs: yes, I do plan to test CM4 compatible boards and suggestions on particular boards are welcomed

[Secarian]

Sure, I think most people will use Bluetooth controllers and for people who rely on USB devices, 2 is usually not enough, so they quickly start using USB hubs. I think it wouldn't be difficult to add two USB-C to USB-A adapters for everyone, but for those who don't have enough, it will probably be a USB-C hub and in that case, it might make sense in terms of power supply from USB hubs to be closer to USB-C specifications as you simply can't power as many devices with USB-A as with most basic USB-C standards. Moreover, USB-C is now the new gold standard due to new EU regulations, and USB-C to USB-C cables and USB-C to (random obscure USB name here) are no longer expensive.

Now, regarding the CM4 modules, it would be good if you could support Pine64 SOQuartz, Banana Pi BPI-CM4, and Radxa CM4 and CM5, depending on where you live, those are the options you can get somehow. Especially the models from Radxa have a lot to offer if and only if you can get them running.

[gabeklavans]

Chiming in to say I would also like to see a version with an ethernet port or more USB-C ports.

The convenience of being able to take it with me and plug it into anything is clearly the best part, but when I'm using it at home on my main TV I would like to plug in ethernet for higher stability when streaming high-bitrate, low-latency content like games.

An ethernet port would fix that, but is very bulky. I can always have a USB to Ethernet adapter near my main TV, but I would like to use USB-C for that as the theoretical bandwidth could be higher and the cable connectors are less bulky.

Thanks for making the original product, still, I will likely be picking one up!