Many Android TV sets sold in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, such as WEIYUE and models from brands like Nikai, Class Pro, Impex, Geepas, Star-X, Wansa and Dansat that run Android, have no Google Play. AromaOtt Player still installs if the set runs Android 7.1 or newer: download aromaott.com/apk in the TV's browser or copy it by USB, allow the install, then turn off Auto frame rate if full screen cuts.
How do I know my set can install the app?
- Open Settings → About (sometimes System → About or Device information). Names vary by firmware version.
- Look for an Android version. It must be 7.1 or newer.
- If the page names another system, or no Android version at all, the set cannot install apps. Use the web player in its browser, or add a stick.
These sets often run a plain Android build with the maker's own launcher rather than Android TV or Google TV. That is fine for the app; it only means the menus look different from a Sony or a TCL.
How do I install without Google Play?
Option 1: the TV's browser.
- Open the browser that comes with the set.
- Type aromaott.com/apk and confirm. The APK downloads, usually into a Download folder.
- Open the downloaded file from the browser's downloads, or from the set's file manager.
- If the set asks, allow the browser or the file manager to install unknown apps.
- Select Install, then Open.
Option 2: a USB stick. Download the APK on a computer, copy it to a USB stick and open it on the TV with the file manager. The USB guide explains each step.
Some of these sets have their own app store. If it offers Downloader, the usual Downloader route works too.
Where is the unknown-sources switch?
It is usually under Settings → Security or Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps. Some sets have a single Unknown sources switch for the whole TV instead of one per app. Names vary by firmware version. Turn it on only for the app you use to install.
Why does full screen cut while the preview is fine?
This is the most common complaint on these sets. In the small preview, the video is drawn inside the app's screen. In full screen, two things can change:
- the set may switch its display mode to match the stream, for example from 60 Hz to 50 Hz, and blank the picture while it does;
- the video may move to a separate video layer that some firmware handles badly.
Live channels in 1080i at 50 fields per second are a frequent trigger.
Which TV settings should I try?
- Turn off Auto frame rate, HDMI self-adaption, Auto display mode or Frame rate matching. These are usually under Settings → Display or Settings → Picture → Advanced. Names vary by firmware version.
- Turn off motion processing (MEMC, Motion smoothing) if it is offered.
- Restart the set after changing these settings.
Which player settings help?
- From version 2.2.7, Settings → Player → Video output: choose Texture. It draws the video like the rest of the screen, which avoids the video-layer problem on many of these sets. If playback becomes less smooth, go back to Automatic.
- From version 2.2.7, keep Match TV refresh rate off (the default) on these sets.
- Settings → Player → Buffer size: Automatic by default since 2.2.5; choose Large on weak Wi-Fi.
What if it still cuts?
Open Settings → About → Diagnostics after a cut and copy the text. It shows the last plays with their format, stalls and reconnects, without passwords or full addresses. Send it, with the TV's brand and model, to whoever manages your account.