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This BuzzTV L1 Linux Player review will cover the important details regarding this stripped-down IPTV device.  This is not an Android streaming system and it’s specifically meant for those who use IPTV services.

Troy received this box a few weeks ago and has been using it on and off during that time-frame.  Although this box was gifted to Troy by BuzzTV, that gratuity doesn’t change his honest opinions that are provided in the review below.

If you’re a TROYPOINT Patron you can find my First Impressions Video and Setup at the following link.

BuzzTV L1 Linux Player First Impressions & Setup

BuzzTV L1 Linux Player Features

• Linux operating system
• 8GB internal storage
• 2GB RAM
• 4K ULTRAHD
• USB 3 port
• Standard Ethernet (not Gigabit)
• BuzzTV 6 Linux App (IPTV Player)
• Infrared remote control

Linux Operating System

The fact that the BuzzTV L1 is running the Linux operating system is news in itself.  Most streaming boxes are running some form of Android so this is a noticeable change.

Why Linux you may ask?

Here’s what the BuzzTV website says about this.

Linux is known for its stability, efficiency, and security. By leveraging the lightweight Linux OS, the BuzzTV L1 delivers seamless streaming without the additional customization and apps on Android. Eliminating these, allows the L1 to dedicate more of its processing power to streaming. The BuzzTV L1, aims to offer a simpler and more straightforward approach to streaming.

The first question that most will ask is whether or not you can install Linux applications onto this device.  Unfortunately, the answer is no.

BuzzTV L1 Linux Player Limited Functionality

The BuzzTV L1 Linux Player is designed for one purpose and that’s streaming IPTV services.

They are trying to cater to the less technical as the user interface is simple to use with limited settings.  When I first started using this I thought that this device would be perfect for my older dad who is technically challenged.

The fact that many people can now find everything that they need through their IPTV service, there may be some interest in this bare-bones device.

User Interface

I like the BuzzTV L1 Linux Player user interface.  It’s simple to use and everything is only a click or two away.  It includes a preview pane that displays the last channel that was playing and you can disable that by pressing the play/pause button on the remote.  It also displays the channels that you’ve marked as favorite at the bottom of the home screen.  It would also be nice if we could see our favorite VOD movies and TV shows as well on this screen.

BuzzTV 6 Linux App

This is the IPTV application that comes built into the box.  This is very similar to the same IPTV player that we see on their Android-powered systems.

It does almost everything that you need it to do except for recording.  For some reason, recording does not work on the BuzzTV L1 Linux Player.  This usually isn’t a huge issue for most streamers because they can find everything through VOD options.  But, the device does come with a USB 3 port that you would think should allow for recording to external storage.

The BuzzTV 6 Linux App provides access to live TV channels, VOD movies, and TV shows and it does a nice job of it.

VPN Option

Due to the fact that we can’t install outside applications, there is no way to run a VPN except through an option within settings.  They provide the ability to setup an OpenVPN connection.  I tried this by putting my OpenVPN file onto a USB drive and the box recognized the file but I got an error, “VPN configuration was not saved.”  I tried different configurations within the VPN file for a good hour but couldn’t get it to connect.  In all fairness to BuzzTV, I did not reach out to support to rectify this problem.

You can always connect this to a VPN router if you have one if you need protection when streaming your IPTV service.

IR-55 Remote

The remote that comes with the BuzzTV L1 Linux Player is their IR-55 Remote.  I wish these streaming device manufacturers would stop including these types of remotes and switch to Bluetooth.

I tried plugging in a wireless dongle for a remote that I had laying around and that didn’t work either.

Pros

• User-friendly
• BuzzTV 6 Linux App works great
• Plays IPTV live channels & VOD reliably
• 4K output

Cons

• Can’t install or side-load apps
• Can’t record
• Couldn’t get OpenVPN to load
• IR remote control (not Bluetooth)
• High price

What’s In The Box?

• L1 Linux Player Set Top Box
• Power cord
• 2 X AAA Batteries
• IR-55 Remote
• HDMI Cable
• User Manual

Summary

I was excited when I first started using this device because I thought that there could definitely be a market for this.  But, I always go back to the reliable Onn 4K Pro Android TV Box and ask why someone would buy the BuzzTV L1 Linux Player over that?  This question arises for all streaming devices manufactured by smaller operations.

Since we can easily install 3rd party launchers on Android TV boxes, we can already simplify the user interface.

Here are a few updates that I think could be made to this device which may help sales.

• Bluetooth remote (I absolutely despise IR remotes)
• Include Kodi application and maybe Stremio
• Allow for WireGuard VPN protocol connection that works

I’m not asking for a lot in the list above and I think those additions would make a huge difference.  By adding Kodi/Stremio, that would open endless possibilities for VOD content that the user might not be able to find through their IPTV service.  WireGuard VPN protocol is important as it provides the fastest download speeds to ensure no buffering.

The price is also a factor.  I know it’s hard for these smaller companies to compete with huge entities such as Onn but it’s going to be very difficult selling this device for $89.99 when you can get the Onn 4K Pro for $49.99.  More than likely, Onn is selling their devices at a loss but making up for that through streaming service referrals.

Due to the high price and the shortcomings mentioned above, I cannot recommend purchasing the BuzzTV L1 Linux Player at this time.  We will keep this page updated with any improvements that BuzzTV releases for this box.

BuzzTV L1 Linux Player Info Page