With so many quality set-top-box options on the market, the Raxxio MAG544w3 takes things to the extreme with the help of 4K HDR video capabilities and a powerful Amlogic chipset. It is very robust while ensuring quality and viewing pleasure. It comes with a unique capability to turn your home into a remarkable entertainment area. But how it actually works, the details about it, and the advantages of this particular device, you can read in the following lines within our detailed Raxxio MAG544w3 Review.
First Impression
To start our rax54s review we begin with the particulars. We have our box set here in front of us and we will start by opening it up and seeking what comes inside the packaging. At the same time, we feel that it is appropriate to go through the setup and explain how the device works.
Unboxing the Raxxio MAG544w3
The first thing that we noticed is that the Raxxio MAG544w3 comes in a very sleek box. The sleek packaging immediately hints at a compact and well-designed box set. We soon found out that we were right as inside we found a sleek set-top box that features a very minimalistic design. This is excellent as it will not stick out of your home entertainment setup so much and will blend with your TV or anything else that you have.
The remote control is ergonomically designed, allowing both a comfortable grip and easy-to-understand buttons. Additionally, the device comes all set with a power cable and an HDMI cable, allowing you to set it up right out of the box. The batteries for the remote are also included.
- Size: 115mm X 115mm X 28mm
- Ports: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Power Supply, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
Raxxio MAG544w3 specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Video | 4K HDR at 60 FPS, AV1 and HEVC codecs, supports 3D video. |
| Chipset | Amlogic S905Y4-B with Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35, 2,000 MHz. |
| Performance | 16,500 DMIPS. |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR4. |
| Storage | 4 GB eMMC Flash Memory. |
| Operating System | Linux 4.9. |
| Middleware Supported | Pre-integrated Ministra TV platform, customizable with operator apps. |
| Connectivity | Ethernet 100 Mbps, Wi-Fi (2T2R ac, up to 550 Mbps on 5 GHz, 100 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). |
| Interfaces | HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, Ethernet 100 Mbps. |
| Audio | Dolby Digital Plus, supports AC3, AAC, FLAC, MP3, and more. |
| Video Codecs | MPEG1/2, H.265, H.264, MPEG4, XviD, and more. |
| Video Formats | PAL, NTSC, 576p, 720p, 1080p, 1080i, 2160p (4K). |
| Media Sources | PC, NAS, USB devices, multimedia broadcasts (RTSP, RTP, UDP, IGMP, HTTP). |
| Image Formats | JPEG, PNG, BMP, RAW. |
| Subtitles | DVB, PGS, SRT, SSA/ASS, SUB, Teletext, WebVTT, closed captions. |
| Playlist Formats | M3U, M3U8, PLS, CUE. |
| Dimensions | 115 x 115 x 28 mm (W x D x H). |
| Weight | 170 g. |
How to Set Up?
Setting up the Raxxio set-top box is pretty straightforward. It took us a couple of minutes to install and we are sure that even a person who is dealing with TV boxes for the first time will have no trouble as well. Simply, connect the device to a power supply and plug it into the TV with the help of an HDMI cable. Optionally, you can use the Ethernet port or Wi-Fi, whatever suits you the most.
After powering it up, we experienced quite a quick boot-up which we did not expect. The interface is very responsive and easy to understand, making it a breeze to use from the get-go.
Using the Raxxio MAG544w3
The device comes with an impressive and vivid display quality. It is very clear and more than satisfactory, especially when streaming 4K, which is going to be a big deal for some and probably the main reason why they are looking to get this device.
Navigation goes smoothly as well. Browsing through the interface and switching between apps is seamless and intuitive. This is mainly thanks to the Amlogic chipset and the ARM Cortex-A35 CPU, which helps the navigation as well as viewing pleasure.
Visuals
MAG544w3’s stunning 4K HDR video truly does its job. Every frame is a visual feast, bursting with vivid colors and exquisite details. The MAG544w3 brings content to life like never before and we were more than impressed with the picture quality. The support for AV1 and HEVC codecs ensures you enjoy these breathtaking visuals without the need for high-bandwidth internet, making 4K streaming more accessible.
Performance
Under the hood, the Raxxio MAG544w3 is powered by the advanced Amlogic S905Y4-B chipset and a quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 CPU. This powerhouse of a setup outperforms its predecessors by a mile, offering lightning-fast UI responsiveness and smooth content playback. What this means is that you can say goodbye to lag and enjoy a seamless viewing experience without any problems.
Connectivity
The MAG544w3 doesn’t just impress with its performance and visuals, its connectivity options are equally impressive. You can pick from a 100 Mbps Ethernet port or connect to the internet with the help of built-in Wi-Fi. Dual-band support offers speeds of up to 550 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 100 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. In our opinion, this is more than enough to help you watch any type of show or movie you wish.
Audio
Complementing its visual prowess, the Raxxio MAG544w3 offers an equally immersive audio experience. With Dolby Digital Plus surround sound, you can connect up to seven audio speakers and a subwoofer, allowing you to completely surround yourself with quality sounds during a watch. What we were extremely happy about is that each audio track is evenly distributed in space. It basically allows you to every whisper, explosion, and musical note with incredible clarity.
User Interface
As we mentioned before, navigating through the Raxxio MAG544w3 is a breeze. It is mainly thanks to the very intuitive user interface that the device possesses. The device is designed for users of all tech levels, ensuring that setting it up and streaming your favorite content is straightforward. Its remote control, known for its responsiveness, makes navigating through various apps and services. All in all, we can say that using this device is not going to cause you any problems, even if you are using a 4K TV box for the first time.
Gaming
While we had mostly good things to say about the Raxxio MAG544w3, we can’t really praise its gaming capacity. While you can play certain types of games and use the device to browse the internet, it cannot be used for games that require demanding gameplay. The device simply does not have the capacity for that. Therefore, if you are a user who is looking to play quality games, you should look further, as this one cannot really deliver on that front.
MAG544w3 Setup Guide: Step-by-Step
To help you get yourself started, here are the main steps that you need to take to set up your Raxxio MAG544w3 box.
- Unbox and Connect: Unpack the MAG544w3, HDMI cable, and remote. Connect the set-top box to your TV using the HDMI cable.
- Power On: Connect the power adapter and switch on the device.
- Internet Connection: Choose to connect via Ethernet or WiFi. For WiFi, navigate to settings and select your network.
- App Installation: Access the device’s app store to download your favorite streaming services.
- Customize Settings: Adjust display, sound, and other settings according to your preference.
Real-Life User Experiences
To get a real feel of what the users think about this device, we looked through a few reviews and comments that people left about the MAG544w3 on the net. What we found out was that the user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Most of them like the device’s 4K resolution and lightning-fast internet connection. Others also like the device’s excellent compatibility with IPTV and its HDR functionality.
All in all, the impression that we got was that people like the enhanced streaming experience that the Raxxio set-top box provides. It makes it a popular choice among tech enthusiasts primarily, but various types of casual users as well.
Troubleshooting and Support
In the rare event of encountering issues, the MAG544w3 comes with an easy-to-follow troubleshooting guide. Additionally, Raxxio’s customer support is readily available to assist you, ensuring that any hiccup in your experience is swiftly addressed.
Comparison with Other Devices
When comparing the Raxxio MAG544w3, MAG540w3, and MAG524w3 set-top boxes, all three models are quite similar in hardware capabilities, supporting 4K video and Dolby Digital Plus audio. The MAG544w3 and MAG524w3 have slightly better Wi-Fi capabilities than the MAG540w3.
The difference is in the price, with the MAG544w3 being the most affordable at $125.99, followed by the MAG524w3 at $131.99 as the most expensive, and the MAG540w3 as the cheapest at $109.99. Each model serves as a capable set-top box with variations to suit different user needs and budgets.
In the end, the choice between these comes in very small details and personal preferences that users are going to be looking at.
| Feature | MAG544w3 | MAG540w3 | MAG524w3 |
| Chipset | Amlogic S905Y4-B | Amlogic S905Y4 | Amlogic S905X2 |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35, 2,000 MHz | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35, 2,000 MHz | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1,900 MHz |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR4 | 1 GB DDR4 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Flash Memory | 4 GB eMMC | 4 GB eMMC | 4 GB eMMC |
| Operating System | Linux 4.9 | Linux 4.9 | Linux 4.9 |
| Video Playback | 4K content support, AV1 and HEVC codecs | 4K HDR at 60 fps, AV1 and HEVC codecs | 4K HDR at 60 fps, HEVC codecs |
| Audio Support | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Digital Plus |
| Connectivity | 100 Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi (550 Mbps on 5 GHz, 100 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) | 100 Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi (100 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) | 100 Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi (550 Mbps on 5 GHz, 100 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) |
| Price | $125.99 | $109.99 | $131.99 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 115 x 115 x 28 | 120 x 78 x 21 | 115 x 115 x 28 |
| Weight (g) | 170 | 110 | 170 |
Pros and Cons: An Honest Look at the Raxxio MAG544w3
When creating our Raxxio MAG544w3 review, we took an honest approach where were weighed out both the pros and the cons of the device. Therefore, here is a balanced view of what we think and were able to deduce.
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional Visual Quality: 4K HDR video at 60 FPS ensures a stunningly vivid viewing experience. | Limited RAM and Storage: 1 GB DDR4 RAM and 4 GB flash memory might be restrictive for heavy users. |
| High-Performance Chipset: The Amlogic S905Y4-B chipset and ARM Cortex-A35 CPU deliver swift and smooth performance. | UX: Not as user-friendly as some other set-top boxes |
| Versatile Connectivity Options: With dual-band WiFi and Ethernet port, connectivity is both flexible and robust. | Lacks Gaming: Not really good for very demanding games. |
| Immersive Audio Experience: Dolby Digital Plus surround sound support adds an extra layer of realism to your audio experience. | |
| User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and easy to navigate, suitable for all levels of tech expertise. | |
| Affordable Price Point: At $125.99, it offers high-end features at a mid-range price. |
Final Thoughts on the Raxxio MAG544w3
The Raxxio MAG544w3 stands out as a top contender in the streaming device market. Its blend of high-quality 4K HDR video, powerful performance, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly interface, all at an affordable price, makes it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system.
While its limited RAM and storage may be a drawback for some, its overall performance and feature set offer great value for its price point. That said, it is mainly aimed to be a streaming device. So don’t expect to be able to use it for demanding games.
All in all, this is a very solid entry in the streaming market as every person who enjoys watching quality TV will enjoy the services that this set-top box device provides.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Raxxio MAG544w3
To help you make an informed decision, we discussed and answered some of the most common queries about the MAG544w3.
Can the MAG544w3 stream in 4K on all platforms?
Yes, it supports 4K streaming on platforms that offer 4K content, thanks to its advanced codecs and robust connectivity.
Is the device suitable for gaming?
The Raxxio MAG544w3 is primarily designed for streaming and media playback, and its hardware specifications suggest it may not be ideal for demanding gaming applications.
Does it support all popular streaming apps?
As for supporting popular streaming apps, the device operates on Linux 4.9 and supports the Ministra TV platform which is primarily for IPTV streams, and because of that it can’t support specific streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Do I need a subscription to use the MAG544w3?
You don’t need a subscription to use the MAG544w3 itself.
What comes in the standard set of the MAG544w3 package?
The standard set includes the MAG 544w3 Set-Top Box, a user manual, an HDMI cable, a power adapter (12V, 1A), a remote control, and two AAA batteries.
What warranty comes with the MAG544w3?
Raxxio offers a standard warranty, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase. Check with the seller for specific details.
