This is where the review gets interesting. The Tanix TX3 Mini has achieved cult status in the home theater community for one reason: It is highly hackable.

The hardware (usually the S905W or S905W2 chip) is solid and capable. The firmware is the jailer. The solution? Custom ROMs.

For the dedicated user, the TX3 Mini is a ticket to the world of CoreELEC and ATV Experience.

Do not download random .img files from pop-up ads. Stick to these sources:

Pro Tip: The "ATV Experience" custom ROM is widely considered the best for the TX3 Mini. It converts your box into a true Android TV interface (like a NVIDIA Shield) instead of the ugly phone-style launcher.

Follow these instructions precisely. I assume no responsibility for bricked devices.

If your box is currently working (even if slow), back up the firmware using Amlogic Customization Tool. This gives you a safety net. Extract the aml_upgrade_package.img from your device via the Backup function in USB Burning Tool (requires a special license – but you can also use Burn Card Maker to create a recovery SD card).

Note: Links change frequently. As of this article, these are the most reliable sources from XDA-Developers and 4PDA forums.