At IFA 2014, Philips has unveiled its first 4K media player. The small black box is named UHD 880, is based on Android and has HEVC, which is missing in Philips’ Ultra HD TVs.

UHD 880 is a 4K player
Philips’ first 4K player has been dubbed UHD 880 and it plays 4K content from streaming services as well as USB hard drives.

The small box is based on the Android system and Philips says that it is compatible with all of its 2013 and 2014 Ultra HD TVs. One of the important features is HEVC, which is the next compression format after mpeg4 (H.264). HEVC is required to play most 4K content, but it is not integrated in Philips TVs. Therefore, the box is required to play content. There is no mention of Netflix 4K support.


Philips says that the box will be “integrated” with Google’s new Android L system, which is the first version of Android developed specifically for the TV screen. Philips’ current Android Smart TVs run on an earlier version.

Philips UHD 880 will be available in the first quarter of 2015 for 249 Euro. It will be free for owners of Philips’ 2014 8000 and 9000 TVs.

Specification below.