How Many Videos Can Android TV Play Simultaneously?

Wiktor Kędzierawski

Aug 11 2025 • 6 min read

How Many Videos Can Android TV Handle?

Android TV offers various multimedia capabilities, but the number of simultaneous video streams depends on several key factors. Below, we discuss what influences this limit and how to check it.

1. Hardware Specifications

Android TV devices vary in performance. The number of concurrent video streams depends on:

• Processor (CPU) and GPU – More powerful hardware allows for more simultaneous video streams. For example, the Nvidia Shield TV (Tegra X1+ and 2GB RAM) handles multiple streams much better than the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick (Amlogic S805Y and 1GB RAM).
• RAM – Each video stream consumes memory. Budget devices with 1–2GB RAM may struggle with more than one high-quality stream.

Example: A device with 2GB RAM and a weak GPU may handle only one 1080p stream, while high-performance devices can support multiple 4K streams.

2. Codecs and Resolution

If the video is hardware-decoded, the device can handle more streams. Otherwise, software decoding puts a heavy load on the CPU, which, combined with background app logic, may lead to performance issues.

Codecs:

• H.264 – Less demanding on hardware but takes up more storage. All modern GPUs have hardware H.264 decoders, making it easier to process video streams efficiently.
• H.265 (HEVC) – More efficient in compression and bandwidth usage but requires higher processing power. Newer GPUs have built-in H.265 decoders, but they are still less common than H.264. If a device lacks hardware decoding, software decoding significantly burdens the CPU and may cause performance drops.

Resolution:

• 4K – Recommended for screens above 55 inches if the viewer is sitting close (<2m).
• 1080p – Sufficient for most screens under 50 inches and commercial applications (e.g., self-checkout kiosks).
• 720p – Rarely used today due to low image quality.

3. Hardware Decoder Limits

Each device has a limited number of hardware video decoders:

• 1–2 decoders for 4K video
• Multiple decoders for 1080p and lower resolutions

The number of decoders depends on the GPU and manufacturer’s software. You can check this information in the system file media_codecs.xml (/etc/media_codecs.xml or /system/etc/media_codecs.xml). Alternatively, you can use the MediaCodecList class in the Android API.

4. The Role of Software

Android TV uses ExoPlayer as its default video player. It supports multiple instances simultaneously, but each instance consumes system resources.

Alternatives:

• MediaPlayer – Outdated and not recommended.
• No real alternatives – Most apps use ExoPlayer.

Good app optimization is crucial for smooth playback. Reducing background processes, efficient memory management, and choosing the right codecs and resolutions can significantly improve stability. Testing apps on target hardware is essential to avoid real-world performance issues.

5. Example Performance Metrics

Based on testing:

• Budget devices (e.g., Mi TV Stick) – 1–2 simultaneous 1080p streams.
• Premium devices (e.g., Nvidia Shield TV) – 4–6 simultaneous 1080p streams or 2–3 in 4K.

How to Check Supported Codecs on Android TV?

There are two ways to check:

1. Viewing the system file media_codecs.xml.
2. Using the Android API:

Copy
import android.media.MediaCodecList

fun printSupportedCodecs() {
    val codecList = MediaCodecList(MediaCodecList.ALL_CODECS)
    codecList.codecInfos.forEach { codecInfo ->
        println("Codec: ${codecInfo.name}")
        codecInfo.supportedTypes.forEach { type ->
            println("\tSupported Type: $type")
        }
    }
}

How to Test It?

To determine how many videos a device can handle:

1. Create a test app using multiple ExoPlayer instances.
2. Play multiple streams and monitor CPU, GPU, and RAM usage.
3. Experiment with different codecs and resolutions.

Repository: android-player-instances-tester

Demo

Conclusion

The number of simultaneous video streams on Android TV depends on hardware, codecs, and app optimization. If you're developing an app that requires multiple video streams, thorough performance testing across different devices is crucial.

---