The main issue with current Amlogic hardware is low-quality kernel source full of bugs and proprietary code and the amcodec interface which has lots of hacks to workaround the bad kernel source. We've cleaned up some major issues over time but there are lots of minor ones that aren't resolved - and won't be resolved (on that codebase). The long-term solution for Amlogic hardware is to move up to mainline kernels. This won't be a magic cure-all (new code = new bugs) but since the underlying codebase will be common to all our platforms (Generic, Raspberry Pi, Amlogic, Allwinner and Rockchip) the process of fixing stuff will no longer depend on someone working up the enthusiasm to poke sticks at a bad kernel source where fixing one thing frequently results in fresh breakage somewhere else. We are months (not years) from making the mainline jump.
NB: I wouldn't read too much into the S912 future story as the situation has changed. Open-source alternatives to the missing libmali are taking shape, we are well engaged with the developers and Kodi support is a mutual goal. I'd estimate we're about six months from a usable solution.
Thanks for the detailed reply, it's greatly appreciated. I have two questions:
1. Would you recommend I stay with the AML platform (S912) and wait or swap to another platform like Allwinner or Rockchip?
2. As the main usage of these boxes is to stream video, and the issue I have described is related to streaming, why are AML products being recommended when this bug clearly interferes with the boxes main purpose? Sorry, but I just don't get it
TIA
Greg