How do Kodi boxs work

[WW3hasstarted]

i use media players to play downloaded videos on my tv but whats a kodi box ? i know it uses android software and can stream sports etc, but how ? eg i can find sports streams on the internet and watch those on a PC in a browser or hook up a laptop using an hdmi cable  thats got the stream on it so i can watch on a bigger tv screen.

what make/models of kodi box are best and what apps/services should we have on them to play sports/films/tv etc ?

i dont see why you need a kodi box if you use bittorrent or have an internet conection to surf for streams of stuff 

thanks

[Moe]

It's just an alternative method that eliminates the need for a separate computer.

[dueda]

What is a Kodi box.

A small computer like the NUC or MediaPC. Kodi, as a software, is a better Windows Media Center.
You're right, one don't need Kodi, or an AndroidTV (which is not a standard Android tablet-like), to watch streams.

Why a TV box.

Comfort, convenience. You could use any Android smartphone, but an AndroidTV device (just like Apple's) has an easier interface and can't run all of Play apps. There's a separate app store for AndroidTV apps. It is NOT a complete Android experience, think Media Center on steroids.

But the main reason being they're cheaper than most alternatives and you won't pay the cable company or site fee (like Netflix).

The best.

Varies. Here in my country one of the best is the Xiaomi TV Box, voice control on the remote, good memory, etc.

Any box may have trouble with HDCP, regardless of model; some individual units may have or not. And depending on your TV model, compatibility issues may come.
Some cheap chinese brands are famous for circunventing HDCP - It is regarded as a "bug" or result of cheap factories using old parts and software, but in fact it is an intentional exploit. Some sellers also hack the box and deliver them "pirate-ready" or "mod-friendly". Your mileage may vary - a lot.

My take on it.

I used Kodi PC version. Easy to mod, but the © vultures declared war on it, so the best mods are now factory blocked on the Android boxes.
And Kodi has a serious problem with streaming: The channel lists. So be ready to waste time each week looking for new lists.

Kodi lacks an index site, streaming sources are compiled in lists by people like uploaders; one gotta find around hundreds of download sites, forums posts, etc.
It is awkward, time-consuming and will drive you thru some really weird places. And the lists will last for a short time, sources are always shut off by the DMCA complaints and all...

Unless TPB decides to invest into making TPS (ThePirateStream), "The most resilient streaming site on the Internet", that will be your weekly assignment:
Find sources, download lists, check if they work, filter the crappy and redundant, etc. Some guys will SELL you a month service for that. Paid Pirates, per se.

Is it good? Not for my taste. Lotta anime and sports channels, the usual Fox/HBO movies, etc. For that, a Hulu or Netflix will offer a better experience.
Keep in mind the copyrighted, HDCP-protected, subscribed way is the intended AndroidTV mode. Kodi is an "anomaly" in it's ecosystem.

So WHY? Because it's fee-free. But not hassle-free.