At its core, refers to a specific reference configuration for "Mbox" (Media Box) devices built on the Amlogic Meson family of system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors.
Users running custom software like CoreELEC can change this value by modifying the device tree (dtb.img) using specific commands (e.g., fdtput ) to override the product_desc field.
Short for "Reference," indicating the default hardware identifier or "Vendor Data Struct" assigned during the manufacturing or firmware development process. Why Does it Appear on Your TV?
Your TV is attempting to identify the connected device. Because many generic Android boxes use "Mbox Meson Ref" as their default product description in the firmware, the TV simply displays that internal label.
In some cases, poor-quality HDMI cables can cause the TV to "lose" and "refind" the box repeatedly, causing the label to pop up constantly. Replacing the cable can stabilize the connection. Summary Table Mbox Generic term for a digital media/streaming box. Meson The processor architecture family from Amlogic. Ref Default hardware reference used in the device firmware. Change the HDMI "label" - CoreELEC Forums