So glad to hear you were successful. 
In the future, if you have issues with the USB update method, you can try the SD card update method using the Burning Card Maker, as defined in my post here, the last paragraph.
The custom ROMs from @superceleron are nice and as Gouwa said, they offer more features than the stock Android, as well as some tweaks to improve performance in some areas.
As he offers the ATV version you will have the option of using AndroidTV if that appeals to you.
Have a look at superceleron’s post on those ROMs for more information.
1.) Custom Android Pie ROM.
2.) Custom AndroidTV ROM.