Anyone know if Cheapcast works? - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

It would great to sideload the cheapcast app in order to turn the FTV into a remote Google Play Music streamer, and also to send the occasional youtube video over without having to manually search for something with the remote.

floepie said:
It would great to sideload the cheapcast app in order to turn the FTV into a remote Google Play Music streamer, and also to send the occasional youtube video over without having to manually search for something with the remote.
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Cheapcast is pretty much broken since after Google released Chromecast SDK. The Allcast app by koush is supposed to be compatible with FTV.

adfurgerson said:
Cheapcast is pretty much broken since after Google released Chromecast SDK. The Allcast app by koush is supposed to be compatible with FTV.
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Click to collapse
Allcast by koush is already on the Amazon app store, you can install it directly from the fire tv without side loading it, is under entertainment category.

2fastkuztoms said:
Allcast by koush is already on the Amazon app store, you can install it directly from the fire tv without side loading it, is under entertainment category.
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If you look in playstore it lists ftv as compatible along with chromecast, xbox360, roku , appletv, etc. which would seem to indicate ftv can be used to receive content from another device. Side loading cheapcast would be done in order to receive on ftv also, but OP doesn't mention what device they want to send from.

adfurgerson said:
If you look in playstore it lists ftv as compatible along with chromecast, xbox360, roku , appletv, etc. which would seem to indicate ftv can be used to receive content from another device. Side loading cheapcast would be done in order to receive on ftv also, but OP doesn't mention what device they want to send from.
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Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as OP and this thread seems to be going off the rails.
The reason we want CheapCast to work on FireTV is so that we can mirror tabs from a Windows or Mac laptop onto the Fire TV. AllCast does not help here at all.
The question is can you install CheapCast on FireTV and use it to mirror a Chrome tab to the Fire TV from your laptop.

Well, I was hoping that Cheapcast could be run as a service in the background on the FTV to listen for casting requests from the various Android compatible apps just like the CC does. Essentially, it would allow the FTV to become an AppleTV in the iOS world, so that if you send something to the FTV, it would immediately stop whatever it was playing and directly play that which was casted (youtube vids, play music, etc.).

Thats fine but if you had of read the first reply, Cheapcast is practically dead! Google updated the sdk and since then cheapcast has had limited uses, there's a few apps still using the old sdk but as soon as they are updated they will no longer work as well. If chrome tabs are still working they wont for much longer.
The developers own post on the matter

floepie said:
Well, I was hoping that Cheapcast could be run as a service in the background on the FTV to listen for casting requests from the various Android compatible apps just like the CC does. Essentially, it would allow the FTV to become an AppleTV in the iOS world, so that if you send something to the FTV, it would immediately stop whatever it was playing and directly play that which was casted (youtube vids, play music, etc.).
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This may be worth a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waxrain.airplayer&hl=en

adfurgerson said:
This may be worth a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waxrain.airplayer&hl=en
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Nope, that won't solve the problem. We want to emulate a Chromecast dongle. This way we can still use the Chromecast features from our phones/tablets.

Chinpokomon said:
Nope, that won't solve the problem. We want to emulate a Chromecast dongle. This way we can still use the Chromecast features from our phones/tablets.
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Yep I read that wrong. How bout this?
http://www.droid-life.com/2014/05/1...sic-pictures-and-video-to-any-android-device/

adfurgerson said:
Yep I read that wrong. How bout this?
http://www.droid-life.com/2014/05/1...sic-pictures-and-video-to-any-android-device/
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Click to collapse
Nope. That's the same problem. With FireTV, you can't use Google services. So there isn't a way to use Play Music, or download apps from the Play Store, or stream movies from Play Movies and TV. Cheapcast looked like a was an app that looked like a Chromecast dongle, so in theory you could install the app on FireTV and have the best of both worlds.

Another 6 months went by, any update? Just got the fire tv stick, it's so cool, runs kodi perfectly. Would be good to have Cheapcast or similar running to imitate a Chromecast...

Related

Apple TV Mirroring?

I'm glad I got my Amazon Fire TV, it's working out really well, especially for XBMC.
However, one key thing I'm missing now (since I sold my Apple TV) is the ability to Airplay Mirror. I was looking for an alternative in reading some of the posts we have so far. I came across someone successfully using Air Receiver, but I wasn't able to get access to the APK.
At any rate, if anyone has any thing they've done to successfully get an Airplay Mirror alternative to work, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.
I believe some people are using AllCast. I haven't tried it yet, but it seems to be working fine.
I'm looking for something similar but will allow multiple people on the network to send YouTube videos into a queue on the FireTV from their phones. This is all I use the Chromecast for now and I'm trying to eliminate the need for the Chromecast.
Edit: Apparently AllCast does YouTube queuing like the Chromecast. Sweet.
AirPlay DLNA
Search Airplay/dlna on the google app store
That should do it for you. I was looking for the same thing.
A review of it on the Ouya here:
w w w .s-config.com/airplay-ouya/
Can't post links, too new...
jlaw904 said:
I believe some people are using AllCast. I haven't tried it yet, but it seems to be working fine.
I'm looking for something similar but will allow multiple people on the network to send YouTube videos into a queue on the FireTV from their phones. This is all I use the Chromecast for now and I'm trying to eliminate the need for the Chromecast.
Edit: Apparently AllCast does YouTube queuing like the Chromecast. Sweet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to currently cast a chrome browser tab or the computer screen to it like you can with Chromecast. I need that ability and still use the Chromecast for it. Otherwise, I would have removed the Chromecast and just gone with the FireTV. I currently have both.
I see that allcast could work, but it doesn't support mirroring which is really what I'm after.
Spelvin, I can try what you've suggested. I'm not sure how to get the apk to the fire tv though, I can't get apk's off my phone, I'm not rooted. Guess I'll have to root.
darken801 said:
Spelvin, I can try what you've suggested. I'm not sure how to get the apk to the fire tv though, I can't get apk's off my phone, I'm not rooted. Guess I'll have to root.
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Click to collapse
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Airplay.DLNA!!!!!
Spelvin said:
Search Airplay/dlna on the google app store
That should do it for you. I was looking for the same thing.
A review of it on the Ouya here:
w w w .s-config.com/airplay-ouya/
Can't post links, too new...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WORKS!!! :good::good::good:
Audio and video!!! :laugh::good::laugh::good:
Even when I press the power button and turn the screen off on my iPhone. Audio playback to my Pioneer receiver stops when I do that!

Wifey bought me a FTV!

I currently use plex for my media management solution, which is fantastic. I have a quad processor server with 18TB of storage, 12TB usable as its configured for Raid6. I chose plex due to the fact that plexapps are available for my Samsung smart tvs, and for simplicity with my chromecast.
The wife knows my love of tinkering and that I've been eyeballing the AFTV for a while now. Can anyone provide some insight? I'm looking to further enhance my cord-cutting future as we are moving to South Korea next year and will need to rely on my server as well as streaming content for entertainment.
I'm tired of horrible firstrow streams for my football games, as well as UFC matches and indycar/rally races. Are there "alternatives" available with much improved quality?
Anything I should do first to the AFTV? How can I integrate it into my existing content delivery system?
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
cliff p said:
Anything I should do first to the AFTV? How can I integrate it into my existing content delivery system?
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Might want to see if you can root the Fire TV before you ever hook it up. This allows for harnessing the power of the device with XBMC and the addons that are available. The How to setup a new Fire TV without blocking Root guide is a great starting point. Otherwise, the Fire TV will primarily be an Amazon centric box. And where is the fun in that?
That was generally the idea (to root the device first before doing anything else with it).
When I first started looking into Media Servers, I worked very little with XBMC. A few friends with Plex suggested it to me, and it seems to fit the bill more for me. With that being said, can XBMC be integrated or coexist with PMS?
EDIT: Disregard the XBMC question, I did a quick search and found that I can install PlexBMC that will work with the PMS backend.
So I've rooted the AFTV, Installed BB and SuperSU, and XBMC. Added a few "add-ons" like 1Chan and some others. Pretty cool little device! Kinda wishing there were more HD capable streams for certain programs, since there isn't much difference streaming the actual website steam via my laptop to my TV via HDMI.
I may put it in my VPN route and see if I can get my NFL games in HD at least.
Quite honestly wondering if it was worth installing Plex on, since my Samsung TV already has Plex and is a bit more seamless. I may use the device in place of the Chromecast dongle I have in the bedroom, though.
Can anyone point me in the right direction for some higher quality feeds, etc?
Almost forgot: Themes for the XBMC? Is it more worthwhile to have XBMC autostart on boot? I don't have a subscription for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, etc. I use Plex, and use it heavily with Sickbeard/Couchpotato/Headphones/Etc.
THX.
Take a look at the [LAUNCHER] XBMC for Fire TV (Root). This XBMC launcher replaces the Fire TV launcher and at the same time allows access to it if you were to have Amazon content.
mjbxx said:
Take a look at the [LAUNCHER] XBMC for Fire TV (Root). This XBMC launcher replaces the Fire TV launcher and at the same time allows access to it if you were to have Amazon content.
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Works great! Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Applications List for working apk files on Fire TV

Hey All,
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
So the following apps work for me using a wireless keyboard and trackpad mouse.
TVCatchup
TVMC
BT Sport
4OD
ITV Player
Uno Telly
ChromeBeta
Please contribute to the list I will update this list when ive installed and tested more apps.
herohonda777 said:
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
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Click to collapse
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
wellersl said:
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a sweet list!
I got Dolphin Browser to work but the biggest one I got Working the PS4 Remote play app -
Side Loaded Dolphin Browser and then loaded up the PS4 remote app hooked up the PS4 Controller directin to the AFT and connected the remote play - No Lag issues at all playing FIFA 15 on my other screen in the house now!
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
herohonda777 said:
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
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Click to collapse
Odd. Unless its butting heads with Dolphin?
This version of Firefox? http://www.mediafire.com/download/rq57ptp5dbj0gsr/Firefox_28.0.1.apk
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Jacksmyname said:
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
VivianC said:
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
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Click to collapse
Not yet, but I'll post back here if I do. I've been using it for several years on a 10" Samsung Galaxy Tab with no issues. Not even a single hiccup that I can recall.
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
goodhur said:
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
xm41907 said:
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes a long time to go through the update(scan). I was thinking it didn't work at first. It seems like it does nothing for like 5 minutes then the movies begin appearing. Under settings>identification & search enable the sub-folder search. This app works only on wifi for scanning UPNP (great for the stick), the box on ethernet won't find dlna (however I think if you just do wifi to do DLNA scanning the plug back ethernet it still works). Manual entry of SMB works on the box and stick.
Some of the unique APKs I have side loaded on my AFS
Vulkano Player 5.1.261-connects to my Hava Platinum cable box streamer
Viki 3.0 - the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
Dramafever 01.00.09- also the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
The Sony PS4 Remote Play port works (as does the Sony DS4 controller out the box without any rooting required):
RemotePlayPortV0.7.3.apk
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
herohonda777 said:
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like one of two things:
1. You're not using the latest version of the app
2. you've not paired the DS4 directly with the Amazon Fire TV BEFORE you've tried to launch the app
..

Youtube android app without root

Is there a solution to run youtube android app on Fire TV (without root)?
I tried this https://www.androidsage.com/2016/04...tore-on-the-amazon-fire-devices-without-root/ and sideloaded latest youtube apk but i get rh-01 connection problem with playstore.
What's wrong with the FTV version of Youtube?
sneezing_corgi said:
What's wrong with the FTV version of Youtube?
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I find that fire tv stick version is very choppy and audio comes in and out of sync alot, not so much on the fire tv 4k it seems OK with that.
sconnyuk said:
I find that fire tv stick version is very choppy and audio comes in and out of sync alot, not so much on the fire tv 4k it seems OK with that.
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Click to collapse
try and get the android tv version, will probably have more success with that.
And you probably won't every get playstore to fully work but all you really want is for it to register so play services will work and thus youtube and playmusic apps will work.
nujackk said:
try and get the android tv version, will probably have more success with that.
And you probably won't every get playstore to fully work but all you really want is for it to register so play services will work and thus youtube and playmusic apps will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reply, I have actually sorted my issues completely now, I have stopped all unnecessary amazon stuff running, huge list by the way, and have Google play all configured with android youtube and all my Google paid apps fully configured and recognising I'm signed in. Xposed setup, custom recovery, six axis with ps3 pads connected, USB OTG configured on boot with mele pro airmouse/keyboard/remote combo ? An to top it off no amazon home stuff at all, I have a launcher installed (was going to use official leaseback launcher but found it rubbish) the one I'm using is called Top TV Launcher 2.97. Very customisable and good on the eyes. Firestick is much more responsive the way it's setup now.
Nice,... I'll have to check out that launcher

How to best send youtube videos from multiple smartphones to fire tv?

Hi,
I'm having a FireTV1. My main goal is to install something with that multiple smartphones can be used to control youtube streaming on the firetv.
Important is that it should work without having to login to a youtube account on the firetv. Because eg my wife and me having different youtube accounts, both active on the smartphone.
As both of us should be able to stream youtube content to firetv directly, it would be bad if the firetv has to be logged in to one of the accounts. As in this case only one of our smartphones could take control of the firetv.
If there is some app, but that requires installing custom systems like kodi, that would be fine.
I'm a bit lost in the possibilities and would be happy for any advise how to achieve that.
Thanks!
membersound said:
Hi,
I'm having a FireTV1. My main goal is to install something with that multiple smartphones can be used to control youtube streaming on the firetv.
Important is that it should work without having to login to a youtube account on the firetv. Because eg my wife and me having different youtube accounts, both active on the smartphone.
As both of us should be able to stream youtube content to firetv directly, it would be bad if the firetv has to be logged in to one of the accounts. As in this case only one of our smartphones could take control of the firetv.
If there is some app, but that requires installing custom systems like kodi, that would be fine.
I'm a bit lost in the possibilities and would be happy for any advise how to achieve that.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your first issue is there is no YouTube app for FireTV. You can thank the Amazon vs Google war for that. You can only screen mirror Amazon devices to Fire TV devices.
Secondly, what you’re describing would function best using a Google Chromecast, that way anyone on your WiFi, can cast YouTube and many other apps, from their phone to the Chromecast device.
Ok I see. Though our primary use is amazon prime video. So I hoped for having just one player...
So there is no way throwing videos on firetv in any case?
(I'd like to avoid screen mirroring. I tried that multiple times without satisfying results).
membersound said:
Ok I see. Though our primary use is amazon prime video. So I hoped for having just one player...
So there is no way throwing videos on firetv in any case?
(I'd like to avoid screen mirroring. I tried that multiple times without satisfying results).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can have just one player, but the Fire tv devices are cheaply made. I’ve not had great success with them.
Now I’m using Roku, which still will let me do Amazon video. Not sure on screen mirroring but it does have a YouTube app. I’ll have to check if it will support multiple accounts in the app.
Without doing mirroring, I’m not sure what you mean by “throwing” videos on the screen.
You can cast YouTube to the fire stick pretty easily. I followed this guide to set it up. https://youtu.be/Fpjaqw7CAMg
@Jeffro2700 great, thanks! that worked.
so the only tradeoff is that I first have to start the youtube firefox/silk browser page before I can send videos from my phone to firetv, correct?
If you're a Kodi user with an Android phone, I highly recommend installing the youtube addon for kodi, and installing the yatse remote for kodi app. Once you've done that you can use Share > Play on Media Server (an option enabled with a Yatse installation), and it will cast it to the Kodi system the yatse app is currently controlling. Those are the broad strokes. If you want more info, like how to enable youtube videos > 720P/30 in Kodi, let me know.
Alternatively, you could try sideloading the Smart YouTube TV app from here: https://smartyoutubetv.github.io

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