[q] xbmc questions - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

1) the time in my xbmc isn't correct. Thinks I'm on the west coast. How can I change it?
2) the airplay addon service was working fine, but now I can no longer see it on my list if airplay devices.
Thank you everyone.

Time setting is actually controlled from the Amazon Launcher settings, XBMC will automatically inherit them.
As for the Airplay add on no longer working, I'm not sure what would cause that. I'd try disabling airplay, rebooting, and then re-enabling. Also, are you running 13.2?

WisdomWolf said:
Time setting is actually controlled from the Amazon Launcher settings, XBMC will automatically inherit them.
As for the Airplay add on no longer working, I'm not sure what would cause that. I'd try disabling airplay, rebooting, and then re-enabling. Also, are you running 13.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Was able to figure out time settings after posting. Will try the airplay suggestion when I get home. And yes I'm running 13.2.

Related

[Q] MLB Blackout Restriction - DNS Unblock, Unlocator, Ad-free Not Working

Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to start a new thread because I was trying to test something that I figure is happening on Netflix. The Netflix streams look like garbage, and then I can stream Amazon Instant and it looks beautiful. So somewhere there is a bottleneck on Netflix and I think if I run it through my VPN it will improve the quality.
My VPN is through private internet access and they have a simple android app that you just click connect and it works. But you can change the location of where it is connecting and that would probably help with your MLB issue because without GPS I think that's the only way they can tell where you are streaming. I used to spoof on MLB and set a fake GPS point in Mexico to get access to all of the games. But I think the VPN would work for that as well.
Long story short I side-loaded the app and it didn't work. So I'm going to see if anyone else can help.
Some ISP's throttle Netflix. It's the whole net neutrality thing goin on.
Maric said:
Hello,
Currently on Fire TV that is rooted with XBMC installed with multiple add-ons. I've used multiple DNS services to let me watch my home team. The service works fine on my PC, and Nexus 7 2013. It even worked on my Fire TV on XBMC with MLBMC video add-on. The main reason I purchased the Fire TV was to use the MLB app to watch my home team.
I know I'm able to watch it using my Fire TV with XMBC MLBMC video add-on, however it's rather bare-bone workaround to use the service I'm already paying for. My question is how is the MLB app on the Fire TV detecting my location? I know that DNS is working by verifying XBMC and Netflix, but how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
I would really appreciate the help given my friend who also has Fire TV really love baseball too, but using the XBMC is kind of pain for them to setup. Please help? I figure this would be the only place with a community being able to come up with a possible answer/solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
mejdam said:
I'm looking for something simliar.
Use xposed and XPrivacy . Works for my cellphone (Huge battery drain though because leaves GPS constantly running) but i havent attempted that on the fire yet. What mlb version are you using? the google play or amazon fire tv version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the Amazon Fire TV.
Maric said:
how is the MLB app on Fire TV detecting my location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, MLB is picking up your location from your IP address.
You might be able to test this by using your cell phone to temporarily provide bandwidth the FTV - my cell phone, at least, winds up looking to websites as if it's about 60 miles away from the house, two counties south.
Using a VPN to connect from an IP in a different state should work if that's how the location is being determined. If the app comes from the Amazon appstore there's a low risk that the app is using an address Amazon has on file for its location determination.
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
edgardo_0691 said:
Try sideload EasyOvpn and OpenVPN Connect.
Search in EasyOvpn different contry and open the configuration with openvpn. I try to by pass other service in my tablet and work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
bam099 said:
OpenVPN is what Private Internet Access uses to connect on Android and I can say that it did not connect for me. I have a thread open in the help section also but the only way it can tell on Amazon where you are is your IP. That's why people in other countries use a US VPN to stream stuff. We just need a VPN to work on the fire to get around location and throttling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
mejdam said:
have you used Hola?
Grab apk from here:
http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/?id=org.hola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maric said:
Just tried this app. I actually get past the blackout restriction and launches the video media player screen. However, video does not play and just get the video buffering screen with the video not loading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to get it to work but really cumbersome.
1. Installed/Sideloaded "Hola Better Internet" for Fire TV.
2. Open "Hola Better Internet" and click Unbocker (requres a mouse)
3. Click on "MLB.com At Bat" and change to any country other than U.S./Canada
4. Make sure Unblocker is "On"
Here is the kicker though. If you have "Hola Better Internet" on before you open MLB.TV app, the games/calendar will now show up. So you have to have the switch "Unblocker Button" off when you first launch MLB.TV app.
So here is how I got it to work:
1. Launch "Hola Better Internet" and make sure "Unblocker" switch is "off'
2. Launch MLB.TV app.
3. Hit the "Home Screen" button on your Fire TV remote since you don't want to exit the app.
4. Now go to "Hola Better Internet" and have "Unblocker" switch "On"
5. Hit "Home Screen" button again
6. Relaunch MLB.TV app.
7. Launch your home team
Again, this this was all done with DNS service such as Ad-Free time.
This is what I gather from all the tinkering. "MLB.com At Bat" service is what checks your location. I remember getting my Nexus 7 2013 to work, I had to modify this file/service. So if you have the "MLB.com At Bat" check your location while spoofing to another country, it will completely shut you out from the video feed service. I'm assuming the "Hola Better Internet" switches the handshake/verication once you have the calendar of all the games on your screen. Finally once you do click on the your team, it checks the DNS.
So I'm hoping somehow that "MLB.com At Bat" can be modified or somehow have a more seamless workaround.
mejdam said:
are we talking about MLB or Netflix? I just used Hola and got around the MLB restrictions. watching my dodgers play on the fire tv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide your setup?
Maric said:
Can you provide your setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Maric said:
How did you configure Xposed and Xprivacy?
*Edit*
I got it to work. Also watching my Dodgers! Haren has been terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
mejdam said:
Is it working without toggling even after you rebooted? I used this method on my Samsung s5 and got it working too. Only problem is you can't cast it on a Chromecast because it checks the Chromecast IP and tells me its been blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhat. I'll have to test out again when the games are being blackout. How do you have it setup? Is this for your Fire TV or Chromecast?
Weird part about it is that at least one of the games was being blackout which was no where near my area.
mejdam said:
i had the information not appearing as well. now everything is working perfectly. rebooted the box 3 times and each time i just launch mlb tv without having to toggle with hola
1. Installed Xposed and Xprivacy
2. configured both
3. installed mlb tv (FireTv Version) and signed in with my account
4. installed hola
5. configured hola
6. Works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Maric said:
Can you provide the setup instructions for Xposed and Xprivacy? Also when you have both setup, are you suppose to click "allow" or "deny" when opening up MLB.TV app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a mouse and Fire tv remote
1.) Install Xposed and Xprivacy (if mlb was already installed remove it and dont install it till step 3)
2.) open xposed, modules and check xprivacy, reboot fire tv
3.) install mlb tv (FireTv Version) and sign in with your account, close mlb tv premium
4.) Go into XPrivacy (will give you two errors, ignore them), then go in the MLB TV settings (Use mouse and click on the MLB TV icon)
5.) You will see a list of permissions, tap the menu button on your fire remote and go into Settings.
6.) Press the "Randomize now" button and it will generate a bunch of fake information.
7.) Find the IP address field and put in a fake IP from far away. (i used an IP in Japan)
8.) You can restrict all permissions except for Internet and it will work fine.
9.) Install hola
10.) configured hola
11.) Works
12.) Open MLB (you will get a message asking for permissions from xprivacy) i checked the enhance checkbox and allowed every request.
13.) choose the game you wish to view, allow all requests as well
14.) Play Ball!!!
I'm sorry if it's somewhat irrelevant, but will this method work with Hulu & Netflix? (assuming I do have a paying account)

[app] How to Turn Fire TV into a Chromecast Receiver

You can download our free trial apk and install it to fire TV, all of sudden, your fire TV is also a Chromecast receiver.
Please refer to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...p-youmap-chromecast-receiver-android-t3161851
Download this apk: [apk, updated on Jan-17-2016, now version 1.4.0, it will expire on Feb-29-2016]
http://www.youmap.com/YouMapCastReceiver.apk
Instructions: (good for fire TV box and stick)
(1) Enable ADB and USB Debugging - go to Amazon TV, Settings, System, Developer Options > tun on ADB Debugging and USB Debugging
(2) Now, you need to find the ip address of the FireTV device, System > About
(3) Now from another PC, you can use adb command to install the YouMap Chromecast apk.
adb connect your-ip-address-of-firetv
adb install YouMapCastReceiver.apk
(4) reboot fire TV, and it's ready for casting.
Have fun !
Haven't had a chance to try but looking forward to it. I'll edit the post when I do...
Notice no option to buy full version yet. Is there an estimate on what it'll cost?
Update--Sorry. Got some questions right from the start. Usb debugging ejects the usb drive and makes it unusable. Lots of people use an external drive on aftv so this might be a problem.
It works for sure, however, I'm not sure if I'm utilizing it correctly? I was hoping it would mirror my display, but it doesn't appear to, not even if i enable mirroring on aftv. Maybe it's not suppose to...
But, so far the only thing I've gotten it to do is to cast youtube and we can already do that without losing usb functionality. Please correct me if I'm missing something. Thanks.
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
huisinro said:
The USB thing is only one time for installation. Once installed, you don't need USB connection at all. Our app will auto start every time when you boot fire TV.
It can mirror screens, install Google Chromecast app on your device that you want to mirror. Click Screen Mirroring from left side, that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Works great BTW. Is it possible to set it up on multiple aftvs and AFTV stick?
yes, you can install it on multiple receivers, you may need to name them differently to differientiate them. Our app has a setting page to specify the name. However, on Fire TV, the setting page won't show up, we are working on a amazon version, that should install directly from Amazon store. it will take some time for that release though.
You can access the Youmap settings page on a Fire TV. From the home page scroll down to Settings, then goto Applications and down to Manage Installed Applications. Then scroll down to Youmap Chromecast Receiver, select it and then select Launch application. That will take you to the Youmap settings.
Ahh, Thanks, darren1. I didn't know that
Its a restriction on all sideloaded apps. they can't be launched straight from the Fire TV home screen. When you release an official version through their appstore anyone purchasing it would be able to launch it from the homescreen.
Well I like it. The chromecast app should be a welcome edition too except I need to reinstall play services. Forgot I had uninstalled it to fix play store crash on launch. But your app is working well. Its more reliable than normal YouTube casting because it doesn't care whether my AFTV is Ethernet, 2.4ghz or 5ghz. Normally I can't connect my phone if its on 2.4 while my AFTV is on 5. Not a lot of time testing but so far lag seems minimal.
It works on my firetv connected straight to router , but it doesnt work on my aftv stick ,complains about port 8008 and uses 8010, but chromecast on my sg3 still doesnt detect it and its on the same network
Sometimes, you need to use google chromecast app Screen Mirroring to search for the device, once it finds the device, it will work. Also try to reboot your router, and on your sending device, try to turn off/on the wifi.
Got play services reinstalled and very impressed with performance and ease of use once its set.
I did have one issue but not sure its related. Both times I used chromecast, my AFTV switched from 5 GHz to 2.4ghz. Doesn't usually drop the signal like that. And it wouldn't normally be an issue but I use mysql and that sometimes won't work properly if all my devices aren't hardwired or on 5ghz.
Do you think this is related to chromecast or should I troubleshoot elsewhere? I know normal screen casting doesn't work for me if the devices are on different frequencies. This one does but wonder if the reason for that is its somehow able to auto change it.
Our youmap receiver does NOT require google play services.
About wifi 2.4 vs 5GHz band, our app does not change that, it uses whatever wifi is currently on. Ethernet is usually much more stable, though.
This works great on my firestick and firetv! Before, I had a few apps that were cast ready (I originally had chromecast) that showed the cast icon. I could no longer cast once I got aftv, the icons didn't even show up in my apps anymore even though I knew it was available. I just watched on my phone only. I dl'd this app to my phone and sideloaded it to my ftvs and ftv via another useful app via my phone. I gave each device a separate name and rebooted. (Oh, and ticked the box to start up with device) Now, my cast icons show up in my favorite apps, and I am able to cast! I am Soo freaken happy!! It also shows both my cast channels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I noticed in the other thread that it said the app listed would expire today. Since I don't have the play store installed how can I go about getting the paid version or at least continue to use this version?
Will post an update to keep this trial going
The apk has been updated, now expires on August-31-2015.
it fixed the chrome tab mirroring issue, and improved the device discovery. Please give it a try.
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
right, the licensing issue is the last thing we are working on for Amazon store. We are checking if Amazon has similar apis as google play app licensing, still no definite answer yet. If Amazon does not provide such api, we can do it ourselves by entering a license key, not the best way.
Rincewind2011 said:
Now it works great on the firetv. But tell me please are you planning to bring the app to amazons appstore or how will your licencing work, when you can't install googles playstore on a non-rooted device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason we don't understand yet, chrome tab mirroring works only on fire TV box, not on fire TV stick, all other features are same on both.

FireTV Stick and Plex

Stupidly bought a FireTV Stick with the intention of putting it in the offpsrings room so they can watch stuff from my Plex server in their own rooms.
Installed Plex, it wants to activate, £3.99, fair enough, bought it, it then says I can't watch stuff until I activate it, so I try again and it just errors..
Plex forums are about as much use as a fart in a cullender, so ended up here..
Any root or custom ROM options for the stick so it actually becomes useful?
Same LAN network correct?
I've noticed that if Plex uses a WAN address it behaves differently and nags for money. If your on a local network and you've attached to the correct server than you should be good to go.
Maybe you've already done this but make sure you are connected to the correct server and on your local network. And also if the content is HD make sure you are using h.264 encoding. I've noticed the firetv stick struggles with MPEG2 HD.
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had that problem, ate you in the uk? Works gangbusters in the us. I'm also plexpass, so maybe that's why...
Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say much about plex. I tried it. It was good to very good, depending on my device, but kodi is better in my opinion. However, if that tedious navigation in getting to the app is really your only issue, you can use llama to put it right on the recent section, or boot right to it. Adbfire makes the setup simple. There's also firestarter that allows side loaded apps on the home screen.
I've been using Plex for years and I'm pretty regular on the forums, and I agree, the issue with the repeated activation requirement doesn't seem to fix itself. Here is the most complete thread on the subject (http://forums.plex.tv/discussion/151349/app-already-purchased-but-still-prompting-for-activation/p1), I seem to remember that the main suggestions are (1) do a factory reset on the stick, (2) contact Amazon, and (3) PM one of the Plex devs with your amazon account name and maybe the receipt info from the app purchase (I don't remember the details of that). Like ldeveraux I have a Plexpass membership, that seems to provide the magic to avoid the issue (but I'm not promoting the purchase, the price now is kind of high).
Kodi+PlexBMC+Amber Skin works very well and looks similar to Plex Home Theater, sideloading is pretty easy (http://sideloadfiretv.com/sideload-apps-amazon-fire-tv-windows), and I think it's just a better solution to avoid any issues with surround sound.
Firestarter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/app-root-home-launcher-replacement-app-t3118135) is an awesome app to easily access your sideloaded apps.
Ahh, llama might sort me out then if I can boot the stick straight to Kodi/XBMC, dont have a Plexpass here which might be why its working for you guys and not me..

Kodi stops other apps video from playing

Hi, please can someone suggest what might be wrong here?
I've had my Amazon Fire TV box about a week now. Love it. Kodi installed and running fine. I also use the Netflix and BBC iPlayer native apps.
Weird thing, if I finish watching content in Kodi, go to home and launch Netflix or BBC iPlayer, I can browse content in either app but if I try to play a video in either app it fails to play. I've found that if I come out and return to Kodi, select to exit Kodi and then press home and launch Netflix / BBC iPlayer, videos in either of these apps will then play fine.
It's as if not exiting Kodi properly is causing videos in other apps not to play. How could this be, and how can I resolve it?
Use the exit button in Kodi when exiting Kodi. Do not just hit the home key on the remote. You can also force stop in settings>applications>"manage installed applications">Kodi
Thanks, but I was hoping that wouldn't be necessary. With kids in the house simplicity is necessary. Does everyone have this symptom then? It's not just my set up?
Yes it's everyone and it's annoying. I use a app that just kills every process before going to Netflix
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
HeXDeMoN said:
Yes it's everyone and it's annoying. I use a app that just kills every process before going to Netflix
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds like what I need! What app is this, please?
I use Fast Reboot : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greatbytes.fastreboot&hl=en
HeXDeMoN said:
I use Fast Reboot : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greatbytes.fastreboot&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll check it out when I get home. I have Llama installed. Does that do the same thing or will I still need Fast Reboot?
ben_ifa said:
Thanks. I'll check it out when I get home. I have Llama installed. Does that do the same thing or will I still need Fast Reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh this is nothing like Llama this would just kill every process running.. possible to use Llama to trigger Fast Reboot app but I'm not to familiar with Llama.
I have a tasker task that kills Kodi if Amazon Vid or Netflix are running. Very clean, no reboot needed.
On Kodi 15.1, which I just tried out, the tasker task isn't needed. But, kodi keeps freezing up randomly, so I'm rolling back to 14.2.
roustabout said:
I have a tasker task that kills Kodi if Amazon Vid or Netflix are running. Very clean, no reboot needed.
On Kodi 15.1, which I just tried out, the tasker task isn't needed. But, kodi keeps freezing up randomly, so I'm rolling back to 14.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I've just installed Tasker apk, but it seems to need a mouse to use it properly (which I don't have for my AFTV).
Guess what I'm looking for is an app that can automate the following: if BBC iPlayer or Netflix app is running, kill Kodi. Does anyone know of such a solution, please?
ben_ifa said:
Thanks. I've just installed Tasker apk, but it seems to need a mouse to use it properly (which I don't have for my AFTV).
Guess what I'm looking for is an app that can automate the following: if BBC iPlayer or Netflix app is running, kill Kodi. Does anyone know of such a solution, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bluntly: you're fixing the wrong problem. If you're sideloading and doing advanced configuration, you want to occasionally have a keyboard and mouse. You'll only need them for an hour or three when you first set a lot of the apps up, and occasionally after that so you can steal them from a computer.
But for using apps that are basically set-and-forget, so helpful.
USB mice can simply be plugged into the box. For a fireTV stick, do bluetooth mice work? Apparently the USB port is worthless on the stick, but I have a BT keyboard/mouse combo that work fine with the OS on the box, so it might work with the stick, too.
After I rolled Kodi back to 14.2, I needed to get my tasks going again. Right now I'm using firestarter to autorun Kodi at device boot, and to easily switch between the Amazon homescreen and Kodi.
My tasker task works great and is simpler to set up than I remembered it being. If the context is Amazon video, Netflix or Digital Concert Hall - the three streaming services I use, essentially - Kodi is sent a non-root kill command.
I haven't had an issue with halted streaming since I reinstalled tasker.

Looking to use a VPN on a Firestick running KODI.

OK, I am new to VPNS, so please bare with me. I have an Amazon Firestick with KODI installed on it. Ideally, I would like to have a VPN on this device and all my other devices for that matter. What would be the best way to go about this? Thanks!
Quick question...Are wanting to use VPN for Privacy purposes or to unblock Geo restriction?
Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.
sandman512 said:
Sorry, should of been more specific. Privacy issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices
Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!
OpenVPN App
sandman512 said:
Froggy,
Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Being new to this, can you point me in the right direction? I am currently using an Airport Extreme Router. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry
deanr1977 said:
Can you give me a link to this app? Google link I am looking for a vpn to use on my AFTV2 but can it change my location so I can watch say USA programs in the UK Which would normally be blocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.
froggymike911 said:
I'd set the client up on my router then, i'm not sure there is any "baked in" vpn client in the fire tv(stick) devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A single router VPN or double router (vpn/non-vpn) setup was the best option under Fire OS 3 (For all 1st Gen FireTV's & FireTV Sticks).
https://vpntips.com/fire-tv-vpn-install/
https://vpntips.com/how-to-unblock-any-digital-media-player/
C-Rooted said:
The openvpn app works fine on a my Fire-TV Gen 2 which I rooted yesterday. It shouldn't be a problem on a fire stick. The airport router lacks the ability to use openvpn.
That seems to be the quickest to to accomplish your goal & you could use vpn anywhere like when traveling in a hotel or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming this. I've been asking if Fire OS 5 fixed the VPN shortcomings in FireTV OS 3. Glad to know it has been resolved. Root shouldn't be a factor at all.
jbl0ggs said:
Looks like there are two apps called "OpenVPN" for the FireTV/Stick...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=openvpn&sprefix=open,undefined,148
EDIT: Nevermind...looks like not compatible with Fire TV/Stick...sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There won't be any FireTV listed app for OpenVPN. It's more of a universal device android app.
Found this link for the PlayStore version of one of the OpenVPN apk: http://plai.de/android/
(I would choose the latest non Pre version. Not sure why they charge for the exact same app on the Amazon Store when it's free on the PlayStore)
Here is a Amazon review with how to use a PIA setup on a Fire device with Fire OS 5 using the OpenVPN app above. Since PIA hasn't updated their PIA app in a long while. ( http://www.amazon.com/review/R29NVV...D=2350149011&store=mobile-apps#wasThisHelpful )
C-Rooted said:
Google search for openvpn APK (Site wouldn't let me post a link until I post more) this is what i found with a google search. I downloaded it from the play store on my Nexus 7 and used an apk extractor app.
2 notes.
1. It will require an openvpn config there are links within to private tunnel. I good choice for some because you pay by the data you use. not a good choice for me because I work on an offshore faucily where I live for a week at a time. The web is heavily monitored and blocks sites such as this one for some unknown reason. So I use VPN on all devices 24/7 while at work, it is more cost effective for me to pay for a service. There are also free vpn options seperate apps, not sure how they work on fire tv, you may have to experiment. popular choices are tunnel bear, vyprvpn & cyberghost.
2. The Netflix problem. Netflix put out an update a while back that causes Netflix not to work with some VPN. It has something to do with the DNS I'm still trying to find a solution for this myself. Maybe a pro can step in & fill us both in on that part of the equation. This is my 2nd time posting on this forum.
Hopefully something I said was helpful, and not to wordy. I am an XDA noob myself. playing with a rooted AFTV 2nd Gen trying to install youtube + playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone with a FireTV Stick with voice remote that comes pre-loaded with Fire OS 5 can test a VPN setup to let us know if 1st Gen devices wont have problems with VPN anymore. My best guess is that it wont. Thanks for the confirmation.
Can someone please confirm that a PIA OpenVPN setup works on FireTV or FireTV Sticks on Fire OS 5 ???
Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.
Thanks for the reply. The issue is that I have an Apple Airport Extreme which it seems like it 's going to be difficult to do. Thanks!
If its just a VPN for kodi then you can download a VPN addon through kodi. Ive not persoanlly used it but seen it mentioned a couple of times.
Heres a link http://www.dathovpn.com/index.html
Vpn
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance
Sideload this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.blinkt.openvpn
Works. (Tested with Kodi and other apps on 5.0.5.)
Also - this is an Open VPN client - so you have to get a VPN subscription elsewhere.
Also a thread full of people that have "heard things" but far and few between, that have actually tried out an app for themselves... Oh I'm sure the CPU is the issue here - not. *sigh*
What kind of errors are you getting here?
You can always do a double router setup. Running an APN through your router will slow your speeds but it will keep you safe. It will also give you the option on what devices to connect to what router.
If you're running a VPN for privacy reasons, running it on the fire is a bad idea. There's simply too many ways for something to go wrong. If the app crashes or the VPN disconnects, your connection will leak - and you might not notice in time. Or if the power blipped in the middle of the night, the fire would just reboot and you'd never realize the vpn app had gone down unless you make it a habit of checking it every single time. Which is a PITA.
This isn't an issue if you're running it for geo-unblocking, since a connection leak just means your video pauses. Not the end of the world.
It's much better to do this upstream in the network on a device that can implement firewall rules and keep your connection 100% secure and give yourself peace of mind. If your router supports OpenVPN natively (few do), you can probably do this with no problem at all. If it doesn't, you might be able to install OpenWrt, which can 100% do exactly this. I know that for a fact because it's what I have set up right now. My old ISP throttled youtube traffic. (Yeah. Youtube. I could watch 1080p through the VPN, but without it I could only occasionally watch 720p without buffering. I was mostly stuck on 480p. That sucked.)
Placing the tunnel upstream also makes it a snap to add additional devices to the "VPN only" group.
If your main router doesn't support either option you can use a networking device as a man in the middle between your fire and your router. To do this you can use an old router in your closest or a $15 one from craigslist that supports OpenWrt. Another good option is to use a raspberry pi. Worst case, a regular old computer can do the job, although it's not power-efficient and isn't elegant or pretty.
I have the firetv box as far as a VPN I adb linked ipvanish. Apk to the fireTv. Runs great.
TuSpockShakur said:
Running OpenVPN on the stick might not work, at least the way you hope. OpenVPN encryption is handled by the cpu which is really weak on the fire stick. Even if it does work you might not be able to get enough throughput to maintain a video stream.
Running OpenVPN on a router is a far better idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
canemaxx said:
Anyone that can help set up vpn on netgear to access geoblocked streams on firestick please message me ....thanks in advance
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Click to collapse
What VPN are you using? Did you flash DD WRT I can send you a command script if your using PIA, copy, paste and reboot.

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