I'm asking the old question, which media box to buy? I aready got the WD Live Hub. That was slow and un-hackable. I return that joker. I see there are android and linx type boxes. So many brands. They always talk about the streaming aspects of the box. Frankly I just want a box I and plug an 3TB external hard drive into and it run fast. Bam, Xbmc pops and and away I go. I would like to take the box to a place where there is no internet and it work fine. I would like a box that could be hooked up to a network in the future. The box would need to be wireless as well. Fast xbmc, I can't stress that enough. Streaming channels are nice, but they are not my focus. A remote that is simple and works, and a box that play all formats of media files. A box not more than a hundred dollars U.S. I noticed there is something called a rasberry pi; but, it's hard to set up. Just to get it to reconize an external hard drive, you have to have a computer degree. I've google and you tube'd the hell out of this delima with no clear answer.
However...
The Amazon fire looks nice. I've be trying to gain knowlege about it. The first thing found out it that there has been an update that prevents rooting. Beware the software version before you buy.
Questions I still have regarding the Fire:
1. Can it play videos from the 3TB WB HD Books?
2. Can XBMC (Kodi) play anime with subtiltes?
3. Does any one know of a fourm devoted to "Fire TV" modding?
4. I'm sure it can play MKV's, but can it play Xvid and Divx?
5. What are the common issues with the "Fire TV" that other boxes don't have?
bottom_tooth said:
I'm asking the old question, which media box to buy? I aready got the WD Live Hub. That was slow and un-hackable. I return that joker. I see there are android and linx type boxes. So many brands. They always talk about the streaming aspects of the box. Frankly I just want a box I and plug an 3TB external hard drive into and it run fast. Bam, Xbmc pops and and away I go. I would like to take the box to a place where there is no internet and it work fine. I would like a box that could be hooked up to a network in the future. The box would need to be wireless as well. Fast xbmc, I can't stress that enough. Streaming channels are nice, but they are not my focus. A remote that is simple and works, and a box that play all formats of media files. A box not more than a hundred dollars U.S. I noticed there is something called a rasberry pi; but, it's hard to set up. Just to get it to reconize an external hard drive, you have to have a computer degree. I've google and you tube'd the hell out of this delima with no clear answer.
However...
The Amazon fire looks nice. I've be trying to gain knowlege about it. The first thing found out it that there has been an update that prevents rooting. Beware the software version before you buy.
Questions I still have regarding the Fire:
1. Can it play videos from the 3TB WB HD Books?
2. Can XBMC (Kodi) play anime with subtiltes?
3. Does any one know of a fourm devoted to "Fire TV" modding?
4. I'm sure it can play MKV's, but can it play Xvid and Divx?
5. What are the common issues with the "Fire TV" that other boxes don't have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the FireTV is a nice piece of hardware. It is affordable and does a lot of things that you ask for. But it is no out of the box solution that I think you are looking for. You should know a little about computers, for example how to sideload XBMC and other apps on your FireTV.
1. Connecting a USB HD is only possible if you root your FireTV (AFAIK). If you would put your content on a NAS and stream it through your network it works fine, even without rooting the device.
2. XBMC can play vids with subtitles.
3. I think you are at a pretty good spot already to find some information on getting the most out of the FireTV
4. XBMC can play pretty much any format.
5. The main issue is that you don't know which firmware version you will get if you order a FireTV right now. Chances are that you get (like me) a FireTV that has a firmware which is not rootable yet and there are no signs of getting it done any time soon. But since I only use it to stream content from my NAS it does the trick for me without rooting. XBMC is blazing fast on the FireTV and I haven't found anything that really disturbs me.
Ultraschorsch said:
Well, the FireTV is a nice piece of hardware. It is affordable and does a lot of things that you ask for. But it is no out of the box solution that I think you are looking for. You should know a little about computers, for example how to sideload XBMC and other apps on your FireTV.
1. Connecting a USB HD is only possible if you root your FireTV (AFAIK). If you would put your content on a NAS and stream it through your network it works fine, even without rooting the device.
2. XBMC can play vids with subtitles.
3. I think you are at a pretty good spot already to find some information on getting the most out of the FireTV
4. XBMC can play pretty much any format.
5. The main issue is that you don't know which firmware version you will get if you order a FireTV right now. Chances are that you get (like me) a FireTV that has a firmware which is not rootable yet and there are no signs of getting it done any time soon. But since I only use it to stream content from my NAS it does the trick for me without rooting. XBMC is blazing fast on the FireTV and I haven't found anything that really disturbs me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say how much I thank you for replying to my post. Fire TV is looking more and more like the right choice. It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
After having to return a box (The WD Live Hub). I'm kind of shy about buying anything, in fear of it not working as I need it to work. Would any one know of any issue I might have with the fire tv? Thanks for your replies they really help.
Primary reason to root is because USB media storage is not supported.
The Fire TV devs need to update with USB media storage access in the same fashion that they enabled unknown sources in the latest update.
It also can't load widgets (besides Memory Cleaner to clear AMA 400MB+ RAM usage),not even working in Lucid Launcher,and it can't use wallpapers.
But you can install the two dependant LWP apps from a ROM to view LWPs while not being able to use them either,but hey,you can view them and even interact them when using a mouse/trackpad.
retroben said:
Primary reason to root is because USB media storage is not supported.
The Fire TV devs need to update with USB media storage access in the same fashion that they enabled unknown sources in the latest update.
It also can't load widgets (besides Memory Cleaner to clear AMA 400MB+ RAM usage),not even working in Lucid Launcher,and it can't use wallpapers.
But you can install the two dependant LWP apps from a ROM to view LWPs while not being able to use them either,but hey,you can view them and even interact them when using a mouse/trackpad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I got from this is I have to have a rooted Fire TV. Then you go into things unknown, *my head explodes*.
These questions still stand...
It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
bottom_tooth said:
I can't say how much I thank you for replying to my post. Fire TV is looking more and more like the right choice. It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
After having to return a box (The WD Live Hub). I'm kind of shy about buying anything, in fear of it not working as I need it to work. Would any one know of any issue I might have with the fire tv? Thanks for your replies they really help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, you can hit the "Thanks" button if you like
If I were you I would buy the pre-rooted version on eBay. Not that I don't think that you can't do it. But it is definitely possible that you get a FireTV that is not rootable and then you pretty much have to send it back or buy a NAS for a couple of hundred bucks in order to watch your content. If you get the pre-rooted FireTV it should work with your external drive, no matter how big the HDD is.
I don't know about the adaptor cable you have seen on eBay. It might work, but I can't tell you for sure.
Ultraschorsch said:
No problem, you can hit the "Thanks" button if you like
If I were you I would buy the pre-rooted version on eBay. Not that I don't think that you can't do it. But it is definitely possible that you get a FireTV that is not rootable and then you pretty much have to send it back or buy a NAS for a couple of hundred bucks in order to watch your content. If you get the pre-rooted FireTV it should work with your external drive, no matter how big the HDD is.
I don't know about the adaptor cable you have seen on eBay. It might work, but I can't tell you for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to buy the fire TV from ebay, I guess I can come here and mod it more to my liking.
So you know what I'm talking about regarding the Hdmi to RCA wire, here is a link
Edit: I can't get you the link. I'm a noob and it wont let me. However, you might go to ebay and search the following words., "hdmi to rca"
If any one else has the Fire TV hooked up to an old tv, let me know if this will work.
Can't help with the RCA setup, but I'm interested in the answer.
I regularly use the FIRE TV in offline mode. When rooted, you can do all sorts of cool things. I have gotten mine setup as a WiFi Hotspot, I've also got an FTP server setup serving my media off the connected USB drive, so I can connect other devices to it again in offline mode. I've also shared the wired connection to WiFi connected devices so that can work as well to provide Internet.
The above takes up very little space in a travel bag, but gets you the comforts of home while on the road.
I can confirm though, all HDMI output from the FireTV is HDCP protected, so make sure any adapter is HDCP compliant. There are HDMI splitters that don't pass that on though.
Issue one: Will the Fire TV work with a Hdmi to RCA wire. I need to know of a person doing this and with what device. So sort of box or is there a setting in fire tv that coverts it's signal to analog.
Issue Two: From what I'm reading, I'm getting conflecting report regarding if the Fire TV can play AVI's (Divx, Xvid, etc.)
Most of my videos are in that file format and converting them would take far two long. It would also be a deal breaker with Fire TV.
bottom_tooth said:
Issue one: Will the Fire TV work with a Hdmi to RCA wire. I need to know of a person doing this and with what device. So sort of box or is there a setting in fire tv that coverts it's signal to analog.
Issue Two: From what I'm reading, I'm getting conflecting report regarding if the Fire TV can play AVI's (Divx, Xvid, etc.)
Most of my videos are in that file format and converting them would take far two long. It would also be a deal breaker with Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you are doing yourself a big favour with using your old TV with the FireTV. I looked for HDCP compliant boxes that adapt the HDMI signal to component. I think there is no cable that can do the job, you need to buy a box that does this. And those are not exactly cheap. And even with this box you will still only get SD content on your TV.
I would invest that money in a new or used TV with HDMI. You will get a far better result with much less hassle.
Ultraschorsch said:
I don't think you are doing yourself a big favour with using your old TV with the FireTV. I looked for HDCP compliant boxes that adapt the HDMI signal to component. I think there is no cable that can do the job, you need to buy a box that does this. And those are not exactly cheap. And even with this box you will still only get SD content on your TV.
I would invest that money in a new or used TV with HDMI. You will get a far better result with much less hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree regarding the TV issue. Truth-be-told, the fire TV isn't for me. I watch everything from my computer.
Maybe the Fire TV isn't an option. The person this is for most likely doesn't want to spend more money on a converter, and i don't think he'll get a new tv soon. Also, I still don't know of the fire TV play AVI (divx, Xvid). Most of my files are in that format.
So, my next question would be... Is there another box that has the kind of specs the fire has and has a RCA out put and can play AVI (Divx, Xvid) among other file types like Mp4, MKV. It has to be fast like the fire and four usb 3.0 ports would be nice. .....oh and can play from an external 3tb hdd. Having a simple slick remote like the fire is a real plus.
bottom_tooth said:
I agree regarding the TV issue. Truth-be-told, the fire TV isn't for me. I watch everything from my computer.
Maybe the Fire TV isn't an option. The person this is for most likely doesn't want to spend more money on a converter, and i don't think he'll get a new tv soon. Also, I still don't know of the fire TV play AVI (divx, Xvid). Most of my files are in that format.
So, my next question would be... Is there another box that has the kind of specs the fire has and has a RCA out put and can play AVI (Divx, Xvid) among other file types like Mp4, MKV. It has to be fast like the fire and four usb 3.0 ports would be nice. .....oh and can play from an external 3tb hdd. Having a simple slick remote like the fire is a real plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 fire TV boxes and while both are rooted and run quite well. XBMC is a real powerhouse and can run anything you throw at it, even iso files. But, I find the locked down nature of the FireTv a real bummer. I have been seeing many videos on YouTube surface on the ProBox2. If I were to throw in the towel it might be on one of those. Check out a guy Spoonfed Productions on youtube also.
rsohne said:
I have 2 fire TV boxes and while both are rooted and run quite well. XBMC is a real powerhouse and can run anything you throw at it, even iso files. But, I find the locked down nature of the FireTv a real bummer. I have been seeing many videos on YouTube surface on the ProBox2. If I were to throw in the towel it might be on one of those. Check out a guy Spoonfed Productions on youtube also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anything close to the ProBox2. The box seems ok. Right off the bat I see some issues. First the forum for support seems a bit lacking. It just has 2 usb ports and they are 2.0. The air mouse remote doesn't have a FF and Rew button. The price at $150 is waaaaaaay too much. I does have a A/V port. I see it can play AVI's. I don't know if it can play Divx & Xvid codec? I need to have confirmation that it play videos from a 3TB hard drive with no issues on XBMC. I need to know if it can use Wireless "G". I just can't find a good forum for the device. Is there another device that is better?
Related
hey,
i have a very simple question,
I have a note 3 and use the screen mirroring option to send youtube to my media server so i can see it on the big screen as we dont have a smart TV.
but i want to be able to do that anywhere without a media server, their is all these smart usb sticks that turn TV's into smart ones but i dno where to start, i just wanna be able to send my media to the TV, i have a hdmi for my note 3 but it requires a power source and the cable isn't long enough and i really didn't research it properly before buying...
im sure their is a usb or something that will allow me to do this that doesn't cost a lot,
Because I'm interested in the subject too, what software are you using as media server?
daniel_loft said:
Because I'm interested in the subject too, what software are you using as media server?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not a android media server its just a standard iomega media server got it for £80 from PC world.
anyone got any ideas????
Here you go, read my reviews here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41458688&postcount=12 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41092558&postcount=7 - this will do exactly what you want
vectron said:
Here you go, read my reviews here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41458688&postcount=12 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41092558&postcount=7 - this will do exactly what you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello their, thank you, i will take the mk809 but this will instead turn the television into a smart tv rather then screenmirroring with the TV, correct?
asustf700t said:
hello their, thank you, i will take the mk809 but this will instead turn the television into a smart tv rather then screenmirroring with the TV, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. For mirroring and remote control of your phone, you can try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365519
vectron said:
That is correct. For mirroring and remote control of your phone, you can try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365519
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great, i must ask you, this stick you suggested online ive seen so many wifi issues, and i would indeed use it with wifi not ethernet, how do u deal with these issues?
asustf700t said:
great, i must ask you, this stick you suggested online ive seen so many wifi issues, and i would indeed use it with wifi not ethernet, how do u deal with these issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never had a wifi issue. I'm using it in a setup with our 12 year old 40" Sony CRT tube tv lol!!! which I converted to "smart tv". That tv doesn't even has hdmi port, so I have A/V cable going into that converter box with HDMI output and connect smart stick to it. Controlling it with a small bt keyboard and streaming videos from usb stick connected to my Asus wi-fi router. Mostly used by my kids, and obviously streaming movies over wi-fi, and never an issue. This is an old stick version, they have new ones with a better spec. I think most of the issues were with some of the earlier versions, even prior to mine, where stick used to get overheated and causing various issues included wi-fi.
vectron said:
Never had a wifi issue. I'm using it in a setup with our 12 year old 40" Sony CRT tube tv lol!!! which I converted to "smart tv". That tv doesn't even has hdmi port, so I have A/V cable going into that converter box with HDMI output and connect smart stick to it. Controlling it with a small bt keyboard and streaming videos from usb stick connected to my Asus wi-fi router. Mostly used by my kids, and obviously streaming movies over wi-fi, and never an issue. This is an old stick version, they have new ones with a better spec. I think most of the issues were with some of the earlier versions, even prior to mine, where stick used to get overheated and causing various issues included wi-fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow im so supprised you have had no issues, could you suggest me a seller? Im in the UK, seriously i just read reviews and even typed in the name of the stick and wifi and theirs so many bad things lol
asustf700t said:
wow im so supprised you have had no issues, could you suggest me a seller? Im in the UK, seriously i just read reviews and even typed in the name of the stick and wifi and theirs so many bad things lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in my review link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41092558&postcount=7 - from dx.com, if they still carry that model.
vectron said:
It's in my review link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41092558&postcount=7 - from dx.com, if they still carry that model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet. But again, this would be mainly used for XBMC.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.
DHeffernan said:
Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.
lolwatpear said:
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What benefit does rooting give the device?
To my understaning it doesn't need to be rooted to run XBMC? But if so, what benefits does rooting give it?
DHeffernan said:
What benefit does rooting give the device?
To my understaning it doesn't need to be rooted to run XBMC? But if so, what benefits does rooting give it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will allow you to boot straight to XBMC and use it as a launcher:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
I think there might be a way without root, but I didn't bother with that method. Otherwise, you can launch XBMC using an existing app's icon on the default launcher to easily get to it:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?titl...C_from_an_Existing_App_on_the_FTV_Home_Screen
The problem with not doing one of these things is that in order to launch XBMC, you would need to go to the settings menu, then to the installed applications section and finally launch it. It's way too may steps to do this constantly.
lolwatpear said:
Rooting will allow you to boot straight to XBMC and use it a launcher:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
I think there might be a way without root, but I didn't bother with that method. Otherwise, you can launch XBMC using an existing app's icon on the default launcher to easily get to it:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?titl...C_from_an_Existing_App_on_the_FTV_Home_Screen
The problem with not doing one of these things is that in order to launch XBMC, you would need to go to the settings menu, then to the installed applications section and finally launch it. It's way too may steps to do this constantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh I see what you mean now, basically the second part is how my ATV2 is. I have to go to the XBMC icon to launch it.
Yah the rooting would be benefical on the FireTV then as I am trying to make this as user friendly as possible so launching straight into XBMC would probably be their preferred choice anyways.
..
DHeffernan said:
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Canada and have Netflix, Pandora, etc all working great with VPN. Also, I sold both my Apple TV 2s and replaced them with Fire TVs. I am not looking back. The Apple TVs were dated and showed their age. The Fire TVs with XBMC are incredibly fast. The only thing Fire TVs are missing is AirPlay, but you can download AirPlay receiver apps on the Fire TV that will allow you to beam content easily. Here's an idea: Sell your Apple TV to your friend for $150-$175 (perfectly reasonable price for 2nd Gen), then use that money to upgrade yourself to an Amazon Fire TV for $99 while pocketing the difference.
DHeffernan said:
Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet. But again, this would be mainly used for XBMC.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no comparison the hardware in the FireTV is far superior to the ATV2 not to mention you can run tons of android apps on it. The menu and fan art load times are much faster, it feels like a polished product instead of something that could reboot at any minute. XBMC has been much more stable on the FireTV. I sold my ATV2 on ebay for $230 and didn't look back. I suggest you do the same before the bottom falls out of the market for them.
Well I ordered up a FireTV last evening off ebay $130 shipped, cheapest I could find for us Canadians. You guys have a better source?
But I think you guys might have me convinced on selling my ATV2 and switching over to the FireTV, I don't use anything else on the AppleTV besides XBMC and sometimes the Radio app from Apple..
My ATV2 is still running 5.3 so its jailbroken but untethered. I know some version require the tethered jailbreak, so I think mine would bump up in value even more?
DHeffernan said:
Well I ordered up a FireTV last evening off ebay $130 shipped, cheapest I could find for us Canadians. You guys have a better source?
But I think you guys might have me convinced on selling my ATV2 and switching over to the FireTV, I don't use anything else on the AppleTV besides XBMC and sometimes the Radio app from Apple..
My ATV2 is still running 5.3 so its jailbroken but untethered. I know some version require the tethered jailbreak, so I think mine would bump up in value even more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct you will usually get more money for an untethered jail break. It took a little work to get the FireTV setup the way I wanted it but I am very happy I made the switch. With the money I made from selling the AppleTV I am thinking about getting a second one.
XBMC on FireTV is simply amazing.
I don't have any experience with those streaming add-ons though. My XBMC plays local media only (on smb).
Newcron said:
XBMC on FireTV is simply amazing.
I don't have any experience with those streaming add-ons though. My XBMC plays local media only (on smb).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I love XBMC on Fire TV. Works great. I've tried streaming add-ons with no issues, although I admittedly haven't watch an entire movie via a streaming add-on. But all-in-all, I'm very happy with the purchase and would buy another if I could justify it with the wife.
No brainer!
XBMC on FIRE TV dominates. ATV2 is a weak dinosaur in comparison.
Hope that helps.
As someone that ran a full house, multiple front end, centralized backend database, XBMC setup on mini-PCs for years before switching to Rokus and a FireTV, I'd call XBMC on FireTV a huge win. Ultimately, you are not going to beat the power and flexibility of a mini-PC running something like OpenElec (an embedded XBMC install), but FireTV gets you access to all the great Android apps and at a price you'd never be able to match with a mini-PC with similar performance. Plus, XBMC on FireTV is easier - it just works.
would love a work up on on best feature add-ons for XBMC , the amount of options and add-ons is overwhelming .
mcsephoenix said:
You are correct you will usually get more money for an untethered jail break. It took a little work to get the FireTV setup the way I wanted it but I am very happy I made the switch. With the money I made from selling the AppleTV I am thinking about getting a second one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great call on the upgrade. hola android app also works with the stock netflix app to access US netflix from canada with no charge.
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
DHeffernan said:
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. Amazon.com. $99. Ones on Ebay are probably rooted.
jmerrilljr2 said:
Sure. Amazon.com. $99. Ones on Ebay are probably rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Canada.. FireTV is not officialy sold here. So I can't order it off amazon.
DHeffernan said:
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If $130 is all-in price, then it isn't bad, cheapest would be around $120. If you think it in a different way, if FTV was to be launched in Canada, its price would be something like $110 CAD & with tax would come around $125 CAD (don't know your exact location so tax can differ).
If you don't wanna cross border, I would say ebay is your best bet as local Kijiji would most probably be costlier.
hi all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
ratski said:
hi all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no regrets whatsoever about purchasing my aftv, and my main use for it is xbmc/kodi as well. It plays everything I throw at it just fine. There are some limitations when playing certain rips, but the technicality of all that is beyond me and again I have yet to have any media that wouldn't play just fine.
I don't think anything is different in the UK as far as sideloading apps. Sideloading should be easily accomplished with one the community utilities here on XDA, or just by using ADB. I remember reading something a while ago about XBMC/Kodi not installing on aftv's outside the US, but I believe that has since been resolved....found it - http://www.aftvnews.com/xbmc-kodi-incompatible-with-fire-tv-software-version-51-1-40_user_514005520/.
My next htpc/android type box will most likely be a Chromebox mainly for the options to upgrade memory as well as dualboot options that are out there. I personally have no real desire for android apps on my tv, other than root specific apps. Right now aftv's are going on sale all the time, and the only reason I haven't gotten another is I picked up two Fire Sticks over the holiday and am holding out for a Chromebox build.
I am in the UK as well. XBMC works fine on it. However the UK Fire TV cannot be rooted. This means you cannot access media through the USB port. So it depends on where you store your files, the Fire TV is fine with network storage, but (without root) useless with an external drive.
It's a shame Amazon is clamping down on the fire tv's hackability. Otherwise it's a nice little box, very fast, bluetooth remote, wired network, optical audio out.
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
ratski said:
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
have one
picked up a stick for my old man and side loaded xmbc on it he enjoys it may pick up the game controller for some android and emulator games. none of these functions need root. as for usb storage it was never really meant for that anyways it was built as a hd video player to compete with roku and chromecast it just happens to do more. i many picked it up for wwe app as well due to his smart blueray player being to old for that app.
Some people will disagree but it would have to be rootable for me to buy another one. People complain about low memory issues but I've never experience that because I can store thumbnails on external. That's really my main reason for the hdd since I play my movies & tv from a nas device.
Maybe someone who owns one can say why not but if your going to get one without root--why not save some money & buy a fire tv stick?
navigates said:
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Frankly for me, the AFTV was my best purchase in a long time.
Before I got the box, i was running a massive Athlon 955 PC, watercooled, in a huge Antec case. It was still noisy, bulky (and my toddler loved poking it every chance she could get). I was running it just for XBMC, and didn't really have a good setup for accessing other content. The machine was falling apart, and while shopping for a new media PC, i ran across this box, and that it could support XBMC, along with native apps for amazon, netflix, and hulu...
Where i am getting.. a $75 (85 if you include the Nyko game pad) frankly handles XBMC better than the PC, and i don't have to do ridiculous crap to try to get Hulu and Netflix to integrate. It has played all my media perfectly, and the addition of some basic gaming is a real bonus. Keep in mind, most of the benefits are available without rooting.. you can still sideload apps, , you just cant change your launcher, etc.... If you are interested, give it a shot.
So purchased today :good:
Before I plug in and setup should I try and follow a guide to root by blocking updates or am I already screwed as from the uk (got it from a retail currys store)
It's a shame it looks like I won't be able to stream via usb but my main use is xbmc so to be honest I think I may just plug in and figure out how to side load as I'm not as clued up as some in here
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
navigates said:
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MadFlava said:
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
navigates said:
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive seen them at Best Buy and Staples but thats on the east coast.....
The BB in Culver city has loads of AFTV and the fire sticks. In NYC at the minute and 5th Ave and Astoria have AFTV but no sticks.
I picked up another one at Staples as a gift for my dad. It was rootable so Im keeping it and giving him the non rootable one. He doesnt need root and I think would prefer the simplicity of the Amazon launcher.
So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!
Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.
Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.
If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?
sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.
Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.
I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...
dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.
My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.
I remember the XBOX 360 dongle works with the FireTV, but has anyone tried this new one for the XBOX One controllers?
Assuming you can root the FireTV... There's a Thread 'round here that describes how you can add the correct profiles to the /system partition, that'll allow you to use the XBone Controller out of the Box.
Otherwise I'm pondering on getting one of these to play games with. Seeing as I have a couple of x360 Pads that haven't seen the light of day in years.
Ichijoe said:
Assuming you can root the FireTV... There's a Thread 'round here that describes how you can add the correct profiles to the /system partition, that'll allow you to use the XBone Controller out of the Box.
Otherwise I'm pondering on getting one of these to play games with. Seeing as I have a couple of x360 Pads that haven't seen the light of day in years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the mod where you connect the controller through USB?
I was under the impression that it would just work wirelessly. But, I'll have to be straight with you. I made the mistake and read that as Xbox Controller, at first, and NOT as XBone Controller. Once that was made clearer I Stopper right there. But AFIAK both the PS4, and XBone Controllers should be fully Bluetooth kompatible. From the Way I read it the ~hack~ was Just to get the proper *.kl (Profilers) installed so the AFTV knew what to do with it.
lol Wouldn't ya know it yeah it seems to wired only... Ain't that a -itch!
And the 50€ Amazon piece 'o crap, like the Remote is also WiFi, and NOT Bluetooth! So probably useless outside of the FireTV. Leads me to think that I'll just pickup an old Asus Pad from an old Nexus Puck. Which should hopefully work, as well as be a bit cheaper too.