Low Stream Quality - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Has anyone checked the bandwidth used on the fire tv .. especially netflix.
Mine is not working to my satisfaction, netflix on my PC on the same network streams at 3000kbps consistently while on fire tv it stays at 1000kpbs leaving it looking second rate at best.
Is there a trick to make it work or is it just not a very good device for netflix.

jarayn said:
Has anyone checked the bandwidth used on the fire tv .. especially netflix.
Mine is not working to my satisfaction, netflix on my PC on the same network streams at 3000kbps consistently while on fire tv it stays at 1000kpbs leaving it looking second rate at best.
Is there a trick to make it work or is it just not a very good device for netflix.
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You using a netflix app? Maybe it doesn't do the better connection.
For example, the UFC app say it's sending 800kbs streams to my AFTV, but it's not, the crap is so blocky I think I'm watching an illegal streaming of some UFC matches . My guess is that it think since it's a mobile app, no one needs a decent 720p stream, and like the UFC app, I'm getting around a 240p stream, if that.
I assume your AFTV is running a wired internet connection? Like the PC? If not, then you might want to also check that nothing else is using the wifi connection at the same time, because that can mess up wifi speeds.

nyder said:
You using a netflix app? Maybe it doesn't do the better connection.
For example, the UFC app say it's sending 800kbs streams to my AFTV, but it's not, the crap is so blocky I think I'm watching an illegal streaming of some UFC matches . My guess is that it think since it's a mobile app, no one needs a decent 720p stream, and like the UFC app, I'm getting around a 240p stream, if that.
I assume your AFTV is running a wired internet connection? Like the PC? If not, then you might want to also check that nothing else is using the wifi connection at the same time, because that can mess up wifi speeds.
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Thanks, I am using wired connection yeah, same router as PC. Using the netflix app that came with the fire tv.

Related

[Q] The Single Greatest Flaw of Nexus 7 Remedy????

I've had my Nexus 7 since Christmas. While I really like it, I still am VERY disappointed in it (in)ability to handle video output. Has there been ANY developments since Christmas in fixing this huge flaw? Any new hardware that will make viewing a movie from the Nexus to a TV acceptable? Any software that will improve the situation? I really am disappointed that I still have to watch videos through my Kindle (which I WAS planning to give to my daughter). I did buy a converter cord that was suggested here, but it's somewhat mediocre; odd "static" flashes, odd over-bright colors.
rebecker said:
I've had my Nexus 7 since Christmas. While I really like it, I still am VERY disappointed in it (in)ability to handle video output. Has there been ANY developments since Christmas in fixing this huge flaw? Any new hardware that will make viewing a movie from the Nexus to a TV acceptable? Any software that will improve the situation? I really am disappointed that I still have to watch videos through my Kindle (which I WAS planning to give to my daughter). I did buy a converter cord that was suggested here, but it's somewhat mediocre; odd "static" flashes, odd over-bright colors.
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Chromecast with, BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA or AllCast or LocalCast Media 2 Chromecast.
mdamaged said:
Chromecast with, BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA or AllCast or LocalCast Media 2 Chromecast.
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Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I spend a great deal of my time in an area with extremely erratic internet. I simply can't use the internet to stream, so a hard wire is required. I bought a Patuoxun Slimport MyDP, which "works", but the quality is pretty mediocre. Static, hesitancy. I was hoping that there was some sort of new hardware that kept things smooth and consistent. My old Kindle Fire HD had a much better output quality (although not perfect). Hoping to at least match it on my Nexus.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I spend a great deal of my time in an area with extremely erratic internet. I simply can't use the internet to stream, so a hard wire is required. I bought a Patuoxun Slimport MyDP, which "works", but the quality is pretty mediocre. Static, hesitancy. I was hoping that there was some sort of new hardware that kept things smooth and consistent. My old Kindle Fire HD had a much better output quality (although not perfect). Hoping to at least match it on my Nexus.
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Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
Yeah, those chinese dongles knock-offs are not the best deal, I have heard the best from people using the real thing: http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort®-SP1002-Connect-connector-Supports/dp/B009UZBLSG
mdamaged said:
Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
Yeah, those chinese dongles knock-offs are not the best deal, I have heard the best from people using the real thing: http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort®-SP1002-Connect-connector-Supports/dp/B009UZBLSG
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Thanks again. A fairly outrageous price for a connector, don't you think. Looks like my Nexus experience will be short. I'll probably go back to my Kindle. Live and learn.
rebecker said:
Thanks again. A fairly outrageous price for a connector, don't you think. Looks like my Nexus experience will be short. I'll probably go back to my Kindle. Live and learn.
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Well, you get what you pay for.
Did you see the part about those apps not using internet? They use the local lan, they don't even need internet (other than for installing them initially/license checks).
mdamaged said:
Actually, it uses your wireless LAN bandwidth, not internet.
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Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works? And is this possible using a Roku instead of a Chromecast (I own a Roku unit).
Thanks.
rebecker said:
Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works?
Thanks.
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Right, it's local, it gets the video from your device over your wireless router, to the chromecast, internet does not come into play at all.
Do you have a wireless router (aka wifi)? If so then all you do is set up the chromecast to attach to it, then have your N7 connect to the same wifi network, then your N7 can send to the chromecast directly, with the help of one of those apps.
If you do not have wifi access point or router, then you will of course have to buy one, initially you will need internet to get the apps and stuff, but once it's setup you can play movies/ pics/ music that is on your N7 directly to your chromecast on your TV.
rebecker said:
Can you explain this to me? Are you saying that the connection is "local"? So, if I have a movie on my Nexus and want to "broadcast" it to my TV through Chromecast, is the signal NOT uploading and then downloading via the internet? Because I cannot use the internet where I live part time to stream; the connection is way too slow. Can you explain how "wireless LAN" is setup and how it works? And is this possible using a Roku instead of a Chromecast (I own a Roku unit).
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
if you don't have a chromecast but happen to have a PS3 or Xbox 360 you can use Skifta/Bubble UPNP to stream files from your tablet to your console to watch on tv, I use Skifta and it works flawlessly on my ps3 as mdamaged said above, no need to internet to come into play, just your local network so internet issues won't affect it :good:
as for your Roku player, they have an app to do exactly that, stream straight to it but for some reason apparently doesn't support N7 2013, but supports the 2012 version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote
DrRuckingFetard said:
if you don't have a chromecast but happen to have a PS3 or Xbox 360 you can use Skifta/Bubble UPNP to stream files from your tablet to your console to watch on tv, I use Skifta and it works flawlessly on my ps3 as mdamaged said above, no need to internet to come into play, just your local network so internet issues won't affect it :good:
as for your Roku player, they have an app to do exactly that, stream straight to it but for some reason apparently doesn't support N7 2013, but supports the 2012 version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote
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Click to collapse
I downloaded the app you listed above. It now lists N7 2013 as compatible. I could get the pictures and music functions to work, but not videos. I have access to a massive legal catalog of MKV and MP4 movies. However, when I tried to play either type via the software I get a message that the movies are incompatible with the Roku. I guess my next move will be to borrow someones Chromecast and try it. Life shouldn't be this hard.
rebecker said:
I downloaded the app you listed above. It now lists N7 2013 as compatible. I could get the pictures and music functions to work, but not videos. I have access to a massive legal catalog of MKV and MP4 movies. However, when I tried to play either type via the software I get a message that the movies are incompatible with the Roku. I guess my next move will be to borrow someones Chromecast and try it. Life shouldn't be this hard.
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Well this Massive LEGAL collection of MKVs and mp4s are stored on what? A computer or hopefully not a hdd plugged into a router?
BrianDigital said:
Well this Massive LEGAL collection of MKVs and mp4s are stored on what? A computer or hopefully not a hdd plugged into a router?
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Not sure I understand your question. When I want to watch a movie, I simply copy it to my Nexus and watch it on my TV. The issue is quality from the nexus to the TV.
rebecker said:
Not sure I understand your question. When I want to watch a movie, I simply copy it to my Nexus and watch it on my TV. The issue is quality from the nexus to the TV.
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i am asking due to you seem to have a ps3 or roku on your network. If the movies files are stored on your computer, you can share the movie folder on your network so the ps3 or roku can see them..
Then you can simply from your tv find the movie you want to watch and leave the nexus 7 out of this
BrianDigital said:
i am asking due to you seem to have a ps3 or roku on your network. If the movies files are stored on your computer, you can share the movie folder on your network so the ps3 or roku can see them..
Then you can simply from your tv find the movie you want to watch and leave the nexus 7 out this senrio
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. I do have a Roku. Any chance you can point me to info on setting this up? My major goal is to avoid any internet streaming; need a direct network connection.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your reply. I do have a Roku. Any chance you can point me to info on setting this up? My major goal is to avoid any internet streaming; need a direct network connection.
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Just a heads up here. You can buy a slim port for less than 30$ here:
http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort-HDMI-Adapter-Connect-enabled/dp/B00DWGB6CU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393867107&sr=1-2&keywords=slimport
I think the difference between this one and the other one linked earlier is the model difference (SP1002 vs SP1003 here) which could be a newer version of the same product.
Also if you search for something that can stream to your roku, you can try allcast here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.cast&hl=en
There's a limitation on the free version but if it works great on your device, you can buy the full version for 5 bucks I think.
Hope it helps.
zaclimon said:
Just a heads up here. You can buy a slim port for less than 30$ here:
http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort-HDMI-Adapter-Connect-enabled/dp/B00DWGB6CU/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393867107&sr=1-2&keywords=slimport
I think the difference between this one and the other one linked earlier is the model difference (SP1002 vs SP1003 here) which could be a newer version of the same product.
Also if you search for something that can stream to your roku, you can try allcast here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.cast&hl=en
There's a limitation on the free version but if it works great on your device, you can buy the full version for 5 bucks I think.
Hope it helps.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
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Click to collapse
I use plex server and its app on my roku, it streams over the LAN. You'd setup the server on your laptop or PC (dual core or better recommended and 2 gigs or more of ram), and set it up, install the roku app, and it'll find the plex server on the network and you can play through that. BubbleUPNP works similarly in that it has a server (paid) that transcodes (like plex server) to allow more formats than the chromecast can accept directly.
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For gods sakes to use Plex you do not need INTERNET to stream your movies around your house.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
rebecker said:
Thanks for your response. Yes, I saw the Slimport. Tempting.
I tried AllCast. Doesn't handle several formats well. Couldn't use it.
I think the ideal solution would be some sort of Roku app that would allow DIRECT interface with my laptop or Nexus via my router. Since my internet speed is too slow for streaming, I can't use an app like Plex, for instance, to view movies on my laptop/Nexus. I just looked at Plex; very nice concept, but can't figure out a way to avoid using the internet.
I borrowed a ChromeCast stick today. Will try that with AllCast and other apps on my nexus and see what happens.
I appreciate ALL input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
none of the options both I and everyone else has suggested USE THE INTERNET. If you pull out your DSL connection from your modem/router, you still have a local network connection between devices via your router, and all the apps we have suggested will work perfectly. Your ISP speed has absolutely nothing to do with what you want to do.
BrianDigital said:
For gods sakes to use Plex you do not need INTERNET to stream your movies around your house.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Yes, I now know this after some experimentation. Thanks for the response.

Persistent video glitches

I noticed the other day while Netflix was on there were frequent but very slight lags in video playback. I can't say it's dropping frames because I've seen what that looks like--best I can describe it is the video playback sort of goes into slow motion but only for a split second (happens maybe 1 to 3 times per minute)
At first I thought it was Netflix, notoriously problematic on aftv, but today I noticed it's happening on xbmc. The files are played from my local server.
My other aftv doesn't do this. It's running the same firmware except it's on WiFi while the one with playback issues is hardwired. I bring it up in case someone thinks it's a possible network issue and not aftv related. If so how would you go about troubleshooting? Different Ethernet cable? Or maybe this is software related...any feedback is good especially if you experience similar issues. Thanks.
KLit75 said:
I noticed the other day while Netflix was on there were frequent but very slight lags in video playback. I can't say it's dropping frames because I've seen what that looks like--best I can describe it is the video playback sort of goes into slow motion but only for a split second (happens maybe 1 to 3 times per minute)
At first I thought it was Netflix, notoriously problematic on aftv, but today I noticed it's happening on xbmc. The files are played from my local server.
My other aftv doesn't do this. It's running the same firmware except it's on WiFi while the one with playback issues is hardwired. I bring it up in case someone thinks it's a possible network issue and not aftv related. If so how would you go about troubleshooting? Different Ethernet cable? Or maybe this is software related...any feedback is good especially if you experience similar issues. Thanks.
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Ethernet is always better than wifi. Maybe its trying to cathup to the connection. Do this simple test, reboot and unhook the ethernet cable and try it with wifi and see if it still happpens. Netflix has that thing where they pay ISPs for faster connection so if it does not happen on wifi, I am guessing your ethernet connection is too good for Netflix. I know that sounds weird, but it happens.
porkenhimer said:
Ethernet is always better than wifi. Maybe its trying to cathup to the connection. Do this simple test, reboot and unhook the ethernet cable and try it with wifi and see if it still happpens. Netflix has that thing where they pay ISPs for faster connection so if it does not happen on wifi, I am guessing your ethernet connection is too good for Netflix. I know that sounds weird, but it happens.
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How would Netflix know if you're connected by Ethernet or WiFi?
wellersl said:
How would Netflix know if you're connected by Ethernet or WiFi?
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For one I never said anything about Netflix knowing your connection, but if you wanna get technical, every website you visit knows exactly what kind of connection you are using. Not only do they know what kind of connection you use, but they know exactly who your service provider is, what your IP address is and exactly where you are in the world, within a few feet. Also, an ethernet connection will always be faster and much more stable and consistant than your WiFi connection. Thats why I said his ethernet connection may be making it hard for the stream to catchup, in turn causing glitches in the stream. Maybe you should go back and read my reply again before you make a fool of yourself. Netflix does pay ISPs for faster speeds. They started doing it a couple years ago and it pissed the government off, cause they thought Netflix was gonna charge their customers for the extra speeds, but in the end the government allowed it and now a lot of media streaming sites are doing the same exact thing. For example, they pay a company like Verizon to let let them have direct access to their network which makes Netflix faster for its customers. All the major ISPs are now letting video sites do the same, cause the sites are paying good money to the ISPs to make their sites faster for their customers.
porkenhimer said:
Ethernet is always better than wifi. Maybe its trying to cathup to the connection. Do this simple test, reboot and unhook the ethernet cable and try it with wifi and see if it still happpens. Netflix has that thing where they pay ISPs for faster connection so if it does not happen on wifi, I am guessing your ethernet connection is too good for Netflix. I know that sounds weird, but it happens.
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Had to read it twice but what you're saying actually makes sense. My speeds are very fast. They actually test considerably higher on 5ghz than wired but usually hardwired is better because 1. It only needs to be so fast to stream 2. Less interference when it's wired.
Also, my Dad's speeds are are about 1/10 of what I get yet he streams Netflix flawlessly over WiFi. Taking that into consideration, it does seem logical faster speeds could potentially cause playback issues. But what I don't have the expertise to understand... couldn't the manufacturer of the device have some sort of governor to limit that connection?--using only what's needed for sd 720p 1080 or 4k? I'm just thinking that if what you're saying is true--and I think it might be--a lot of people would report it. Especially those with gigabyte speeds because I'd imagine they'd experience the most severe trouble.
Update--yes. The lag dissapeared when connected to WiFi. Con--When I mount drives with adbFire it only shows up as a smb share when hardwired. I have to put up with the glitch or go back to stickmount and a samba apk. But appreciate the info. Thanks!
Disregard--Double post.
porkenhimer said:
For one I never said anything about Netflix knowing your connection, but if you wanna get technical, every website you visit knows exactly what kind of connection you are using.
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Wow. I meant neither insult nor injury. It was a simple, innocent question. Try not to read a person's tone into what they type. You come across like someone who needs a hug.
Peace.

Unlocator or Unotelly

The only benefit for the US folks for using unlocator or other dns is that you get BBC. Are there any free resources to watch the bbc iplayer app? Paying 5 bucks a month for that one app is a little on a higher side.
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
callanish said:
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
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Why are you running bbc iplayer through Kodi. Are you saying you run the official iplayer through the kodi shortcut? the bbc iplayer is the only app I see useful for myself. I don't use netflix. I personally think locator or unotelly should have different pricing for us based people as most of the things are open for use anyways here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
navigates said:
Why are you running bbc iplayer through Kodi. Are you saying you run the official iplayer through the kodi shortcut? the bbc iplayer is the only app I see useful for myself. I don't use netflix. I personally think locator or unotelly should have different pricing for us based people as most of the things are open for use anyways here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
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Well, here's the thing. The BBC iplayer apk app works only through a wireless connection. For some reason, the BBC have restricted anything running through ethernet on Android ( go figure ) and that's how I've got my Amazon Fire TV hooked up....by ethernet. Reason I need this is, when I'm running skygo, I need a stable connection for maximum picture quality and based on where my router is located, the wireless signal can cause skygo to adjust the stream quality so the picture can get worse or better depending on the signal. Ethernet basically solved that, so I had to sacrifice the BBC iplayer app on the Fire TV and relied on the iplayer plugin through Kodi. Fortunately, the Fire TV stick I have in the bedroom can work with wireless since it's pretty close to the router. I just use that with a mini bluetooth keyboard / touchpad, but for iplayer live streams, or catchup, both the app and kodi do the job if you're receiving a good enough wireless signal.
The bottom line is It all comes down to how much use you'd get out of that $5. For example, Sling TV charges $20 per month for its streaming service with a few addons costing $5 on top of that and they provide just a few channels, so for the amount I'm paying for the DNS proxy to get everything I'm using it for, it honestly is a pretty good bang for buck service.....especially if you've got a nice relative that allows you to access their skygo account :laugh:.
callanish said:
Well, here's the thing. The BBC iplayer apk app works only through a wireless connection. For some reason, the BBC have restricted anything running through ethernet on Android ( go figure ) and that's how I've got my Amazon Fire TV hooked up....by ethernet. Reason I need this is, when I'm running skygo, I need a stable connection for maximum picture quality and based on where my router is located, the wireless signal can cause skygo to adjust the stream quality so the picture can get worse or better depending on the signal. Ethernet basically solved that, so I had to sacrifice the BBC iplayer app on the Fire TV and relied on the iplayer plugin through Kodi. Fortunately, the Fire TV stick I have in the bedroom can work with wireless since it's pretty close to the router. I just use that with a mini bluetooth keyboard / touchpad, but for iplayer live streams, or catchup, both the app and kodi do the job if you're receiving a good enough wireless signal.
The bottom line is It all comes down to how much use you'd get out of that $5. For example, Sling TV charges $20 per month for its streaming service with a few addons costing $5 on top of that and they provide just a few channels, so for the amount I'm paying for the DNS proxy to get everything I'm using it for, it honestly is a pretty good bang for buck service.....especially if you've got a nice relative that allows you to access their skygo account :laugh:.
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Interesting that you said Bbc iPlayer does not work on ethernet. Mine does work on ethernet directly. However mine is rooted and I have google play with the framework installed. Not sure if it matters but just throwing it out. In my case, I totally agree with your POV of how much bang for the buck you get. I have a dish subscription and my wife wouldn't let me cancel that as she loves the DVR. I also have the slingtv just for kicks. Beats me !! and then I have easynews big gig plan of about 150 gigs a month for 30. I have to stop somewhere but I am tempted to get the unlocator. It works well and I tend to like the bbc hardtalk panoramas. but then I have easynews.
If there are any additional apps that come out later for UK based content, I may sign up.
callanish said:
Personally, I think it's worth the $5 a month I pay for unotelly. On the Amazon fire tv, Along with the bbc iplayer and the itv player which I'm running through kodi, I'm also using tvcatchup, and skygo sideloaded using a usb keyboard as well as running netflix U.K, so I'm personally okay with the $5 a month for all those services because I'm using it for more than just the iplayer.
Haven't seen too much stable U.K streaming content with the kodi plugins either. The channels seem to come and go. The superrepo repository on kodi has channels like Phoenix with international live streams, but they can be a hit or a miss. To be honest, I haven't came across a reliable way to access iplayer without either a DNS proxy or VPN running on the router.
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i'm a noob and just starting to explore this unotelly, how did you get this installed in ftv? download the apk and sideload? where did you get the apk? thanks much!
juvethski said:
i'm a noob and just starting to explore this unotelly, how did you get this installed in ftv? download the apk and sideload? where did you get the apk? thanks much!
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Unotelly isn't an app - its a DNS address that you have to subscribe to, and then enter in the Fire TV itself. This gets around country restrictions e.g. if you're in the US you can watch UK content, or a different countries' netflix
www.unotelly.com
Check out ironsocket.com
I use them for my VPN, and recently found out that they support SmartDNS for the Amazon Fire TV.
They didn't support XFinity TV Go, but after a quick support request and within 24 hours I'm able to use Xfinity app on FTV.
I'm able to use them for all other apps as well (HBOGO, WatchESPN and etc...)

Firestick plays some mkv files better than FireTV, why?

I have been using XBMC on my FTV that is hardwired and also have a FireTV Stick connected to 5Ghz band on my router. I was playing a 720p MKV of Interstellar. It would cause the FTV to buffer especially at the scene around 3 minutes where the cornfields are shaking from the winds.
I then play the same file wirelessly on the FireStick and it has no problems playing this same scene.
Is the video processor on the stick better than regular FTV?
I think something is wrong with your fire tv or connection.. I just watch interstellar 1080p 15 gig mkv file without any buffering issues on a wired line.
try switching to wifi.
The fire stick is much much less powerful in video and processor speed.
There are issues with the FireTV hardwired connection that makes it SLOWER than wireless. If you did wireless on your FireTV, it would work better.
Speed tests have consistently showed 5ghz to be faster than wired on my network, but I keep it wired because it's generally stronger with less interference, plus my speeds are more than fast enough for 1080p.
I'd try different Ethernet cables (simplest solution first.) I did that and found a discrepancy of over 20 Mbps.
Sizzlechest said:
There are issues with the FireTV hardwired connection that makes it SLOWER than wireless. If you did wireless on your FireTV, it would work better.
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OMG Thanks! I didn't every think to try the wireless on my FTV. This fixed the buffering on Intersellar MKV I was getting when I was hardwired.
That is so weird that the hardwired connection is slower than wireless?
How did you find out about FTV being slower hard wired?
yazyazoo said:
OMG Thanks! I didn't every think to try the wireless on my FTV. This fixed the buffering on Intersellar MKV I was getting when I was hardwired.
That is so weird that the hardwired connection is slower than wireless?
How did you find out about FTV being slower hard wired?
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It's been a known issue, but it's not totally common knowledge. There's other tidbits like you should probably use SPMC vs. Kodi and how to create an advancedsettings.xml that can improve performance, too.
Sizzlechest said:
There are issues with the FireTV hardwired connection that makes it SLOWER than wireless. If you did wireless on your FireTV, it would work better.
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Click to collapse
My testing has shown the opposite. On multiple different network setups in different locations. In some network setups that could possibly be true. But I wouldn't attribute it to the FireTV.
Wow, I never heard of wired ethernet performance issues. Good to know if I ever run into issues, and good to know if I upgrade my wifi I can reliably wifi stream everything I already do. Personal experience with live TV through XBMC (MythTV + HDHomeRun backend), my hardwired FTV is flawless, but my older 802.11n 2.4Ghz connected FTV stick has buffering/stuttering issues with some of the stations. Not a true comparison to a 1080p H.264 mkv, but it sounds like if I buy a new 5ghz wifi router I might be able to get live tv working better on my stick.
Never used this on the FireTV/SPMC, but works very well @ OpenELEC:
http://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Modify_the_video_cache
I just said cache _any_ source to RAM, like 150MB (watch out as 150MB cache means *3 = 450MB RAM usage) and never had any issues after that, even on an unstable connection. You can also set how aggressive the cache should work etc, very handy tool.

HDMI connect to TV - audio cuts out

I really hope I am not the only one with this issue. I recently purchased the official Samsung MHL 2.0 cable and noticed that when streaming YouTube or any other video through the regular web browser the audio cuts out and back in every few minutes. Although it is something I can live with it is rather annoying. Is this a known issue with this tablet?
Doesn't happen with my generic eBay cable, so no.
Get yourself a chromecast and do away with silly wires.
Thanks for the quick reply!
My Wifi kinda sucks so unfortunately Chromecast won't do me much good. I'm going to try a factory reset and if that doesn't work I'll have to return the tablet.
Maybe try a different browser or use semper vidlinks or vget to stream online videos through a media player, highly recommend mxplayer for this. As for you tube I would use the app not the browser.
Yea I think the YouTube app works, but I don't want to deal with ads (also don't want to root while under warranty)
I tried both Dolphin (adblock plugin) and NoChromo which blocks ads by default, audio still cuts out for about a second every so often.
Give vget and mxplayer a go. You can also use web video caster to do the same thing. Between the 2 almost any online video is playable via mxplayer.
So couldn't get vget to open up any videos in mxplayer or vlc, it keeps saying video unsupported, any advice?
spartasr said:
So couldn't get vget to open up any videos in mxplayer or vlc, it keeps saying video unsupported, any advice?
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You need to make sure that you are on the page where the playable video that you want is. Semper vidlinks is good for extracting links from web pages.
Try the page below it contains several different types that should all play with vget or web video caster.
http://www.quirksmode.org/html5/tests/video.html
Open the page then select share from the menu options in your browser, select vget, you should see the orange download arrow for each video link. Click any then select mxplayer.
For web video caster, do the same but when clicking the video link, select options then open with.
I managed to route the video through VLC but the issue still persists. I ended up returning the Tab only to find that I am having the exact same issue on my second one! At this point I am going to say it may be a compatibility issue between the tablet and my crappy comcast modem/router. Are you by any chance able to recommend a good router to go with this Tablet?
BTW I really appreciate all the help you have provided thus far!
spartasr said:
I managed to route the video through VLC but the issue still persists. I ended up returning the Tab only to find that I am having the exact same issue on my second one! At this point I am going to say it may be a compatibility issue between the tablet and my crappy comcast modem/router. Are you by any chance able to recommend a good router to go with this Tablet?
BTW I really appreciate all the help you have provided thus far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your router? Does that mean you are streaming media to your device and then to your TV via mhl? Have you tried playing a media file direct from your device to the TV?
No just streaming media on the tablet and hooking it up to the TV using the MHL cable. I don't know what else to do, I tested my Galaxy S5 and it plays fine, so I know it's not the cables.
EDIT: Yes videos stored locally on the tablet play fine on the TV, the problem only occurs when streaming anything.
How is the tablet connecting to your router, 2.4ghz or 5ghz?
Doesn't your TV support dlna? Most modern tv's do.
I am not sure about the tablet connection, is that something I should look into?
Our TV is almost 5 years old, we got it right before smart TV's really became a thing
spartasr said:
I am not sure about the tablet connection, is that something I should look into?
Our TV is almost 5 years old, we got it right before smart TV's really became a thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes it helps to switch bands and/or Wi-Fi channels as interference can affect the connection.
Look at your tablet Wi-Fi settings it will tell you which band it is connected to.
Yea I changed channels a while ago and I also changed both DNS' to google's
How are you streaming to your tablet, which app are you using? Does the streamed media play OK on your tablet?
All streamed media be it via the browser, XBMC or VLC has the audio cutting out for about a second roughly every 5 minutes or so.
spartasr said:
All streamed media be it via the browser, XBMC or VLC has the audio cutting out for about a second roughly every 5 minutes or so.
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Click to collapse
So it's the same playing on your tablet even without mhl?
Sorry had to do a quick test, videos play fine when not connected to the TV. Could it be an incompatibility issue between the TV and/or Soundbar? I know the cables are good because I tested my phone.
So the issue is tab to TV? Have you tried any lower definition movies?
Also does music play OK on its own or still stutter?

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