FireTV/Kodi - can you watch movies from a flash drive without internet connection?
Hi there,
I have an Amazon Fire TV box (and some sticks too).
And I use Kodi with it to stream video.
And I've also been able to play some movies that I have on a USB flash drive.
All good; I love it!
I then thought I'd be able to take the little Amazon box on holiday with me, and watch some movies from flash drives by just connecting the Fire TV box to the TV in the holiday cottage.
However, it didn't seem to work. I couldn't seem to get past the obstacle that there was "no internet connection" (cottage is remote with no internet).
My assumption had been that the video player software was installed on the Fire TV box (whether Kodi or the Fire TV software itself), and that the data (the movies) were on the USB drive. Therefore, no need to require an internet connection.
Is that assumption completely wrong, or is there some way to use that FireTV/USB setup to watch movies with no internet connection in place? Is there some setting/process I should adopt in such situations?
Many thanks for any pointers/advice you can offer,
Richard
rswan1967 said:
Hi there,
I have an Amazon Fire TV box (and some sticks too).
And I use Kodi with it to stream video.
And I've also been able to play some movies that I have on a USB flash drive.
All good; I love it!
I then thought I'd be able to take the little Amazon box on holiday with me, and watch some movies from flash drives by just connecting the Fire TV box to the TV in the holiday cottage.
However, it didn't seem to work. I couldn't seem to get past the obstacle that there was "no internet connection" (cottage is remote with no internet).
My assumption had been that the video player software was installed on the Fire TV box (whether Kodi or the Fire TV software itself), and that the data (the movies) were on the USB drive. Therefore, no need to require an internet connection.
Is that assumption completely wrong, or is there some way to use that FireTV/USB setup to watch movies with no internet connection in place? Is there some setting/process I should adopt in such situations?
Many thanks for any pointers/advice you can offer,
Richard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the answer to this, elsewhere.
For anyone else that needs to know - apparently it's simply tied in to having "parental controls" enabled or not.
I had it enabled, and therefore the device couldn't validate the PIN entered, and so couldn't go any further.
With internet connectivity, I disabled parental control.
Then disconnected from the internet.
Then was able to start the device, get to applications / manage all applications - and launch kodi.
From there I was able to access my USB flash drive and play movies I have stored.
Looking forward to our next holiday now!
Love Amazon Fire TV
Love Kodi
Also if you have Fire Starter you can just launch any app from there and not the official menu.
Just remember that current version AFTV can only mount FAT32 partitions on your stick and needs and external power supply for (some) external harddrives.
Hi I am currently using a gen 2 fire TV and recently signed up to sky. I sideloaded the sky go app using the app from my note 4 and anytime I try to play something on my fire tv I get the HDMI not supported error. I saw the list of working apps thread and it said sky go does work but I always keep getting this error. Any way to solve this?? Maybe a previous version of the app can be uploaded? Any help would be great!
Most mobile apps from cable or satellite providers don't allow you to view over a wired connection. So, the first thing to try is disconnecting your Ethernet cable to the router and use WiFi only. The app should then recognize your Fire TV as a mobile device.
mirayge said:
Most mobile apps from cable or satellite providers don't allow you to view over a wired connection. So, the first thing to try is disconnecting your Ethernet cable to the router and use WiFi only. The app should then recognize your Fire TV as a mobile device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My fire tv is connected through wifi
i use this apk on my aftv2 (germany)
http://www.netzwelt.de/software-download/37855-sky-go-android-apk.html
Just googled: sky go for android tv
device is connected via lan and it is working, but u need a mouse (btw. it's more easy to navigate)
I've got 2 fire tv gen 1 models running the latest sky go app ( ver 5.0.4.9) downloaded from aptoide and both Fire TV's are connected by ethernet. Everything on sky go runs fine....except for sky news. That's where I get the HDMI not supported error as well, but as far as sky sports or sky movies or anything else on sky go, everything plays fine. I'm running the app with a wireless touchpad / keyboard ( logitech ) connected using a usb dongle.
http://gavin-blake.store.aptoide.com/app/market/com.bskyb.skygo/50400000/18293366/Sky+Go
callanish said:
I've got 2 fire tv gen 1 models running the latest sky go app ( ver 5.0.4.9) downloaded from aptoide and both Fire TV's are connected by ethernet. Everything on sky go runs fine....except for sky news. That's where I get the HDMI not supported error as well, but as far as sky sports or sky movies or anything else on sky go, everything plays fine. I'm running the app with a wireless touchpad / keyboard ( logitech ) connected using a usb dongle.
can you post a link to the apk you have working please callanish as im having that hdmi not supported message on my amazon 4k fire tv yet my first generation fire tv has the same sky go version and its working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi can someone please post a working sky go apk
Guys, just install Aptoide It's not a questionable website. It's an alternative to the Google app store and works well with the fire tv. Been using it for years.
Thanks Callanish I've tried a few versions but none work I've even transferred the app from my first generation fire tv using es file explorer to my 4k fire tv and i still get the Hdmi not supported message I'll try this later
mollygeorge66 said:
Thanks Callanish I've tried a few versions but none work I've even transferred the app from my first generation fire tv using es file explorer to my 4k fire tv and i still get the Hdmi not supported message I'll try this later
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Click to collapse
Just guessing, but I wonder if it's an HDMI HDCP issue you're coming across due to the copyright protection handshake between the fire tv and your tv. I've got two fire TV 1st gen's running on two Sony TV's and 1 fire stick running on a Vizio bedroom tv and need to use a bluetooth keyboard / touchpad with the stick and usb wireless keyboard / touchpad for the Fire TV's in order to make skygo function properly since there's no official Fire TV version, but my only HDMI 'not supported' issue I consistently get with Skygo on the Fire TV boxes and stick is when trying to access Sky news. Every movie, sports, other channels available on Skygo work fine.....except for sky news, and like you, I get that HDMI not supported message when I try to stream it. Also using a proxy to make it all work, but I'm not experiencing a channel wide HDMI 'not supported message' in the app like you're coming across. 5.1.0.47 is the latest app version of Skygo. Hopefully it works for you or you figure out where the problem might be.
Tried this version Callanish same message hdmi not supported can't figure out what the hell the problem is I'm baffled how the hell is it working on my original fire tv set up exactly the same way but won't work on the 4k fire tv I'm totally stumped
I'm having to send it back now as i got a system update today and following the update i couldn't connect a bluetooth mouse the powerlight kept blinking or not appearing even when the fire tv was on and then the remote started going mental contacted amazon and they are sending a replacement tomorrow and added bonus I'm getting to keep the remote and they are giving me a £10 credit following the problems hopefully the new one is better
Hi Mollygeorge, how do I move files from my Amazon Fire TV stick to my new 2nd gen Amazon Fire TV?
Thanks,
Christian
Comalley2016 said:
Hi Mollygeorge, how do I move files from my Amazon Fire TV stick to my new 2nd gen Amazon Fire TV?
Thanks,
Christian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just open es file explorer on both the firestick and fire tv which ever has the file you want to send long press it until a tick appears and select send and it will transfer it over
Replacement 4k fire tv arrived today tried sky go again same message hdmi not supported tried it in the tv which original fire tv is and sky go is working but still getting the damn message also can anyone confirm wether the powerlight should be on when using the 4k fire tv as a light only appears when i use the remote just confused as the original fire tv powerlight is on constantly
mollygeorge66 said:
Tried this version Callanish same message hdmi not supported can't figure out what the hell the problem is I'm baffled how the hell is it working on my original fire tv set up exactly the same way but won't work on the 4k fire tv I'm totally stumped
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Click to collapse
So, basically what we can surmise from all this is that the Fire TV 2 boxes have aggressive HDCP copyright protection built in to prevent apps like Skygo from functioning. The options remaining, imho, are either A) purchase another Fire TV 1 box used or new if you can find one B) purchase a new Fire TV stick as it's still a version 1 device and I can vouch that it still works with Skygo 2 C) run one of the many Android boxes out there, sideload skygo and do some testing, or D) Do what I did and run a Intel Nuc; (a windows type box) or something similar, and hook it up to a usb Wireless keyboard and run skygo through a browser. That's what I use as a backup option. Yes, you could also use a computer connected with an hdmi cable to a tv, but the Intel NUC, for me, streamlines the process. Probably impractical for your needs, but just want to point out another option. The Point is, unless some other people on the forum chime in telling you that they've gotten skygo to work on the Fire TV 2, and how they've done it, then it might be time to throw in the towel on this one and think about some other options. You know Amazon and Sky are going to continue to make it harder to do what we want, so it might be better to just find a box, like the Fire TV 1 or Fire TV stick and at least get Skygo working again.
For the record, I've got my Fire Tv boxes and stick blocked for any future Amazon firmware updates. I'm thinking that Amazon could introduce an update that prevents the Fire TV 1 and Stick from working with Skygo as well, so better safe than sorry.
Thanks for the reply Callanish I'm thinking I'll just leave it as it is and wait for someone to say wether on not there's a solution for sky go on the 4k version all my other apps bt nbcsn directv play flawlessly and i can't be bothered sending it back again and setting another one up from scratch thanks for trying to help
mollygeorge66 said:
Thanks for the reply Callanish I'm thinking I'll just leave it as it is and wait for someone to say wether on not there's a solution for sky go on the 4k version all my other apps bt nbcsn directv play flawlessly and i can't be bothered sending it back again and setting another one up from scratch thanks for trying to help
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Click to collapse
Sorry. Wish I could have been more helpful.
sry for the 2 years late answer:
you need to set "auto" in display-settings - not 4k/1080pX0/720pX0
Hi guys, I just got a Fire TV Stick from Amazon.in, but I am facing an issue with prime video contents. I am getting US library in my Fire TV and I am from India.
So, when ever I am trying to stream I am getting a message We're unable to complete your request.... and there is only an OK button.
Only way I can stream is from the Prime Video android app with the option to play on Fire TV Stick.
All the other streaming apps working fine though. I used to stream contents from US and UK using Smart DNS on my PC, is it happening because of this??
And, also there is no active VPN or Smart DNS proxy on the router. Can anybody help me out with this?
(General question to choose between firestick and chromecast 2)
My main need is to be able to
1) stream/cast music and movies from both Android smartphone and Windows 10/Linux(Ubuntu) to the firestick or chromecast WITHOUT NEED OF ACTIVE INTERNET CONNECTION PREFERABLY . I have my music collection mainly in my android smartphone. i want to cast directly from music player/YouTube/soundcloud or through any other music app directly to firestick or chromecast and same for videos too with proper audio sync and no lag.
2) Able to screen mirror the smartphone/Windows 10/Linux(Ubuntu) to the firestick or chromecast without lags or frame rate drop or out of sync video.
3) To be able to connect Bluetooth headphones so i can listen to audio wirelessly through headphones and video on TV, where content is being played by firestick or chromecast through desktop or android smartphone.
4) Can connect external USB devices such as wirelss mouse,usb drive (can be accomplished on firestick with usb host otg as saw on a youtube video for ver.2 of firestick- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vSwYeJd5fI)
5) Able to use JioTV/JioCinema/HotStar by out of the box or by some mod or something.
i am confused between two.
Currently the amazon firestick is available on amazon for just 2900 with offers and Chromecast for just rs.1800 from flipkart with offers.
so about Rs.1000 price difference roughly.
What should i choose ?
Please reply ASAP as the sale ends on 16th may and so will be the cheap offers.
BUMP !
what about a miracast dongle? cheap and you can stream from win10 and android devices
but back to your question.
chromecast is not as good as a miracast dongle (both are just able to stream. chromecast you´ll need internet, miracast you won´t).
firetvstick should fit the most of your needs but only a few. you should be good with a fire tv box.
texten said:
what about a miracast dongle? cheap and you can stream from win10 and android devices
but back to your question.
chromecast is not as good as a miracast dongle (both are just able to stream. chromecast you´ll need internet, miracast you won´t).
firetvstick should fit the most of your needs but only a few. you should be good with a fire tv box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, fire tv isn't avaialble in India and can you suggest some good miracast dongle ? How about some popular chinese android tv box on aliexpress ?
chromecast dosent have bluetooth AFAIK
go with fire stick as it is better or spend a little more for mi box 3 to get best of both
Fire TV has out of the box support for most streaming services and otherwise it supports Android TV and phone apps. You can use AirPin to get AirPlay support for audio and video. Other apps like AirScreen have options for Chromecast and Miracast but neither worked when I tried them out for a short while. However, the Fire Stick is grossly underpowered to run background services while ensuring a smooth interface. I imported the AFTV3 though Amazon only sells the Fire TV Stick locally. The Fire TV box was too expensive when imported and I needed 4K at 60 FPS with no gaming requirement.
Chromecast is good enough for mirroring from Chrome and casting apps but requires a working WiFi connection to operate. Moreover, it can be extremely laggy when mirroring high definition content depending on local WiFi network and the streaming device. Another thing to note is that content protected apps block any sort of mirroring and hence Chromecast might not work even when mirroring the entire Android device.
The best offline wireless solutions I had researched in the past that worked with almost all phones and Windows was the Screenbeam Mini 2 as it is Miracast and WiDi certified, but I suppose you will have to import that as well at a higher price.
Remember Aereo? It offered streaming over-the-air TV service. The TV networks sued and Aereo lost 5-4. They soon went out of business.
Not there's a not-for-profit (i.e., FREE) version of this: Locast.
It works great on my PC and Android device. I sideloaded the apk on my Fire TV. The interface is smart enough to work with the Fire TV remote, but the streams will not play. I'm not sure why. Maybe it needs to verify location and can't? There are no errors displayed.
It would be great to get this working. I have a rooted Fire TV 1, so I can try installing apps to (maybe) spoof location info. If anyone has advice, please let me know.
Locast released their app for the Fire TV officially. Thread closed.