Develop Bugs

[Q] Q] Does the amazon fire tv work outside US without VPN?

Hi!
I want to know if the Amazon Fire TV works outside US without VPN.
Can I buy an US Amazon Fire TV to use Netflix in Belgium (because now it's available)?
Can I add some application from Google Play?
Of course, for using Google Play I will root the device.
Thanks !

Belegkarnil said:
Hi!
I want to know if the Amazon Fire TV works outside US without VPN.
Can I buy an US Amazon Fire TV to use Netflix in Belgium (because now it's available)?
Can I add some application from Google Play?
Of course, for using Google Play I will root the device.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the Netherlands. Yes, you can use the FTV outside the US. Except that all the &*#&@*&# Amazon services
like Prime etc. don't work unless your IP is in either Germany, US or UK. Same thing for e.g. Hulu+. I didn't try VPN
yet. On my Fritzbox DSL modem it's a bit of a pain to configure VPN.
AFAIK, Netflix works ok. I tried one movie I think when I got the FTV last week. I'm mostly using my AppleTV for
Netflix, because I find the interface much easier to navigate. On the FTV, Netflix is using the same interface as e.g.
on SmartTV (e.g. Philips) or the PS3/PS4.
Firmware updates also arrive from Amazon. This week I got the latest and now I can't root the FTV. That was not
so much of a deal, because my main purpose was a good (cheap) Android/ARM based box to use XBMC/Kodi.
I think via eBay I paid ~80 euros for it.
In XBMC, 1080p MKVs with DD+/TrueHD/DTS work provided you use Kodi 14.0 (still in alpha). Bitstreaming to an
external receiver is ok. You can easily sideload XBMC via adb.
You're limited to the Amazon appstore. I think it's possible to download a apk from Google Play, then sideload it. Only issue
is that it (probably) won't show up in the launcher/homescreen of the FTV, so you have to start the app via the settings
menu.

I got Amazon prime to work just using a smart DNS provider (didn't change my IP). it was a while ago so can't remember exactly how I did it. I have a valid US account/credit card and address. Think I had to enable 1-click to buy an episode or even to watch the trailers/free episodes.

Yes, Fire TV, the device itself, works outside of the US; but many of the streaming services will not (Hulu plus, Pandora, Beats Music ...) because of the complicated copyright laws. If all you want is to watch Netflix in Belgium, Fire TV purchased from US will work for you with no problem. If later you decide to go through the hassle of rooting your Fire TV, you may consider installing the VPN on it as well. That way, you will have access to more apps and services such as: Spotify, A&E etc.
Belegkarnil said:
Hi!
I want to know if the Amazon Fire TV works outside US without VPN.
Can I buy an US Amazon Fire TV to use Netflix in Belgium (because now it's available)?
Can I add some application from Google Play?
Of course, for using Google Play I will root the device.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you all !
Not only Netflix but for the Amazon application yes. I plan to install some applications on Google Play to watch local channels.

Works well down under
Works very well, as mentioned.
Can side load apps.
Easy to set up a DNS to view the world as you may require.
Cheers

FireTV's Netflix APK

May I ask someone to upload FireTV's Netflix APK?
Netflix is available in Germany, but they did not release the official app yet and the phone/tablet app can only be used with a touchscreen.
Thanks!

I found an upload:
Apps from FireTV
Bloomberg TV
Crackle
Hulu Plus
iHeartRadio
Netflix
Pandora
Showtime Anytime
TuneIn Radio
Vevo
Vimeo
ESPN
http://d-h.st/zwS​
/via http://ouyaforum.com/showthread.php?10779-Netflix-for-Fire-TV&p=119637&viewfull=1#post119637
//edit: Unfortunately this does not work as I hoped it would. There is some kind of DRM if you sideload an original FireTV app. It will check if you have bought the app (even if it's for free) from amazon.com. Bummer...

You won't be able to sideload the FireTV Netflix app...it's performing a ton of checks that will fail in your case.
Try the regular Android one.

Have you tried purchasing http://www.amazon.de/Netflix-Inc/dp/B005ZXWMUS then sideloading the Official FireTV APK ?

It's kind of strange. I have a FTV in the Netherlands and the (guess US) Netflix app, which was one there
by default (though I downloaded it from the cloud) works ok. When I pause a movie on my AppleTV, the
one on the FTV knows where I paused. Playback is ok, including DD+ streaming to my receiver.
Did you try to change the language or do these German (or UK) FTVs come with a country specific
content provider selection ?

I had the same problem with the wwe network app.
I solved it by side loading and adding a us adress on my amazon account.
Then purchase the wwe network app trough the amazon.com site.
And now it passes the check on the fireTV and voila.
Should work for the netflix app.

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...)

FireTV with iPlayer, More4 etc in US

HI Guys
I see an odd behavior with my fireTV using unlocator and iplayer, more4, itvhub etc in the US. Everything with regards to unlocator is set and registered correctly and after a restart of everything (firetv, router etc) i can stream perfectly. However, it seems to get detected and after 20-30 minutes or so the UK streaming services no longer work. I'm setting the DNS on my FireTV instead of on my router side. Has anyone else seen this with iPlayer on FireTV in the US recently? Any suggestions?

No, I haven't. However, after my firestick updated to 5.2.4.1, I can no longer use BBC apps (BBC Sport or iPlayer). Upon hitting play I am informing that, 'something went wrong playing'. Yet my Fire TV running 5.2.4.0 works just fine. Very bizarre. WTF has the Beeb done?

iPlayer on UK FireTV1 with Japan Amazon Prime?

Does anyone know a way of doing this? I am in the UK and use SmartDNSProxy to access Japanese Amazon Prime. This works fine.
All4 works fine on the box but iPlayer (and ITVHub and Demand5) both run but then show an error page pointing out that the app is unavailable in Japan. This message forces me to close the app although it is clearly running OK in the background. I assume it's an Amazon check rather than an actual IP issue from the broadcaster - I am, after all, in the UK.
Is there any way to block Amazon doing this (IP? Disable app?) or a setting on Amazon somewhere. Device is not rooted.
Thanks.

Can't you switch regions with your smart dns proxy. With unotelly, I've sideloaded the unotelly.apk app on to my fire tv boxes allowing me to switch regions in order to access the uk's bbc iplayer or the itv app, and then easily switch back to prime video u.s or netflix u.s with a few clicks of the settings when required. Is your smart proxy dns dynamic (switchable) or fixed?

Smartdnsproxy routes traffic whichever way you like depending on service. Amazon Prime (and thus Amazon account) is set to hit Japan so I see the Japanese interface and content. iPlayer will go direct to the UK site. However, there seems to be an extra check Amazon are doing. It knows that iPlayer is unavailable on Amazon Japan and so kills the app with an error message when attempting to run it - it appears to be running happily and half loads the correct content before Amazon kill it. I think I need to disable that check or prevent it or stop the app running that does it etc.