Develop Bugs

[Q] ex atv2 user looking for advice for amazon firetv please

Hi all,
Decided to join here with the hope of getting some better help....
I've been happy with my atv2 running Frodo 12.2 for ages... but recently it has a habit of resetting itself when updating/reading in my media.
So I've decided to take the plunge and get hold of a FireTV, .... Now at the moment it has not been turned on yet, mainly because I know that as soon as I do it's going to auto update to the latest firmware.
It's at this time that i'm looking for some help/info/details....
1: Root is not something I'm that interested in, due to the amount of info knocking about that amazon may have the ability to knock out rooted ftv's. On the other hand the only thing I can think of that root would give me is the ability to have a proper kodi/spmc icon on the main screen. (please tell me if I have this totally wrong).
2: What are the benefits between "ADBfire" and the "Amazon firetv utility app"
3: would anyone say that helix 14.1 is any better than spmc 14.1?
4: and this is a biggie, I have read that reading a nas is a problem for the firetv, can anyone please give guidance on this subject, I have either a seagate nas or a WD "my cloud" available.
5: are there any good detailed guides/run throughs for sideloading xbmc or spmc, from start to finish.
6: I have seen mention of turning on both "ADB Debugging" and "apps from uknown sources" but in some videos I have only seen "ADB Debugging available", is the "apps from uknown sources" something that amazon removed or is this the difference between US and UK models.
7: Does either "ADBfire" or the "Amazon firetv utility app" come with ikonotv app ready to be installed.
Sorry if this is a long winded set of questions, and probably many might be thinking wtf...... but after looking at upteen videos and reading so many webpages with differing methods, it end's up just becoming confusing.
So if anyone out there can throw any help on my requests it would be very much appreciated.
p.s. there's bound to be some items that I've forgot, but I think I've managed to get across the gist of what I'm looking for.
Taken from someone who suffers from constant Tinnitus,..... It's a godsend having someone to ask for help...

I also come from an atv2 back ground and have never looked back. I use a wd cloud with my fire tv with no issues. The most important thing you'll need to do is block updates on your router. This will give you time to explore your root needs. Check out aftvnews.com for guides on everything. I use both fire tv utility's as they both have their strong sides. Both work well.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 AM ----------
Usb debugging is a must. Installing from unknown sources provides a little more convenience. Unknown sources option in Amazon menu is only available in later software. Spmc vs helix is a preference thing but kodi helix 14.1 is my preferred build as it's official kodi(previously xbmc) build. Also check out kodi wiki page for fire tv http://kodi.wiki/view/Amazon_Fire_TV. If you were able to jailbreak and install xbmc(kodi) on atv2 then this will be a breeze.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Free mobile app

1: Root is not something I'm that interested in...
I am running unrooted for the same reasons. I actually use some of the native functions of the FireTV that I do not want to lose. It was always a pain when I had the atv2 as I had to block all updates from Apple. IT became solely a XBMC box. I don't want to back myself into that corner again.
I used adbFire to use the Kodi icon over the ikonoTV app. It shows up in my "Recent" list towards the top of the screen on the FireTV. More on adbFire below.​
2: What are the benefits between "ADBfire" and the "Amazon firetv utility app"
I don't know. adbFire has met all of my needs so far.​
3: would anyone say that helix 14.1 is any better than spmc 14.1?
I am currently on Kodi 14.0. I have not tried SPMC, nor am I experiencing any problems with Kodi.​
4: ...I have read that reading a nas is a problem...
I am using a mycloud. It works fine.​
5: are there any good detailed guides...
I really don't remember if there was one that I particularly used. There are a lot our there. Also videos on YouTube.​
6: ...is the "apps from uknown sources" something that amazon removed...
I don't know about this one. I'd have to check when I get home.​
7: Does either "ADBfire" or the "Amazon firetv utility app" come with ikonotv app ready to be installed.
adbFire does not include ikonoTV. You can just download it from the Amazon app store.​

Really appreciate your replies chaps.....
I'm very apprehensive about root, especially after reading these... (mods, I totally understand if these are deleted),
Sorry chaps I had 3 separate links to pages about amazon having the ability to brick/terminate rooted firetv's but due to my lack of posts I couldn't add them, (my mistake).
The one thing I noticed was that all of this information came about in the early part of dec 14, after that time it seemed to quieten down. So was this Amazon's attempt at scare mongering.
On another note this was the Nas that I was going to use, View attachment 3160886 the 3TB version.
at the moment my atv2 is using a 320gb 2.5" HD attached to the usb port on a Linksys e4200 router, using smb to read it. This is okay for only a small number of movies, say 30 to 40 and the same amount in tv shows, I have been using Ember MM to sort out the information to try and relieve the strain on the atv2.
On another note chaps, I read that Amazon have managed to bypass router blocked updates, it seems that even if I do block
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
from reading numerous posts it can still be bypassed and get updated.
I did watch one video where the chap pulled the lan cable just at the right time, thus bypassing the update, but it seems most people have a hell of a lot of trouble with this due to the firetv requiring more information.
The one good thing with the atv2 was the ability to ssh into it, and manually add the addresses via the hosts file.
I've been constantly reading, and looking at video's (seems a lot of them are more for the stick version), to the point where it becomes painful.
I have to say JB iphones/ipads does seem a lot easier. even my boys wii with his attached HD seemed easier, lol.
although if you saw the amount of printed information most people are shocked. When my bro in law asked about his son's Wii, I just said here ya go, hove a look through this 6" thick ringbinder.
I'm just one of those people that really want's to know what each step does so that I get a good understanding of the possible consequences of getting things wrong.
DO you guys use smb to read your WD nas boxes? I've read that the setup procedure is dire, and most end up contacting WD for help. It seem's WD's own setup software may not be that good.
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to explain how I felt about some of the pitfall's.
thanks chaps..
slackbladder... from the UK.

For guides,, aftvnews.com is the best place to go. They also have a getting started with your new FTV guide. They are also the most reliable source of info imho.

Thank's eskay993,
I never knew there was a serial decoder available,.... I often wondered if there was some way of being able to know what type of hardware one had by the serials on the outside of the packaging.
I stuck in my serial and it seems my unit "if the details are correct by the decoder" is unrootable....
Amazon Fire TV Serial Number Decoder
Rootable: No
Likely Software Version: 51.1.4.0
Manufactured: By Foxconn on 10/29/2014
Hardware Revision: 03
Unit Revision: 09
Condition (New or Refurbished): New
Note: This information may not be entirely accurate. Especially with recently manufactured devices.
4412+ 51.1.4.0 No
This would make sense as it was purchased only a week ago from a local PC World store in UK.
Although I am tempted to try the router block anyway just to see if I can get hold of the serial, although probably unlikely as it's going to need to go through it's registration first before I can get to use adbfire.exe.
On a side note chaps, the user's with WD My Cloud units,... did you have to sideload the WD My Cloud app to get these to work, or was you able to get kodi/xbmc to see your Nas units via smb?
Believe it or not, but this is the first time I have read anywhere that someone is actually using these units with xbmc.
Thanks for persevering with me.... you have no idea how helpful you all have been.

slackbladder said:
On a side note chaps, the user's with WD My Cloud units,... did you have to sideload the WD My Cloud app to get these to work, or was you able to get kodi/xbmc to see your Nas units via smb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need to sideload an app. In Kodi when you are adding a source, you will have multiple options for how you access the myCloud, depending what is enabled on the device. Available options include SMB, NFS, FTP, SFTP & UPnP,

Thank you for the reply thepartpricer,
Is there any particular preference to which would work best, .... I have always used smb, only because that was all there was available to me. (obviously because it was only an attached HD to router).
I have read varying arguments about what to use but they have never been about the WD units, it's mostly others talking about qnaps or synology units.
Some say that only ftp works, (Not looking forward to having to keep typing in username/passwords all the time).
And some have mentioned NFS, but not much information about upnp.
I understand that the WD unit is a upnp device, and from what I have read xbmc/kodi has a upnp server built in. So is this the same as when I use smb to see my attached HD, instead xbmc/kodi simply reads the information from the nas in a different way, but basically the same as smb.
I think I've got that totally wrong somehow.... In my head at 1.30am it kinda makes sense..... lol
At the moment I have 4 Folders, Movies, TV Shows, Music, and Photo's all on the one HD, and I get xbmc to scrape each one as necessary.
But some of the videos I have watched, it's not quite as simple as that when using a Nas, Does one make the same folders all within the Share (Shared folder)...
Thank you for any reply's responses..
slackbladder..

Hi Slackbladder,
Coming form an atv2 myself, I can just say that the Fire TV is better in many ways - Kodi/XBMC searches quicker and seems much more responsive (and runs at 1080p). On atv2 it was getting quite slow at times. Of course, this all relies on Amazon continuing to let folk side-load apps. I live in the UK and my Fire TV was unrootable as well but now I have the Kodi icon on the home page it works as good as I would like. Also, there's apps that can be downloaded making the Fire TV much more inclusive than the atv2. I'm currently using Amazon Prime trial as well and am impressed by the streaming quality of the HD films (as well as getting my orders next day)!
So long as Kodi continues to work than it's the Fire TV I'll be using going forward. However, I do keep my atv2 plugged in because its mirroring/airplay functionality is better with my iPhone than the Fire TV (and it's nice to know I have a backup). Worth pointing out that I've read rumors somewhere that Apple will allow SDK development on atv3 sometime soon, which might allow Kodi to be loaded that way. However, when/if that happens I don't know.
Leedsgreen

Thanks for the reply Leedsgreen,
Are you just net streaming or have you got any type of Nas with your own content?
That would be blinding if Apple allow it,.... Can't see it happening myself, but it would be good,..... Just imagine the price of all those £50 atv3's suddenly shooting up to the £200 mark... lol
Yep, the misses is already thinking about taking out prime, only cos she orders a lot of stuff of there.
Decided to try and get myself a Logitech k400 keyboard, as I've read that they work well with the firetv.... So the guy in PC World has a quick look on his system and goes directly to amazon's U.S. store,... He see's on their site that they retail at $20,... So I said to him "that works out at about 30 notes then"... his reply was, "that's not possible" "we should have that in stock for about £15...." So I asked him to show me one,... he came back with a rather sad look on his face, and said sorry, there marked up at £27.15p... I said "I told you mate, and I don't even work in here", He even tried to get some money off for me, but it was a no go...
you've just got to luv the u.k. NOT.

HI Slackbladder,
Yeah, streaming to Kodi on AFTV via MyBookLive NAS with no problems at all. Just set up the link and it's worked since without issue. Apple TV3 up to £200 lol! Have to sell timing of my ATV2 just right
I've actually bought the Logitech K400r keyboard - overall very good (if blomin' expensive). Needed it to work Sky Go app which is sweet. Very responsive but pinch-to-zoom doesn't work on track pad, which is a bit of a pain (i.e. for angry birds). Turns out this is a common issue for android devices with many keyboards - would be good to know if anyone knows anything different?
Yeah, does annoy me how expensive UK is but I did get my Fire TV for £63 on Amazon promotion (as it should be)!
Leedsgreen

Leedsgreen said:
HI Slackbladder,
Yeah, streaming to Kodi on AFTV via MyBookLive NAS with no problems at all. Just set up the link and it's worked since without issue. Apple TV3 up to £200 lol! Have to sell timing of my ATV2 just right
I've actually bought the Logitech K400r keyboard - overall very good (if blomin' expensive). Needed it to work Sky Go app which is sweet. Very responsive but pinch-to-zoom doesn't work on track pad, which is a bit of a pain (i.e. for angry birds). Turns out this is a common issue for android devices with many keyboards - would be good to know if anyone knows anything different?
Yeah, does annoy me how expensive UK is but I did get my Fire TV for £63 on Amazon promotion (as it should be)!
Leedsgreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Leedsgreen,
Sorry for the late reply.... but I've only just seen in the last 24 hours that amazon has returned to there £64 price....
Just wanted to know mate, but are you non-rooted and get the latest firmware update from amazon? I only ask as I've heard it's been causing a few problems, such as units not turning back on after a reboot, and other numerous problems with kodi sideloaded.
Appreciate replies,..... as i'm going to try to set mine up this weekend and wanted to be aware of any pitfalls.
cheers
slackbladder..

Hi Slackbladder,
No probs. I can confirm that my Fire TV is unrooted but is still on 51.1.4.2 (and not the latest 51.1.4.3 firmware). I've managed to stop (so far!) the update by blocking the URL links to software update pages on my router. It's not an exact science so I trolled the internet for every URL to block (starting with those on AFTVnews). So far, my AFTV has stayed at 51.1.4.2 so I can't tell you how things would work on 51.1.4.3
However, it's likely that any you buy in UK will still be on 51.1.4.1 or earlier and so long as you block updates then you should be OK.
Hope this helps,
Leedsgreen

Thanks for the reply Leedsgreen,
I've been doing some more searching and came across these to block updates via router method,
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
atv-ext.amazon.com
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
a1910.d.akamai.net
hopefully I shouldn't have any problems with my linksys e4200.
Have you any others blocked as well? (I don't know how true this is but also read that amazon can now bypass blocks and units are being updated).
I read that on first time installation a ftv box will automatically try to get the latest firmware, and if it cannot it will not allow the user to continue with the installation.
This would make sense if a newly purchased unit came with a more recent firmware already installed, if this is true how would one get to continue with the installation?
on a sidenote, did you decide to stick to 5.1.1.4.2 in the hope that root may become available?
I have to admit that it isn't made any easier now that I've read the only way to root is via solder method,.... the last time I did a solder job was on the PS1.... lol
Even worse the wifey likes the idea of "prime" so I've no idea what will happen, even if I can get to keep the unit from updating.
I did have one idea, and that was to buy a second unit and allow it to be updated and then sideload, but then realized that with the blocks in place I'm back to square one.
cheers for any ideas....
slackbladder..

Hi Slackbladder,
First of all, on my router I've got all the URLs blocked that you list as well as:
firs-ta-g7g.amazon.com
bueller-ota
montoya-ota
I think the last two are the starting strings for the update address for both Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. So far I'm still on 51.1.4.2 and think it's working. Amazon Prime runs great at the moment so no probs there.
As to rooting - yes, I'm keen to keep on 51.1.4.2 in case it comes possible but not sure if it ever will. I've also heard 51.1.4.3 now places advert banners (on home page) and leaders on Prime films/shows so I want to avoid that if possible. However, some say that will happen regardless of firmware - I'm not sure. Soldering is only for the Fire TV Stick I believe and not necessary to root the Fire TV. Anyway, on an impulse I've just ordered another Fire TV from the states of eBay. It's advertised as being on 51.1.1.0 (and I've also written to confirm) so is rootable. With postage it's cost me £95. TBH I'm not sure what rooting will give me but I like a bit of a challenge and fancy giving it a go!
Have you checked the guides on AFTV webpage? There's good tutorials there about turning AFTV on for first time and avoiding updates etc and I think you'll get some good info there. I don't have the tech knowledge to really advise but I reckon so long as you trick the system (and unplug the Ethernet cable at just the right time) the Fire TV eventually gives up trying to update and just goes to the next part of the load sequence. (No doubt I'll be itching to know how exactly to do this when my new Fire TV comes and will be asking you how you did it)!!
With best wishes,
Leedsgreen

Leedsgreen said:
Hi Slackbladder,
First of all, on my router I've got all the URLs blocked that you list as well as:
firs-ta-g7g.amazon.com
bueller-ota
montoya-ota
I think the last two are the starting strings for the update address for both Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. So far I'm still on 51.1.4.2 and think it's working. Amazon Prime runs great at the moment so no probs there.
As to rooting - yes, I'm keen to keep on 51.1.4.2 in case it comes possible but not sure if it ever will. I've also heard 51.1.4.3 now places advert banners (on home page) and leaders on Prime films/shows so I want to avoid that if possible. However, some say that will happen regardless of firmware - I'm not sure. Soldering is only for the Fire TV Stick I believe and not necessary to root the Fire TV. Anyway, on an impulse I've just ordered another Fire TV from the states of eBay. It's advertised as being on 51.1.1.0 (and I've also written to confirm) so is rootable. With postage it's cost me £95. TBH I'm not sure what rooting will give me but I like a bit of a challenge and fancy giving it a go!
Have you checked the guides on AFTV webpage? There's good tutorials there about turning AFTV on for first time and avoiding updates etc and I think you'll get some good info there. I don't have the tech knowledge to really advise but I reckon so long as you trick the system (and unplug the Ethernet cable at just the right time) the Fire TV eventually gives up trying to update and just goes to the next part of the load sequence. (No doubt I'll be itching to know how exactly to do this when my new Fire TV comes and will be asking you how you did it)!!
With best wishes,
Leedsgreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cannot believe my luck...... Poxy router....
It seems that amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net is just 1 letter short.... hope i can post an image of what my router software looks like:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I'm fairly sure this is the only page avaialble to allow blocking....
Yes mate, I've been going through the "How to complete the Fire TV Initial Setup without Updating" at aftvnews (but without actually doing it yet)... if that makes sense...
I thought I would start with the router first, but it looks like that's a no go....
The last thing I want is advertising.....
The only other item is "Parental controls" but if I try this one, one has to choose an object connected to the router, I.E. ATV2, Ipad, or anything else connected.
At first this seemed a possability, but I would have to have the firetv connected and turned on to be seen on this page, and thus probably get updated.
We really should be allowed to block unnecessary updates if we want to.... (I know atv2 pushes them as well). But I used to have a Thompson Freeview box that used to push updates, but it had a backup firmware onboard if anything went titsup, problem is it would eventually add the new FW to the backup, That's how my box ended up dying.... not my fault but the fault of the manufacturer pushing ****ty FW. But they did say for £50 I could send it back and they would re-flash it for me.... ~a~kers.

Hi Slackbladder,
That's just what happened for me on my Huawei rooter - there wasn't quite enough space for the full amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net URL. In the end, I entered it twice: once with amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite and once with edgesuite.net that has seemed to do the trick. For example, I played around with amazon.co.uk and various variations of and it appeared that so long as amazon was in the string somewhere then I couldn't go shopping online! Anyway, hopefully you will get something to work and block those pesky updates!
Leedsgreen

updateYep that's the only one I'm having a problem with.... amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net what I end up with is amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.ne
and no amount of inputting is going to make much difference.
I would have tried the openDNS way, I've found lots of posts/pages mentioning to do it this way but no actual setup procedure.
I'm only guessing that one would choose the "for personal" section, and then "parental control" (get started) and then Sign up now, for "OpenDNS Home" free.
Well I've opened an account with them, and chose the item I would like to block, (my home router) It then gave me a selection of routers, of of which is linksys.
instructions are as follows:
2. Go to the "Setup" menu.
Click on the “Setup” tab.
3. Go to the "Basic Setup" page.
Click the “Basic Setup” page.
4. Enter the first DNS resolver.
Enter 208.67.222.222 in the “Static DNS 1” field.
5. Enter the second DNS resolver.
Enter 208.67.220.220 in the “Static DNS 2” field.
6. Enter the third DNS resolver.
Enter 208.67.222.220 in the “Static DNS 3” field.
that all seems quite easy,.... but how do you block the updates......
Any chaps out there like to help a hopeless individual please...
--------------------------
Well after much head scratching I finally found out how to block individual addresses,... Had to come down to the very bottom of the page below the list of items most people would pick, such as,.... well you get the gist, there's a load of items one can have opendns to automatically block.
but right at the bottom there a part where one can pick single entry's to add.
so I added each one of these,
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
Don't know if they need a www or http or anything else in front of them I just added them as they are,
I opened portable ffox and tested each one and there blocked. (Don't really know how the firetv is going to get on though, will try it tomorrow).
one choice opendns did give me was to block anything with the word amazon in it, (I thought probably not a good idea).

updateHi Leedsgreen,
I decided to go with just the three :
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
using opendns,..... then took the plunge, plugged in the unit to tv, plugged in the psu, but left out the lan,.... unit booted up and went to a screen asking for my language, (I think there were 3 to choose from, German, english, (and one i cannot remember)... I chose english and it then asked for what wifi i wanted to join.
at this point i plugged in the lan, I held the unit and the very second the light turned white i pulled the lan,.... the unit went straight to the reg screen, i then re-attached the lan and put in reg details.
I am a little optimistic about vermin media though.... I may have a static ip now, but I know from the past that they do change my ip about every 4 to 6 months,.... the only reason I know is because Zonealarm flags it to let me know.
I tried the "Select & Play" buttons to turn off the unit, which initially it did, .... for about 10 seconds, it then turned itself back on and the amazon swish came back on the screen,.... So I did the button again and this time turned it off at the mains.
I have read somewhere that the Logitech K400 will turn off the fire tv, (I guess sleep mode) same as atv2, with Fn+Esc,..... but I'm wondering if it will just do the same as "Select & Play".
I went through some basics, I thought the screensaver was okayish..... some of the pictures had some weird fringing, a kind of shimmering on them,.... So I changed the default res to 1080p at 60hz but made no difference.... Might be better at 50hz?.
I did try to get a Logitech bluetooth keyboard that I use with an ipad to use with the ftv but the ftv could not see it,.... so it may be down to getting a k400.
My next step is to sideload kodi, I'm keeping everything croosed that it doesn't go tits up. I'm also thinking about getting some type of hdmi multi port thing, so I can keep my atv2 going over wifi, but most I have looked at don't live up to the hype... 5 good reviews 50 bad... lol
Honestly I cannot believe my luck.... Firmware that I am holding onto is 51.1.4.0_user_51400520
Seems like no kodi for me then.... Is it true that kodi is not compatible with this version?
update and i bet i'll get the dreaded banner ads..

Hi Slackbladder,
Glad that Fire TV turned on OK and you managed to block updates. However, sorry to hear that's it's on 51.1.4.0_user_51400520. I didn't realise there is an issue with it and Kodi (as a quick search on the internet says). One thing to check is if the annoying advert banner does come with 51.1.4.3 or to all Fire TV's regardless of firmware? I've heard conflicting messages on this. Maybe blocking the URL update sites also blocks the adverts, maybe not?
I have the Logitech K400 keyboard that does work well (but more expense of course). I also recently bought an HDMI switcher off Amazon. I bought one without a remote control (have too many of those already!) and it has worked well so far.
Anyway, let us know if you manage to get Kodi to work on 51.1.4.0 and/or if you update to latest firmware if the ad banner pops up. Fingers crossed!
Leedsgreen

FireTV Stick and Plex

Stupidly bought a FireTV Stick with the intention of putting it in the offpsrings room so they can watch stuff from my Plex server in their own rooms.
Installed Plex, it wants to activate, £3.99, fair enough, bought it, it then says I can't watch stuff until I activate it, so I try again and it just errors..
Plex forums are about as much use as a fart in a cullender, so ended up here..
Any root or custom ROM options for the stick so it actually becomes useful?

Same LAN network correct?
I've noticed that if Plex uses a WAN address it behaves differently and nags for money. If your on a local network and you've attached to the correct server than you should be good to go.
Maybe you've already done this but make sure you are connected to the correct server and on your local network. And also if the content is HD make sure you are using h.264 encoding. I've noticed the firetv stick struggles with MPEG2 HD.

I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...

Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had that problem, ate you in the uk? Works gangbusters in the us. I'm also plexpass, so maybe that's why...

Trig0r said:
I've got my Plex server locally with a static as well as the FireTV stick having a static IP, the problem lies in the fact that you cant get Plex to work for more than a minute, says it needs activating, charges you the £3.99 then when you try to play something it again says it needs activating, try to activate it a second time and it errors...
Might have to go down the sideloading Kodi or similar although I would prefer something that just launched straight in rather than having to go into Settings, Apps, Manage Apps then fire kodu up from there, hence the request for some sort of custom ROM...
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I can't say much about plex. I tried it. It was good to very good, depending on my device, but kodi is better in my opinion. However, if that tedious navigation in getting to the app is really your only issue, you can use llama to put it right on the recent section, or boot right to it. Adbfire makes the setup simple. There's also firestarter that allows side loaded apps on the home screen.

I've been using Plex for years and I'm pretty regular on the forums, and I agree, the issue with the repeated activation requirement doesn't seem to fix itself. Here is the most complete thread on the subject (http://forums.plex.tv/discussion/151349/app-already-purchased-but-still-prompting-for-activation/p1), I seem to remember that the main suggestions are (1) do a factory reset on the stick, (2) contact Amazon, and (3) PM one of the Plex devs with your amazon account name and maybe the receipt info from the app purchase (I don't remember the details of that). Like ldeveraux I have a Plexpass membership, that seems to provide the magic to avoid the issue (but I'm not promoting the purchase, the price now is kind of high).
Kodi+PlexBMC+Amber Skin works very well and looks similar to Plex Home Theater, sideloading is pretty easy (http://sideloadfiretv.com/sideload-apps-amazon-fire-tv-windows), and I think it's just a better solution to avoid any issues with surround sound.
Firestarter (http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/themes-apps/app-root-home-launcher-replacement-app-t3118135) is an awesome app to easily access your sideloaded apps.

Ahh, llama might sort me out then if I can boot the stick straight to Kodi/XBMC, dont have a Plexpass here which might be why its working for you guys and not me..

Just got a new "old" fire TV. Should I root it?

I've got 4-5 AFTV's set up in my house running XBMC Gotham with a custom skin connected to my LAN serving content off of my NAS. Family loves it.
Want to put one in the car. So...
No network connection
XBMC Gotham
2TB HDD connected to USB port
Can this be done? IE use a FTV without a network connection?, connect a 2TB drive? (I can connect huge drives to my in-house, non-rooted FTV's)
Should I root this box or let it update and will it act like the ones I have in house? I put FiredTV app on the ones in the house to jump to a menu where I can quickly start XBMC. Is there a better way with rooting?
Is there a good resource I should go to to find out about these things?
Thanks for the help.
Roveer

Not sure about this,
but I would think that it will work fine without network connection if you only use the XBMC/Kodi app.
So no root required.

Without a network connection, I think you just get the KFTV Launcher with a lot of blank spots. That is, no complaining popups or crashes.
Even without root, you can use FireStarter to launch Kodi automatically. Root would give you more options as far as using Kodi / SPMC as a launcher replacement, more drive mounting options, and Google Play store.
How are you mounting and reading data off of the hard drive? How is it formatted? I'm only networked, but hooked up a USB 32GB SSD to replace the internal storage. I see that you can use a FAT32 formatted drive for Kodi, but files larger than 4GB need to be in a split RAR archive.
Depending on what firmware the AFTV is on already, or whether it was allowed to update, that may determine whether you can successfully root. Here's the AFTVnews Rooting Starter's Guide.
If you can root, I would do it. You regain control of your device, nothing happens without your approval, and you gain abilities to install and alter things to improve the device that you own.
Also, you may want to look into updating Kodi, as yours is a few versions behind (13 vs. 15.2 stable) - just make sure your skins and add-ons have been updated for use with Isengard.

I would root it and unlock the BL to make it more useful when/if amazon stops adding cool stuff to it.

So I started following the guide that was posted, did all the domain blocking and was having good success. Got to the registration part and the FTV would NOT accept my id & pw. I did some searching and it seems like this device is not registered in Amazon's system. It was strange that when I first booted it it was displaying setup instructions in both english and dutch so I'm guessing this was some sort of export device. I've emailed Amazon support with my MAC address's (as suggested in another post of others having the same problem), and I'll see what I get back. Now, if someone here knows something that I don't, please share.
Thanks,
Roveer

roveer said:
So I started following the guide that was posted, did all the domain blocking and was having good success. Got to the registration part and the FTV would NOT accept my id & pw. I did some searching and it seems like this device is not registered in Amazon's system. It was strange that when I first booted it it was displaying setup instructions in both english and dutch so I'm guessing this was some sort of export device. I've emailed Amazon support with my MAC address's (as suggested in another post of others having the same problem), and I'll see what I get back. Now, if someone here knows something that I don't, please share.
Thanks,
Roveer
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It's German, not dutch. There is no American/Intl version, they are all the same. But I believe the ones that shipped with the software that presented german and english aren't rootable. @AFTVnews.com is that correct?

German aTV´s had been delivered with a non-rootable firmware from the beginning. I have one aTV of the first batch (day 1 order) and couldn´t root it due to being preprogrammed with the newest firmware at this time which was already the first unrootable version.

When I started the setup it asked me which language and displayed english and dutch but I guess it was in german. I went back to the ebay listing and found that it did not say it was rootable like I had said so I must have been mistaken. Doesn't really matter to me as I'm going to sideload kodi and can use firedtv as my kind of launcher. It doesn't always work, but the family is used to this configuration. I'm going to try and root it just in case I made some sort of mistake. But at this point I can't get past the id/pw stage so I'm going to need Amazon's help. The responded to my email saying I have to call or chat to get further help.
Roveer

rbox said:
It's German, not dutch. There is no American/Intl version, they are all the same. But I believe the ones that shipped with the software that presented german and english aren't rootable. @AFTVnews.com is that correct?
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Click to collapse
Correct. Version 51.1.3.0 was the first software version to include german language option and those are not rootable.
Seeing a language prompt when you first power on a Fire TV is the best way to know if it's not rootable without having to go through the initial setup and get to the home screen to check the software version.

AFTVnews.com said:
Correct. Version 51.1.3.0 was the first software version to include german language option and those are not rootable.
Seeing a language prompt when you first power on a Fire TV is the best way to know if it's not rootable without having to go through the initial setup and get to the home screen to check the software version.
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So this particular unit which came out of a sealed box refused to register. It just kept saying Sign-in failed. A search of the web produced others with the same problem and a resolution of Amazon having to register the device in their system. Tech support was unwilling to trouble shoot beyond making me do a reset and decided to send me a new unit. When I went back to the eBay auction that I bought it from they had changed the listing and it no longer sayd "rootable". Fortunatly eBay showed me in my purchase history that the listing had been changed and saves the original listing. It clearly said that the unit was rootable. The seller gave me 10 bucks back. I could have fought, I could have returned it, but that would just cause more frustration.
So my hope of getting a rootable unit is pretty much gone. Maybe I'll grab one when everyone wants a 4k gen2. For what I'm trying to do, I can live with a non rootable which is what I have on all my other TV's.
Roveer

HELP Can I Root My Fire TV Stick

I apologize for being so frantic, but I'm really confused. I've seen things about using Kingo Root on a certain firmware and am worried my device will update on me. How can I get Kingo Root? Thanks so much!
Fire OS 5.0.5

FlashTheFox said:
I apologize for being so frantic, but I'm really confused. I've seen things about using Kingo Root on a certain firmware and am worried my device will update on me. How can I get Kingo Root? Thanks so much!
Fire OS 5.0.5
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If you are on OS 5.0.5 you can root it however after the procedure just disable updates and under any circumstances do not try to replace it with SU. (If you are looking for version 4.1 just scroll down to the bottom of first post however vs 4.6 should work as well).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461

bula1ca said:
If you are on OS 5.0.5 you can root it however after the procedure just disable updates and under any circumstances do not try to replace it with SU. (If you are looking for version 4.1 just scroll down to the bottom of first post however vs 4.6 should work as well).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/one-click-root-tool-android-2-x-5-0-t3107461
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Click to collapse
Thank you so much. Could you explain the procedure briefly? How do I get the .apk on my Fire TV Stick, and what do I use to install it?

Here you will find a good guide how to do it...
--> http://www.aftvnews.com/start/

in theory could i flash rom on firestick with no root to cause boot loop on 5.2.1.1 to cancel out the not in my house system app and then run kingo pc to gain root and install the 5.0.5 firmware. im just wondering dont really want to try this my self with no recovery

On a related note, I just bought a FireTV stick yesterday. The "virgin" FireTV stick is doing the same thing as my Fire TV 2: It is requiring me to connect to a network before I can check the installed O/S version.
If I let the FireTV Stick connect to the internet, will it automatically upgrade to the latest unrootable O/S v5.2.1.1 before I can get to a menu to see my O/S version?
What are my options to root & block updates on my new FTVS if I don't know what O/S version is installed?

@¿GotJazz?:
The answer is to pull the plug on your wireless router as soon as the authentication gets through. Blocking amazons update servers also blocks authentication - afair. You could also change the Wifi Password beforehand (to something short preferably) - and then switch it back to the old one - once you "hot" unplugged the Wifi router after the authentication goes through (and youve turned off the fire tv stick). That way the stick won't autoconnect the next time its turned on.
Also - Amazons firmware updates up until now have been incremental - so it is not uncommon for a FIre TV stick to have to update several times in a row - with several update packages - to get on the latest firmware version. This gives you a little security buffer - at least potentially/theoretically.

Thanks, @harlekinwashere - I followed your advice as best as I could. I had my router set so that Amazon updates were visible, and I saw the Fire Stick check for updates. After it checked on updates, I temporarily turned off my WiFi on my router, and then reconfigured my router to block Amazon updates via OpenDNS.
My FireTV Stick is at O/S v5.0.5.1. I don't know if I should upgrade or not, but I did block updates on the Stick via Method #2 here.
I haven't found any recent FTV-S ROMs or TWRP yet, but at least I can hold off Amazon updates for now until somebody finds a solution.
From what I have seen, the only rooting solution for now on the FTV-S 5.0.5.1 is KingoRoot, correct?
Cheers,
¿GJ?

Correct - the only (software) rooting solutions available for the Fire TV Stick - ever - were either King Root or Kingo Root. There was a HW rooting method before - but it required some very precise soldering with extra thin wires and...
Kingoroot and Kingroot arent optimal either - as they do act as bloatware from time to time - so the first time I rooted my Fire TV stick, was when the tutorial to "replace Kingoroot/Kingroot" with SuperSU popped up.
I froze my update schedule on firmware 5.0.5 - as I very much enjoy the features of Firestarter ("force exit app", or delete app data for a certain app are crucial every day tasks - that you can perform with firestarter MUCH faster, than with the stock UI.
Amazon started to play BS cat&mouse games with Firestarter - because it wanted you to experience banner ads, while choosing your apps - essentially. And steal its functionality. And steal UI design from Kodi and Microsofts Xbox UI. And be buddy, buddy with Plex so the "I needz it to be eazy" crowd had another monthly subscription path Amazon could cut into. (Here is how that goes. Kodi = distributed, native rendering, Plex = transcoding (why?), server dependent, login required, pays for Amazon cloud storage, gets featured on their main page, had to make concessions to never ever, allow python scripts, because an internet we understand is bad for corp. And why was Kodi banned? Because it acted like a browsing platform, Outside the amazon and affiliates ecosystem - so amazon ran a smear campaign. The product blogger was very understanding...)
The Amazon product blogger that ran this community here for a while - decided to praise them for waging war against an alternative Launcher (that btw didn't replace the original interface, but rather linked to it by default) -- instead of antagonising it as an "unprecedented move - never seen anywhere on android before" -- so we HAD to split as a community.
People who actually use the FIre TV for stuff, stayed mostly on 5.0.5 or 5.0.5.1. While the rest didnt care and not only lost Firestarter functionality, but also full adb access (its only the last remaining interface into the FireTV, why not mess with it, until its much less usable, right Amazon?) - and didn't care.
Now - using Xposed modules - you can replicate most of Firestarters features on 5.0.5.1 and above (on 5.0.5.1 you could at least use firestopper, but Amazon took that away as well (or will do so shortly - havent followed up on how far they have come.)) - using a certain Xposed Module - but as always, you have to be extra careful with them on FireTV Sticks - as you don't have a working recovery on them currently. Its best to install only modules others have tested and that are confirmed working.
Also as a result of the community split - the community never really recovered. It wasn't especially active beforehand (despite frequent help soliciting from "I bought a fully loaded... - it stopped working" folks), but with the product blogger "gone" (less interested in the hacking scene, because of the fragmentation after the "split") that wrote most of the tutorials - and put them on his blog to commercialize them - even that stopped.
Amazon so far has not halted content delivery to older firmware boxes (good idea, because despite everything else, I still buy apps) - but they could at any time, If they chose to.
Long story short. Amazon is the worst. They acted like malicious bullies, implemented tripwire routines, blacklists, froze apps they had no discernable right to even access. On devices that arent "owned" by the customers who bought them, according to some license agreement you clicked through. No one even halfheartedly whispered, that this is a real issue - and what they did was malicious -
now, its basically over. There was no pushback - the scene basically turned over on its back and surrendered under the de facto leadership of a product blogger that had them cheer for it. #cheeringforcompanyblacklists-onadeviceyoubought.
Just in case some day a historian stumbles over this - and wonders what happened.

@harlekinwashere - Does that mean that nobody is working on a TWRP Recovery / ROM for the FireTV v1 Stick? I have held off on the Kingoroot method for now (unsure about security/malware), hoping that a real ROM/Recovery become available.

any way to enable OTG on a 5.2.1.1 fire stick?

FireTV Stick Developer Options?

So friend gave me a FireTV Stick, brand new (Fire OS 5.2.6.3 (606754020), Fire TV Home Version 6.0.0.6-127).
Little desire to deal with Amazon, need to enable USB Debugging & ADB. Gotten as far as Fire App on Phone to bypass Registration to get to Settings-Device-Options, held Center/Down to Enable X-Ray, Developer Options Hidden Menu etc, but can not find any way to Access USB Debugging or ADB to enable them. When you enable Developer Options, only thing it does is give option clear Recorded Metrics whatever. Enabled it, rebooted, disabled it rebooted, re-enabled etc etc, only option I get is to clear recorded metrics.
Tried several diff ways, nothing can recognize it ADB as I can't enable it, tried USB to PC, it recognizes FireTV Stick, can see whats on the Drive or SD Card, but again, can't send files to it without USB Debugging. Rooted every Android Toy I own, not new to this, but has me stumped.
How do you enable USB Debugging or ADB to a FireTV Stick with latest OS without ever Registering it? As far as Normal stuff, it hooks to Network fine (behind Firewall & VPN), but won't Update, why if you go with the Fire App on phone, you can "pair" and get as far as Option to Access Hidden Developer Options etc, but no USB Debugging or ADB Enable Option is there.
Never messed with one, was more a sort of Gag Gift for a favor he owed me, so said why not, lets see what all the fuss over these things is, I wanna tinker with it.

You can always de-register the device from your Amazon dashboard after setting it up for the first time.
I remember reading in another post, someone describing the exact same situation.
Using the app to skip registration and discovering there was no option to enable adb debugging.
Sounds like they may have fixed that.

I noticed in 5.2.6.3 the same security feature Amazon has implemented to detour people from buying and selling blacklisted devices. I have spent more time than I would like to admit trying to find a loophole, but without the ability to enable abd and unknown sources it seems impossible. I hate to say this but Amazon has it locked down and if anyone could figure it out they would have to someone on xda but no one I know has jad a clue. I don't condone theft one bit, but love a challenge and this one has me stumped.

Well, part of the fun, lol. Voice in my head keeps saying the Fire App, has to be a way, but not seeing it as yet. Did read where someone built a special HDMI setup and over loaded the OS, prompting a a "bootloader" screen and got in that way somehow, but far beyond me and said the parts to build it were like $150, let alone knowing what to solder to what etc, beyond my capabilities.

matafact said:
Well, part of the fun, lol. Voice in my head keeps saying the Fire App, has to be a way, but not seeing it as yet. Did read where someone built a special HDMI setup and over loaded the OS, prompting a a "bootloader" screen and got in that way somehow, but far beyond me and said the parts to build it were like $150, let alone knowing what to solder to what etc, beyond my capabilities.
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Honestly its fun and has also become consuming trying to find any way to get past each screen lol. I heard the same voice in the past and it worked lol. Now with these 5.2.6.3 2nd gen firesticks I have no way to get to Dev options and with the 4k firesticks it says my login is incorrect to Amazon, and as I previously mentioned I am pretty much out of ideas. Overload HDMI huh? Sounds interesting. Well back to the drawing board for now and If I learn anything I will let you know.

Well, Fire App in my head, dont know why, just keeps coming back to me. Not a programmer, not a Droid, Hacker type, but thinking this way, feel free to tell me Nope, won't work and this is why.
How does it pair with FTV Stick etc? Not Bluetooth etc, so how does it connect? Possible to take Fire App and tinker with code, add some/modify code or a script etc to modify it and get further into FTV OS 5?
Or thinking again, don't know, but seems with a Laptop on say WiFi Network, just like Droid, Iphone, with a Virtual Machine, know Virtual Box you can set up about any Android setup ya want.
So setup a Virtual Machine, tinker with Fire App in some way, and if Laptop can connect to FTV , well, just idea in my head that must be away to get around it, or at least with a Laptop would open many more options to try & beat it. Havent tried this yet, just keeps floating around in my head, may not even connect to a Virtual Machine, maybe over weekend I'll tinker with that a bit.
Somebody who programs etc would know far more on topic, but same idea keeps bouncing around in my mind. Could be dead wrong, maybe they have that locked down to, but guys here, well, how many "can't hack" toys have they already beat, lol.

matafact said:
Well, Fire App in my head, dont know why, just keeps coming back to me. Not a programmer, not a Droid, Hacker type, but thinking this way, feel free to tell me Nope, won't work and this is why.
How does it pair with FTV Stick etc? Not Bluetooth etc, so how does it connect? Possible to take Fire App and tinker with code, add some/modify code or a script etc to modify it and get further into FTV OS 5?
Or thinking again, don't know, but seems with a Laptop on say WiFi Network, just like Droid, Iphone, with a Virtual Machine, know Virtual Box you can set up about any Android setup ya want.
So setup a Virtual Machine, tinker with Fire App in some way, and if Laptop can connect to FTV , well, just idea in my head that must be away to get around it, or at least with a Laptop would open many more options to try & beat it. Havent tried this yet, just keeps floating around in my head, may not even connect to a Virtual Machine, maybe over weekend I'll tinker with that a bit.
Somebody who programs etc would know far more on topic, but same idea keeps bouncing around in my mind. Could be dead wrong, maybe they have that locked down to, but guys here, well, how many "can't hack" toys have they already beat, lol.[/QUOTE=matafact;78395384]
I wish I knew how to use tasker. Im a newbie but your ideas are great and have me thinking the remote app is the key, but it is a task I do not know how to execute.
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