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

[Q] Should I get the Amazon Fire TV?

First things first, I live in Canada. I did get the Roku, but a lot of the apps don't work. I would like to use the apps that are locked to the US region so I was gonna use services like Unblock-Us, but it turns out I am using an incompatible router and unable to do that. So, I though, "Oh, why don't I get the Amazon Fire TV, I mean, its android." I can root it, install a VPN service, and use all the US restricted services. Would it be worth it? I mean I was thinking of using Hotspot Shield, if it works on Amazon Fire TV (I don't really want to spend money on a vpn). Theirs also the problem of the main focus being amazon prime, which I wont be using, the terrible keyboard, and the fact I have to cross the border to get it. Anyway, would it be worth it?
P.S. Would a USB 4-port extender work on the Fire TV?

Quick answer is yes! you should buy it!
I'm in Ireland and all I use a Smart DNS provider All I have to do is change DNS. No messing around with VPNs or routers. HBO, Showtime, Amazon Price, NBCSports, etc all working fine.

I got one of those 4-port USB extenders and it works.
Mine is made by Targus.

I live in Canada and using unblock.us I have been able to use the Fire TV to its full capabilities. The only issues as of now being A&E, and History and a couple other native Fire TV apps won't load and just crash to the desktop. Other than that all apps I have downloaded and sideloaded work great, including XBMC of course. I have the DNS settings set up through my router (netgear) and then it works with all devices. If you can replace the router that would be the easiest as they are relatively inexpensive. I have had Boxee's, Roku's, and Apple TV's and find the Fire TV to far superior to all of them.

DaltonHeintz said:
First things first, I live in Canada. I did get the Roku, but a lot of the apps don't work. I would like to use the apps that are locked to the US region so I was gonna use services like Unblock-Us, but it turns out I am using an incompatible router and unable to do that. So, I though, "Oh, why don't I get the Amazon Fire TV, I mean, its android." I can root it, install a VPN service, and use all the US restricted services. Would it be worth it? I mean I was thinking of using Hotspot Shield, if it works on Amazon Fire TV (I don't really want to spend money on a vpn). Theirs also the problem of the main focus being amazon prime, which I wont be using, the terrible keyboard, and the fact I have to cross the border to get it. Anyway, would it be worth it?
P.S. Would a USB 4-port extender work on the Fire TV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a WD Live Plus and then a Ouya....now got the AFTV...huge difference. Of all 3, this is by far the most responsive and with a few exceptions, easy to set up.
Ultimately you don't necessarily need root (save for USB attached drive usage) - so at the very least Netflix + XBMC should cover all your needs.
I will say that I was able to run OpenVPN client on Ouya and I cannot do that on AFTV - but Hola works fine, or the router OpenVPN client tweaked to tunnel only AFTV traffic.
in your case it seems that Hola would be the easy way out...the beauty is that it works per app.

Really? That's great! I guess I'm crossing the border for it

Just do it
Yes get one they just work.
Cheers

Cannot decide between Fire Tv stick or chromecast.

Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast

Just get both lol. That's what I did

Fire stick is closer to a tablet than anything
depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, AFSTV is a tablet used for streaming. Chromecast needs more apps and a native browser; maybe chromecast II will be able to compete in the same league (if it ever shows up).

depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. Most US FTV's from Amazon, Staples, BestBuy, Radio Shack can still be rooted.

depakjan said:
Chromecast advantages
1. Cast anything from PC , especially streaming videos from browser tab.
2. Cast entire desktop, but mostly useless if you do not have proper internet connection.
Fire Tv advantages
1. Sideloading any android app
2. can work independently
Will fire tv ever get casting support for windows ? amazon cast plugin or something ... if it gets that i will easily ditch chromecast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.

gottahavit said:
I have 2 of each, but hands down the Fire Stick is a better device with may more uses.
FS has MUCH MUCH(get the idea) better wifi.
The one thing I've found that the CC is better at is taking on a trip since you don't need the remote to get it connected on a new wifi. FS you MUST have remote so far as I can figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.

I have both, and I never use my Chromecast. The only reason I could think of why I would use it is for my 2 movies in Google Play... The Fire Stick is just better in every way.

adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes neither works perfectly traveling, but having to bring remote just to get it to connect to phone sucks. The only thing chromecast did right was the private wifi setup with devices.

Both are good I'm leaning more to aftv just has more features.. But I also have chromecast connected as well it's good to have back up to send media to the tv with my phone

adfurgerson said:
As far as taking it on a trip, if you stay in a hotel that requires you to accept the terms of service through a browser good luck connecting the chromecast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Although having just experienced this, you'll need to sideload a browser and some mouse mode (controller, mouse, phone mouse,etc) to actually navigate and accept terms.
What I do is tether to my phone and cast predownloaded movies using All cast.
Chromecast is great for basic stuff and used with a tablet. When using my phone, everything gets paused and occasionally locks up when getting calls and messages on my phone.
Fire TV stick is also a pretty good emulator player for retro gaming on the go.

Unless you need to stick with the small form factor or the budget doesn't allow, the correct answer if you can't decide between the two is to get a Nexus Player. If you are not in a hurry, wait until spring when I'm sure the market will be flooded with cheap Chinese Android TV boxes (Android TV version of Android, not just Android on a stick). Essentially the same as FireTV, but with Chromecast functionality built in.
If I had to choose between a Chomecast or AFTV stick I'd take AFTV stick every time.

Comes Down to Apps
You should research the App you know you want to use. I really just want a Chrome cast with a physical remote. I was excited when I grabbed a FireTV stick for $25. I was not excited that the Showtime Anytime app doesn't support on Dish on FireStickTV but does on Chrome cast?
I would tell you make a list of the apps you really want and see what platform has them.

thats what i did too

No brainer.. AFTV.
Maybe its just me, but i really dont have the urge to "cast" everything from various devices. A nice standalone box that can connect to networked drives on its own while having native streaming capability nicely beats a simple "casting" box...

If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.

ziddey said:
If you have a miracast compatible computer, you can use that with the firetv.
Youtube on chromecast is good in "social" settings. Friends can queue up videos (eg. songs) to be played.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen 1 person post that Miracast works from a PC to the Fire TV.
See this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/help/miracast-t2954237/

After using both for a few weeks apiece, the fire stick with xbmc and a remote >>>>>>>>>>>> the chromecast.
It gets tiresome having to keep turning my phone etc and having some files need transcoding with the chromecast. The stick, since they updated the firmware and fixed the video quality problems, is almost perfect and I love that remote
The only thing chromecast has over the fire tv is the ease of use with the phone with the little cast button but I can live without that
As soon as the fire sticks go on sale again, I'm picking up another 3!

The AFS seems to be a more flexible platform. It's essentially a Android Stick computer. Will be even better when someone figures out how to root it. For the most part you can sideload the same working apps that work on other Android devices. That's pretty useful.
The Chromecast seems to be more of a one trick pony. The casting feature is interesting but why would you not want to just run apps directly to control it?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

I have both.
I bought the Chromecast last year. The biggest use I got out of it was binge watching to catch up on Game of Thrones via HBO Go app. Video was definitely grainy, lower quality than the On-Demand HD from Comcast. Since then, I've rarely used it. Having to start everything via the phone or pad, then "casting" feels clunky. Casting videos/movies from my PC browser was choppy at best.
The Fire TV Stick is pretty smooth. I like having the physical remote and looking at the TV when I do things (i.e. not having to use/look at the phone). YouTube works (although I'm not able to play Purchases). Plex works well, as does SPMC (XBMC fork). NBC Live Extra app seems to work ok, but I'll get a better feel for that tonight watching football. HBO Go isn't officially available for the FireTV STICK yet. On my Fire TV (box) I am disappointed that HBO Go and Showtime Go (I would be there are some other apps too) do not have the ability to sign in for Comcast/Xfinity customers like the apps on iOs and Android do. I do realize that is a COMCAST limit, but it still stinks.
As @alton987 said earlier, it important to know the apps you want to use, and what is available on a particular device.

I bought a Fire TV Stick the day before Thanksgiving at Best Buy for $24.99. I bought it primarily for Amazon Prime.
So far, it's been working perfectly. Along with Prime movies and tv, I'm also using Prime music, Netflix, Crackle and AllCast. All work perfectly except for Netflix. On Netflix, video freezes about 10-15 minutes before the end of the movie, audio continues. I have to back out and then resume. Only takes a few seconds but it's annoying. It's the only app that's giving me a problem.
I also sideloaded BS Player and ES File Explorer. I wanted to use them for playing movies stored on my PC. Both are working just fine. I have mine connected to my A/V receiver (Yamaha). Picture quality is excellent, as is audio through my system.
I'm VERY pleased with the stick, and will buy another one for a second tv.
I have no experience with the Chromecast so I can't comment on it.
But the Fire tv stick is, for me, a no brainer if you subscribe to Amazon Prime. Terrific add-on to my system.

[Q] BBC iPlayer on FireTV Stick in the US

Hello,
Has anybody been able to get the BBC iPlayer to work with FireTV stick in the US? I am using unlocator DNS service, and the DNS addresses are set in the stick's network configuration. The iPlayer works without problems as a plugin on XBMC/Kodi installed on my FireTV stick, but so far I have no luck with the FireTV version of the regular BBC iPlayer that I sideloaded from an APK. It starts just fine and shows the available content, but then fails to play it with the "Something went wrong playing this programme. 02100" error.
The iPlayer is working on my iOS and Windows devices just fine. Any ideas? I would much prefer to use the iPlayer interface instead of the Kodi plugin. I do not have any pointing devices connected to my FireTV, so sideloading a regular Android version is not really an option.
Also, amazon.co.uk lets me download the FireTV iPlayer (I have a UK-based account), but then claims that it is not compatible with the device. Is the hardware sold in the US different from the hardware sold in the UK? It was not the case with the FireTV box... Or is the iPlayer not yet supported on FireTV sticks sold in the UK too?
Thank you,
maxbos

maxbos said:
Hello,
Has anybody been able to get the BBC iPlayer to work with FireTV stick in the US? I am using unlocator DNS service, and the DNS addresses are set in the stick's network configuration. The iPlayer works without problems as a plugin on XBMC/Kodi installed on my FireTV stick, but so far I have no luck with the FireTV version of the regular BBC iPlayer that I sideloaded from an APK. It starts just fine and shows the available content, but then fails to play it with the "Something went wrong playing this programme. 02100" error.
The iPlayer is working on my iOS and Windows devices just fine. Any ideas? I would much prefer to use the iPlayer interface instead of the Kodi plugin. I do not have any pointing devices connected to my FireTV, so sideloading a regular Android version is not really an option.
Also, amazon.co.uk lets me download the FireTV iPlayer (I have a UK-based account), but then claims that it is not compatible with the device. Is the hardware sold in the US different from the hardware sold in the UK? It was not the case with the FireTV box... Or is the iPlayer not yet supported on FireTV sticks sold in the UK too?
Thank you,
maxbos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Fire TV Stick isn't yet sold in the UK, so that might be why. I'd imagine the iPlayer app doesn't include support for it yet.

Possible to set specific DNS or VPN for Netflix only?

I've been scouting round looking for solutions that mean (as an expat) I can continue to use a DNS or VPN service for most things (UK TV, amazon prime etc.) while still retaining access to Netflix. No joy so far. What I'm wondering is if anybody has a way to set a specific DNS (or VPN if that works) for Netflix services, while using the default on the router for everything else?
A bit optimistic probably, but thought I'd ask ...

urbanespaceman said:
I've been scouting round looking for solutions that mean (as an expat) I can continue to use a DNS or VPN service for most things (UK TV, amazon prime etc.) while still retaining access to Netflix. No joy so far. What I'm wondering is if anybody has a way to set a specific DNS (or VPN if that works) for Netflix services, while using the default on the router for everything else?
A bit optimistic probably, but thought I'd ask ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are certain VPN-Services specialized in providing access to Netflix like ExpressVPN or you use a tool like NordVPN which will choose a VPN-Service for you.
Greetings
Medizinmann

As an expat, I use Unotelly's Dynamo DNS service which allows you to switch regions on the fly. By sideloading the unotelly.apk app to the Amazon fire tv, I can use the fire tv remote to easily switch from U.K content and then quickly switch back to Netflix U.S by going through the unotelly app and picking another region. Takes seconds to do this.
P.s using firestarter ( actually firestopper which is now called appstarter, but that new version isn't as functional) as a U.I overlay making it much easier for quick access to bbc iplayer, itv player, skygo, netflix, etc, and the unotelly app.

This what the unotelly app looks like within the fire tv

callanish said:
As an expat, I use Unotelly's Dynamo DNS service which allows you to switch regions on the fly. By sideloading the unotelly.apk app to the Amazon fire tv, I can use the fire tv remote to easily switch from U.K content and then quickly switch back to Netflix U.S by going through the unotelly app and picking another region. Takes seconds to do this.
P.s using firestarter ( actually firestopper which is now called appstarter, but that new version isn't as functional) as a U.I overlay making it much easier for quick access to bbc iplayer, itv player, skygo, netflix, etc, and the unotelly app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Callanish, for this information about unotelly!
I am aware that Netflix has started blocking all these DNS Services, to use the different Netflix regions Netflix... So I would like to know if you are fully sure that the unotelly service really works??
I am asking because, I already have tried with "Unblock-US" and also with
"Blockless" DNS Services, and unfortunately none of these two are working anymore:
https://www.blockless.com
https://www.unblock-us.com
I already have contacted "Unblock-US" and also "Blockless", to let them know that they service has been blocked and has stopped working...
However after more than 2 month, they only replied and said that they are currently working to fix the problems with Netflix, and that we could still use their service to access others sites like "HBO" and "Amazon-Prime"!
I also have found other DNS Service called "Uflix", that recommends to use a*TP-LINK MR3020 or a MR3420V2, to prevent more effectively the blocking that Netflix is ​​implementing...
https://uflix.com.au/setup/urouter/
However, since I have not received a new TP-LINK MR3020 that I bought from Amazon, I can not test if this "Uflix" DNS Service works or not yet!
Since, I don't find in the Google Play Store the Unotely APP that you have mentioned, I would appreciate if you post the link to download the "Unotely" APP to change the Netflix Regions.
Thanks for helping!

In all honesty, from my experience, Netflix outside of your own region has become a hit and a miss. I was only using Netflix U.K from the U.S through unotelly about a week ago as well as ongoing for the last few months and have had no issues whatsoever. I just went to test Netflix U.k again right after you mentioned getting access and it's been blocked again. With my situation, I mostly use Netflix U.S, along with running all the U.K apps and kodi U.K web streams. Netflix currently seems to be in aggressive blocking mode. I'll contact unotelly and find out what the latest is. My DNS proxy address might be the cause since it's no longer on the unotelly list of servers, but still works really well for all U.K content outside of Netflix U.K. I was connected to the BBC iPlayer news channel during the referendum, and it must have been on for 12 hours without a hiccup and in HD, so it’s pretty reliable.
Netflix u.k consistency aside, I can vouch for the stability of unotelly as I've been using it for about 4 years and I've rarely had a problem. If Netflix U.K is a priority, then I don't think there's a VPN or DNS service out there that isn't going to have its temporary blackouts when connecting from a different region. Added to that, there's the hassle of waiting for them to provide a workaround for the block. If Netflix U.S is what you mostly use, and are juggling between that and streaming with all the UK apps and U.K links from kodi, I can't recommend unotelly high enough, but there’s just no guarantee that if you're anywhere outside of the U.K NetfliK U.K will be working 100% of the time even with Unotelly, which from my experience, their customer service is really on the ball with solving issues.
Anyway, I sound like I work for the damn company. Here’s an apk attachment for the unotelly app I had in a backup folder.
P.S My only reservation about going down that router road with uflix is the speed and reliability of their VPN. Erratic streaming speeds could come into play potentially causing buffering, whereas a DNS Proxy is a pass through system giving you the maximum bandwidth of your internet service rather than using a VPN which can hamstring streaming speeds, but it's your call and if it works, then forget I mentioned it.

I have been using Unotelly for years also and is still working well for everything...except Netflix which everyone of those 'DNS unblockers' are having problems with. But did you get a reply from them? There business model is now broken, i.e. Netflix region switching, they don't reply anymore, don't think they will be around much longer unfortunately...

Hill16 said:
I have been using Unotelly for years also and is still working well for everything...except Netflix which everyone of those 'DNS unblockers' are having problems with. But did you get a reply from them? There business model is now broken, i.e. Netflix region switching, they don't reply anymore, don't think they will be around much longer unfortunately...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reply I got was that they were working on it, as per the notice on their website which was basically "Region Picker Status: USTest 5: Down, Other Regions: Down (We will update our region picker status as soon as we get an update from our engineers)". So, Netflix is the elephant in the room for all Proxy server or VPN providers which, in my opinion, has taken their aggressive blocking to the next level. I just don't foresee us getting any consistency here when viewing other regions without there being a cycle of blocking, waiting for it to be unblocked and expecting the worse for it to be blocked again. From a selfish perspective, I get a lot more use out of my Netflix U.S region than I ever did out of Netflix U.K viewing. It was the odd show here and there I was watching on Netflix U.K and so far, crosses fingers, all the other content coming out of the U.K continues to work without any issues. Like you, I believe that Netflix was a core reason for a lot of these proxy and vpn providers being in business in the first place. For someone like myself, there is a wealth of free content coming out of the U.K that still makes it viable for me to continue to use a proxy, but for others that subscribed to a proxy or vpn for the sole purpose of getting Netflix U.S content or other region content, I can see those customers abandoning companies like Unotelly in droves.
I do think Unotelly is still fighting the fight, but they've got a huge mountain to climb here. I just think they don't know what to tell their customers and don't really know how to provide a consistent unblocking business model with Netflix, so either they are capable of surviving without guaranteeing Netflix or like you mentioned, they'll fold due to customers abandoning them.