I'm asking the old question, which media box to buy? I aready got the WD Live Hub. That was slow and un-hackable. I return that joker. I see there are android and linx type boxes. So many brands. They always talk about the streaming aspects of the box. Frankly I just want a box I and plug an 3TB external hard drive into and it run fast. Bam, Xbmc pops and and away I go. I would like to take the box to a place where there is no internet and it work fine. I would like a box that could be hooked up to a network in the future. The box would need to be wireless as well. Fast xbmc, I can't stress that enough. Streaming channels are nice, but they are not my focus. A remote that is simple and works, and a box that play all formats of media files. A box not more than a hundred dollars U.S. I noticed there is something called a rasberry pi; but, it's hard to set up. Just to get it to reconize an external hard drive, you have to have a computer degree. I've google and you tube'd the hell out of this delima with no clear answer.
However...
The Amazon fire looks nice. I've be trying to gain knowlege about it. The first thing found out it that there has been an update that prevents rooting. Beware the software version before you buy.
Questions I still have regarding the Fire:
1. Can it play videos from the 3TB WB HD Books?
2. Can XBMC (Kodi) play anime with subtiltes?
3. Does any one know of a fourm devoted to "Fire TV" modding?
4. I'm sure it can play MKV's, but can it play Xvid and Divx?
5. What are the common issues with the "Fire TV" that other boxes don't have?
bottom_tooth said:
I'm asking the old question, which media box to buy? I aready got the WD Live Hub. That was slow and un-hackable. I return that joker. I see there are android and linx type boxes. So many brands. They always talk about the streaming aspects of the box. Frankly I just want a box I and plug an 3TB external hard drive into and it run fast. Bam, Xbmc pops and and away I go. I would like to take the box to a place where there is no internet and it work fine. I would like a box that could be hooked up to a network in the future. The box would need to be wireless as well. Fast xbmc, I can't stress that enough. Streaming channels are nice, but they are not my focus. A remote that is simple and works, and a box that play all formats of media files. A box not more than a hundred dollars U.S. I noticed there is something called a rasberry pi; but, it's hard to set up. Just to get it to reconize an external hard drive, you have to have a computer degree. I've google and you tube'd the hell out of this delima with no clear answer.
However...
The Amazon fire looks nice. I've be trying to gain knowlege about it. The first thing found out it that there has been an update that prevents rooting. Beware the software version before you buy.
Questions I still have regarding the Fire:
1. Can it play videos from the 3TB WB HD Books?
2. Can XBMC (Kodi) play anime with subtiltes?
3. Does any one know of a fourm devoted to "Fire TV" modding?
4. I'm sure it can play MKV's, but can it play Xvid and Divx?
5. What are the common issues with the "Fire TV" that other boxes don't have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the FireTV is a nice piece of hardware. It is affordable and does a lot of things that you ask for. But it is no out of the box solution that I think you are looking for. You should know a little about computers, for example how to sideload XBMC and other apps on your FireTV.
1. Connecting a USB HD is only possible if you root your FireTV (AFAIK). If you would put your content on a NAS and stream it through your network it works fine, even without rooting the device.
2. XBMC can play vids with subtitles.
3. I think you are at a pretty good spot already to find some information on getting the most out of the FireTV
4. XBMC can play pretty much any format.
5. The main issue is that you don't know which firmware version you will get if you order a FireTV right now. Chances are that you get (like me) a FireTV that has a firmware which is not rootable yet and there are no signs of getting it done any time soon. But since I only use it to stream content from my NAS it does the trick for me without rooting. XBMC is blazing fast on the FireTV and I haven't found anything that really disturbs me.
Ultraschorsch said:
Well, the FireTV is a nice piece of hardware. It is affordable and does a lot of things that you ask for. But it is no out of the box solution that I think you are looking for. You should know a little about computers, for example how to sideload XBMC and other apps on your FireTV.
1. Connecting a USB HD is only possible if you root your FireTV (AFAIK). If you would put your content on a NAS and stream it through your network it works fine, even without rooting the device.
2. XBMC can play vids with subtitles.
3. I think you are at a pretty good spot already to find some information on getting the most out of the FireTV
4. XBMC can play pretty much any format.
5. The main issue is that you don't know which firmware version you will get if you order a FireTV right now. Chances are that you get (like me) a FireTV that has a firmware which is not rootable yet and there are no signs of getting it done any time soon. But since I only use it to stream content from my NAS it does the trick for me without rooting. XBMC is blazing fast on the FireTV and I haven't found anything that really disturbs me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say how much I thank you for replying to my post. Fire TV is looking more and more like the right choice. It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
After having to return a box (The WD Live Hub). I'm kind of shy about buying anything, in fear of it not working as I need it to work. Would any one know of any issue I might have with the fire tv? Thanks for your replies they really help.
Primary reason to root is because USB media storage is not supported.
The Fire TV devs need to update with USB media storage access in the same fashion that they enabled unknown sources in the latest update.
It also can't load widgets (besides Memory Cleaner to clear AMA 400MB+ RAM usage),not even working in Lucid Launcher,and it can't use wallpapers.
But you can install the two dependant LWP apps from a ROM to view LWPs while not being able to use them either,but hey,you can view them and even interact them when using a mouse/trackpad.
retroben said:
Primary reason to root is because USB media storage is not supported.
The Fire TV devs need to update with USB media storage access in the same fashion that they enabled unknown sources in the latest update.
It also can't load widgets (besides Memory Cleaner to clear AMA 400MB+ RAM usage),not even working in Lucid Launcher,and it can't use wallpapers.
But you can install the two dependant LWP apps from a ROM to view LWPs while not being able to use them either,but hey,you can view them and even interact them when using a mouse/trackpad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I got from this is I have to have a rooted Fire TV. Then you go into things unknown, *my head explodes*.
These questions still stand...
It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
bottom_tooth said:
I can't say how much I thank you for replying to my post. Fire TV is looking more and more like the right choice. It seems the only issue is I much buy an other model so I may root it. Where would I buy it? I see ebay has them pre-rooted and already loaded with XBMC. However, they are a bit much and I would like to learn how to do it myself if it isn't too hard.
In the past I've modded a Wii and more. As long as it's not too hard, It's fun for me.
Another question comes to mind. I see the box only has a Hdmi out put. This fire TV might be hooked up to an old TV that has RCA in-puts (Yellow, Red, White). I see ebay has a wire that goes from Hdmi to RCA (Yellow, Red, White). Would this work with Fire TV? Would I be able to smash the picture so it would fit?
Back on the external hard drive issue. I have Western Digital books. Most of them are 3TB. Will the fire tv (rooted) work with WD drives and one that is so large?
After having to return a box (The WD Live Hub). I'm kind of shy about buying anything, in fear of it not working as I need it to work. Would any one know of any issue I might have with the fire tv? Thanks for your replies they really help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, you can hit the "Thanks" button if you like
If I were you I would buy the pre-rooted version on eBay. Not that I don't think that you can't do it. But it is definitely possible that you get a FireTV that is not rootable and then you pretty much have to send it back or buy a NAS for a couple of hundred bucks in order to watch your content. If you get the pre-rooted FireTV it should work with your external drive, no matter how big the HDD is.
I don't know about the adaptor cable you have seen on eBay. It might work, but I can't tell you for sure.
Ultraschorsch said:
No problem, you can hit the "Thanks" button if you like
If I were you I would buy the pre-rooted version on eBay. Not that I don't think that you can't do it. But it is definitely possible that you get a FireTV that is not rootable and then you pretty much have to send it back or buy a NAS for a couple of hundred bucks in order to watch your content. If you get the pre-rooted FireTV it should work with your external drive, no matter how big the HDD is.
I don't know about the adaptor cable you have seen on eBay. It might work, but I can't tell you for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to buy the fire TV from ebay, I guess I can come here and mod it more to my liking.
So you know what I'm talking about regarding the Hdmi to RCA wire, here is a link
Edit: I can't get you the link. I'm a noob and it wont let me. However, you might go to ebay and search the following words., "hdmi to rca"
If any one else has the Fire TV hooked up to an old tv, let me know if this will work.
Can't help with the RCA setup, but I'm interested in the answer.
I regularly use the FIRE TV in offline mode. When rooted, you can do all sorts of cool things. I have gotten mine setup as a WiFi Hotspot, I've also got an FTP server setup serving my media off the connected USB drive, so I can connect other devices to it again in offline mode. I've also shared the wired connection to WiFi connected devices so that can work as well to provide Internet.
The above takes up very little space in a travel bag, but gets you the comforts of home while on the road.
I can confirm though, all HDMI output from the FireTV is HDCP protected, so make sure any adapter is HDCP compliant. There are HDMI splitters that don't pass that on though.
Issue one: Will the Fire TV work with a Hdmi to RCA wire. I need to know of a person doing this and with what device. So sort of box or is there a setting in fire tv that coverts it's signal to analog.
Issue Two: From what I'm reading, I'm getting conflecting report regarding if the Fire TV can play AVI's (Divx, Xvid, etc.)
Most of my videos are in that file format and converting them would take far two long. It would also be a deal breaker with Fire TV.
bottom_tooth said:
Issue one: Will the Fire TV work with a Hdmi to RCA wire. I need to know of a person doing this and with what device. So sort of box or is there a setting in fire tv that coverts it's signal to analog.
Issue Two: From what I'm reading, I'm getting conflecting report regarding if the Fire TV can play AVI's (Divx, Xvid, etc.)
Most of my videos are in that file format and converting them would take far two long. It would also be a deal breaker with Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you are doing yourself a big favour with using your old TV with the FireTV. I looked for HDCP compliant boxes that adapt the HDMI signal to component. I think there is no cable that can do the job, you need to buy a box that does this. And those are not exactly cheap. And even with this box you will still only get SD content on your TV.
I would invest that money in a new or used TV with HDMI. You will get a far better result with much less hassle.
Ultraschorsch said:
I don't think you are doing yourself a big favour with using your old TV with the FireTV. I looked for HDCP compliant boxes that adapt the HDMI signal to component. I think there is no cable that can do the job, you need to buy a box that does this. And those are not exactly cheap. And even with this box you will still only get SD content on your TV.
I would invest that money in a new or used TV with HDMI. You will get a far better result with much less hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree regarding the TV issue. Truth-be-told, the fire TV isn't for me. I watch everything from my computer.
Maybe the Fire TV isn't an option. The person this is for most likely doesn't want to spend more money on a converter, and i don't think he'll get a new tv soon. Also, I still don't know of the fire TV play AVI (divx, Xvid). Most of my files are in that format.
So, my next question would be... Is there another box that has the kind of specs the fire has and has a RCA out put and can play AVI (Divx, Xvid) among other file types like Mp4, MKV. It has to be fast like the fire and four usb 3.0 ports would be nice. .....oh and can play from an external 3tb hdd. Having a simple slick remote like the fire is a real plus.
bottom_tooth said:
I agree regarding the TV issue. Truth-be-told, the fire TV isn't for me. I watch everything from my computer.
Maybe the Fire TV isn't an option. The person this is for most likely doesn't want to spend more money on a converter, and i don't think he'll get a new tv soon. Also, I still don't know of the fire TV play AVI (divx, Xvid). Most of my files are in that format.
So, my next question would be... Is there another box that has the kind of specs the fire has and has a RCA out put and can play AVI (Divx, Xvid) among other file types like Mp4, MKV. It has to be fast like the fire and four usb 3.0 ports would be nice. .....oh and can play from an external 3tb hdd. Having a simple slick remote like the fire is a real plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 fire TV boxes and while both are rooted and run quite well. XBMC is a real powerhouse and can run anything you throw at it, even iso files. But, I find the locked down nature of the FireTv a real bummer. I have been seeing many videos on YouTube surface on the ProBox2. If I were to throw in the towel it might be on one of those. Check out a guy Spoonfed Productions on youtube also.
rsohne said:
I have 2 fire TV boxes and while both are rooted and run quite well. XBMC is a real powerhouse and can run anything you throw at it, even iso files. But, I find the locked down nature of the FireTv a real bummer. I have been seeing many videos on YouTube surface on the ProBox2. If I were to throw in the towel it might be on one of those. Check out a guy Spoonfed Productions on youtube also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anything close to the ProBox2. The box seems ok. Right off the bat I see some issues. First the forum for support seems a bit lacking. It just has 2 usb ports and they are 2.0. The air mouse remote doesn't have a FF and Rew button. The price at $150 is waaaaaaay too much. I does have a A/V port. I see it can play AVI's. I don't know if it can play Divx & Xvid codec? I need to have confirmation that it play videos from a 3TB hard drive with no issues on XBMC. I need to know if it can use Wireless "G". I just can't find a good forum for the device. Is there another device that is better?
Hi,
I am not a subscriber of Amazon video instent. I just booked Netflix and huluplus on my fire TV. Today I clicked and watched the movie on the top of fire tv.
Will the Amazon charge money from my credit card bound with the Amazon account?
I have attached the screenshot.
blackantt said:
Hi,
I am not a subscriber of Amazon video instent. I just booked Netflix and huluplus on my fire TV. Today I clicked and watched the movie on the top of fire tv.
Will the Amazon charge money from my credit card bound with the Amazon account?
I have attached the screenshot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You screenshot shows "Transparent "see here http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-HD/dp/B00I3MNF6S
1st episode for free the rest only with prime *now* February 22, 2015
yesterday it was for free http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/transparent-amazon-stream-entire-season-765937
Just put pin for instant purchases so you don't make any purchases you didn't intend to.
It will clearly have a price if they will charge you for anything.
Hello everybody,
I probably have a stupid question, but how do I know which stick generation to buy from amazon now? Is it mantis or bueller? Is that Generation 2 or 3? I don't get it... Amazon doesn't list any informations about device names.
Thx in advance
koboltzz said:
Hello everybody,
I probably have a stupid question, but how do I know which stick generation to buy from amazon now? Is it mantis or bueller? Is that Generation 2 or 3? I don't get it... Amazon doesn't list any informations about device names.
Thx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connect with adb, type adb shell and watch out for the name
Stick names from first gen to last, montoya, tank, mantis
First gen box is bueller, 4k second gen is sloane.
The 4k stick currently sold is mantis, the third gen.
the non 4k is the second gen tank
Sus_i said:
Connect with adb, type adb shell and watch out for the name
Stick names from first gen to last, montoya, tank, mantis
First gen box is bueller, 4k second gen is sloane.
The 4k stick currently sold is mantis, the third gen.
the non 4k is the second gen tank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your answer
I know how to do that after I bought the device, I meant how to find out what the devices are named before buying them from Amazon.
At that moment Amazon lists a normal Fire TV Stick, a Fire TV Stick 4K and a Fire TV Cube. Mantis is which one?
koboltzz said:
Thx for your answer
I know how to do that after I bought the device, I meant how to find out what the devices are named before buying them from Amazon.
At that moment Amazon lists a normal Fire TV Stick, a Fire TV Stick 4K and a Fire TV Cube. Mantis is which one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said earlier, mantis is the third generation FireTVstick, i.e. the current 4k stick.
That 'normal' stick is the second gen stick, called 'tank', i.e. the current Fire TV Stick without 4k.
Sus_i said:
As I said earlier, mantis is the third generation FireTVstick, i.e. the current 4k stick.
That 'normal' stick is the second gen stick, called 'tank', i.e. the current Fire TV Stick without 4k.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thank you again, but you must forgive me. I didn't expect Amazon to offer different generations at the same time. With the fire tablets, only one generation is offered at the same time and next year, when the Fire 7 FullHD comes out, the old one disappears from the shop overnight. So I thought that there are two current fire sticks, a FullHD and a 4K variant and not that the first one would be the old one. There are still a lot of FullHD TVs out there.
koboltzz said:
So I thought that there are two current fire sticks, a FullHD and a 4K variant and not that the first one would be the old one. There are still a lot of FullHD TVs out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, they sell different stick versions... as of today the second and third generation.
There are two second Gen Stick versions out (stick without 4k), one with and one without alexa (I think the one without alexa is called international version), but both are 'tank' devices.
If you wan't the newest stick, go for the 4k fireTVStick, called mantis.
Sus_i said:
Yeah, they sell different stick versions... as of today the second and third generation.
There are two second Gen Stick versions out (stick without 4k), one with and one without alexa (I think the one without alexa is called international version), but both are 'tank' devices.
If you wan't the newest stick, go for the 4k fireTVStick, called mantis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But per OP, no way to identify the model Amazon will actually ship you I assume.
ldeveraux said:
But per OP, no way to identify the model Amazon will actually ship you I assume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope Of course you can identify the Stick model, i.e. decide which variant you buy...
like I said, only the new stick is 4k capable (QFHD), you see this in the amz. offer and ofcourse that stick is a bit more expensive than the older FullHD variant.
For identify the older FullHD stick, the 'basic' or 'international' version is imho the variant without alexa... slightly cheaper than the normal FullHD fireStick with alexa (and a better remote).