Develop Bugs

SlimPort adapters

Anybody have one or planning on getting one? I'm kinda bummed I'll have to get another one (already have MHL) dumb competing standards. The few available on Amazon seem overpriced (in the $30 range) for a chunk of plastic and some wire.

Buy the one from analogix. That is the official one and it does cost $30. It is pricy when compared to regular MHL adaptors, but its worth it if you plan on using it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I can confirm that the slimport in the link below works perfectly with the new nexus 7, including 1080p video and audio output http://www.amazon.com/SlimPort®-SP1...4962024&sr=8-1&keywords=slimport+hdmi+adapter

Won't a chromecast work? And only 5 more dollars. Sorry if I'm wrong. Its happened many times lol.
Sent from my nexus 7 2nd gen

moz90 said:
Won't a chromecast work? And only 5 more dollars. Sorry if I'm wrong. Its happened many times lol.
Sent from my nexus 7 2nd gen
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What the cable gets you that the chromecast doesn't is direct streaming of content. chromecast does not currently support file playback through gallery. All direct streaming from the device (not from the internet) is "beta"
So say you want to play an MP4 file, you'd need this

Nuckin said:
What the cable gets you that the chromecast doesn't is direct streaming of content. chromecast does not currently support file playback through gallery. All direct streaming from the device (not from the internet) is "beta"
So say you want to play an MP4 file, you'd need this
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Click to collapse
I can use this to play my droid games on the tv screen then?

LauraSakura said:
I can use this to play my droid games on the tv screen then?
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Click to collapse
Absolutely. I use slim port with a ps3 controller and six axis app to do just that.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Nuckin said:
What the cable gets you that the chromecast doesn't is direct streaming of content. chromecast does not currently support file playback through gallery. All direct streaming from the device (not from the internet) is "beta"
So say you want to play an MP4 file, you'd need this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So will you be able to use chromecast at some point for everything?
Sent from my nexus 7 2nd gen

moz90 said:
So will you be able to use chromecast at some point for everything?
Sent from my nexus 7 2nd gen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not but I suspect playing local content from your phone will but added soon but that's just a guess, games prob not due to lag and graphical limitations

i debate turning back to wires like this when i do enjoy what my chromecast does while also having hopes for the wireless display option to be 1:1 for all functions

I didn't even notice the port was not MHL. What nincompoop opted to go with this rather than MHL? Maybe I don't know something I should here, but hasn't MHL been around for a couple years now? And is there anything allegedly superior about slimport that would make it desirable over MHL?
This is just a little disappointing to me because both of my Samsung phones use MHL and at this point my backpack is already the subject of Guantanamo style field stripping every time I fly international.

earlymorninghours said:
I didn't even notice the port was not MHL. What nincompoop opted to go with this rather than MHL? Maybe I don't know something I should here, but hasn't MHL been around for a couple years now? And is there anything allegedly superior about slimport that would make it desirable over MHL?
This is just a little disappointing to me because both of my Samsung phones use MHL and at this point my backpack is already the subject of Guantanamo style field stripping every time I fly international.
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Since its Nexus line, Google would follow what they did with the N4. Why don't you just check it?

MyDP (SlimPort) adapters are appearing on eBay for less than $20USD which I think is pretty good value. SlimPort has some clear advantages over MHL (scaling/no need to have charger plugged in etc).
Examples:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slimport-My...998?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a834e9746
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slimport-My...614?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7ca7a1de
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MYDP-SlimPo...=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3cd3ea9ea3

ritzxda said:
MyDP (SlimPort) adapters are appearing on eBay for less than $20USD which I think is pretty good value. SlimPort has some clear advantages over MHL (scaling/no need to have charger plugged in etc).
Examples:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slimport-My...998?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a834e9746
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slimport-My...614?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7ca7a1de
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MYDP-SlimPo...=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3cd3ea9ea3
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Thats because they are shipping direct from China....

Oleschuldad said:
Thats because they are shipping direct from China....
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Yes and? Sorry not being rude but don't see the point. I just thought I'd let people know they can get them shipped world wide for a pretty good price now. Not all of us live in America. Thanks.

ritzxda said:
Yes and? Sorry not being rude but don't see the point. I just thought I'd let people know they can get them shipped world wide for a pretty good price now. Not all of us live in America. Thanks.
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not busting on you...just clarifying why they are so cheap... kinda like buying from Meritline... cheap prices, just have to wait awhile cuz its shipping from China is all...

Oleschuldad said:
not busting on you...just clarifying why they are so cheap... kinda like buying from Meritline... cheap prices, just have to wait awhile cuz its shipping from China is all...
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Haha no worries. That's true. It will take a long time to arrive. They've just been really hard to get even through Asia so just thought I'd let people know since I came across them. Thanks.

I'm looking for one too. Even the one on ebay cost around $20 from china. Not counting waiting for over a month for it. Bought more than a few items from china, and only about 50% of them ever work.

Just be careful with the non analogical brand slimport adaptors. People from the N4 were having problems with certain ones. You can check in the N4 accessories thread as there is more information about them there.
I can confirm that the official one works perfect.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Got the 30$ analogix one and tried it out last night.. works great on the new N7!

Thoughts on Fire Tv with XBMC?

Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet. But again, this would be mainly used for XBMC.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.

DHeffernan said:
Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.

lolwatpear said:
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.
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What benefit does rooting give the device?
To my understaning it doesn't need to be rooted to run XBMC? But if so, what benefits does rooting give it?

DHeffernan said:
What benefit does rooting give the device?
To my understaning it doesn't need to be rooted to run XBMC? But if so, what benefits does rooting give it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will allow you to boot straight to XBMC and use it as a launcher:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
I think there might be a way without root, but I didn't bother with that method. Otherwise, you can launch XBMC using an existing app's icon on the default launcher to easily get to it:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?titl...C_from_an_Existing_App_on_the_FTV_Home_Screen
The problem with not doing one of these things is that in order to launch XBMC, you would need to go to the settings menu, then to the installed applications section and finally launch it. It's way too may steps to do this constantly.

lolwatpear said:
Rooting will allow you to boot straight to XBMC and use it a launcher:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790392
I think there might be a way without root, but I didn't bother with that method. Otherwise, you can launch XBMC using an existing app's icon on the default launcher to easily get to it:
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?titl...C_from_an_Existing_App_on_the_FTV_Home_Screen
The problem with not doing one of these things is that in order to launch XBMC, you would need to go to the settings menu, then to the installed applications section and finally launch it. It's way too may steps to do this constantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh I see what you mean now, basically the second part is how my ATV2 is. I have to go to the XBMC icon to launch it.
Yah the rooting would be benefical on the FireTV then as I am trying to make this as user friendly as possible so launching straight into XBMC would probably be their preferred choice anyways.

..

DHeffernan said:
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet.
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Click to collapse
I'm in Canada and have Netflix, Pandora, etc all working great with VPN. Also, I sold both my Apple TV 2s and replaced them with Fire TVs. I am not looking back. The Apple TVs were dated and showed their age. The Fire TVs with XBMC are incredibly fast. The only thing Fire TVs are missing is AirPlay, but you can download AirPlay receiver apps on the Fire TV that will allow you to beam content easily. Here's an idea: Sell your Apple TV to your friend for $150-$175 (perfectly reasonable price for 2nd Gen), then use that money to upgrade yourself to an Amazon Fire TV for $99 while pocketing the difference.

DHeffernan said:
Currently have an ATV2 and was asked by a friend for something similar so they can have XBMC along with the Video addons to watch Icefilms etc..
Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep. I've come across the Fire TV and it seems to do the trick and it even has a remote which would involve less tinkering to get working etc.
My question is, how well is the Fire TV & XBMC setup? They care only really about the Video addons to run IceFilms, ProjectFreeTV etc.. to watch Movies/Shows.
I'm in Canada and as far as I understand Netflix etc wouldn't work since the device technically isnt supported here yet. But again, this would be mainly used for XBMC.
I know there is some other devices out there that can run the XBMC platform well, but they require then further hacking of making a universal remote to work, or hooking up a keyboard or mouse. I am looking for the cleanest solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no comparison the hardware in the FireTV is far superior to the ATV2 not to mention you can run tons of android apps on it. The menu and fan art load times are much faster, it feels like a polished product instead of something that could reboot at any minute. XBMC has been much more stable on the FireTV. I sold my ATV2 on ebay for $230 and didn't look back. I suggest you do the same before the bottom falls out of the market for them.

Well I ordered up a FireTV last evening off ebay $130 shipped, cheapest I could find for us Canadians. You guys have a better source?
But I think you guys might have me convinced on selling my ATV2 and switching over to the FireTV, I don't use anything else on the AppleTV besides XBMC and sometimes the Radio app from Apple..
My ATV2 is still running 5.3 so its jailbroken but untethered. I know some version require the tethered jailbreak, so I think mine would bump up in value even more?

DHeffernan said:
Well I ordered up a FireTV last evening off ebay $130 shipped, cheapest I could find for us Canadians. You guys have a better source?
But I think you guys might have me convinced on selling my ATV2 and switching over to the FireTV, I don't use anything else on the AppleTV besides XBMC and sometimes the Radio app from Apple..
My ATV2 is still running 5.3 so its jailbroken but untethered. I know some version require the tethered jailbreak, so I think mine would bump up in value even more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct you will usually get more money for an untethered jail break. It took a little work to get the FireTV setup the way I wanted it but I am very happy I made the switch. With the money I made from selling the AppleTV I am thinking about getting a second one.

XBMC on FireTV is simply amazing.
I don't have any experience with those streaming add-ons though. My XBMC plays local media only (on smb).

Newcron said:
XBMC on FireTV is simply amazing.
I don't have any experience with those streaming add-ons though. My XBMC plays local media only (on smb).
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Click to collapse
Same here. I love XBMC on Fire TV. Works great. I've tried streaming add-ons with no issues, although I admittedly haven't watch an entire movie via a streaming add-on. But all-in-all, I'm very happy with the purchase and would buy another if I could justify it with the wife.

No brainer!
XBMC on FIRE TV dominates. ATV2 is a weak dinosaur in comparison.
Hope that helps.

As someone that ran a full house, multiple front end, centralized backend database, XBMC setup on mini-PCs for years before switching to Rokus and a FireTV, I'd call XBMC on FireTV a huge win. Ultimately, you are not going to beat the power and flexibility of a mini-PC running something like OpenElec (an embedded XBMC install), but FireTV gets you access to all the great Android apps and at a price you'd never be able to match with a mini-PC with similar performance. Plus, XBMC on FireTV is easier - it just works.

would love a work up on on best feature add-ons for XBMC , the amount of options and add-ons is overwhelming .

mcsephoenix said:
You are correct you will usually get more money for an untethered jail break. It took a little work to get the FireTV setup the way I wanted it but I am very happy I made the switch. With the money I made from selling the AppleTV I am thinking about getting a second one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great call on the upgrade. hola android app also works with the stock netflix app to access US netflix from canada with no charge.

Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?

DHeffernan said:
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
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Click to collapse
Sure. Amazon.com. $99. Ones on Ebay are probably rooted.

jmerrilljr2 said:
Sure. Amazon.com. $99. Ones on Ebay are probably rooted.
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Click to collapse
In Canada.. FireTV is not officialy sold here. So I can't order it off amazon.

DHeffernan said:
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
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Click to collapse
If $130 is all-in price, then it isn't bad, cheapest would be around $120. If you think it in a different way, if FTV was to be launched in Canada, its price would be something like $110 CAD & with tax would come around $125 CAD (don't know your exact location so tax can differ).
If you don't wanna cross border, I would say ebay is your best bet as local Kijiji would most probably be costlier.

Fire TV or Something else...

So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!

Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.

I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.

The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).

psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.

Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.

dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk

Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.

If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.

Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.

Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/

psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?

sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.

Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.

I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...

dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.

navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...

dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.

My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.

The other way around, fire tv on generic android box?

Sorry if this is dumb/answered ? but their is so much noise about jailbreak/rooting fire tv hardware I can't seem to find if their is a way to load a fire tv rom onto a generic box? I'd like to take a generic quad core $40ish box and spoof it into a easy to use $100 fire tv box, I planning on giving this away to my aunt and for $40 ok, but at $100 not so much.. I thinking I'm gonna end up with getting the ftv stick, unless their are free range fire roms I'm unaware of??

scottfree1 said:
Sorry if this is dumb/answered ? but their is so much noise about jailbreak/rooting fire tv hardware I can't seem to find if their is a way to load a fire tv rom onto a generic box? I'd like to take a generic quad core $40ish box and spoof it into a easy to use $100 fire tv box, I planning on giving this away to my aunt and for $40 ok, but at $100 not so much.. I thinking I'm gonna end up with getting the ftv stick, unless their are free range fire roms I'm unaware of??
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it's not dumb, but I think with different hardware, it just doesn't mesh...

Not sure about the hardware, some of the $50 china boxes "seem" to be snapdragon but are they? Like this one..
M8 qualcomm AML8726-M8 Quad Core Cortex A9 2.0 GHz TV Box
http://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...0042986616.html?spm=a2700.7724838.35.1.yD46Nw

scottfree1 said:
Not sure about the hardware, some of the $50 china boxes "seem" to be snapdragon but are they? Like this one..
M8 qualcomm AML8726-M8 Quad Core Cortex A9 2.0 GHz TV Box
http://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...0042986616.html?spm=a2700.7724838.35.1.yD46Nw
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Even if they were snapdragon, this would be a challenging attempt. There are far more nuances than just the hardware itself to get something like this done. more power to you if you wanted to attempt it, but your best bet would be to get the Fire TV Stick if you want around a $40 price tag.

xm41907 said:
Even if they were snapdragon, this would be a challenging attempt. There are far more nuances than just the hardware itself to get something like this done. more power to you if you wanted to attempt it, but your best bet would be to get the Fire TV Stick if you want around a $40 price tag.
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Yeah, I really don't like locked down devices, esp. ones where like amz they actually spend programming $$ on disabling available workarounds. I'm fine with a tos of were locked and if you break the lock you're on your own, but not with, I see your lock is broken.. Don't worry we'll fix that, bring me some cement!!
But, I need to remind myself IT NOT FOR ME, not sure it worked, my aunt is 75 but pretty technically competent working in accounts rec. before retiring so she has plenty of time on a computer. But still the generic boxes just aren't slick enough for me to give as a gift. And I have a prime account that I don't use for streaming so I figured that fire would be A relative hassel free device.
Shes coming to visit this week and to avoid the $300ish to get a 5th tv on my sat system, I figure a ftv in the guest room, and if she likes it she takes it home. Anyone know if amazon is gonna throw a fit if my address is socal, and my ftv is in wash. st.?

scottfree1 said:
Anyone know if amazon is gonna throw a fit if my address is socal, and my ftv is in wash. st.?
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You will be OK doing so. I live in North Carolina and set my sister up with the Fire TV and Amazon Prime in New York. Be sure to enable pin protection so no unwanted purchases get tied to your Amazon account.

So she is streaming from your prime account, have you used it at the same time from your location? Did amazon pre-crime show-up throwing spiders? (sorry watched minority report this weekend)

Refurbished Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote version?

Anyone know what version the referbs are, or is it randomness? Also is the root/mod situation? Is it the same/similar as the fire tablets? I have few of the fire 5th gens 5.1.x that are right at the cutoff and "seni-rootable" and was hoping to find at least hope that I can use the stuff I buy like I actually own it..
https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Re...01ETRH0AM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

It is random. The FireStick2 has never been rooted. You can side-load apps though.

Thanks, Amazon is such a pain in the azz. The hardware is "ok" (aka it's cheap) but the hoops amazon makes you jump through to use YOUR purchase like YOU actually own is just ridiculous.
Here's an idea for ya amazon, how about you make your products good enough that people actually WANT to use it instead of having to FORCE people to use it..

scottfree1 said:
Thanks, Amazon is such a pain in the azz. The hardware is "ok" (aka it's cheap) but the hoops amazon makes you jump through to use YOUR purchase like YOU actually own is just ridiculous.
Here's an idea for ya amazon, how about you make your products good enough that people actually WANT to use it instead of having to FORCE people to use it..
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Or......you can just go and buy a different product. :good:

kfernandes29 said:
Or......you can just go and buy a different product. :good:
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Thats what I did, and excuse me for attempting to figure out whether amazons monopolistic anti-completive practices were as bad as they are on the fire tablet, turns out they are worse. And having to ask who has ultimate control over what you do with the products you purchase is not a question that you should have to ask..