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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Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep.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Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep.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.
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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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).
Click to expand...
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.
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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?
Click to expand...
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.
Hi Everyone,
A friend of mine was telling about the FTV and I thought I'd look into it. I currently have an ATV2 with XBMC installed. For the most part it works pretty good. Icefilms is hit and miss, but I don't use it very often. ATV2 is kinda getting slow and after reading about the FTV I want one. I was wondering if someone can sort me out.
First,
If I buy a unit from Amazon can it still be rooted? I heard there was a software update in June and wondering if it's been locked up like Apple does with their stuff?
Second,
I use a Harmony One remote and heard Flirc works with the Harmony Remote. Can anyone confirm this?
Third,
That same friend who told me bought the FTV said he watched a youtube video on the FTV with XBMC installed on it and said it ran really slow. Now the video was from April, so I'm hoping XBMC has made some big improvements so it works well with FTV.
Thanks,
Chevy
Yes
If you get a FireTV you will need to use URL blocking in your router to block the amazon URLs for updates before connecting the FireTV to your network. Then you will be able to use GeoHot's Towelroot to root it and disable the Amazon updater. You will want to look into SPMC (a modified version of XBMC with special patches for Android devices, etc.)
It general it is much better than ATV2......FLIRC works with Harmony remotes although I haven't got around to setting mine up yet.
All the necessary info is here on the forum. Just read through some of the the threads.
Since I don't wanna make a whole topic,here is something that makes Fire TV chug a little.
Try this expirimental WebGL thingy in Chrome for Android on Fire TV.
http://www.chromeexperiments.com/detail/eye-texture-raytracer/
It even makes my mouse controls lag a bit,but otherwise does a nice job considering how extreme the test is.
Edit:More things to look at on a Fire TV using Chrome or Opera browser.
http://www.threejs.org/
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
chevy2410 said:
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it cheaper/more expensive? Definitely get it from amazon. That way it is fully warrantied under your name if you have any problems they will help you. I got mine from Best Buy and it had the firmware 51.1.1.0_user_511069920.. It downloaded the next update automatically which is 51.1.1.0_user_511070220 (the last rootable firmware). I even clicked "check for updates" and it never pushed the un-rootable version.
I think they sent out a limited roll out of the unrootable firmware since the according to amazon this is the same version I have.
sorry cant post the link since im a new user search google for "amazon fire tv firmware" should be the first link
I would recommend to block the updates either on the router by blocking the amazon domains or using adb and disabling the apk which updates the ftv
chevy2410 said:
Thanks all. I'm going to get one. One question though, I was looking on eBay and found a bunch that were already rooted and had xbmc or spmc already installed. In the description they were saying "get them while you can as the new version is unrootable". Anyone think it's OK to buy from eBay or just go with Amazon?
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was in the same boat as you couple of weeks ago, had a ATV2 got a FTV for someone else and realized how much faster and better it was so I sold my ATV for $250, and bought a FTV for myself. On top of that I bought 2 more to install xbmc and sell
Anyways, the FTV runs wicked fast with XBMC, not sure what you saw but there is a pretty good video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G23u1TtluE
I'd say just buy one from amazon, too bad they were just on sale for $84 a few days ago and staples even had them down as low as $65 after some coupon.
The rooting is simple and fast and to disable the updates is just 1 command you type in. I wouldn't pay more for a unit that's already rooted unless I didn't know wtf I was doing.
I would recommend to block the updates either on the router by blocking the amazon domains or using adb and disabling the apk which updates the ftv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the URL is for blocking the updates?
The rooting is simple and fast and to disable the updates is just 1 command you type in. I wouldn't pay more for a unit that's already rooted unless I didn't know wtf I was doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty handy at rooting and so forth. I've rooted my wife and myself android phones over the last few years so this should be pretty straight forward. I think I'll just get it through Amazon, just in case I need warranty or something.
Thanks,
Chevy
chevy2410 said:
Do you know what the URL is for blocking the updates?
I'm pretty handy at rooting and so forth. I've rooted my wife and myself android phones over the last few years so this should be pretty straight forward. I think I'll just get it through Amazon, just in case I need warranty or something.
Thanks,
Chevy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are instructions here, http://www.aftvnews.com/ for taking a new box and installing without getting updates and then blocking updates.
Thanks to everyone for all the info. I bought one from Amazon and should have it on Tuesday.
Chevy
Hi, I want to first thank every body working on this to give us the best experience possible with our aftv boxes.
I know root is currently unavailable for newer aftv versions. So, I was wondering if there is someone currently working on getting that sorted out and if is making any good progress. I wish he/she/they are progressing.
If so, which version is the one is currently being worked on?
PS. Admins, move this to the appropriate forum if needed.
I am also interested by this whole thing, as I got my AFTV from Amazon Germany this week and think that many others will get it from the same batch (unrootable latest version) mine is turned off as I have no way to block the update addresses... It's horror to have a new toy and not be able to play with it...
Of course, I would be willing to test everything you throw at me to get root working
Was thinking of picking up a second Fire TV (my first one is rooted with Xposed and XBMC launcher). I see from your post that new versions from Amazon can't be rooted yet. Anybody know if the ones in Staples are on versions that can't be rooted?
ks-man said:
Was thinking of picking up a second Fire TV (my first one is rooted with Xposed and XBMC launcher). I see from your post that new versions from Amazon can't be rooted yet. Anybody know if the ones in Staples are on versions that can't be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine at staples about two weeks ago. It was the last they one they had at the time, but I was able to root it, no worries.
Yup, I picked one up on Wednesday and was able to root it without issue. They still had a bunch there. Thanks.
I would like to give a friend in NZ an AFTV bought in the UK. He already has a UK Amazon account but Amazon won't ship there.
Just wondering to what extent Amazon geoblocks the outside world? I understand Amazon Prime, and other apps like the BBC, will block their streaming content internationally, but will he still be able to set it up and install other apps without a VPN?
Claude Koch said:
I would like to give a friend in Australia an AFTV bought in the UK. He already has a UK Amazon account but Amazon won't ship there.
Just wondering to what extent Amazon geoblocks the outside world? I understand Amazon Prime, and other apps like the BBC, will block their streaming content internationally, but will he still be able to set it up and install other apps without a VPN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, he can use smart dns providers like Smart DNS Proxy or Unlocator to stream region blocked content.
gopichandpai said:
Yes, he can use smart dns providers to stream region blocked content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I meant what can you do without such a service: can you still load the homescreen and download apps?
Claude Koch said:
Thanks, but I meant what can you do without such a service: can you still load the homescreen and download apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without any DNS service, home screen will load but you can't play any region restricted videos. You can install Kodi and use it as well.
gopichandpai said:
Without any DNS service, home screen will load but you can't play any region restricted videos. You can install Kodi and use it as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good.
Thanks!
Claude Koch said:
That's good.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the firetv for my parents mainly for Kodi. You can purchase movies on Amazon just fine. Kodi has a lot of benefits, nntp etc. that alone makes this box a great device.
I'm far from those places and use my fire TV as my main media player. I used droid VPN to access prime content but its all kind of crappy so I stopped. Once you're rooted there's a ton of stuff you can do with it and price to power it has no rival.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
jamboss said:
I'm far from those places and use my fire TV as my main media player. I used droid VPN to access prime content but its all kind of crappy so I stopped. Once you're rooted there's a ton of stuff you can do with it and price to power it has no rival.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting's a thing of the past, unfortunately, but it's still a good box for Kodi.
Claude Koch said:
Rooting's a thing of the past, unfortunately, but it's still a good box for Kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can still snag lots of those rootable boxes on ebay. I just got one last week.
navigates said:
you can still snag lots of those rootable boxes on ebay. I just got one last week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, there they are. Quite pricey with shipping though. Remind me, what do you get with root that's worth the premium?
Claude Koch said:
Ah yes, there they are. Quite pricey with shipping though. Remind me, what do you get with root that's worth the premium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We should have a sticky with possibilities for root. For starters i need root for quicksupport/teamviewer. I regularly help family setup and fix things through remote desktop. Second is emulators. the purchased ones that work very well with the firetv. google play works very well. the possibility of a custom rom which is very close in the making. The Power options in Kodi shows up only in the rooted versions, however with the new release, there is a sleep shortcut as well. and the biggest is the expansion of base drive through SSD on NTFS which is still not possible.
As for the price difference. Firetv retail is about 100 + tax which is 109 here in California. On ebay its 120 shipped. Its about 11 bucks more.
I’ve had Kodi since I got my FireStick on Black Friday of 2016. I’ve been trying to customize it as much as possible but I know it’s Lipitor’s without root. Added the HA launcher and love it. Want to debloat the amazon crap to make it faster. Anyway to do this?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
yungskeeme01 said:
I’ve had Kodi since I got my FireStick on Black Friday of 2016. I’ve been trying to customize it as much as possible but I know it’s Lipitor’s without root. Added the HA launcher and love it. Want to debloat the amazon crap to make it faster. Anyway to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, there is no currently known method to remove/disable bloatware on devices that are running firmware 5.2.6.1 or higher.
Damn. Ok thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Due to the new firmware you should only buy a current Fire TV device if you mainly use Amazon Prime!
That was exactly the goal Amazon was pursuing
^ Bull****. My debloated Firestick 2 broke. Still can do everything I could do before, with its replacement 5.26.1 (boot to new launcher etc). Only thing missing is voice search in Leanback.
Would you be so kind as to share? There is A LOT of information to sift through and AFTVNews is actually still indicating that the Fire TV 3 can't be rooted, which we know isn't necessarily true now (given firmware level).
Thank you!