Develop Bugs

[Q] ALLCAST by Koush mirroring?

I've had a Chromecast since the device was launched and mirroring was really the one thing I wished that device did. I find that streaming from my phone or tablet to be slow on that, overall, so I was intrigued with the Amazon Fire TV launched and Koush was able to get mirroring to work with very little latency. He praised the Fire TV for being having better streaming quality and capabilities than Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV, when streaming media from Android devices.
I then saw the YouTube video him using the mirroring features from the app AllCast on his Amazon TV and it looked flawless. He advertised that mirroring was available via the app, but I haven't actually run across anyone that has been able to get this to work using his apps. On top of that, I've had problems with my phone (HTC One) or tablet (Nexus 7 1st Gen) recognizing my Fire TV when connected through my Comcast router. It seems to work via my Amped Wireless Router, but not Comcast, for whatever reason.
Next, streaming seems very poor overall. buffering times are no better than what I was getting with my Chromecast using the AllCast app.
Has anyone had better luck with AllCast and their Fire TV? Has anyone gotten mirroring to work? If so, how?
I've been posting on the Google+ page here and have not had any luck.
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/cbwdhJvg2vk

dmm5157 said:
I've had a Chromecast since the device was launched and mirroring was really the one thing I wished that device did. I find that streaming from my phone or tablet to be slow on that, overall, so I was intrigued with the Amazon Fire TV launched and Koush was able to get mirroring to work with very little latency. He praised the Fire TV for being having better streaming quality and capabilities than Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV, when streaming media from Android devices.
I then saw the YouTube video him using the mirroring features from the app AllCast on his Amazon TV and it looked flawless. He advertised that mirroring was available via the app, but I haven't actually run across anyone that has been able to get this to work using his apps. On top of that, I've had problems with my phone (HTC One) or tablet (Nexus 7 1st Gen) recognizing my Fire TV when connected through my Comcast router. It seems to work via my Amped Wireless Router, but not Comcast, for whatever reason.
Next, streaming seems very poor overall. buffering times are no better than what I was getting with my Chromecast using the AllCast app.
Has anyone had better luck with AllCast and their Fire TV? Has anyone gotten mirroring to work? If so, how?
I've been posting on the Google+ page here and have not had any luck.
https://plus.google.com/110558071969009568835/posts/cbwdhJvg2vk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it worked right at least sending videos and photos, the connection between my nexus 5 and FTV was quick, but I didn't try the mirror. I'm using for router an asus rt-ac66u and is coneccted wired.

It doesn't work very well for higher quality/HD video streaming - buffer and lag issues. It is good for photos and whatnot though. Using my S4 and the Fire.

2fastkuztoms said:
For me it worked right at least sending videos and photos, the connection between my nexus 5 and FTV was quick, but I didn't try the mirror. I'm using for router an asus rt-ac66u and is coneccted wired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had some major issues when I first got it. Was visiting my in-laws this weekend and bought the Amazon Fire TV to be able to share pictures and videos of our baby with family. I spent 2 hours trying to get my AllCast to recognize the Amazon Fire TV and Allcast app on the device, no luck. didn't work with my Nexus 7 as well. I ended up resorting to uploading my pictures to Amazon Cloud Drive and showed the pictures/vidoes that way. The buffering time was horrible for videos, though.
When we finally got home Sunday night, I tried it on our TV and noticed I had the same issue when connecting to my Comcast router (same one my MIL has at her house). Luckily I have a separate router I use as a Wifi extender, so was able to get it to recognize my Fire TV with that connection.
Overall, I haven't been very impressed with the Fire TV, as compared to my Roku, Chromecast, or my dad's Apple TV. The one "must have" feature I wanted that this one seemed to have, as well as the apps and other features, was mirroring Android. If I'm not able to get that to work similar to how Koush was able to in his YouTube video, I'll probably pack it up and take it back to Best Buy for a return. Bummer, because it is a nice device, just already have too many other devices that do the same thing.

The AllCast app is finally available on Amazon Appstore (with the optional premium in app purchase) to work with AllCast for Fire TV app. Finally I can use my Amazon coins for something other than games!
AllCast and Amazon's version of Youtube have the ability to cast from Android devices to the Fire TV, just like Chromecast. They work great!

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.
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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.

It's helpful for buffering to uninstall the original hulu!

Hi,
I encountered the serious buffering on original hulu app on my fire tv. (It's not bandwidth's fault. my bandwidth is about 50M. meanwhile my netflix works as well. and the hulu on my Samsung smart Tv works as well. because there is a quality option to adjust the video. when I encounter the buffering, I just lower the quality , then It's ok). however there is not a quality option for original hulu app on fire tv.
So last night I uninstalled the original hulu, then sideloaded the hulu.apk. It's much better, I got the quality option and I can adjust the quality of video with mouse. Sometimes I still get the buffering.
1. Does anyone who play hulu on fire tv encounter the same trouble on amazon fire tv? How do you cope with the trouble?
2. I got dozes hulu app from xda, which version is suitable for fire tv? (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1822341)
3. if I setup the XBMC, Can I decrease the buffering of hulu?
4. if I buy a Andodid box, and setup hulu.apk, Can I solve this touble? I can't bare the hulu buffering on my fire tv
thanks

AFTV ver.1 Video Playback micro stutters (local media files over network)

Ok So I have an AFTV ver. 1 Running Fire OS 5.0.5 and Kodi 16.0. and all of my media files will micro stutter (doesn't matter if the file is High Bitrate or not) my settings are as follows:
I have Audio Pass through enabled with Resample rate set to Low (my receiver can handle DD and DTS and the sound comes out as expected)
I have also set in video settings set display to match source refresh rate (i have tried both "Always" and "On Start/Stop")
For the Most Part the video files play fine, but every so often the file will micro stutter. All of my files are h.264 mkv's (either blu-ray rips or HD TV shows) The TV shows seem to do it the worst. I have searched the web for answers and can't figure it out. One theory that I have is that the AFTV can't output and any other refresh rate than 60hz so that is causing a problem with things that were filmed in 23.97fps or 29.97fps. If anyone has any advice for me I would really be thankful.
I may be making a big deal out of nothing, but coming from a WD TV Live box I didn't have any problems like this, don't get me wrong I wont be going back to the WD now that I have the speed of KODI, but I just want to know if its a limitation of the Hardware.
Edit I have come to the acceptance that it is a limit of the hardware. I grabbed my roommates FTV ver 2 (also updated to Fire OS 5.0.5 and running KODI 16.0 and configured it the exact same way) ran the same files and they played flawlessly. Looks like I will be upgrading.

jdawg0024 said:
Ok So I have an AFTV ver. 1 Running Fire OS 5.0.5 and Kodi 16.0. and all of my media files will micro stutter (doesn't matter if the file is High Bitrate or not) my settings are as follows:
I have Audio Pass through enabled with Resample rate set to Low (my receiver can handle DD and DTS and the sound comes out as expected)
I have also set in video settings set display to match source refresh rate (i have tried both "Always" and "On Start/Stop")
For the Most Part the video files play fine, but every so often the file will micro stutter. All of my files are h.264 mkv's (either blu-ray rips or HD TV shows) The TV shows seem to do it the worst. I have searched the web for answers and can't figure it out. One theory that I have is that the AFTV can't output and any other refresh rate than 60hz so that is causing a problem with things that were filmed in 23.97fps or 29.97fps. If anyone has any advice for me I would really be thankful.
I may be making a big deal out of nothing, but coming from a WD TV Live box I didn't have any problems like this, don't get me wrong I wont be going back to the WD now that I have the speed of KODI, but I just want to know if its a limitation of the Hardware.
Edit I have come to the acceptance that it is a limit of the hardware. I grabbed my roommates FTV ver 2 (also updated to Fire OS 5.0.5 and running KODI 16.0 and configured it the exact same way) ran the same files and they played flawlessly. Looks like I will be upgrading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the exact same issue running the aftv1, but using plex not kodi. I'll try my aftv2 like you to see if it makes a difference. It shouldn't [emoji2]

Try turning off rate switching. AFAIK Android does not yet support this.

jmerrilljr2 said:
Try turning off rate switching. AFAIK Android does not yet support this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried rate switching on and off. Same problem. Doesn't happen on the FTV 2

I have no idea what is going on with your set-up but I can tell you that I have 4 FireTv1 units in my home and I can watch different content from my NAS without any issues at all.
I do not think we should be blaming the hardware......... just saying

bula1ca said:
I have no idea what is going on with your set-up but I can tell you that I have 4 FireTv1 units in my home and I can watch different content from my NAS without any issues at all.
I do not think we should be blaming the hardware....I am just saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind posting your video and audio settings? Also what version Kodi are you running?

jdawg0024 said:
Would you mind posting your video and audio settings? Also what version Kodi are you running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will post them when I get home tonight but honestly I do not remember doing anything special other then install zero cache. BTW have you ever use Raw Maintenance to clean cache etc. I will recommend using it once a week at least. BTW I am on v16 at the moment just updated few days back from v15.2

bula1ca said:
I will post them when I get home tonight but honestly I do not remember doing anything special other then install zero cache. BTW have you ever use Raw Maintenance to clean cache etc. I will recommend using it once a week at least. BTW I am on v16 at the moment just updated few days back from v15.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have zero cached enabled already and I will try to clean the cache

jdawg0024 said:
I have zero cached enabled already and I will try to clean the cache
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a search on youtube on how to install Raw Maintenance, it has three options Clear Cache, Deletes Thumbnails and Purge Packages

bula1ca said:
Do a search on youtube on how to install Raw Maintenance, it has three options Clear Cache, Deletes Thumbnails and Purge Packages
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that can be done from the maintenance tool add-on. Under general maintenance.

bula1ca said:
I have no idea what is going on with your set-up but I can tell you that I have 4 FireTv1 units in my home and I can watch different content from my NAS without any issues at all.
I do not think we should be blaming the hardware......... just saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about your video encoding settings, what file formats, codecs you use that work well...

Thanks for all of the suggestions, but I have purchased a Fire TV gen 2 and it has fixed all my problems. I have it set up the exact same way as the gen 1 and everything plays great

jdawg0024 said:
Thanks for all of the suggestions, but I have purchased a Fire TV gen 2 and it has fixed all my problems. I have it set up the exact same way as the gen 1 and everything plays great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you didn't "fix" the problem at all, you circumvented it by buying another piece of hardware [emoji6]

ldeveraux said:
What about your video encoding settings, what file formats, codecs you use that work well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, been busy with my kids for the last few days. I did not change any of the video encoding settings from what I remember.

bula1ca said:
Sorry, been busy with my kids for the last few days. I did not change any of the video encoding settings from what I remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant the files you're playing, not the FireTV. I think it may be a combination of video/audio encoding and the FireTV1 not playing well. What container and audio/video codec for your video files? What does MediaInfo output on them? This may be the key to understanding how best to store media for the device...

ldeveraux said:
Well, you didn't "fix" the problem at all, you circumvented it by buying another piece of hardware [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, I did not fix the problem with my FTV gen 1. Over the past couple of days I had the FTV 1, FTV 2, and the Fire Stick (was setting up the stick for a friend). Both the FTV 1 and Fire Stick showed the same issues while trying to play large bitrate files. They would stutter. (not to the point that the file was unwatchable, but it was bad enough.) The FTV 2 however plays the same video file smoothly.

jdawg0024 said:
You are correct, I did not fix the problem with my FTV gen 1. Over the past couple of days I had the FTV 1, FTV 2, and the Fire Stick (was setting up the stick for a friend). Both the FTV 1 and Fire Stick showed the same issues while trying to play large bitrate files. They would stutter. (not to the point that the file was unwatchable, but it was bad enough.) The FTV 2 however plays the same video file smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the stick? Is that Stick1 or Stick2? I mean, your results aren't surprising, it would be cool to figure out exactly why.

ldeveraux said:
What about the stick? Is that Stick1 or Stick2? I mean, your results aren't surprising, it would be cool to figure out exactly why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the firestick 1 and I am not surprised that it had a little stutter problem. I was more surprised about the Fire TV 1 that had a problem. It streams Netflix and Hulu just fine. I know that may be comparing apples to oranges

Firestick at 2900 or ChromeCast 2 1800 ? Which would be better choice ?

(General question to choose between firestick and chromecast 2)
My main need is to be able to
1) stream/cast music and movies from both Android smartphone and Windows 10/Linux(Ubuntu) to the firestick or chromecast WITHOUT NEED OF ACTIVE INTERNET CONNECTION PREFERABLY . I have my music collection mainly in my android smartphone. i want to cast directly from music player/YouTube/soundcloud or through any other music app directly to firestick or chromecast and same for videos too with proper audio sync and no lag.
2) Able to screen mirror the smartphone/Windows 10/Linux(Ubuntu) to the firestick or chromecast without lags or frame rate drop or out of sync video.
3) To be able to connect Bluetooth headphones so i can listen to audio wirelessly through headphones and video on TV, where content is being played by firestick or chromecast through desktop or android smartphone.
4) Can connect external USB devices such as wirelss mouse,usb drive (can be accomplished on firestick with usb host otg as saw on a youtube video for ver.2 of firestick- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vSwYeJd5fI)
5) Able to use JioTV/JioCinema/HotStar by out of the box or by some mod or something.
i am confused between two.
Currently the amazon firestick is available on amazon for just 2900 with offers and Chromecast for just rs.1800 from flipkart with offers.
so about Rs.1000 price difference roughly.
What should i choose ?
Please reply ASAP as the sale ends on 16th may and so will be the cheap offers.

BUMP !

what about a miracast dongle? cheap and you can stream from win10 and android devices
but back to your question.
chromecast is not as good as a miracast dongle (both are just able to stream. chromecast you´ll need internet, miracast you won´t).
firetvstick should fit the most of your needs but only a few. you should be good with a fire tv box.

texten said:
what about a miracast dongle? cheap and you can stream from win10 and android devices
but back to your question.
chromecast is not as good as a miracast dongle (both are just able to stream. chromecast you´ll need internet, miracast you won´t).
firetvstick should fit the most of your needs but only a few. you should be good with a fire tv box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, fire tv isn't avaialble in India and can you suggest some good miracast dongle ? How about some popular chinese android tv box on aliexpress ?

chromecast dosent have bluetooth AFAIK
go with fire stick as it is better or spend a little more for mi box 3 to get best of both

Fire TV has out of the box support for most streaming services and otherwise it supports Android TV and phone apps. You can use AirPin to get AirPlay support for audio and video. Other apps like AirScreen have options for Chromecast and Miracast but neither worked when I tried them out for a short while. However, the Fire Stick is grossly underpowered to run background services while ensuring a smooth interface. I imported the AFTV3 though Amazon only sells the Fire TV Stick locally. The Fire TV box was too expensive when imported and I needed 4K at 60 FPS with no gaming requirement.
Chromecast is good enough for mirroring from Chrome and casting apps but requires a working WiFi connection to operate. Moreover, it can be extremely laggy when mirroring high definition content depending on local WiFi network and the streaming device. Another thing to note is that content protected apps block any sort of mirroring and hence Chromecast might not work even when mirroring the entire Android device.
The best offline wireless solutions I had researched in the past that worked with almost all phones and Windows was the Screenbeam Mini 2 as it is Miracast and WiDi certified, but I suppose you will have to import that as well at a higher price.