Sony GoogleTV remote - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Sony's NSG-MR5U or 7U are the remotes that came with Sony's most recent GoogleTV boxes. They are very cool remotes and could be extremely useful for FireTV due to the fact that it has a trackpad and full qwerty keyboard in addition to the back, home, and menu buttons typical of Android. The MR7U variant even has a built in microphone for voice search just like the Fire TV remote. I have sony's googleTV with this remote, and while the googleTV completely sucks, the remote was awesome.
Has anyone tried using these on the FireTV? I cannot seem to get mine to link via bluetooth, most likely because Amazon ignores everything that's not a Fire remote or approved game pad. I was able to connect it to my Nexus 7 so I know it is capable of being linked.
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skrypj said:
Sony's NSG-MR5U or 7U are the remotes that came with Sony's most recent GoogleTV boxes. They are very cool remotes and co
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uld be extremely useful for FireTV due to the fact that it has a trackpad and full qwerty keyboard in addition to the back, home, and menu buttons typical of Android. The MR7U variant even has a built in microphone for voice search just like the Fire TV remote. I have sony's googleTV with this remote, and while the googleTV completely sucks, the remote was awesome.
Has anyone tried using these on the FireTV? I cannot seem to get mine to link via bluetooth, most likely because Amazon ignores everything that's not a Fire remote or approved game pad. I was able to connect it to my Nexus 7 so I know it is capable of being linked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if and when we get root and someone ports a standard android rom to run on the fire tv. it will will hopefully work just like it did with your nexus phone. maybe someone will find a work around before that but its doubtful i think.

skrypj said:
Has anyone tried using these on the FireTV? I cannot seem to get mine to link via bluetooth, most likely because Amazon ignores everything that's not a Fire remote or approved game pad. I was able to connect it to my Nexus 7 so I know it is capable of being linked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't get mine to pair either. I was hoping it might have IR capability as well and possibly be used with a FLIRC, but I guess not.

Same deal with RF- and BT-enabled Logitech Harmony remotes. Fire TV simply won't pair with them. I ended up ordering one of those MCE remotes with a USB IR receiver, which is known to work.

Chahk said:
Same deal with RF- and BT-enabled Logitech Harmony remotes. Fire TV simply won't pair with them. I ended up ordering one of those MCE remotes with a USB IR receiver, which is known to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a bit of reading and I guess if you install a 3rd parth BT app you can get some things to pair. I sideloaded BToolkit per a recommendation in another thread and will try it when i get home from work. I also want to get my PS3 controller to pair and sideloaded SixAxis from the Playstore.

So BToolkit did see the remote and would pair with it but that was about all it could do. There was no response once paired.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

skrypj said:
So BToolkit did see the remote and would pair with it but that was about all it could do. There was no response once paired.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is something I have been trying to crack as well, im curious how you got the remote to pair with btoolkit? My fireTV sees it (hit or miss) but never pairs.
I have an nsz-gs7 and have been attempting to extract certain APKs from the system as I have root access on it to try and get them hopefully sideloaded onto the fireTV. Specifically the IpRemote.apk and BTVSettings.apk which I believe are the ones responsible for both pairing and maintaining the connection from the remote buts its been a super fail and I don't have a lot of time or patience to waste on it as we should be getting a companion app which would work fine for me in the future. The issue I currently run into sideloading these is that I get an "Install_Failed_Missing_Shared_Libraries" with ADB. While googling that error I came across some info pointing me to http://goo.gl/PhvFXb which is a utility to fix app dependencies for maps api which appears to be commonly related despite I doubt that was it. Ran the util against the apks and as I expected there was nothing to patch.
If there are any devs or folks with a larger understanding of this issue feel free to contact me, as I have root access to the nsz-gs7 there may be many other goodies that can be ported over to the gtv but so far all apps I try to sideload throw this error.

mattgyver83 said:
So this is something I have been trying to crack as well, im curious how you got the remote to pair with btoolkit? My fireTV sees it (hit or miss) but never pairs.
I have an nsz-gs7 and have been attempting to extract certain APKs from the system as I have root access on it to try and get them hopefully sideloaded onto the fireTV. Specifically the IpRemote.apk and BTVSettings.apk which I believe are the ones responsible for both pairing and maintaining the connection from the remote buts its been a super fail and I don't have a lot of time or patience to waste on it as we should be getting a companion app which would work fine for me in the future. The issue I currently run into sideloading these is that I get an "Install_Failed_Missing_Shared_Libraries" with ADB. While googling that error I came across some info pointing me to http://goo.gl/PhvFXb which is a utility to fix app dependencies for maps api which appears to be commonly related despite I doubt that was it. Ran the util against the apks and as I expected there was nothing to patch.
If there are any devs or folks with a larger understanding of this issue feel free to contact me, as I have root access to the nsz-gs7 there may be many other goodies that can be ported over to the gtv but so far all apps I try to sideload throw this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to get this working?

Using the standard settings.apk (and nothing else, it just worked), I was able to pair the remote of my GS7 with my FireTV Stick, but the functionality was incomplete: all of the regular keyboard keys worked (but I didn't try all of the function keys) and the d-pad arrows worked, but the center button on the d-pad did not work and the touchpad did not work. I also tried by extracting the settings.apk from the GTV box but it would not install on my Stick.

how did you get this paired? do you go into the settings app and do a bluetooth device search and then what keys do you press on the remote to activate the connection? Function & Enter? just keep them pressed until the unit sees the remote?

Not the FireTV Settings app but the standard Android settings.apk, which I found in another post (I can't post links yet), then tell it to look for devices, then you hold down the Function and center/OK keys together for a few seconds.
I did this with a FireTV Stick, I seem to remember reading pairing remotes with a FireTV box was more problematic.
Hope that helps.

Terry T said:
Not the FireTV Settings app but the standard Android settings.apk, which I found in another post (I can't post links yet), then tell it to look for devices, then you hold down the Function and center/OK keys together for a few seconds.
I did this with a FireTV Stick, I seem to remember reading pairing remotes with a FireTV box was more problematic.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have a different google tv remote. I have this one: nsg-mr1
https://www.google.com/search?q=nsg...&sa=X&ei=SwBFVdLuNZCDNq_XgKAM&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw

I didn't think about that, I have the NSG-MR5U that comes with the NSG-GS7 GTV box.

mattgyver83 said:
So this is something I have been trying to crack as well, im curious how you got the remote to pair with btoolkit? My fireTV sees it (hit or miss) but never pairs.
I have an nsz-gs7 and have been attempting to extract certain APKs from the system as I have root access on it to try and get them hopefully sideloaded onto the fireTV. Specifically the IpRemote.apk and BTVSettings.apk which I believe are the ones responsible for both pairing and maintaining the connection from the remote buts its been a super fail and I don't have a lot of time or patience to waste on it as we should be getting a companion app which would work fine for me in the future. The issue I currently run into sideloading these is that I get an "Install_Failed_Missing_Shared_Libraries" with ADB. While googling that error I came across some info pointing me to http://goo.gl/PhvFXb which is a utility to fix app dependencies for maps api which appears to be commonly related despite I doubt that was it. Ran the util against the apks and as I expected there was nothing to patch.
If there are any devs or folks with a larger understanding of this issue feel free to contact me, as I have root access to the nsz-gs7 there may be many other goodies that can be ported over to the gtv but so far all apps I try to sideload throw this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Terry T said:
Using the standard settings.apk (and nothing else, it just worked), I was able to pair the remote of my GS7 with my FireTV Stick, but the functionality was incomplete: all of the regular keyboard keys worked (but I didn't try all of the function keys) and the d-pad arrows worked, but the center button on the d-pad did not work and the touchpad did not work. I also tried by extracting the settings.apk from the GTV box but it would not install on my Stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too was able to get the NSG-MR5U connected and same as you the center button and d-pad did not work. If they did, I would use this as my normal remote instead of the fire tv remote. How do we get these working? Anyone have any other ideas?

Terry T said:
Not the FireTV Settings app but the standard Android settings.apk, which I found in another post (I can't post links yet), then tell it to look for devices, then you hold down the Function and center/OK keys together for a few seconds.
I did this with a FireTV Stick, I seem to remember reading pairing remotes with a FireTV box was more problematic.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a nsg-mr9u, tried your button combination but doesnt seem to work, do you have any idea on how to force pair this remote? i want it for my sony bravia tv, thanks

Sorry, not a clue with respect to your Sony TV, unless to try it the same way I did, with the sideloaded settings.apk on your TV.

HAD ANY LUCK WITH: IpRemote.apk and BTVSettings.apk ?
Hi there. Have you had any luck with this? the GS7/GS8 remotes are by far the best ever made in my opinion.
I have an Nvidia Shield TV, Fire TV/voice, Apple TV, Tronsmart Vega S89, and I keep going back to my GS7 because of the remote. I have yet to find a remote for the new Android TV 5.0, with all these features I am used to:
Full backlight keyboard
Mouse track pad or air mouse
Directional buttons
Home button
Back button
Menu button
Voice/Microphone button
Volume/Channel
Power on/off
Input
Play/pause/Rew/FF
Mute
Extra programmable buttons for customization
If you know of a way to get it working with the Shield TV, or Fire TV, that would be huge. Alternatively, if you know of or have found a remote with these feature that would work with 5.0/1 ; I would be very interested.
Thanks much for your time.
mattgyver83 said:
So this is something I have been trying to crack as well, im curious how you got the remote to pair with btoolkit? My fireTV sees it (hit or miss) but never pairs.
I have an nsz-gs7 and have been attempting to extract certain APKs from the system as I have root access on it to try and get them hopefully sideloaded onto the fireTV. Specifically the IpRemote.apk and BTVSettings.apk which I believe are the ones responsible for both pairing and maintaining the connection from the remote buts its been a super fail and I don't have a lot of time or patience to waste on it as we should be getting a companion app which would work fine for me in the future. The issue I currently run into sideloading these is that I get an "Install_Failed_Missing_Shared_Libraries" with ADB. While googling that error I came across some info pointing me to http://goo.gl/PhvFXb which is a utility to fix app dependencies for maps api which appears to be commonly related despite I doubt that was it. Ran the util against the apks and as I expected there was nothing to patch.
If there are any devs or folks with a larger understanding of this issue feel free to contact me, as I have root access to the nsz-gs7 there may be many other goodies that can be ported over to the gtv but so far all apps I try to sideload throw this error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Does this remote expensive, I use a Aifr Mouse and cost 29 dollars and the have bad experience.
Do you have any app suitable to remote? like Wukong TV Remote and CetusPlay?

Did anyone ever get the Sony Google TV remote working either with the Fire TV/Stick or Nvidia Shield?
I could not even get the "Settings" app to work. Once installed and launched, it would just exit the app as soon as I clicked on the Bluetooth option.

Related

Time Warner TWC TV App - Info on Solutions for AFTV

Starting this thread to hopefully gather some steam for getting the TWC TV app working via sideload on the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
I've tried loading the most recent hacked version for Android, which was suppose to ignore the ADB request and also let you use the app away from home. It DOES sideload, but immediately alerts you that it's out of date. Then it takes you to the Amazon App store, and shows you the updated version of the app, but then says it's not compatible with the device.
I wondered if the version available for the Kindle Fire tablets is more compatible, but can't find the apk anywhere to test it.
I've also read it IS possible to sideload (not sure of what version) but requires root in order to use a keyboard/mouse (or emulator). That info was prior to the stick being offered AND the Fire TV Remote app being available. So I wonder if there's a way to use the keyboard option in the remote app instead of a USB mouse/keyboard IF we could get a working version of the app sideloaded at all?
Feel free to comment with other obstacles/possibilities/experiences. All the info I've found via MANY searches so far relating to this app and the AFTV specifically is spread among MANY different pages and threads - so I'm hoping we can at least aggregate that info here and save fellow AFTV users some trouble. Thanks in advance!
itbedave said:
Starting this thread to hopefully gather some steam for getting the TWC TV app working via sideload on the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
I've tried loading the most recent hacked version for Android, which was suppose to ignore the ADB request and also let you use the app away from home. It DOES sideload, but immediately alerts you that it's out of date. Then it takes you to the Amazon App store, and shows you the updated version of the app, but then says it's not compatible with the device.
I wondered if the version available for the Kindle Fire tablets is more compatible, but can't find the apk anywhere to test it.
I've also read it IS possible to sideload (not sure of what version) but requires root in order to use a keyboard/mouse (or emulator). That info was prior to the stick being offered AND the Fire TV Remote app being available. So I wonder if there's a way to use the keyboard option in the remote app instead of a USB mouse/keyboard IF we could get a working version of the app sideloaded at all?
Feel free to comment with other obstacles/possibilities/experiences. All the info I've found via MANY searches so far relating to this app and the AFTV specifically is spread among MANY different pages and threads - so I'm hoping we can at least aggregate that info here and save fellow AFTV users some trouble. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to be able to sideload the time warner app, if you get any info about this let me know.
is the latest version 3.6.6.6 . I just installed via aptoide market store and it goes to login screen no probs. I have aptoide installed on my fire tv
Latest version works for me after side loading. I use an air mouse for navigation.
bradwatson said:
Latest version works for me after side loading. I use an air mouse for navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.
xQuestx said:
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
F10 mele pro remote.
xQuestx said:
is the air mouse an app or a real mouse? trying to figure out how to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey XQuest, would you mind elaboratinhg a bit on the integration with the FireTV, particularly with the TWC app? Also since you have it working, does the twc app output in dolby digital? thanks for your help
Buy this Airmouse, it works perfectly and is my primary remote now. Works perfect with the Twc app just that I also can't get the away from home to work.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261674186045&alt=web
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3
Thanks for the suggestion, awesome. Do you know if the twc app on fire tv will put out dolby digital?
ok so side loading works and app runs so far. im using the wukong remote app. its pretty awesome. I figured out how to get around and play on demand content, but live tv is another story, i can't seem to get the channels to scroll, i can click on the last channel on the bottom and it switches to that channel and then repeat to move the list until i get to the channel i want, but i cant scroll the list to get to the channel i want. any ideas?
jrosaly said:
ok so side loading works and app runs so far. im using the wukong remote app. its pretty awesome. I figured out how to get around and play on demand content, but live tv is another story, i can't seem to get the channels to scroll, i can click on the last channel on the bottom and it switches to that channel and then repeat to move the list until i get to the channel i want, but i cant scroll the list to get to the channel i want. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know how to get scrolling to work also. I wish TWC would get this app working for Fire TV. If it can work for Roku, it shouldn't be that much for them to make it work on the Fire TV. The channels that show on the one page stream great.
You can scroll using a remote. That has mouse and a left click button.
Wukong remote's mouse or trackpad function does not behave the same as using an actual mouse (don't know about the remotes/keyboard/trackpad combos). When you use wukong, it shows an actual mouse pointer (traditional style), when you use an actual mouse, a yellowish circle shows up and it allows you to click and drag, best way I can describe it is that it mimics a finger tip.
It would be cool if wukong emulated this mode, but I don't know how to reach out to the developer, since its pretty obvious he's a native asian language speaker. I will say that the festure that allows you to launch any app on your firetv directly from the wukong app is awesome. My room mate thinks I'm crazy having 3 or 4 different devices to control my fire tv
anyone care to kinda give me a little bit of training as to how to remove all the checks like vpn, adb, etc. I had a working version which I could use over vpn, but now everytime I launch the app it tells me that I have to upgrade to continue. I imagine you have to decompile the code and modify code, which even though I'm not a programmer, I feel pretty confortable doing with my college programming classes. Any help or pointers is appreciated. Or if someone has the latest working version even better. Thanks.

[Q] Just got the ATV fire this morning ....

and I have now installed Kodi on there. What it is I would like though is to revamp the homescreen with a few apps I would like, Western Digital MyCloud plus the 'must have app's' . When I connected the box initially the software was updated so I don't know if that means I ruined any possibility of getting the full potential from the device as I read from several sites yesterday that Amazon have included an update that will brick these boxes if they have been rooted. Can these box still be rooted 'SAFELY' when they've been updated?
I installed Western Digital and also another app but I ended up removing both as it seemed I either needed to have a touch screen device or a mouse, is there a way to use your phone for this or the remote for that matter to control apps?
Yes there is an app called remote mouse which works with the FTV (http://www.amazon.com/Remote-Mouse-for-Fire-TV/dp/B00S4MU62I/?tag=aftvn-20). Also, I would suggest using FiredTV launcher so you can have your apps on your (alternative) homescreen. This may not suit if you are an Amazon Prime customer and like to have their content on your homescreen too.
Just for a moment a sense of relief and excitement came over me when you mentioned I could use my phone, then upon following and reading the link it would seem I need an Android phone....alas I have a iPhone 6+, I'm I buggered before Ive even began
I see that there is a Logitech K400r Wireless Touch Keyboard which is meant to work well with the AFTV, but to be fair I want less clutter around me so really want to squeeze every bit of potential from the AFTV and my phone in this particular instant.
I've installed FiredTV Launcher which works well but is there a way to have it so it's the default home screen without having to root the device?
sony007 said:
Just for a moment a sense of relief and excitement came over me when you mentioned I could use my phone, then upon following and reading the link it would seem I need an Android phone....alas I have a iPhone 6+, I'm I buggered before Ive even began
I see that there is a Logitech K400r Wireless Touch Keyboard which is meant to work well with the AFTV, but to be fair I want less clutter around me so really want to squeeze every bit of potential from the AFTV and my phone in this particular instant.
I've installed FiredTV Launcher which works well but is there a way to have it so it's the default home screen without having to root the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there's a setting you have to change in FiredTV launcher which enables/disables home button detection. Also, I would suggest using Llama to link an app you don't or won't use on your home screen to launch FiredTV launcher if the "proper" home screen launches. That's what I've done.
Here's a guide from another post (thanks to original poster for this):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782307&page=27
D33H said:
Yes, there's a setting you have to change in FiredTV launcher which enables/disables home button detection. Also, I would suggest using Llama to link an app you don't or won't use on your home screen to launch FiredTV launcher if the "proper" home screen launches. That's what I've done.
Here's a guide from another post (thanks to original poster for this):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2782307&page=27
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was great m8, I've now got FireTV to launch on bootup using AFTV Launcher Helper which works great for other applications also like Kodi. I haven't worked out how to disable home button detection as yet though.
So are you aware of any app for IOS that will allow to navigation on the amazon tv like a keyboard & mouse? I've got Amazon Fire TV remote on my iPhone but that does not really work with mouse control so there are app which I would like but unable to control correctly.
sony007 said:
That was great m8, I've now got FireTV to launch on bootup using AFTV Launcher Helper which works great for other applications also like Kodi. I haven't worked out how to disable home button detection as yet though.
So are you aware of any app for IOS that will allow to navigation on the amazon tv like a keyboard & mouse? I've got Amazon Fire TV remote on my iPhone but that does not really work with mouse control so there are app which I would like but unable to control correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Practically everything you could want to know about the FireTV can be found at:
aftvnews com
Personally I had some inconsistent performance with decoding x264, DTS, and other odd issues (such as connecting to an NFS share via ethernet) with my FireTV; I returned it and purchased an Chromebox instead. and installed OpenELEC on it... it's been on for months, and have only had to reset after updates; -couldn't be happier! If you plan to use this device primarily for Kodi, I would recommend looking into using a Chromebox.
sony007 said:
Just for a moment a sense of relief and excitement came over me when you mentioned I could use my phone, then upon following and reading the link it would seem I need an Android phone....alas I have a iPhone 6+, I'm I buggered before Ive even began
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The author just recently released an iOS version of the app with the same name in the App Store. I have it loaded on my iPhone 6 and it works great. You will need to sideload the android server portion on the Fire TV for your iPhone to be able to control the Fire TV.
Jedis said:
The author just recently released an iOS version of the app with the same name in the App Store. I have it loaded on my iPhone 6 and it works great. You will need to sideload the android server portion on the Fire TV for your iPhone to be able to control the Fire TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah just installed on my phone and on the FireTv and it works great, if only it had an integrated keyboard , but great work by the developer/s not to forget about IOS devices.:good:
customcarvin said:
Practically everything you could want to know about the FireTV can be found at:
aftvnews com
Personally I had some inconsistent performance with decoding x264, DTS, and other odd issues (such as connecting to an NFS share via ethernet) with my FireTV; I returned it and purchased an Chromebox instead. and installed OpenELEC on it... it's been on for months, and have only had to reset after updates; -couldn't be happier! If you plan to use this device primarily for Kodi, I would recommend looking into using a Chromebox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. Chromebox/openELEC is the best. Gigabit ethernet, HD audio. I happily use my FTV for Netflix, and Amazon Prime Videos and Music.
you should pick up the FAVI FE02RF-BL Mini 2.4GHz Wireless PC / Tablet Keyboard/Touchpad. It comes with a USB dongle you plug in the AFTV, and it works without having to pair it. Just turn it on, and you're good to go. It has a backlit keyboard, and a working touchpad. It also has a working Home button, and menu button.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090BTY8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
---------- Post added at 12:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:16 AM ----------
Also, there's an app in the app store called FIRE TV for ios. I believe it has a working mouse and keyboard. I'm not positive though. Give it a try.

Sony Android TV Users

Hi All,
I have searched over XDA but couldn't find any appropriate place for Sony Android TV. I have got my Sony Android TV, KDLW800C, couple of days ago.
Sony has just started to ship out 4K and 2K Android TV's.
From the interface, it's almost identical to Nexus player and run Android 5.0.2 along with some Sony goodies. I have installed ES File Explorer and have sideloaded KODI and other useful apps.
If we have any other Sony TV users here or joining in future, it would be great to stay in here.
For now if you want to sideload apps, just download Air Share from play store and start sending apk's.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackspruce.gloo
Which kind of Sony goodies are there? Are you able to extract the apks if there is something interesting for our Nexus Player?
Thanks!
furius said:
Which kind of Sony goodies are there? Are you able to extract the apks if there is something interesting for our Nexus Player?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No man actually they will not be useful as they are mainly built fot TV hardware like 4USB drives support, TV input options, 3D enhancements etc
How is the performance of the Android TV interface?
Performance is good but am not able to figure out how to take screenshots.
Doen Antutu runs on Nexus Player? I will try pushing one to see performance and Hardware.
Antutu is not that impressive but still fine for a TV I guess.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
How does the tv input work? I guess I'm just trying to figure out how connecting a cable box works with it, or an htpc.
It has all tge TV ports at the back, like cable input, 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports and one of the old type 3 coloured wires one.
Does your TV also have the Sony X1 processor?
No it has some other, I will post the info today.
brar.arsh said:
No it has some other, I will post the info today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any difference in the Netflix APK, assuming it has the Android TV Netflix app? And if there is, could you post the APK? I would like to see if it would work with my Razer Forge TV.
Sgt.JimmyRustles said:
Is there any difference in the Netflix APK, assuming it has the Android TV Netflix app? And if there is, could you post the APK? I would like to see if it would work with my Razer Forge TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted Netflix apk in apps thread. What's your version though?
brar.arsh said:
I posted Netflix apk in apps thread. What's your version though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it would have been, (assuming it could have used it), 1.0.4.
brar.arsh said:
No it has some other, I will post the info today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If not the X1, maybe you can sideload CPU-Z to find out which CPU/GPU the Sony is using?
palms13 said:
How does the tv input work? I guess I'm just trying to figure out how connecting a cable box works with it, or an htpc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone figured out if you can connect a cable box to the sony android tvs? I have connected my cable box via hdmi cable, but when I do an "auto-scan" it doesn't find any of the channels. I can view the channels if I select the specific HDMI channel, but I would like to use just the one remote and have the channels integrated with the channel guide, etc. Thanks for any feedback.
Mike
I've had my XBR55X850C for about a week now and thought I'd share some tips/info.
Updating the TV
First thing you should do is update your TV. There were 2 types of updates available for me and I believe I did these in the wrong order and this caused my Netflix app to disappear (instructions to fix this down below). There was a Sony update and there was an Android update. I installed the Android update first, then the Sony update (which took forever). I think I should have done this in the opposite order and would have probably only needed the Sony update. To install the Sony update, you will see an app with a green icon called "Sony Select". Choose this and you should be prompted with a message saying that an update is required. Follow these steps to update your TV (takes about an hour). Once this is done, check in Settings to see if there is also an Android update available and install that as well. Once that is done, below are some tips I'm providing based on my user experience to get the most out of your TV.
Playing Video Files Over Your Local Network
I'm a cord-cutter and as such I watch files off my network frequently. I don't prefer using DNLA servers like Plex because there's really no need to have everything transcoded from your media server to your Android TV device since my Android TV has enough processing power to handle playing my video files over my network. The simple solution here was to go to the Play Store using my browser from my computer and install ES File Explorer and MX Player Pro to my Sony Bravia. Now I can browse my local network with ES File Explorer, find the video I want to watch and open the video with MX Player Pro.
MX Player [Pro]
Regarding MX Player, one big tip I can give you is to make sure you have the codecs installed for proper audio output. Got mine here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/mx-player/mx-player-custom-codec-dts-support-t2156254
Another helpful MX Player Pro tip is to use HW+ for video and SW for audio. Using HW+ for audio causes laggy, out-of-sync audio and anything other than HW+ for video causes stuttering, at least with this TV it does. Fortunately in MX Player settings, you can set HW+ default for video and SW default for audio. So far this combination works flawlessly for MKV, MP4, AVI, etc.
Installing APKs
Once you have ES File Explorer installed, you can also browse a network share and install APKs directly from the network share. Works great!
Fixing Missing Netflix App After Update
If after updating everything, you lose your Netflix app like I did, the solution was simple, but requires ES File Explorer to be installed. Using ES File Explorer, I navigated to /system/app/ and launched the netflix-ninja-release.apk file to reinstall Netflix.
Restarting Android / ADB
Occasionally I felt the need to restart Android to resolve some issues I encountered from messing around with things. However, the only "official" way to do this is to unplug my TV which seems a bit archaic. Currently, without root, the only other way I've found was to enable developer options and use ADB wirelessly to reboot Android. To do this, just like on your Android phone, tap on the build number repeatedly until it says developer options unlocked. Then I had to restart my TV by unplugging for 10 seconds and plugging back in to get the Developer Options to show up in Settings. In there I enabled the ADB features.
Next you connect to your TV using ADB wirelessly by issuing the following command: adb connect {ip of your tv}
Then you can restart the TV by issuing: adb reboot
You can ADB into your TV using a terminal app from your Android phone as well, so a computer is not necessary.
EDIT: Just discovered that I can restart Android on my TV by pressing and holding the power button on the remote control for about 10 seconds. Don't need ADB any more.
Control PS4 (or PS3 Slim) with Your TV Remote
Lastly, you can set up Bravia Sync with your PS4 (and/or PS3 Slim, PS3 Phat doesn't have HDMI-CEC) to control the UI of your console using your TV remote. This is very nice for Blu-Ray playback. Just hook up your console to an HDMI port and turn it on. Next, on your TV go to Settings -> External Inputs -> Bravia Sync Settings. Turn on Bravia Sync Control. Next, go to "Bravia Sync device list". You should see your devices listed. Press the "Enable" button. That's it. Now when you select the input for your PS4 (and/or PS3 Slim), it will automatically turn your console on and the console can be controlled using your TV remote. It also works the other way around. You can press the Playstation button on your controller and this will turn the TV on and automatically switch it to the correct input for the console.
Just thought I'd share some helpful tips and save someone else some time in getting the most out of this awesome TV. Hope this helps others out there.
nyteryder79 said:
I've had my XBR55X850C for about a week now and thought I'd share some tips/info.
Updating the TV
First thing you should do is update your TV. There were 2 types of updates available for me and I believe I did these in the wrong order and this caused my Netflix app to disappear (instructions to fix this down below). There was a Sony update and there was an Android update. I installed the Android update first, then the Sony update (which took forever). I think I should have done this in the opposite order and would have probably only needed the Sony update. To install the Sony update, you will see an app with a green icon called "Sony Select". Choose this and you should be prompted with a message saying that an update is required. Follow these steps to update your TV (takes about an hour). Once this is done, check in Settings to see if there is also an Android update available and install that as well. Once that is done, below are some tips I'm providing based on my user experience to get the most out of your TV.
Playing Video Files Over Your Local Network
I'm a cord-cutter and as such I watch files off my network frequently. I don't prefer using DNLA servers like Plex because there's really no need to have everything transcoded from your media server to your Android TV device since my Android TV has enough processing power to handle playing my video files over my network. The simple solution here was to go to the Play Store using my browser from my computer and install ES File Explorer and MX Player Pro to my Sony Bravia. Now I can browse my local network with ES File Explorer, find the video I want to watch and open the video with MX Player Pro.
MX Player [Pro]
Regarding MX Player, one big tip I can give you is to make sure you have the codecs installed for proper audio output. Got mine here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/mx-player/mx-player-custom-codec-dts-support-t2156254
Another helpful MX Player Pro tip is to use HW+ for video and SW for audio. Using HW+ for audio causes laggy, out-of-sync audio and anything other than HW+ for video causes stuttering, at least with this TV it does. Fortunately in MX Player settings, you can set HW+ default for video and SW default for audio. So far this combination works flawlessly for MKV, MP4, AVI, etc.
Installing APKs
Once you have ES File Explorer installed, you can also browse a network share and install APKs directly from the network share. Works great!
Fixing Missing Netflix App After Update
If after updating everything, you lose your Netflix app like I did, the solution was simple, but requires ES File Explorer to be installed. Using ES File Explorer, I navigated to /system/app/ and launched the netflix-ninja-release.apk file to reinstall Netflix.
Restarting Android / ADB
Occasionally I felt the need to restart Android to resolve some issues I encountered from messing around with things. However, the only "official" way to do this is to unplug my TV which seems a bit archaic. Currently, without root, the only other way I've found was to enable developer options and use ADB wirelessly to reboot Android. To do this, just like on your Android phone, tap on the build number repeatedly until it says developer options unlocked. Then I had to restart my TV by unplugging for 10 seconds and plugging back in to get the Developer Options to show up in Settings. In there I enabled the ADB features.
Next you connect to your TV using ADB wirelessly by issuing the following command: adb connect {ip of your tv}
Then you can restart the TV by issuing: adb reboot
You can ADB into your TV using a terminal app from your Android phone as well, so a computer is not necessary.
EDIT: Just discovered that I can restart Android on my TV by pressing and holding the power button on the remote control for about 10 seconds. Don't need ADB any more.
Control PS4 (or PS3 Slim) with Your TV Remote
Lastly, you can set up Bravia Sync with your PS4 (and/or PS3 Slim, PS3 Phat doesn't have HDMI-CEC) to control the UI of your console using your TV remote. This is very nice for Blu-Ray playback. Just hook up your console to an HDMI port and turn it on. Next, on your TV go to Settings -> External Inputs -> Bravia Sync Settings. Turn on Bravia Sync Control. Next, go to "Bravia Sync device list". You should see your devices listed. Press the "Enable" button. That's it. Now when you select the input for your PS4 (and/or PS3 Slim), it will automatically turn your console on and the console can be controlled using your TV remote. It also works the other way around. You can press the Playstation button on your controller and this will turn the TV on and automatically switch it to the correct input for the console.
Just thought I'd share some helpful tips and save someone else some time in getting the most out of this awesome TV. Hope this helps others out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, I just wanted to let you know that you can properly shut down Android by long pressing the power button on either of the supplied remotes. You don't need to unplug it.
I've had the 65X850C for a couple weeks now and I really love the TV. I have Kodi running on it beautifully. Sony's build of Android TV does still have a variety of bugs however and I hope they provide an update to iron out some of those kinks soon... because, otherwise, the TV is amazing. I'm wondering if there is anybody out there that might try to root these TVs or provide custom roms? Any word on if/when Sony will post the codebase for these TVs? If we can get ahold of the source code, we might be able to do some pretty incredible things with these TVs.
Cheers!
Is there any developer support for the new TVs from Sony, Sharp & Philips that will all be running Android TV? Sony being on the forefront given that their TVs are already on the market. I think these TVs running Android ROMs presents some really new and juicy opportunities to do cool things with Android. Could we improve upon picture quality? Enable features that the manufacturers hide (HDR?)? Add features like auto-switching picture modes based on apps?
Has anybody tried running a fastboot oem unlock on one of the TVs? I doubt Sony has left them that open, but you never know.
ktownhero said:
Is there any developer support for the new TVs from Sony, Sharp & Philips that will all be running Android TV? Sony being on the forefront given that their TVs are already on the market. I think these TVs running Android ROMs presents some really new and juicy opportunities to do cool things with Android. Could we improve upon picture quality? Enable features that the manufacturers hide (HDR?)? Add features like auto-switching picture modes based on apps?
Has anybody tried running a fastboot oem unlock on one of the TVs? I doubt Sony has left them that open, but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be really interesting to know, since I plan to get a X850C too
Hey man, is your 3D working? My glasses are not getting recognized by TV.

VERY useful app to use FTV / Stick remote as a mouse

Hi,
Not sure it this app has already been posted but it's great and can avoid you to use a physical keyboards for the emergencies.
Not tested deeply so far but I think it's very nice (it's cheap too). Unfortunately it's not on the amazon store so get it from Google Play store or send an email to the author to ask him how to do that if you don't have the store.
Regards.
All the credits go to user: goodhur on firetv subreddit for the news.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fluxii.android.mousetoggleforfiretv
Thanks, just installed this. Works well
This is very convenient. I can finally use my xfinity tv go app without using my Logitech. The price is really fair too. 99¢ total and I've got it on all 3 aftv devices.
Wow! Thanks for pointing this out. Now I don't have to dig out my USB mouse keyboard combo just to click on a few things!
excellent app. Good spot. Works well for NBCSN.
excellent app. without a doubt THE only decent solution to mouse control on fire tv without having to lug around an extra mouse.
love it!
Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?
BelfastLad said:
Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works well so far, no problems here and you can switch very easy between "Mouse Mode" and "Normal Remote".
BelfastLad said:
Anyone know if this plays well with firestarter menu replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problems here, been using both for a good while now.
Thanks for all the feedback to my question. Took the plunge and app working well for me too. Great to be able to finally use a few mouse / touch-centric apps on my FTV stick.
Got my FTV in one of the recent £25 sales and really pleased with how well it all works. Rock-solid wifi streaming in the room farthest from my router. What's not to love about it?
has anyone tried on FireOS 5 yet ? Don't seem to be playing nice with the new ADB system here, doesn't work..
wejgomi said:
has anyone tried on FireOS 5 yet ? Don't seem to be playing nice with the new ADB system here, doesn't work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi wejgomi, I'm the developer of this app(Mouse Toggle for Fire TV) and just wanted to let you know that I'm submitting an update with Fire OS 5 compatibility soon. I already have it working already but it just needs a bit more testing before releasing it. The app update will be released before the public availability of Fire TV OS 5.
Thank you
For those with root, Droidmote Server and Client works great, been using it for a year.
Just to provide a little feedback. I have two very minor issues with the software which might be easily fixable - or I may be doing something wrong.
1. Could the speed of scrolling in mouse mode be accelerated just a bit or some sort of weighting be applied so that long continuous presses move the pointer more rapidly than short taps? Long scrolls across the width of the TV screen are just slow enough to get annoying (but I admit I have a low tolerance for these things
2. When using the programme to interact with another video playing app, the fact that play / pause is the toggle for the mouse is not ideal. Personally, while I may use the fast-forward button to get through to the point I may have previously watched to, I very rarely use the rewind button. Personal preference would be to have some way of configuring which button (other than the d-pad and centre 'select' button) activates the toggle. Is this possible?
These are very minor gripes. I have to say that I was always impressed with the capabilities of the hardware in the FTV Stick. With this and the ability to sideload apps I now have no need for anything more powerful from my - now very SMART - TV.
Thanks iostouchdev!
I myself use Wukong Remote. Works excellent with my AFTV and sideloaded apps like Sling and DirecTV that require a touch screen. I like how you can also use it as a controller with d-pad, or keyboard.
Damn. This app + Show Box is like perfect. Well worth the money.
Ugh!! The broke it on the FireTV 2, the next update the new OS will probably break it for the 1gen hardware. No remote apps working either other than the official one.
Edit: Mouse Toggle for FireTV Fixed, see next comment, thanks!
Sent from Tapatalk
goodhur said:
Ugh!! The broke it on the FireTV 2, the next update the new OS will probably break it for the 1gen hardware. No remote apps working either other than the official one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just submitted an app update(v1.02) with Fire OS 5 support for the new Fire TV 2015 / 2nd Gen. device. It will also work for the 1st Gen devices when they get Fire OS 5 too.
Regarding the remote apps: The 'Remote Mouse for Fire TV' app is working on the new Fire TV but you need to verify that the Fire TV companion app is updated to version 1.08.
If you need additional help please feel free to email me at the address in the app or just reply here.
Thank you!
iostouchdev said:
I just submitted an app update(v1.02) with Fire OS 5 support for the new Fire TV 2015 / 2nd Gen. device. It will also work for the 1st Gen devices when they get Fire OS 5 too.
Regarding the remote apps: The 'Remote Mouse for Fire TV' app is working on the new Fire TV but you need to verify that the Fire TV companion app is updated to version 1.08.
If you need additional help please feel free to email me at the address in the app or just reply here.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Noreg96 said:
Damn. This app + Show Box is like perfect. Well worth the money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the heads-up, hadn't heard of showbox.

Best 3rd Party Fire TV Remote? IR, Air Mouse, and keyboard.

Hey guys! I have a 1st gen Fire TV- not rooted. I have been on the prowl for the perfect remote for my fire TV. I want it to use with a web browser (Mouse and Keyboard), Control my tv with IR (Input) and soundbar with IR(Volume and input). I have even tried universal remotes paired with my TV's CEC input control and that works, but no home button.
That being said, i have found a few that come so close to working perfectly, but they all seem to have 1 major downfall that is a deal breaker- specifically the navigation buttons not being mapped correctly with the Fire TV.
For reference and what ive tried:
http://amzn.com/B00U3PFUAC Back Button does not work.
http://amzn.com/B00RCWF1NA Home Button Does not work.
These are exactly what I want to be a truly universal remote with my Fire TV but with 1 fatal flaw and i can't root to modify the mapping. This is what im trying next: http://amzn.com/B012BZU3KS , http://amzn.com/B00HNLFYP0
What are you guys using?
dantheman9703 said:
These are exactly what I want to be a truly universal remote with my Fire TV but with 1 fatal flaw and i can't root to modify the mapping. This is what im trying next: amzn.com/B012BZU3KS, amzn.com/B00HNLFYP0
What are you guys using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, why is rooting off the table? I just ordered a Mele F10 Deluxe 2.4GHz Portable Wireless Air Mouse/Keyboard. It's supposed to be ideal, but requires a modified keymap.
fecaleagle said:
Just out of curiosity, why is rooting off the table? I just ordered a Mele F10 Deluxe 2.4GHz Portable Wireless Air Mouse/Keyboard. It's supposed to be ideal, but requires a modified keymap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't been keeping up with development for the first gen for a while. Last I checked, there was no root method available for my software version. I didn't think things had changed. Are there new root methods available?
I've got two Fire TV Boxes (one new 4k) and on both of them, I use the stock remote for Kodi interface and this keyboard/touchpad for everything else. Works flawlessly...keymaps are perfect and it was inexpensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HFS24DQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
It's my solution, maybe not exactly what you are looking for, but for everyday use...it's great.
Rick
BlackIce
dantheman9703 said:
I haven't been keeping up with development for the first gen for a while. Last I checked, there was no root method available for my software version. I didn't think things had changed. Are there new root methods available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm new/clueless. I've got a 2nd gen and assumed that any first gen could be downgraded to a rootable version.
I use the flirc with my harmony remote it works great. It also happens to be on sale until new years. www.flirc.tv and http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-FL-09028-Universal-Receiver-Components/dp/B00BB0ETW8/ for the direct amazon link.
It emulates a usb keyboard and can be used for other things as well, you can program it with whatever IR remote you have laying around and if it's a universal like a harmony it can be part of your normal home theatre macros.
blackice000 said:
I've got two Fire TV Boxes (one new 4k) and on both of them, I use the stock remote for Kodi interface and this keyboard/touchpad for everything else. Works flawlessly...keymaps are perfect and it was inexpensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HFS24DQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
It's my solution, maybe not exactly what you are looking for, but for everyday use...it's great.
Rick
BlackIce
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your idea man. My Biggest want out of this is too be able to use 1 controller for navigation and TV volume and input control. The keyboard / mouse is just a bonus
ImCoKeMaN said:
I use the flirc with my harmony remote it works great. It also happens to be on sale until new years. www.flirc.tv and http://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-FL-09028-Universal-Receiver-Components/dp/B00BB0ETW8/ for the direct amazon link.
It emulates a usb keyboard and can be used for other things as well, you can program it with whatever IR remote you have laying around and if it's a universal like a harmony it can be part of your normal home theatre macros.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! This is something I've yet to think of. Do the menu and home and back buttons work? What is the home button for the fire TV on the harmony? Thank you for the idea!
EDIT Actually I'm new to the harmony and i just have the basic bare bones Cheapy one. Will this work with it?
dantheman9703 said:
Wow! This is something I've yet to think of. Do the menu and home and back buttons work? What is the home button for the fire TV on the harmony? Thank you for the idea!
EDIT Actually I'm new to the harmony and i just have the basic bare bones Cheapy one. Will this work with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will work with any remote including a cheapy harmony. You program the flirc itself to respond to whatever remote you have and you can program the output keys.
for home button here is a thread on the AFTV2 home button mapping: (title says not working but they found the combo: Left-windows key, left-alt-key, and Enter key)
http://forum.flirc.tv/index.php?/topic/1987-amazon-tv-home-button-not-working-with-harmony-remote/
+1 on the flirc, if you want an IR solution
I use a regular universal remote (from my STB) and the flirc can be programmed for any button to be mapped to the aftv remote, because my goal was to simplify some rooms to 1 remote only.
Works flawlessly, but remember to use a usb cable to place the flirc over the AFTV or you may not have line of sight (I bought some cheap usb extension cables)
With the flirc app I setup the home button without issue on both kodi/xbmc and the FTV...I don't recall having issues
The newer harmony hubs work perfectly as well since they are bluetooth and already have the mapping, but much more expensive.
barrmulio said:
Works flawlessly, but remember to use a usb cable to place the flirc over the AFTV or you may not have line of sight (I bought some cheap usb extension cables)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have mine sticking straight out the back and never have any problems. And it's sort of right behind my TV. It really just depends on your remote and room layout I think.
rbox said:
I actually have mine sticking straight out the back and never have any problems. And it's sort of right behind my TV. It really just depends on your remote and room layout I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here, it's super sensitive, they even recommend pointing remote away from it and bouncing the ir off a wall when programming so it doesn't overdrive it. It's about as close to RF as you'll get with an IR remote.
Flirc for the BIG win. Wife approved.

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