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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Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep.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Well the ATV2 is a bit outdated at this point, on top of that the price tag to get one is quite steep.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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.
lolwatpear said:
It'll work fine for that stuff, especially when you root it. It's definitely the best $/performance XBMC box possible.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great call on the upgrade. hola android app also works with the stock netflix app to access US netflix from canada with no charge.
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
DHeffernan said:
Where you guys order your FireTV's from?
Anything cheaper than $130 off ebay?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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 guys,
I'm thinking about getting a ouya so I can use it to play android games/watch videos on my tv with it (and I will install cm11 on it) I can get a ouya for 70 euros , but here is the problem I have a pretty old TV and yes it doesn't have HDMI... Can I use a HDMI to VGA converter for it? If not I can use my parents' TV
Is it still worth it ( worth 70 Euros?)
Thanks,
Noahvt
Sent from my Xperia SP using XDA Free mobile app
Weather it is worth it or not is up to you...but I can confirm that you can use an HDMI to VGA adapter with no problems. I'm doing that exact thing with my Ouya and an older computer monitor.
PodCulture said:
Weather it is worth it or not is up to you...but I can confirm that you can use an HDMI to VGA adapter with no problems. I'm doing that exact thing with my Ouya and an older computer monitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I found out that my country only sells the 1st ouya model ever made :/ I went to the ouya EU shop and found out that the ouya 16gb hasn't been in stock for a while the 8gb version on the website looks interesting too but is it the newer version too? It has the ouya logo on top of the power button
http://eushop.ouya.tv/products/ouya-console
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Free mobile app
Fairly certain that is just the regular 8gb model. The logo is prob not printed on...prob supposed to represent the unit being powered on since it does light up. The only variants I know of are the 16gb ones (a white and a black one) other than storage...same hardware.
noahvt said:
Well I found out that my country only sells the 1st ouya model ever made :/ I went to the ouya EU shop and found out that the ouya 16gb hasn't been in stock for a while the 8gb version on the website looks interesting too but is it the newer version too? It has the ouya logo on top of the power button
http://eushop.ouya.tv/products/ouya-console
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
noahvt said:
Well I found out that my country only sells the 1st ouya model ever made :/ I went to the ouya EU shop and found out that the ouya 16gb hasn't been in stock for a while the 8gb version on the website looks interesting too but is it the newer version too? It has the ouya logo on top of the power button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a newer version than that with an additional antenna. I don't know where you are located but if you have access to amazon they have both for sale. The newer one is $10 more in the us.
ajb999 said:
There is a newer version than that with an additional antenna. I don't know where you are located but if you have access to amazon they have both for sale. The newer one is $10 more in the us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see! i live in belgium and amazon will ship to europe and the new ones are still in stock
noahvt said:
I see! i live in belgium and amazon will ship to europe and the new ones are still in stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Make sure to get the anthracite version. It's worth the few extra bucks.
noahvt said:
Hi guys,
I'm thinking about getting a ouya so I can use it to play android games/watch videos on my tv with it (and I will install cm11 on it) I can get a ouya for 70 euros , but here is the problem I have a pretty old TV and yes it doesn't have HDMI... Can I use a HDMI to VGA converter for it? If not I can use my parents' TV
Is it still worth it ( worth 70 Euros?)
Thanks,
Noahvt
Sent from my Xperia SP using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if I'd buy one one at this point, I have one and I've been trying to figure out how to get a custom recovery on it, I do have the latest firmware on it (chupacabra + hotfix) which is not allowing me to install cwm.... So I can't install CM11 on it. I'm going to try changing the build prop and hopefully it allows me to flash cwm to it.
If I didn't buy the Ouya or Amazon Fire Tv, I'd look at G Box MX2.
Is it worth it today? Only if you want Ouya games, through the Ouya store. There are much better options these days - Tegra 3 and 1GB RAM is severely outdated at this point. Not that there aren't a lot of things to do with the Ouya, but it's tablet shopping and picking up a Galaxy Tab 2 or something.
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 all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
ratski said:
hi all,
currently live in uk and thinking of getting an aftv to replace my ageing shuttle htpc
the main use will be for xbmc but ive been reading through some posts and just want to confirm i can install this easily as rooting seems to be getting blocked.?
also, what are your thoughts about purchasing an aftv over another android box
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no regrets whatsoever about purchasing my aftv, and my main use for it is xbmc/kodi as well. It plays everything I throw at it just fine. There are some limitations when playing certain rips, but the technicality of all that is beyond me and again I have yet to have any media that wouldn't play just fine.
I don't think anything is different in the UK as far as sideloading apps. Sideloading should be easily accomplished with one the community utilities here on XDA, or just by using ADB. I remember reading something a while ago about XBMC/Kodi not installing on aftv's outside the US, but I believe that has since been resolved....found it - http://www.aftvnews.com/xbmc-kodi-incompatible-with-fire-tv-software-version-51-1-40_user_514005520/.
My next htpc/android type box will most likely be a Chromebox mainly for the options to upgrade memory as well as dualboot options that are out there. I personally have no real desire for android apps on my tv, other than root specific apps. Right now aftv's are going on sale all the time, and the only reason I haven't gotten another is I picked up two Fire Sticks over the holiday and am holding out for a Chromebox build.
I am in the UK as well. XBMC works fine on it. However the UK Fire TV cannot be rooted. This means you cannot access media through the USB port. So it depends on where you store your files, the Fire TV is fine with network storage, but (without root) useless with an external drive.
It's a shame Amazon is clamping down on the fire tv's hackability. Otherwise it's a nice little box, very fast, bluetooth remote, wired network, optical audio out.
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
ratski said:
thanks for the replies.
my main use is xbmc, which definately looks like it can be sideloaded in uk without a problem so thats good news.
shame about usb media as have a few movies on my ext hard drive but i suppose nas storage is the way to go now days so maybe excuse to upgrade#
ill pick up an aftv in next few days then and look to find the latest guide for xbmc install, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
have one
picked up a stick for my old man and side loaded xmbc on it he enjoys it may pick up the game controller for some android and emulator games. none of these functions need root. as for usb storage it was never really meant for that anyways it was built as a hd video player to compete with roku and chromecast it just happens to do more. i many picked it up for wwe app as well due to his smart blueray player being to old for that app.
Some people will disagree but it would have to be rootable for me to buy another one. People complain about low memory issues but I've never experience that because I can store thumbnails on external. That's really my main reason for the hdd since I play my movies & tv from a nas device.
Maybe someone who owns one can say why not but if your going to get one without root--why not save some money & buy a fire tv stick?
navigates said:
buy it from the US. you get rootable ones here. still
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Frankly for me, the AFTV was my best purchase in a long time.
Before I got the box, i was running a massive Athlon 955 PC, watercooled, in a huge Antec case. It was still noisy, bulky (and my toddler loved poking it every chance she could get). I was running it just for XBMC, and didn't really have a good setup for accessing other content. The machine was falling apart, and while shopping for a new media PC, i ran across this box, and that it could support XBMC, along with native apps for amazon, netflix, and hulu...
Where i am getting.. a $75 (85 if you include the Nyko game pad) frankly handles XBMC better than the PC, and i don't have to do ridiculous crap to try to get Hulu and Netflix to integrate. It has played all my media perfectly, and the addition of some basic gaming is a real bonus. Keep in mind, most of the benefits are available without rooting.. you can still sideload apps, , you just cant change your launcher, etc.... If you are interested, give it a shot.
So purchased today :good:
Before I plug in and setup should I try and follow a guide to root by blocking updates or am I already screwed as from the uk (got it from a retail currys store)
It's a shame it looks like I won't be able to stream via usb but my main use is xbmc so to be honest I think I may just plug in and figure out how to side load as I'm not as clued up as some in here
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
navigates said:
Well it depends from where are you picking up your stock from Amazon. I'm in LA and till date I have yet to see a non rootable version come through. I just did a friends who's firetv arrived on Thursday and it was purchased on prime on Tuesday. Infact it was the sweet first version which is an easy way up. I've also seen flavors where you have to put the rom in the sdcard instead of cache and or another flavor where the version is not the first where you have to downgrade to go up. The latest version needed a chmod 777 to be added as the file copy to folder was denied.
Essentially you still get rootable ones from amazon. I suggest if you have friends in LA and or the west coast, I suggest get it shipped there and then have them ship it out to you. Just trying to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
MadFlava said:
Not if you buy it from Amazon you wont. I just bought a second one and it shipped with the latest version of firmware.
You can probably find one at a big box store tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MadFlava said:
Glad there are still a few in the system. I think at this point Id be buying them from a big box store. I have one rooted and one that cant be rooted. Thankfully the non rootable is just the kid's unit so its not THAT big a deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
navigates said:
Not sure which bigbox still carry's the firetv. In LA I couldn't find them at staples or bestbuy. bestbuy used to carry it when it was launched. but I agree the big box stores would most likely have the old stock. I too have one non rooted one for my parents. but I'm gonna switch them out too for the rooted one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive seen them at Best Buy and Staples but thats on the east coast.....
The BB in Culver city has loads of AFTV and the fire sticks. In NYC at the minute and 5th Ave and Astoria have AFTV but no sticks.
I picked up another one at Staples as a gift for my dad. It was rootable so Im keeping it and giving him the non rootable one. He doesnt need root and I think would prefer the simplicity of the Amazon launcher.
So I already have one FireTV that I bought pretty shortly after it came out. Because of that I was able to prevent it from updating and also was able to root it and unlock it. I've been very happy with this device but I'm looking to acquire a second device and that's my problem. With the state of the FireTV now it seems that it is unrootable and potentially brickable with the way Amazon is treating it. Also, I'm concerned that the future may hold a device that can't have apps sideloaded as well. My primary use for the device is Kodi/XBMC, Netflix, and Plex, though I do have prime and occasionally use prime instant video as well and I pretty much prioritize my use in that order. I suspect if I went with something such as an Amlogic M8 or some other android box that I'd have to give up the Amazon services.
So I guess my question is, how does the FireTV hardware compare to the others? Is it a lot better than something like the M8 box? I'm not really a dev, though I'm extremely comfortable with android flashing and such as well as linux, so I'm also wondering are the devs optimistic that they'll be able to hack around Amazon's attempts to block us? Or is it looking more like a lost cause? I noticed work being done on a CM12 port but if I buy a brand new fire tv that can't be rooted then it would seem I'll be limited in what I can do or flash with it.
I'm looking for opinions or feedback so all thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!
Of all the android devices, I'd say the FireTV is still the best bang for the buck. The next step up would be a Chromebox running OpenElec, but I haven't attempted it myself.
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
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Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
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Im all for trying new boxes, but seems right now fire tv is the one to stick with. I say right now because there are new ones coming this year. Imo its not the time to buy.
This new update really improved aftv. I wouldnt worry about them taking away sideloading or kodi.
Yes. Im sure you can sideload prime on the Android tv box but not certain itll be great because those apps are made for tablets. If youre hooked on prime, i dont know of a better option than aftv right now.
Magnesus said:
The advantage of Fire TV is the remote which is very nice in touch and has enough buttons for Kodi. I don't know how are the remotes on other similar devices but Nexus Player remote is very bad (hard plastic, very bad in touch and so few buttons).
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I do like the fire TV remote, but there are better remotes you can buy for $15-20.. you can have a full remote on one side and full keyboard on the other, with air mouse capabilities.. its still cheaper to get a cs918 and a decent remote.. and still be able to root. have apps such as STB emulator work properly (without external players). play many games with the air mouse or by configuring buttons on the keyboard.
dupsatou said:
Would that box at least do Netflix? It looks like that box is about 2 years old or so now too.
Does anybody know if you can install the Amazon appstore and then instant video on these other boxes?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
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Netflix on those china boxes will be stuck at 480p resolution. You will never get HD with any of those china boxes.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Side-loading is not going to be blocked. Amazon wants you to be able to do that so every FireTV is a potential dev/test box, and they have instructions on their site showing how to do it.
IMHO, FireTV is currently the best option for what the OP describes. If Amazon Instant Video (Amazon Prime support) makes it to GATV boxes, one of those may be better. The nvidia shield console looks really good, and even the Razer Forge TV looks like an improvement over the Nexus Player. Both of those are expected soon.
If Amazon Prime Streaming is important a original Amazon hardware is still better than a regular Android device with installed app from the store. The point is at least for the german market there are restrictions for movies with a high maturity rating. For e.g. in germany FSK18 movies (I think can be compared to a "NC-17 (Adults Only)" rating in the U.S.) won´t play with the Android app and are blocked since PIN handling is not supported. On Fire TV tablets it is also possible to download many movies for offline use for 48h and this is not possible with the regular Android app.
Concerning the remote the aTV does use a Bluetooth RC and not an Infrared RC so it is possible to hide the aTV for e.g. behind the TV and it is still usable. This is difficult with an IR remote if there is not an external IR eye with a connection cable extension.
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
Have a look on the serial. It may hint if a device can be rooted:
http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
psycon said:
I like my fire tv, but basically use Kodi to watch everything . so all of the features of the actual amazon rom go unused.. Save yourself the money and get a CS918 , box for ~$50 off ebay.. its easily rootable, works on any type TV, has wifi, bluetooth and ethernet.. also has 2 usb ports and an sd micro slot.
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Click to collapse
aren't most android box's NOTORIOUSLY having over-heating issues.. the reason I went with "firetv" was that reputation.. is this one of e'm that's fine?
sure for people that overclock them... my CS918 feels as warm as my fire tv to the touch... I am sure, however that with a more inferior device, there is a higher chance to get a lemon, but you return it in that case..
My point is, if all your doing is buying a fire TV to sideload apps and do things it was never meant to do... why not just buy a device that is easily rootable, and easier to work with., for half the cost.
Most of those cheap Android boxes are based on Rockchip chipsets (similiar to those used in many low cost tablets) which are not really competitive. Of course they are less restricted than the aTV but it is still not good a replacement when you are using Prime streaming or apps which need more power or memory. For me the price was also not an argument since I bought my aTV for 49€. Those Rockchip boxes do cost more from around 59€ to 79€ with a hardware which is poor compared to the aTV. Most of them are sold for e.g. only as 1GB variant which is half of the memory of the aTV and are missing Bluetooth.
So it depends IMHO on the intended use of such a STB and also with the restricted FireOS environment the aTV is a really good Android STB.
I beg to differ, inexpensive doesnt mean not as good.
My CS918 works perfectly with Kodi. Its chipset has much more community support, STB emulator works perfectly with it without the need for an external player.. Addon devices such as air remotes work better as it uses default mapping, where the fire tv does not..
To each there own.. if your using amazon services heavily, of course the fire tv is better. but if they are secondary to Kodi, just buy the cheaper box, that has more support, and install the amazon plugin for kodi...
I have mine set to use Kodi as the launcher, added Genesis plugin (set on auto) and set up libraries correctly, added stalker plugin for live tv.. added icon to STB emulator as an alternative, and added an icon to bring up the app list... i never have a reason to leave kodi.. all the media i could ever need and still run any android app, much more smoothly than on a unrootable fire tv...
dupsatou said:
Does anybody know if people are having good luck buying a unit off the shelf at like Best Buy or Staples and getting an older firmware? I was thinking I might get lucky buying one off a shelf that has (hopefully) been there a while and I could block updates to it and get it rooted.
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Click to collapse
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
navigates said:
Its gonna be hard to find one that is rootable in bestbuy. but there are reports that people are still getting lucky finding those. Not in my area in Los Angeles. Well here is an ebay link and see my communication with the seller below. I've purchased one from them and upon arrival I can confirm if required.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire...-/331521533716?ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:US:1123
Response from the seller:
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in this item. The batch number is 305.
Sincerely,
Barbara
The NPS Store eBay Sales Dept.
Hi. I'm looking to buy your firetv. I want a certain serial set. Can you share what serial number set do you have in stock. I'm looking for Series 3. 700900303 or 305. I don't need the whole serial number just the set batch what is in the range of 303 to 305 and they should be sealed and unused.Much Appreciated.
Disclaimer: If something goes wrong and these are not rootable. I'm just trying to help. I have no connection or affiliation to the seller. I keep looking for extra rootable ones for friends. I need the rootable version for emulators that can be purchased on google play and QuickSupport so I can remote into their firetv.
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Click to collapse
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
dupsatou said:
hmm.... "Packaging Condition Details: Open Manufacturer's Packaging."
Wonder what that means...
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Click to collapse
send them a question. I sure hope its new as mentioned. why would someone sell at retail after tampering. ? lets see what I get. Mine has not yet shipped out.
when you hear back. let us all know.
My $.02
I have a lot of different devices. FTV's, Rokus, Android minipc's, chromecast.. etc.. In my opinion - the FTV's are easily the best value. The hardware is very very snappy, and I think they did a pretty good job in design. I am even a little impressed with the capabilities of the scaled-down FTV Stick.
I have a plex server, and between the plex app on FTV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, my bases are essentially covered by the stock platform. I do have kodi which I use a lot personally.. I dont make use of all the available streaming tv channels etc in kodi, but Its fun to "tinker". The beautiful thing is, you can do both.. The stock platform is perfect for others in my household who arent into all the gadgetry, but just want to get to their programs and have them play, and I can run Kodi and do my own thing.
There are a few things that I think could be improved. - The remote is small, and all black, which is sleek, but it makes it a little more difficult to locate and manipulate in the dark. The layout isnt as intuitive to the touch as say the Rokus. It also has no loop to attach a lanyard. I would attach a small strap to the remote if I could to help me keep track of it. That thing seems very easy to lose These are small nits.. but if your complaints about a device are on this tiny scale, you must be pretty happy with the device overall.