Sony Android TV Users - Philips, Sony, TCL Android TV

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.

Related

XBMC App for Ouya working well on Fire TV

I wanted to post here since this is the "Apps" category for Fire TV...
By following the XBMC wiki for FIre TV, I got XBMC running in just 3 minutes.
> Wiki info page- http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Amazon_Fire_TV
My SMB share was discoverable and my library was populated just a few minutes later.
I've verified good video and audio playback on SD, 720p, 1080p videos. Scanning and skipping works well in video playback too.
The only thing I continue to stumble with is that pressing the "Home" button returns you to the Fire TV homescreen, backgrounding XBMC.
I haven't yet found a way to create a homescreen or "Recents" shortcut for XBMC, so it's a chore to open it every time by navitgating to Settings > Applications...
If anyone knows how to get the PleXBMC add-on working within XBMC, I'd love to know how. I tried it and get a script load error every time I try to launch the add-on.
Other than that, do you know have any other add-on recommendations to make XBMC even better for the Fire TV?
archa1c said:
I wanted to post here since this is the "Apps" category for Fire TV...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good, thank you! with hope, people will write about xbmc/spmc in this thread, instead of random other threads, or, even worse, that unholy "amazon fire tv" proto-thread that refuses to die.
archa1c said:
I've verified good video and audio playback on SD, 720p, 1080p videos. Scanning and skipping works well in video playback too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer gotham, it was great on ouya. but on firetv I had to switch to spmc (12.4.2 as of koying's latest recommendation).
even the "master" and "amazonfiretv" nightlies and test-builds of gotham, give me a headache - it's weird and I can't describe it too well - pulling up the info overlay by pressing 'o' on the keyboard, I see that there are zero skipped frames and zero dropped frames. but ?something? is still screwy with motion blur - no artifacts or anything. but there is this jerkiness, or something, that hurts my eyes and the lasagna in my brainpan...?
my only complaint of spmc is that it breaks most of the 360 controller (a "ok/enter" and b "cancel/back" still work, but not the sticks or dpad). I still can't figure out how - neither xbmc nor spmc come with any keymap files, not under system/keymaps and not under userdata/keymaps. I have tried 360 keymap xml files from various github sources, both spmc and xbmc, no dice.
my only complaint of **MC in general is not being able to mess with network buffer sizes in the UI (yes I am that lazy) - usually don't have a problem with 720p mp4/mkv, and this is on wireless, even. but sometimes my landlord uses netflix over wireless and that kills everything else.
archa1c said:
The only thing I continue to stumble with is that pressing the "Home" button returns you to the Fire TV homescreen, backgrounding XBMC. I haven't yet found a way to create a homescreen or "Recents" shortcut for XBMC, so it's a chore to open it every time by navitgating to Settings > Applications...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alt-tab isn't bad if you're already into using a keyboard...
I haven't tried it yet but people using alternate launchers have reported using Llama they can make it jump to their preferred launcher after pressing the home button. it might work equally well setting it to jump to xbmc rather than a launcher? hm I may have to try that...
I actually quite like the native Fire TV UI and would be happy with a hacky way to add a shortcut for side-loaded apps to the native menus.
I'm sure it's possible, so I'll be patient and wait for it to happen ?
I don't have any control issues because I'm using the fore TV remote, but I will be plugging in my Windows MCE remote USB IR receiver to see if I can get my Logitech harmony remote working on the fire tv.
The only other thing I would like is a mapping of the back button to "stop" when playing video in XBMC. the default xbmc behavior for the "back" action is to keep playing the current file in the background while displaying the last screen.its a very odd behavior IMO, and with no "stop" button on the fire TV remote, the only workaround is to pause the video when you want to go "back".
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
archa1c said:
I actually quite like the native Fire TV UI and would be happy with a hacky way to add a shortcut for side-loaded apps to the native menus.
I'm sure it's possible, so I'll be patient and wait for it to happen ?
I don't have any control issues because I'm using the fore TV remote, but I will be plugging in my Windows MCE remote USB IR receiver to see if I can get my Logitech harmony remote working on the fire tv.
The only other thing I would like is a mapping of the back button to "stop" when playing video in XBMC. the default xbmc behavior for the "back" action is to keep playing the current file in the background while displaying the last screen.its a very odd behavior IMO, and with no "stop" button on the fire TV remote, the only workaround is to pause the video when you want to go "back".
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the steps that the user over on the XBMC forums posted to help us out with llama:
Event 1:
When phone starts up - set Llama variable 'startup' to 'true'
Event 2:
When the current app is XBMC on Ouya - set Llama variable 'starup' to 'false'
Event 3:
(Use the AND option) {when the current app is KFTV Launcher and when 'startup' has a value of 'false'} - run XBMC on Ouya.
However, you don't have to set KFTV Launcher as the trigger. I just picked a random app I didn't want to use as a jump pad. I installed the smithsonian app and put it in place of the launcher. Now when I open the smithsonian app, it flips back to XBMC. Not efficient, but works better than digging through the settings.
You can re-map buttons in XBMC with an add-on called keymap editor available in the programs menu>program add-ons>get more>key_map editor.
You can also just hit "Select" on the FTV remote and that will bring up the OSD. Then you can just d-pad to the stop button when you want to exit a movie.
v13 gotham beta4 release just came out (ok 2 days ago, I wasn't paying attention I guess). all my complaints about weird undescribable video motion are gone!
and that is even with turning off mediacodec and only having libstagefright turned on! yay!!!
http://xbmc.org/xbmc-13-0-gotham-beta-4/
http://mirrors.xbmc.org/releases/android/arm/
the beta4 announcement also said force update your repositories if you're having problems such as they're no longer staying up to date, or they're suddenly empty, etc.
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Add-on_manager#Force_refresh
they recommended this if you are coming from xbmc v12 (not spmc, it has its own separate file tree) or even if you are coming from earlier betas of v13.
tarvoke said:
v13 gotham beta4 release just came out (ok 2 days ago, I wasn't paying attention I guess). all my complaints about weird undescribable video motion are gone!
and that is even with turning off mediacodec and only having libstagefright turned on! yay!!!
http://xbmc.org/xbmc-13-0-gotham-beta-4/
http://mirrors.xbmc.org/releases/android/arm/
the beta4 announcement also said force update your repositories if you're having problems such as they're no longer staying up to date, or they're suddenly empty, etc.
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Add-on_manager#Force_refresh
they recommended this if you are coming from xbmc v12 (not spmc, it has its own separate file tree) or even if you are coming from earlier betas of v13.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also read that you can install SPMC and XBMC side-by-side due to the unique installation paths and libraries. I may try out the latest Gotham release, but I've been very happy with the performance of SPMC so far.
I really just need the ability to add a shortcut to the main menu, in either "Recent" or "Apps" etc for it to be convenient to access.
archa1c said:
I also read that you can install SPMC and XBMC side-by-side due to the unique installation paths and libraries. I may try out the latest Gotham release, but I've been very happy with the performance of SPMC so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you got it, they won't step on each other because all the resources and binaries are separated into com.semperax.spmc and org.xmbc.xbmc. which is also a nice way to keep testing v12 vs v13 simultaneously...
although now that the motion-blur-weirdness-but-thats-not-exactly-it, is gone from gotham beta4, I am done with spmc (I could still never figure out why it broke so many buttons of the 360 controller, and I spent hours with keymap xmls and junk, ugh. whereas gotham always worked 100% fine. they both must have built-in keymaps you don't even see in their filetrees, or something)
archa1c said:
I really just need the ability to add a shortcut to the main menu, in either "Recent" or "Apps" etc for it to be convenient to access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah it doesn't bother me enough to reinstall nova launcher and mess with Llama.
but, recent, man that would be perfect. until now I was not a big fan of recent-type-behavior (sure, sometimes in the start menu in linux or windows, ok...) - but now with firetv it is awesome.
like, my watchlist menu is turning into some huge unholy mess. but the recent menu is serene and shows me exactly what I was doing: "why yes, sir, latest indications show that you were halfway through season 4 of sg1, and you were also using Plex around the same time".
of course they also jam those stupid semi-ads in the recent menu, so for that, screw 'em.
Something you can try is using the app "llama" to start XBMC whenever a certain program is lauched. For me, I have XBMC start whenever I open the app "Tubi TV". I just chose an app on the store that had an icon I could remember and set it up.
Works very well for me.
Nick0742 said:
Something you can try is using the app "llama" to start XBMC whenever a certain program is lauched. For me, I have XBMC start whenever I open the app "Tubi TV". I just chose an app on the store that had an icon I could remember and set it up.
Works very well for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be open to sharing exactly how you set this up?
What I can't figure out is how to use the library plugins to index both movies and shows. I have my entire collection in a single folder. Right now I can only enable either one or the other in XBMC. Is there a way to do both at the same time?
Try just adding the same path a second time, except denote it as a different media type the second type.
Not sure if XBMC will reject that or not since you've already added it once as a different content type (TV, movies etc)
Sent from my unknown using Tapatalk 2
solo said:
What I can't figure out is how to use the library plugins to index both movies and shows. I have my entire collection in a single folder. Right now I can only enable either one or the other in XBMC. Is there a way to do both at the same time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just verified that you can add the same path twice.
The first time, select a "TV Shows" scraper to have it scan TV show content for your library.
The second time, select the 'Movies" scraper to scrape and add Movie content from that directory to your library.
You will likely have some issues with some shows importing to your movie library, and some movies importing to your tv shows due to common names between both (example- Transformers movies will probably get scanner by the TV scraper and add the Transformers tv show series to your TV library).
Aside from these unavoidable duplicate scraping issues, all of your content should load.
I recommend braking our your library into separate directories for "TV Shows" and "Movies".
An easy way to do this is to install Sickbeard to automatically scan and move your TV Shows to a new directory, leaving just movies in your current media directory.
archa1c said:
I just verified that you can add the same path twice.
The first time, select a "TV Shows" scraper to have it scan TV show content for your library.
The second time, select the 'Movies" scraper to scrape and add Movie content from that directory to your library.
You will likely have some issues with some shows importing to your movie library, and some movies importing to your tv shows due to common names between both (example- Transformers movies will probably get scanner by the TV scraper and add the Transformers tv show series to your TV library).
Aside from these unavoidable duplicate scraping issues, all of your content should load.
I recommend braking our your library into separate directories for "TV Shows" and "Movies".
An easy way to do this is to install Sickbeard to automatically scan and move your TV Shows to a new directory, leaving just movies in your current media directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually tried that same tactic before and it didn't work (Frodo). I am going to install Gotham today anyway, will try again.
My setup is that I download via utorrent and when completed, the files are moved to a single folder storage drive mounted on my RT-N66U. XBMC then reads the files from there... I'll look into sickbeard, thanks!
Has anybody tried LiveTV with tvheadend? It does work for me, but I am only able to use the channel that is already tuned. As soon as I try to switch to a different channel then XBMC crashes. It works fine on my Android phone, therefore it must be something with it running on the FireTV.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
Maybe a dumb question but how do i install .zip plugins downloaded from my computer?
NVM reading is my friend...
vogli said:
Has anybody tried LiveTV with tvheadend? It does work for me, but I am only able to use the channel that is already tuned. As soon as I try to switch to a different channel then XBMC crashes. It works fine on my Android phone, therefore it must be something with it running on the FireTV.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am testing with TVH.
Opening a channel is ok, HD or SD (h264 1080i without deinterlace).
Zapping is an issue, no crash but video gets very choppy like 4fps sounds is ok. Stop and Play fixes the issue.
Is the XBMC Ouya still the best xbmc for fire tv atm ?
c0mm0n said:
Is the XBMC Ouya still the best xbmc for fire tv atm ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the full 13.1 release for Android ARM from the main is best.
Thx !
Any special tip/setup on hw decoding ?

Applications List for working apk files on Fire TV

Hey All,
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
So the following apps work for me using a wireless keyboard and trackpad mouse.
TVCatchup
TVMC
BT Sport
4OD
ITV Player
Uno Telly
ChromeBeta
Please contribute to the list I will update this list when ive installed and tested more apps.
herohonda777 said:
I thought this would be a useful thread where we could list all the working apps that have been side-loaded via adb and also via other methods like aftv side loader etc ,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
wellersl said:
I'm not against the idea. Others have done it. What I think would be *most* helpful is if we would CLEARLY differentiate between rooted and non-rooted. I personally have wasted a fair amount of time because I had to hit that speed bump first and then turn around.
On my box-stock Fire TV, I side-loaded:
adobe.flashplayer.apk
com.altusapps.firedtvlauncher-1.1.0.apk
ES_File_Explorer_3.1.2.apk
Firefox_28.0.1.apk
MacroDroid_com.arlosoft.macrodroid_3.1.4_314.apk
xbmc-13.2-Gotham-armeabi-v7a.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a sweet list!
I got Dolphin Browser to work but the biggest one I got Working the PS4 Remote play app -
Side Loaded Dolphin Browser and then loaded up the PS4 remote app hooked up the PS4 Controller directin to the AFT and connected the remote play - No Lag issues at all playing FIFA 15 on my other screen in the house now!
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
herohonda777 said:
Also tested Firefox.apk this will open the browser but will just close after I search something in Google! not sure why it wont work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd. Unless its butting heads with Dolphin?
This version of Firefox? http://www.mediafire.com/download/rq57ptp5dbj0gsr/Firefox_28.0.1.apk
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Jacksmyname said:
Ok to add apk's for the Fire TV stick?
If so:
BS Player 1.22.176
ES File Explorer 3.2.4.1
Both working great on my Fire stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
VivianC said:
Do you have any issues with BS Player closing in the middle of a movie? I've had this happen a couple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet, but I'll post back here if I do. I've been using it for several years on a 10" Samsung Galaxy Tab with no issues. Not even a single hiccup that I can recall.
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
goodhur said:
Mizuu works very well with the stock remote. To play a file it is easiest to press the play button on the remote since the play button on the in the interface does show highlighting for selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
xm41907 said:
I am having trouble getting Mizuu to see my files. I can connect to my NAS as a source, but it's not finding movies. I have them sorted in individual folders to work well with XBMC. Not sure if that's an issue or not. It's no big deal because I do use XBMC, but a second option is always nice. Other than the library issue, Mizuu works wonderfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes a long time to go through the update(scan). I was thinking it didn't work at first. It seems like it does nothing for like 5 minutes then the movies begin appearing. Under settings>identification & search enable the sub-folder search. This app works only on wifi for scanning UPNP (great for the stick), the box on ethernet won't find dlna (however I think if you just do wifi to do DLNA scanning the plug back ethernet it still works). Manual entry of SMB works on the box and stick.
Some of the unique APKs I have side loaded on my AFS
Vulkano Player 5.1.261-connects to my Hava Platinum cable box streamer
Viki 3.0 - the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
Dramafever 01.00.09- also the GoogleTV version ripped from my Logitech Revue
The Sony PS4 Remote Play port works (as does the Sony DS4 controller out the box without any rooting required):
RemotePlayPortV0.7.3.apk
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
herohonda777 said:
With the Ps4 remote play what I find is after I launch a game or app it will basically crash!
Any ideas why this could be ?
Also using the opera beta browser on this and it's a brilliant browser for the fire tv!
Side loaded also shoebox which isn't great think I will stick with tvmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like one of two things:
1. You're not using the latest version of the app
2. you've not paired the DS4 directly with the Amazon Fire TV BEFORE you've tried to launch the app
..

HomerunTV - HD Homerun Live TV on Fire TV

Just wanted to share my experience today I bought this app since I own HD Homerun while having it on Kodi with PVR was nice it required a server computer to be running while watching.
Just wanted to let all guys know that the app costs 2.99$ (it's not mine of course I wish I was that skilled) everything works amazingly with fire REMOTE there is only one small issue in order to hit PLAY you must use mouse, I emailed dev asking him about this so it might be fixed soon!
How it works? it uses MX player or VLC media player to play the live channel ( my ISP is Verizon fios ) and channels stream usually around 18 mbps on lan in HD.
My Setup is:
Ethernet Cable
Homerun TV
VLC Media player (newest extracted from playstore) sometimes screen gets black it might be VLC issue (did not try with MX Player)
I'd say it's worth 2.99$ quality over VLC media player is great as well!
Update Feb 06 2015
Small Tips:
In order to play channel you must USE mouse to point it to "play button"
Set VLC media player to "Full hardware accelaration"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zaren.HomeRunTV&hl=en
Stream live TV from your HDHomeRun device to your phone or tablet. (Unprotected, copy freely channels only)
This application will allow you to stream live TV to your android phone or tablet. It can be streamed to your device in 1 of 2 ways.
1. Directly from the hdhomerun to your device. This requires a strong network connection to your device (wireless N recommended) and a powerful enough device to decode 1080i video.
2. Through the HdhomerunStreamServer. This uses VLC to transcode the video to a lower bandwidth.
you're telling me you can stream HD smoothly with this app? It's been a couple months since I tried it when it first was released for the Fire TV, and any HD channel caused severe stuttering. I'm on a wired GBe LAN as well. That'd be great if an update to the app fixed this.
UPDATE: Nevermind, I was referring to the app released by Silicon Dust themselves.
onlinespending said:
you're telling me you can stream HD smoothly with this app? It's been a couple months since I tried it when it first was released for the Fire TV, and any HD channel caused severe stuttering. I'm on a wired GBe LAN as well. That'd be great if an update to the app fixed this.
UPDATE: Nevermind, I was referring to the app released by Silicon Dust themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea the silicondust app is very laggy.
This one streams without a SINGLE lag because it uses MX Player or VLC.
Make sure to sideload VLC media player.
I asked the dev about placing the play button somwhere else. We'll see what happens.
Streams perfectly.
patt2k said:
Just wanted to share my experience today I bought this app since I own HD Homerun while having it on Kodi with PVR was nice it required a server computer to be running while watching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind me asking, what setup were you using with Kodi (e.g. server OS, server software, HDHomeRun configuration, etc.). I've got the HDHomeRun Plus / Extend and have not had a lot of luck settings things up.
I tried using TVHeadEnd on an Ubuntu server and Kodi running the TVHeadEnd plug-in. It streams fine only some of the time, but I get frequent crashes, especially when changing channels. In addition, I could not get any PVR functionality to work, nor have I been able to get h.264 transcoding from the HDHomeRun to work.
I then tried using MythTV, but could not get the Kodi MythTV plugin to work -- it would show the stations, but not be able to connect to the streams. (I also had trouble getting the MythTV server configured with the HDHomeRun, but that's not really related to the Fire TV.)
Thanks.
wunderdrug said:
If you don't mind me asking, what setup were you using with Kodi (e.g. server OS, server software, HDHomeRun configuration, etc.). I've got the HDHomeRun Plus / Extend and have not had a lot of luck settings things up.
I tried using TVHeadEnd on an Ubuntu server and Kodi running the TVHeadEnd plug-in. It streams fine only some of the time, but I get frequent crashes, especially when changing channels. In addition, I could not get any PVR functionality to work, nor have I been able to get h.264 transcoding from the HDHomeRun to work.
I then tried using MythTV, but could not get the Kodi MythTV plugin to work -- it would show the stations, but not be able to connect to the streams. (I also had trouble getting the MythTV server configured with the HDHomeRun, but that's not really related to the Fire TV.)
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use any PVR's I simply use Homerun TV and watch it via the app (I added shortcut in Kodi) so it's faster to open it.
I have a HDHomerun plus, adding the dlna server source of the HDHomerun to the files under videos is by far the best quality live streams I have gotten.
Regarding PVR with the Hdhomerun plus, I tried the same things. I finally said forget it and got a simple TV for $100 on woot with lifetime sub. It actually works much better than the reviews led me to believe. I access the recordings through plex.
goodhur said:
I have a HDHomerun plus, adding the dlna server source of the HDHomerun to the files under videos is by far the best quality live streams I have gotten.
Regarding PVR with the Hdhomerun plus, I tried the same things. I finally said forget it and got a simple TV for $100 on woot with lifetime sub. It actually works much better than the reviews led me to believe. I access the recordings through plex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw it being offered free not to long ago (lifetime sub)
I'm missing something. I have it installed, but how do I play a stream? When I click on the channel it takes me to a stream diagnostics screen (signal strength, etc.) How do I play it? Thanks!
ChaOConnor said:
I'm missing something. I have it installed, but how do I play a stream? When I click on the channel it takes me to a stream diagnostics screen (signal strength, etc.) How do I play it? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the trick... you must use "mouse" to point it to play button.
I emailed the DEV and asking him if he can somehow in future make it "play-able" via REMOTE.
Every other part of the app works fine with remote.
patt2k said:
Here is the trick... you must use "mouse" to point it to play button.
I emailed the DEV and asking him if he can somehow in future make it "play-able" via REMOTE.
Every other part of the app works fine with remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Well that's why I couldn't get it to work. So plug a mouse into the Fire and I should be good then?
ChaOConnor said:
Thanks! Well that's why I couldn't get it to work. So plug a mouse into the Fire and I should be good then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep for now that is what I do. Also in vlc settings turn on full acceleration (hardware) for better playback
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
patt2k said:
Yep for now that is what I do. Also in vlc settings turn on full acceleration (hardware) for better playback
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I found out a few days ago that you can adjust the quality stream in the actual HDhomerun view app. When the app is open just keep on pressing the menu button rapidly until the settings comes up then you can select the stream quality.
Also I had a Amazon gift card to burn so I actually bought InstaTV Pro. It comes up as a free app but it is by no means a free app. It cost $10 (which bites) because it has to download codecs. However it works very well.

[APP] SecondScreen - Eliminate lag when Miracasting your phone to Fire Tv/Stick

SecondScreen - Eliminate lag when Miracasting your phone to Fire Tv/Stick​
This app doesn't do the casting - it simply changes your phone resolution to match your TV which eliminates the lag when using miracast
This app allows you to change your phones screen res so you can miracast it to your Fire TV with no lag.
This app requires your phone to be rooted.
Your phone must be capable of Miracasting. If your phone does not support miracast you may be able to enable it by adding/changing the following line to your build.prop and restarting the phone then enable wireless display by pressing the 3 dots on the top right of the cast screen settings page found in
phone settings > display > cast screen
Code:
persist.debug.wfd.enable=1
Instructions
Download SecondScreen from the playstore
SecondScreen Download Link
Open it and create a profile
As a guide here is mine based on my Moto G 4g XT1039
{
"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"
}
Once done and applied your screen res on your phone will change and you can start casting via your phones native cast screen to miracast with no lag
Once finished just pull down the status bar and stop SecondScreen (or restart your phone)
TheFixItMan said:
SecondScreen - Miracast Your Phone To The Fire TV With No Lag​
This app allows you to change your phones screen res so you can miracast it to your Fire TV with no lag.
This app requires your phone to be rooted.
Your phone must be capable of Miracasting. If your phone does not support miracast you may be able to enable it by adding/changing the following line to your build.prop and restarting the phone then enable wfd from the cast screen menu via the 3 dots
Code:
persist.debug.wfd.enable=1
Instructions
Download SecondScreen from the playstore
SecondScreen Download Link
Open it and create a profile
As a guide here is mine based on my Moto G 4g XT1039
Once done and applied your screen res on your phone will change and you can start casting with no lag
Once finished just pull down the status bar and stop SecondScreen (or restart your phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coolest thing ive seen here in awhile. To my surprise, i didnt need to edit the build.prop. But my htc phone has no miracast support. Youre thread helped me find a missing link which was a playstore app not available in the US. BUT it was on blackmart. It worked with secondscreen app. Thanks.
What would this be useful for?
Serious question. I have had various screen mirror alternatives (including the one built in to the firetv) and could never find a use for them. I just cant see what I would want it for.
KLit75 said:
Coolest thing ive seen here in awhile. To my surprise, i didnt need to edit the build.prop. But my htc phone has no miracast support. Youre thread helped me find a missing link which was a playstore app not available in the US. BUT it was on blackmart. It worked with secondscreen app. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The build.prop line is to enable miracast if your phone does not have it enabled by default - Think it requires android 4.2 and above
jarayn said:
What would this be useful for?
Serious question. I have had various screen mirror alternatives (including the one built in to the firetv) and could never find a use for them. I just cant see what I would want it for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app doesn't actually do the casting - your phone needs to be able to cast itself
What this app does is to change the resolution of your phone to match that of the TV for casting which eliminates the lag when miracasting your phones screen onto the tv
Then what ever is currently on your phone screen is displayed on the TV
Well after reading your op and failing to get it to work I found that my phone has support in build.prop but no cast screen setting to enable (supposedly its hidden). When I start the WiFi display (miracast) app it automatically launches the second screen app you said to install. From there i select my profile and I'm actually mirroring the device (dont ask how or why it works like that.) I haven't tested much but lag was mostly undetectable. This is something I've wanted for awhile. I can cast youtube with my android tablet but don't use it much for that. However, being able to mirror my phone on a big screen is very useful to me. This is the first time I've done it since retiring apple TV a year ago.
KLit75 said:
Well after reading your op and failing to get it to work I found that my phone has support in build.prop but no cast screen setting to enable (supposedly its hidden). When I start the WiFi display (miracast) app it automatically launches the second screen app you said to install. From there i select my profile and I'm actually mirroring the device (dont ask how or why it works like that.) I haven't tested much but lag was mostly undetectable. This is something I've wanted for awhile. I can cast youtube with my android tablet but don't use it much for that. However, being able to mirror my phone on a big screen is very useful to me. This is the first time I've done it since retiring apple TV a year ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you found a use for it
TheFixItMan said:
Glad you found a use for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I thought i had discovered actual screen casting earlier (what you intended to teach)
When i launched wifi display app i found that my phone doesnt have a "cast screen" option however in settings/media output there was a new option for my fire tv. So i thought i had figured it out. I quit everything then just attempted launch second screen app but when i went back into media output the option was gone and wouldnt reappear.
Strange...for me it wont work without that wifi display app...not complaining because it basically does what i wanted.
The only thing that could be better is the aftv itself. Its kinda crappy that you need to navigate to the "enable mirroring" on aftv. Apple tv, an inferior box by most accounts, does this particular task very easily and has for a long time now.
Thanks again for the post.
KLit75 said:
Thanks. I thought i had discovered actual screen casting earlier (what you intended to teach)
When i launched wifi display app i found that my phone doesnt have a "cast screen" option however in settings/media output there was a new option for my fire tv. So i thought i had figured it out. I quit everything then just attempted launch second screen app but when i went back into media output the option was gone and wouldnt reappear.
Strange...for me it wont work without that wifi display app...not complaining because it basically does what i wanted.
The only thing that could be better is the aftv itself. Its kinda crappy that you need to navigate to the "enable mirroring" on aftv. Apple tv, an inferior box by most accounts, does this particular task very easily and has for a long time now.
Thanks again for the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to use wifi direct (if your phone supports it) to directly cast video stored on your device If your phone & fire tv is connected to the same network
There's 3 ways of doing it
1- use an app called allcast or allconect from the playstore
Install app on phone
Install the allcast receiver app or allconect receiver on fire tv
Open receiver app
Search for devices on your phone with the all cast app
Or
2- Create a media server on the fire box
Install bubbleupnp on both your phone and fire tv
Install bubbleupnp server launcher on the fire box
Start the server & configure it on both devices
Open bubbleupnp on the box
You can then cast video from any app that supports screen cast by opening the streams in the bubbleupnp app on your phone making sure you have set the receiver to the fire box
You can also use method 2 to stream stuff from kodi playing on your phone to the box but this requires a config file but I have done it and it works
Or
3 - install allconect app from playstore
Install kodi
Set kodi to receive airplay from settings-services-airplay
Now open allconect up and it should be able to detect kodi as a media streamer and you can cast videos or apps that support screen cast assuming both devices are on the same network but this method also works if your fire tv is connected to your phones wifi hotspot
KLit75 said:
Thanks. I thought i had discovered actual screen casting earlier (what you intended to teach)
When i launched wifi display app i found that my phone doesnt have a "cast screen" option however in settings/media output there was a new option for my fire tv. So i thought i had figured it out. I quit everything then just attempted launch second screen app but when i went back into media output the option was gone and wouldnt reappear.
Strange...for me it wont work without that wifi display app...not complaining because it basically does what i wanted.
The only thing that could be better is the aftv itself. Its kinda crappy that you need to navigate to the "enable mirroring" on aftv. Apple tv, an inferior box by most accounts, does this particular task very easily and has for a long time now.
Thanks again for the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not have to naviigate, just hold down the home button for a couple seconds and just click where it says mirroring
Im using miracast dongle to mirror my screen on my samsung tv. Im getting some pixeliness and some lag. Tried to lower the resolution with secound screen app, and the lag got a bit better but HD videos still look crappy.
Any ideas?
Thanks for your app. I see that there are a variety of resolutions, but ... All dongles support this like ezcast? I like to try this in a 1280x1024 VGA monitor with a Miracast and HDMI to VGA adapter.

[ROM] ROMs Comparison

The threads on custom ROMS are generating lots of posts.
Some questions are asked multiple times, some are never answered (because lost in the flow)... making it hard to take a clear decision about with custom ROM to flash, if any at all.
Thus, I'd like to use this thread to discuss about the "pros and cons" of each method, or rather the "possibilities and limitations" of them.
For the moment, this would include the three following ROM:
- The stock ROM (the one you get which your fresh Shield TV)
- The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
- The Full Android Marshmallow ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
The goal is not to encourage you to go in one or the other directions, but to provide objective arguments. This is why I wrote "possibilities and limitations" are preferred to "pros and cons"
Please comment in this thread, and I'll update the following posts regularly.
1) The stock ROM
Link to Nvidia Open Source Resources and Drivers here
No operation required, this is the standard ROM already installed on the Shield TV -> Just Plug and Play!
Shield TV game controller and remote fully working wireless (Wifi-Direct), including Voice search, and headset plug.
Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed.
Play store limited to Leanback-compatible apps (Shield TV runs Android TV)
- Thus, the number of compatible apps is limited (also due to the absence of touchscreen, obviously)
- Some apps cannot be installed at all, or cannot be run properly
Standard applications (not available as Leanback-compatible apps, e.g. web-browser...) can/need be sideloaded
- By defalt, sideloaded apps don't appear in the standard Home menu
- Sideloaded apps can be started using Sideload Launcher or Apk2tv
Standard applications can also be installed directly from Play store using Market Helper. NOTE: this requires root access.
Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
Unability to use a remote desktop
Apps related
No web brower installed, but Chrome (or others) can be sideloaded.
Skype for Leanback isn't working: calling buttons cannot be selected, no video call button.
Kodi can be installed. It allows you to stream content directly to your TV
To be checked:
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. (Works on the StockRestyle)
2) The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Full Play store available (access to more games. Yet, touchscreen-only games cannot be played with a game controller)
Aptoide TV filters apps that are compatible with Android TV. For example, for Skype, the standard Aptoide app provides the last version of Skype (6.26 for the moment, which is not working on this ROM), while Aptoide TV provides the version 6.15.
Shield TV game controller globally working
- Some issues reported with the new version of the game controller: Home and Back buttons not working well.
- Voice search button first starts Google search, a second press (not a double press) starts Voice search
The Nova interface is designed for touch and/or mouse and/or keyboard actions
- Most of the interface can be used using a remote or a game controller
- But, the configuration often requires a mouse (or at least, is faster to use with a mouse)
- A wireless all-in-one keyboard is a good device to use with, e.g. Logitech K400 Plus (others are good too, but this one is battery-friendly)
Web browser usable in full desktop mode, e.g. Chrome (without ads if you download adaway, root required)
Multitasking may look limited. Yet, you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (e.g. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. They won't appear in the list of connected devices, but they are working well, including microphone.
It may feel like a bit of a strange mix, not really remote-friendly, but not really full Android capable either. However, this is the only know solution to keep the proprietary tools from NVidia working while having a standard Android interface.
Apps related
Skype 6.14 and 6.15.x are fully working, i.e. audio and video calls, using UVC webcams (tried with Logitech C920 and C930)
Some easy fixes
Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation in the App-Drawer: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Foreign external keyboard can be remapped using one of the many apps available
- External Keyboard Helper Pro is working well in my case: Android interface in English (US), external keyboards in German (QWERTZ, Logitech K400 Plus and Logitech K830). You can try the demo version for free. PS: I'm not linked in anyway to the developers of this app.
3) The Full Android Marshmallow ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Smooth, fast, responsive ROM
Full Play store available, more standard applications should be compatible
Leanback only applications can also be launched using an tweak tool: QuickShortcutMaker (see video here)
Shield TV game controllers not working wireless (using Wifi-Direct) but working as normal a standard gamepad when connected via USB
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio. [Confirmed here]
Long-term update is questionable because it depends only on the person who is providing this ROM (even though this person is very active)
To be checked or confirmed by several users
Some slower performance (frame rates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1) [Mentioned here]
- This could indeed be a counterpart of all what is running in the background of full Android (see here). In others words, full Android is more general in the sense it offers more possibilities, but at the same time it cannot be expert in all those aspects. Thus Android purist would prefer to go for this ROM while Nvidia gamers may prefer to stay on the Stock or StockRestyle ROMs. In the end, YOU make the final choice.
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio.
- Working: here
- Not working well: here
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
IamSonoma said:
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
If I had more time, less family, less places to fish I would run 3 boxes and compare them all. I would always need to have one that is stock and family friendly for the wife and the kids.
When i bought mine a month ago I was hoping there was more community support but it may take more time to catch on. Luckily Zulu gives us two options to toy with. They work pretty good. Statistically speaking and I could be wrong, About 90% of the people making a purchase like this just want to plug and play and have no desire to tweak or tinker. I know this because out of the 6 in my family I am the only one that even thinks "can I root it?" when I am researching it. The rest of my family just want to plug and play. They want simple.
As for me I want it to over-clock, play games without CDs (Wii<family loved this but I have a tone of unwrapped games> and xBox with external HDDs), aging my self here play a game using two 5 1/4" floppy drives with all files working on 2 disks instead of 6 disks(AD&D SSI games), running android on my tilt 2 slide out keyboard sell phone, I could go on.
I really hope development picks up. I only wish I could help more. I do encourage Zulu and others to continue.
IamSonoma said:
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was also hoping for more feedback.
Indeed, the last few weeks I was struggling to find the best ROM that would suit my need. After reading the 200+ pages of post in the thread of the ROM proposed by @zulu99, I had hard time to extract the right information.
Thus, the idea of this post: I want to present objective points of comparison, I have no apps to sell.
The point is also to avoid the post like "Which ROM should I pick?". If the advantages and limitations are clearly listed, everyone should be able to make his/her own decision, all ROMs are good, it only depends on what you want to do with it.
PS: In my case, I wanted to 1) keep the Nvidia Shield TV game controllers (and my Fire TV 4K remote and game controllers), and 2) to have Skype working. Thus, my final choice for the StockRestyle ROM.
Mythamp's Review of the Roms
Stock Rom
Pros:
1. Ideal for basic 4K TV owners who want to stream all current channels of 4K content
2. Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed
3. Remote and Controller work great
4. Kodi allows you to stream content directly to your TV
Cons:
1. Small selection of Android TV Apps
2. Browsers and Non-Android TV apps need to be side-loaded
3. Cannot install most Non-Android TV apps
4. Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
5. Unable to remote desktop into the device incase you wish to send remote instructions to download content so that you can come home and enjoy.
Overall:
The Stock Rom is unable to take advantage of Android. It is a cumbersome process for people who like quick responses. I would say it is as limited as any other 4k TV's with Android built-in apart from a few Nvidia games. Trust me, this does not justify the $150 investment.
Stock-Restyle Rom
Pros:
1. All of the pros of Stock Rom including full controller and remote support plus
2. Install unlimited Android Apps taking full advantage of the Google Play Store
For Example:
• Use "Airdroid" app (root required) to remote mirror your device from work and have all the content ready when you get home.
• Play thousands of Android games on your 4k TV
• Use Chrome in full desktop mode (root required) without ads (download adaway) - almost as good as a desktop Chrome. Great for quick browsing.
3. Less cumbersome to move around by using a Keyboard with Trackpad (I personally use the "Logitech K400 Plus")
Cons:
1. Multitasking may look limited - yet you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
2. Many Android apps (mostly games) require touch, which can be done using android mobile device with Droidmote installed. Some games can be played using the Keyboard/Trackpad combo but its a hit & miss.
3. No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (Eg. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
4. It is technically not a Full/Clean Android as it has Nvidia's framework still builtin
5. Some easy fixes FYI
• Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
• Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Overall:
The Stock-Restyle Rom is in my opinion the best rom for the Nvidia Shield TV. It opens the device to all the Android & Google Play Store goodie-ness, while allowing you to use the fantastic shield controller and remote to play/stream all nvidia and some android games. I have also personally found that android games run smoother on this rom than on the Full Android Rom (Maybe its because the rom is based on the nvidia framework, I could be wrong.)
Bottomline - install this rom before trying the rest.
Full Android Marshmallow Rom
Pros:
1. Amazingly smooth, fast, responsive rom
2. You get the full Android experience
3. Includes all the pros of the above Roms
Cons:
1. No support for Nvidia controller wirelessly, you can use it by plugging in the cable and installing keyboard drivers
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Overall:
The Full Android Marshmallow Rom is a great solution for Android purists. You will miss-out on the seamless (wireless) experience of playing all the Nvidia/Android Games. If someone can get the wireless controllers to work here, I will be the first one to shift over from stock-restyle rom.
- This is just my opinion on the roms based on my usage, I am sure many users have their unique needs which might not match my feedback, so please take all this with an open mind -
mythamp said:
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it work, also audio.
*1
zulu99 said:
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
JulienPr said:
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
IamSonoma said:
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
{
"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"
}
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
JulienPr said:
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have version 2.
IamSonoma said:
I have version 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if there was a "version 1" of the remote, I cannot find any trace of it.
But, since they change the design of the Home button to be a circle only on the V2 of the game controller, and that it's the same as the V2 of the remote, it wouldn't be surprising if there was a V1 of the remote with similar symbol as the V1 of the game controller.
@zulu99, which remote do you have?
Love this thread guys as I've been considering another ROM but didn't know the clear pros and cons of Full Android and now this ReStyle one which I'm very interested in. I have a few questions for anyone. Perhaps the answers could gain momentum for many others as you guys are absolutely right that AndroidTV's app selection isn't just lacking, it feels like AndroidTV apps exist and the consumers want them, but the interface for getting them or allowing users to simply inform specific developers the demand to support it is insanely behind. On the desktop play store you can't even sort or filter Android TV apps other than seeing these two specific links unless an active user is seeking blogs or postings regarding them.
Apps for Android TV
Games for Android TV
Gotta vent a bit the already known... feel free to skip down...
On the stock play store, you can search for apps but not having even top charts or proper categories other than the useless 'featured' in addition to strong limitations is hurting as a whole. Some of the biggest brands out there have no or heavily limited apps for ATV, including even many tv channels like TNT or ESPN. I think Nvidia or Google for the time being should at least allow the detection of a mouse and keyboard to least show apps that 'might work' rather than none and give the user the option to control that. Hopefully Android N will improve things with the Picture in Picture and maybe even DVR abilities. Love this box but even though Android is a strength, it's also a weakness in the shade of a very sensitive cycle. More users --> More developers thus more apps --> More users --> More developers --> etc... I feel like the users are there, but while developers are increasingly aware, it should grow faster, and Google should help that awareness.
Anyways my questions were:
1) Does HDMI-CEC still work? Currently in stock it works in turning on the tv and with the tv on its Source Input, off with tv, and controlled by tv remote but not with volume (shield remote controlling tv volume).
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus phone.
3) Any loss of 4K support, including Youtube, Plex, VLC, MXPlayer, or hopefully introduction of HDR support (doesn't work natively on Shield perhaps because of the HDMI 2.0a not yet being implemented). I'm interested in keeping Full dynamic range and ability to toggle 4K 60 and 4K 24fps along with Plex (with Refresh Rate Switching for native 24fps support in 60 mode). So I guess along with this can AndroidTV specific apps still be installed or will the phone/tablet versions be installed instead? Example: Plex.
4) Is Adoptable storage still supported? I'm guessing when flashing the StockRestyle ROM we'll have to wipe the adoptable sdcard and essentially factory reset.
5) Can AptoideTV work just fine on stock? I'm going to probably try it tomorrow
While I personally don't play any of the Nvidia games, I'm looking to have the Stock Stability + current emulator/rom support (rooting for Wiimote support) + specific apps that are not supported on AndroidTV without having to constantly manually update them through sideloading. Apps I'm interested in include Google Apps including Google Photos + Logitech Webcam supported (Skype + Hangouts + FB Messenger) and possibly Amazon Prime Video but ideally if it can support at least 1080p or 4K. I also use Kodi but am still learning to use it.
I'm very familiar with modding on my Nexus 6P (TWRP, root, Xposed, with monthly updates) so was wondering if there was anything different I should know other than the obvious loss of a screen when adding custom recovery and rooting along with Nandroid backups. Has any one successfully backed up their stock ROM and restored it later? Also anyone root stock, then backup everything on Titanium Backup (sideloaded) and restore apps + data on StockRestyle ROM?
My set up is 16GB Shield Stock 3.0 not rooted yet + Samsung 128GB Pro+ microsdxc + Stock Controller + Remote, it's connected to a Samsung 4K SUHD UN65JS8500. Also using bluetooth Logitech keyboard + mouse, xbox 360 receiver, x360 controllers. Still waiting for possible DVB-S2 integration and maybe live tv solutions like silicondust.
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-> the shield remote is ok on full android.
I use it to watch movies with headset plug in ...but only the microphone function don't work
copticwalad said:
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about this too. I like the idea of the shield basically replacing my chromecast, but with Full Android it looks like you can't cast TO it, but you can cast IT'S display like any other phone or tablet. Is it possible in full android to cast another device TO the shield with full android?
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Categories

Resources