Amazon Fire TV

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92 posts

Master Geek

#1358493 4-Aug-2015 11:16

kiwifidget: Hi, I am new to this thread (at least I cant recall being here before) and I apologise for not reading the entire 56 page thread.
I think I would like to buy a FireTV box, to run Netflix and Kodi(XBMC).
I already use an Apple TV2 but at 720p output it is falling behind my video requirements, and it wont run the new version of Kodi(15).
Though I like the simple interface and remote.
I have tried a Pivos and was disappointed, also an Intel Tiny Stick left me cold.

I clicked the link up the top for buying a FireTV but it says it does not ship to NZ.
How are you able to buy one? And are they really any good?

I use www.buyusa.co.nz, but you can also use I-shop for a USA address to get around the shipping issue.

lxsw20

2402 posts

Uber Geek

#1358495 4-Aug-2015 11:18

Use a shipping proxy service.

I have one in NZ I don't really use, with the game controller. $150 to your door if you want it.

jonathan18

4572 posts

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#1358505 4-Aug-2015 11:26

lxsw20: Use a shipping proxy service.

I have one in NZ I don't really use, with the game controller. $150 to your door if you want it.

Would you consider selling the game controller separately? I'm after one for my sons, and would be keen on buying this.

jonathan18

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#1358538 4-Aug-2015 11:33

kiwifidget: Hi, I am new to this thread (at least I cant recall being here before) and I apologise for not reading the entire 56 page thread.
I think I would like to buy a FireTV box, to run Netflix and Kodi(XBMC).
I already use an Apple TV2 but at 720p output it is falling behind my video requirements, and it wont run the new version of Kodi(15).
Though I like the simple interface and remote.
I have tried a Pivos and was disappointed, also an Intel Tiny Stick left me cold.

I clicked the link up the top for buying a FireTV but it says it does not ship to NZ.
How are you able to buy one? And are they really any good?

I think they offer excellent value for money.

They now work with USB drives which has given them a lot more flexibility - but note they're compatible with FAT32 format only, so this limits the usuable file size. I've always run my own accessing content from the network, so this isn't an issue for me.

I've just also set one up for my sister, who's a bit of a technophobe, and she's really happy with it; I've set it up with Kodi, BBC iPlayer and created her a Netflix account, so it manages all content she wants outside of terestrial TV. Works fine with a USB hard drive, though the file size limitation on the drive meant I couldn't transfer all her content.

Note that you need workarounds to get much of this going, eg apps like Kodi need to be sideloaded, plus they don't automatically get their own icon for easy access (there are workarounds for this). Still worth the effort I reckon.

kiwifidget

1830 posts

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#1358539 4-Aug-2015 11:33

lxsw20: Use a shipping proxy service.

I have one in NZ I don't really use, with the game controller. $150 to your door if you want it.

You have my attention. Why do you not use it? Is it awful?

Life is too short to remove USB safely.

lxsw20

2402 posts

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#1358548 4-Aug-2015 11:38

No...there wouldn't be a near 60 page thread on them on geek zone if they were awful :). Plenty of reviews out there too! I got it as a bedroom device but I don't really use the bedroom TV. I'm moving the UK soon also so flicking off stuff I don't need.

kiwifidget

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#1358558 4-Aug-2015 11:48

lxsw20: No...there wouldn't be a near 60 page thread on them on geek zone if they were awful :). Plenty of reviews out there too! I got it as a bedroom device but I don't really use the bedroom TV. I'm moving the UK soon also so flicking off stuff I don't need.

OK, I'm happy to help you out with that. I'll PM you from here on.

Life is too short to remove USB safely.

Kiwifruta

1233 posts

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#1358570 4-Aug-2015 11:52

kiwifidget: Hi, I am new to this thread (at least I cant recall being here before) and I apologise for not reading the entire 56 page thread.
I think I would like to buy a FireTV box, to run Netflix and Kodi(XBMC).
I already use an Apple TV2 but at 720p output it is falling behind my video requirements, and it wont run the new version of Kodi(15).
Though I like the simple interface and remote.
I have tried a Pivos and was disappointed, also an Intel Tiny Stick left me cold.

I clicked the link up the top for buying a FireTV but it says it does not ship to NZ.
How are you able to buy one? And are they really any good?

You can use NZ Post's YouShop service to get the FireTV delivered to NZ. Just sign up for it on the NZ Post website.
Basically, the FireTV will be sent from Amazon to your personal YouShop address in the US, and then forwarded on to your NZ address.

I've had my FireTV since November last year. Great hardware, very responsive. I did have XBMC (pre Kodi) on there and it worked well. I have since taken it off, just because I have very little need for Kodi. We regularly use Netflix with UnoTelly (and at times dns4me) app sideloaded, all work great. YouTube, HuluPlus, Amazon Video and various other streaming and gaming apps are also regularly used. I would say it gets used 2-10 hours a day, and I think in all that time I've seen it freeze up 2 or maybe 3 times. Disconnecting and reconnecting the power cable fixes it. I see no need to replace it until I upgrade to a 4K telly.

Previous to the FireTV, I used a couple of Android boxes from China, I also have a Chromecast. The chromecast is a great device. However the FireTV still reigns supreme. The voice search works with Amazon, HuluPlus and Vevo content and understands my kiwi accent, my wife's Bolivian accent, and our 7 year old.

What I would like added to a FireTV is voice search for Netflix.

Great features are
Fast, responsive device, moves through menus quickly and with ease
On Netflix it buffers once for maybe 3 or 4 seconds at the beginning of a movie and no buffering during a movie. (I have 50/20 UFB, but even on ADSL it only buffered for 4-5 seconds and only at the beginning of the movie)
8GB internal RAM - prevents buffering during a movie
Netflix app supports multiple profiles, one for each member of the family
Supports external USB stick
Bluetooth support (I have used these for the stick and game controllers only, never had a dropped connection)
Great Wifi (802.11N, dual band)
Ethernet port
Use custom DNS servers (a breeze to set up for UnoTelly, dns4me etc. Region changing can be done on the device with the sideloaded android apps from the SmartDNS services)

Have you considered a Google Nexus Player? Similar to a FireTV but by Google.

This has been one of those rare purchases where I did not regret it afterward or feel I had to make a compromise. I'm still a happy user.

Kiwifruta

1233 posts

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#1358573 4-Aug-2015 11:56

jonathan18:
kiwifidget: Hi, I am new to this thread (at least I cant recall being here before) and I apologise for not reading the entire 56 page thread.
I think I would like to buy a FireTV box, to run Netflix and Kodi(XBMC).
I already use an Apple TV2 but at 720p output it is falling behind my video requirements, and it wont run the new version of Kodi(15).
Though I like the simple interface and remote.
I have tried a Pivos and was disappointed, also an Intel Tiny Stick left me cold.

I clicked the link up the top for buying a FireTV but it says it does not ship to NZ.
How are you able to buy one? And are they really any good?

I think they offer excellent value for money.

They now work with USB drives which has given them a lot more flexibility - but note they're compatible with FAT32 format only, so this limits the usuable file size. I've always run my own accessing content from the network, so this isn't an issue for me.

I've just also set one up for my sister, who's a bit of a technophobe, and she's really happy with it; I've set it up with Kodi, BBC iPlayer and created her a Netflix account, so it manages all content she wants outside of terestrial TV. Works fine with a USB hard drive, though the file size limitation on the drive meant I couldn't transfer all her content.

Note that you need workarounds to get much of this going, eg apps like Kodi need to be sideloaded, plus they don't automatically get their own icon for easy access (there are workarounds for this). Still worth the effort I reckon.

How did you get BBC iPlayer on the FireTV? I know how to sideload an app, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find the right iPlayer app.

jonathan18

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#1358586 4-Aug-2015 12:05

Kiwifruta:
jonathan18:
kiwifidget: Hi, I am new to this thread (at least I cant recall being here before) and I apologise for not reading the entire 56 page thread.
I think I would like to buy a FireTV box, to run Netflix and Kodi(XBMC).
I already use an Apple TV2 but at 720p output it is falling behind my video requirements, and it wont run the new version of Kodi(15).
Though I like the simple interface and remote.
I have tried a Pivos and was disappointed, also an Intel Tiny Stick left me cold.

I clicked the link up the top for buying a FireTV but it says it does not ship to NZ.
How are you able to buy one? And are they really any good?

I think they offer excellent value for money.

They now work with USB drives which has given them a lot more flexibility - but note they're compatible with FAT32 format only, so this limits the usuable file size. I've always run my own accessing content from the network, so this isn't an issue for me.

I've just also set one up for my sister, who's a bit of a technophobe, and she's really happy with it; I've set it up with Kodi, BBC iPlayer and created her a Netflix account, so it manages all content she wants outside of terestrial TV. Works fine with a USB hard drive, though the file size limitation on the drive meant I couldn't transfer all her content.

Note that you need workarounds to get much of this going, eg apps like Kodi need to be sideloaded, plus they don't automatically get their own icon for easy access (there are workarounds for this). Still worth the effort I reckon.

How did you get BBC iPlayer on the FireTV? I know how to sideload an app, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find the right iPlayer app.

It's a matter of going to your Amazon settings in a browser. Select the page for managing your devices (sorry, can't confirm the name as don't have access at the moment); on that page there's also a tab for managing your location. Add a UK address to this (any address will do); select that so the system thinks you're operating from that location. You'll then be able to search for iPlayer and install it onto the Amazon Fire (via the browser - no sideloading required). Just be aware there are two apps that come up when searching for that - select the more recent one from BBC.

networkn

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#1358595 4-Aug-2015 12:15

I consider the FireTV and Plex Lifetime pass the endgame in Media Playing around the house. Connected via Gigabit, it has no shortcomings I am aware of. The only other player I'd seriously consider is shield TV which is more "open".

timbosan

1653 posts

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#1358602 4-Aug-2015 12:25

networkn: I consider the FireTV and Plex Lifetime pass the endgame in Media Playing around the house. Connected via Gigabit, it has no shortcomings I am aware of. The only other player I'd seriously consider is shield TV which is more "open".

@networkn - in regards to no "shortcomings" isn't there a problem on Fire TV's where MKV's streamed over the LAN with DTS don't play any audio in Plex? This is the main reason I have never bought one, and why I stick to a HTPC.

kiwifidget

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#1358627 4-Aug-2015 12:32

Kiwifruta:

Have you considered a Google Nexus Player? Similar to a FireTV but by Google.

I didn't even know they existed! But a quick google suggests they also aren't available for sale in NZ.

Life is too short to remove USB safely.

freitasm

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#1358628 4-Aug-2015 12:34

Amazon Fire TV allows you to add Amazon Instant Video, Amazon Prime, etc - which you can't get with Google Player. Get the best of both worlds ;)

networkn

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#1358630 4-Aug-2015 12:36

timbosan:
networkn: I consider the FireTV and Plex Lifetime pass the endgame in Media Playing around the house. Connected via Gigabit, it has no shortcomings I am aware of. The only other player I'd seriously consider is shield TV which is more "open".

@networkn - in regards to no "shortcomings" isn't there a problem on Fire TV's where MKV's streamed over the LAN with DTS don't play any audio in Plex? This is the main reason I have never bought one, and why I stick to a HTPC.

I wouldn't have a clue honestly, I have headphones plugged into my optical out on the TV upstairs and have a HT reciever and never paid any attention to audio in the lounge. I've never found a file that doesn't work, but I use plex which transcodes.

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