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*Official* Amazon Fire TV Discussion Thread

219K views 2K replies 321 participants last post by  circumstances 
#1 · (Edited)
Will it be able to play a lot of different containers? Will it play user created content seamlessly?

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Thanks to Brejesh here are some informative links:

"- XBMC Wiki
- fireTVnews
- Working Sideloaded APK List
- XDA Developers FTV Forum

Tip for using XBMC: make sure 'mediacodec' is disabled under video acceleration. Only 'libstagefright' should be enabled. Full 1080p videos play just fine.
Also, you should update to Gotham 13.1 as it runs slightly better than the OUYA (Frodo) version of XBMC.


And, for discussion, I personally find this thread at XBMC most helpful/useful."
 
#2 ·
 http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/amazon-announces-android-powered-streaming-stick/


Fire TV is not a barebones device like the Chromecast, it's a powerful platform with ties to the broader Amazon ecosystem. Inside the slim black plastic box is a quad-core CPU with a full 2GB of RAM -- that makes it more akin to a high-end smartphone than your typical streaming device. And its incredibly slim, shorter than a dime and with barely enough clearance for the small selection of ports around back.


And, true to the company's word, this is not a closed ecosystem. The device will launch with access to Hulu and Prime (obviously) but other partners will be added over time.


One of the LiveBlog pictures showed a "Video Library" folder which means personal content may be able to be played as well. There was also a Plex app icon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


It supports 1080p, dolby digital surroud out via HDMI or optical.
 
#7 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by watchy  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559905


It says its available today. I'm going to order it as soon as their website shows it.

It's up now


Audio Support for Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch Stereo and HDMI audio pass through up to 7.1

Content Formats Supported


Video: H.263, H.264, MPEG4-SP, VC1

Audio: AAC, AC-3, E-AC-3, HE-A, PCM, MP3

Photo: JPG, PNG
 
#10 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by watchy  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...a-streamer-running-android/0_50#post_24559965


1 item will be shipped to Charles by Amazon.com. Estimated delivery: Apr. 3, 2014


I wonder if it actually shows up tomorrow?


I hope it doesn't suck.

I've had a ton of stuff show up next day via prime.
 
#11 ·
Same h
Quote:
Originally Posted by bd2003  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559973


I've had a ton of stuff show up next day via prime.

I usually have things show up everyday using prime, but being as new as this is and probably thousands ordering it. I just hope I get mine shipped before its out of stock.
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by watchy  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...a-streamer-running-android/0_50#post_24559987


Same h

I usually have things show up everyday using prime, but being as new as this is and probably thousands ordering it. I just hope I get mine shipped before its out of stock.

It's amazon, they're pros at this. If it said it's in stock, it's in stock.
 
#15 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bd2003  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559993


It's amazon, they're pros at this. If it said it's in stock, it's in stock.

I'm really hoping I can replace my Roku with this. Plex on roku is terrible. The interface sucks and it has issues playing a lot of remuxed MKVs. I hope if it has Plex it will be powerful and work correctly.
 
#16 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by iatacs19  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559997


Will it support MKV via DLNA?


I really want to replace my slow WDTV...

It definitely will via Plex. Plex is an awesome awesome app.


I have not seen definite information yet as far as playing personal media files. It supports it but to what extent I do not know.

as long as it supports Plex I am happy regardless. You can use Plex for free and it streams MKV no problem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchy  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560009


I'm really hoping I can replace my Roku with this. Plex on roku is terrible. The interface sucks and it has issues playing a lot of remuxed MKVs. I hope if it has Plex it will be powerful and work correctly.

You can say that again. Plex works great on my Samsung TV though via the Plex Samsung App
 
#18 ·
It's android, and they claim it's open. VLC, plex and XBMC will prob be ported by the end of the week. Even if it's locked down to any degree by default you'll prob be able to break it wide open without any hassle.


It's going to support every and anything.
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by iatacs19  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559997


Will it support MKV via DLNA?


I really want to replace my slow WDTV...

Yup, a big decision for me as well, I love my WDTV, but the lack of Amazon Instant Video drives me nuts, plus its slow. On the other hand, it plays ALL my local files regardless of what format I throw at it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NavySeal  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24559939


It's up now


Audio Support for Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 surround sound, 2ch Stereo and HDMI audio pass through up to 7.1

Content Formats Supported


Video: H.263, H.264, MPEG4-SP, VC1

Audio: AAC, AC-3, E-AC-3, HE-A, PCM, MP3

Photo: JPG, PNG

Ok, not bad, but not great. I guess Plex is something I need to look into.



No Spotify or Google Play Music? HRM!!! I like Pandora but I cant live off that alone, I hope they get more music streaming apps quickly.
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodosom  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560081


Show Time but no HBO? What's up with that?

Update: Amazon could not confirm that HBO Go is coming to the Fire TV, only saying "we're working to get more content."
Quote:
Originally Posted by rajuabju  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560111




No Spotify or Google Play Music? HRM!!! I like Pandora but I cant live off that alone, I hope they get more music streaming apps quickly.

I'm sure they will keep adding content.


From one review: "The Fire TV is runs on Android and as you would expect is hooked up to the firm's Prime Instant Video service for films and TV shows. However, you can also access other services from the little black box including Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, Vevo and Crackle."
 
#22 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by NavySeal  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560112


Update: Amazon could not confirm that HBO Go is coming to the Fire TV, only saying "we're working to get more content."

I'm sure they will keep adding content.


From one review: "The Fire TV is runs on Android and as you would expect is hooked up to the firm's Prime Instant Video service for films and TV shows. However, you can also access other services from the little black box including Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, Vevo and Crackle."

Where'd you see that review; Spotify is not on the official device webpage (that I can see anyhow)? Spotify support would basically sell me on this device..
 
#23 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by rajuabju  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560133


Where'd you see that review; Spotify is not on the official device webpage (that I can see anyhow)? Spotify support would basically sell me on this device..

Apparently it was on one of the screenshots on the presentation:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/digital-home/3509796/amazon-announces-fire-tv-streaming-box/


It's available on the Kindle Fire HD tablet as well so I see no reason why they'd be making it up.
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by crbaldwin  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560174


Why no MPEG-2 support on most of these boxes (except WD)? It can't be that expensive, can it?

Something like $3.50 per device for the license. They don't feel they need it I suppose.


More details with a hands-on: http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/amazons-fire-tv-hands-on/


Sounds like the GUI is super responsive.


I wonder if it will eventually support the h.265 codec or if that will be in V.2
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by NavySeal  /t/1524543/amazon-to-announce-a-new...-media-streamer-running-android#post_24560225


Something like $3.50 per device for the license. They don't feel they need it I suppose.


More details with a hands-on: http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/amazons-fire-tv-hands-on/


Sounds like the GUI is super responsive.

For a device that runs 30-50.. I'd agree. For $100? I want it to natively (without Plex, etc) support as many possible formats.


I'm going to wait a bit to see how the reviews look from people actually using it on a daily basis before jumping in... for now, my WD TV continues on
 
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