4k Fire TV stick - PLEASE READ OP BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS

NyOmnishambles

NyOmnishambles wrote: »

A few options have been mentioned above, another I have used is to install Kodi, it works just fine for that and other purposes

I will throw up a link to a tutorial later as it has a handy method of side loading apps

But Plex mentioned above is a very good option

As mentioned earlier

An easy method to get Kodi on the firestick

https://troypoint.com/how-to-install-kodi-on-fire-tv/

mailburner

OmegaGene wrote: »

Why bother when this does the same thing ?
I have the nvidia shield and the 4k stick and there’s feck all difference tbh

agreed

I have both also

2PLUS2EQUALS10

Had the 4K stick months it’s never let me down!

It also works well if you open it up to it’s full potential, if you know what I mean.

_Whimsical_

This is by far the easiest way to side load any app you want onto the firestick/firetv. You just install what you want on your phone and then use this app to push it to the firestick. Takes 10 seconds to do with any app after the initial setup which is easy.
If you need help setting it up, just consult youtube.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.koni.appstofiretv&hl=en_IE

fawlty towers

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

For anyone on the fence, these are fantastic. They've revolutionized my TV viewing. You can use them for the following:

Netflix
Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Channel 4 player
Channel 5 player
ITV player
YouTube

Obviously some of the above will require a VPN to access but that's easy to setup and use. I haven't used my Chromecast in a very long time.

If you don't mind me asking. What VPN are you using

Sleeper12

fawlty towers wrote: »

If you don't mind me asking. What VPN are you using

Getflix https://www.getflix.com.au/ Will get you all of the above without need for VPN. Express VPN is still the best but also one of the most expensive

I have Getflix setup on my router so any device on my WiFi can get Disney plus, US Netflix, Hulu, Iplayer, Prime Video , UK Now TV etc. Been using it two years now without fail

holidaysong

I cannot install BBC iplayer, ITV hub, etc. from the app store on my Firestick even with a UK VPN.

Is this normal and requires just having to side load these from APK version?

_John C

holidaysong wrote: »

I cannot install BBC iplayer, ITV hub, etc. from the app store on my Firestick even with a UK VPN.

Is this normal and requires just having to side load these from APK version?

Set you default amazon address to a uk address. Set your device location to the uk. Both of these settings can be found in your amazon account through a web browser. Reboot firestick. Then the uk apps will be available. Download whatever apps you want (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, My5, UKTV Play). Change back the amazon address and device location. Your done. The apps you downloaded will always be available to you later without changing these settings again, even if you buy more firesticks, youll be able to download the uk apps without changing address and location settings as they will be added to your amazon account for easy downloading whenever you need to.

Pity RTE and VM wont release their apps for download through the amazon app store. Would be so much easier.

McMurphy

holidaysong wrote: »

I cannot install BBC iplayer, ITV hub, etc. from the app store on my Firestick even with a UK VPN.

Is this normal and requires just having to side load these from APK version?

Install them to your phone and then use apps2fire to send them to the stick.

_John C

McMurphy wrote: »

Install them to your phone and then use apps2fire to send them to the stick.

Better to use versions from the amazon app store as there for Android TV which works without the need to use pointers. And they will also receive updates as needed. And once downloaded to your amazon account, you can reinstall whenever you want .

msmx5

PeterDuggan wrote: »

Can this stick play movies stored on a networked pc? Do it have Kodi? Thanks.

I use Kodi mainly for streaming live tv from my Saorview/DVBt TVHeadend Server in the attic and I find that for some reason the 4k Firestick, while being more responsive, quicker to switch through apps and having the very handy volume button is not as good as the older model at streaming DVBt saorview streams over my home LAN. I'm surprised at this as its a very nice and well spec's device.

Occasionally I get a greenscreen with just audio or nothing at all, but can still access the GUI. I often get audio lag on live tv, decoding pixelation and occasionally the stick freezes completely requiring restart - I didn't have these issues on the older firestick although it wasn't as responsive and remote lacked the volume button / mic. kodi, Hardware acceleration settings are the same as the previous version. Would be curious if anyone else come across the similar issues?

_John C

I use the "Dream Player" app on the firestick to stream Saorview/satellite channels from an enigma 2 box. Works well. Can watch recordings from the box also through the Dream Player app.
I was using raspberry pi 3's with kodi installed for this but I find Dream Player on the 4K firestick way better.

PeterDuggan

Thanks msmx5 but I meant can the stick play movie files stored on a network pc? I'd be curious to know if you've any experience of this. (I gather Plex can do it but Plex won't work on my pc.)

matzen

PeterDuggan wrote: »

Thanks msmx5 but I meant can the stick play movie files stored on a network pc? I'd be curious to know if you've any experience of this. (I gather Plex can do it but Plex won't work on my pc.)

It can. I use Kodi for that

_John C

PeterDuggan wrote: »

Thanks msmx5 but I meant can the stick play movie files stored on a network pc? I'd be curious to know if you've any experience of this. (I gather Plex can do it but Plex won't work on my pc.)

Yes . Ive got Kodi installed on my 4k firestick and I can stream movies from my NAS. Works great. It has replaced my old WDTV media player.

Troy McClure

Are the firesticks wifi only or can you get a network cable to work with them? If you have high quality broadband I know this is not an issue, but for some who need to stretch the best from their broadband, it is.

Kintarō Hattori

Troy McClure wrote: »

Are the firesticks wifi only or can you get a network cable to work with them? If you have high quality broadband I know this is not an issue, but for some who need to stretch the best from their broadband, it is.

You can:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=fire+stick+network+adapter&crid=2H2F7RMS2OTCM&sprefix=firestick+net%2Caps%2C140&ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_1_13

Troy McClure

Thanks for that. They kinda all look a bit different which in itself is confusing. I have no idea what is the difference between them and which to buy!

_John C

Troy McClure wrote: »

Thanks for that. They kinda all look a bit different which in itself is confusing. I have no idea what is the difference between them and which to buy!

I use these ones. Ive got 3 and they work perfect.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01LXP5TXI/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Troy McClure

That said where are these on amazon for £35 ?

_John C

Troy McClure wrote: »

That said where are these on amazon for £35 ?

That was a month ago . No deals on firesticks at the moment.

Troy McClure

Darn!!

lenoude

The sticks seem to be reduced to £34.99. It may be just a Prime offer, I'm not sure.

Finally took the plunge after reading the thread

muffler

Fire sticks are back down in price on Amazon. £30 for the standard version and £35 for the 4k one.

Sleeper12

muffler wrote:

Fire sticks are back down in price on Amazon. £30 for the standard version and £35 for the 4k one.

I don't understand anyone buying the regular one & only saving 5 pounds.

muffler

Sleeper12 wrote: »

I don't understand anyone buying the regular one & only saving 5 pounds.

Dont know a pile about them myself but I have read and heard lots of people saying the 4k stick is the bees knees. So you are right in saying it would be stupid not to pay the £5 extra for a better product.

batistuta9

msmx5 wrote: »

I use Kodi mainly for streaming live tv from my Saorview/DVBt TVHeadend Server in the attic and I find that for some reason the 4k Firestick, while being more responsive, quicker to switch through apps and having the very handy volume button is not as good as the older model at streaming DVBt saorview streams over my home LAN. I'm surprised at this as its a very nice and well spec's device.

Occasionally I get a greenscreen with just audio or nothing at all, but can still access the GUI. I often get audio lag on live tv, decoding pixelation and occasionally the stick freezes completely requiring restart - I didn't have these issues on the older firestick although it wasn't as responsive and remote lacked the volume button / mic. kodi, Hardware acceleration settings are the same as the previous version. Would be curious if anyone else come across the similar issues?

There's a issue with interlaced video on the 4k sticks.

Plenty of comments on github about it

Sleeper12

muffler wrote:

Dont know a pile about them myself but I have read and heard lots of people saying the 4k stick is the bees knees. So you are right in saying it would be stupid not to pay the £5 extra for a better product.

It's the latest generation stick. Apart from it probably having faster memory etc it will have a longer life. They will update the software for longer with this model. They no longer support the early versions. All of this & it is 4k. If you don't have a 4k tv now, you might have one next year or the year after. The difference between the two sticks is well worth the extra 5 pounds

bladespin

Go for the 4k, it's amazing compared to the older one (have both), the old one's good too.

No video issues on mine, have viewed 4k movie etc.

WeleaseWoderick

Got a 4k stick at Christmas to replace one of the original sticks and it is infinitely better to use! Really fast and no issue with streaming 4k content over my wifi.

Really easy to sideload apps not available on the Amazon store too.

I've just bought a second one at this price to replace a Mi Box that I have.

tommycahir

Has anyone here replaced the standard launcher on a 4k firestick?

The amount of bloat on there is nuts if you just want to use 2 or 3 apps such as plex, dreamplayer etc.

Danmj

Use DISCOUNT5 for extra £5 pound off

tommycahir

Danmj wrote: »

Use DISCOUNT5 for extra £5 pound off

Doesn't seem to work for me

ablelocks

discount didn't work for me either. forgot this needed addresspal too. you'd think at this stage they'd ship direct to ireland...

Danmj

Sorry its MYDISCOUNT5, worked for me

tommycahir

nope still doesn't work for me
must be account specific

lukeeman

Danmj wrote: »

Sorry its MYDISCOUNT5, worked for me

Thanks for code, worked perfect

_John C

Back down to £34.99
Use code MYDISCOUNT5
Select free postage

Works out at €34.92 + €3.99 AddressPal

Jofspring

lukeeman wrote: »

Thanks for code, worked perfect

Code worked for me too. €35 for the 4k stick.

The Ayatolla

ITV PLayer works for OnDemand content without a VPN for me (no live streams).
Channel 4 Player and 5 player the same.

Prime Video works for all Amazon-own content.
Likewise with Netflix. You get the Irish version.

BBC iPlayer generally is Geo-blocked.

A VPN isn't really needed unless you're desperate for BBC or the live streams from ITV.

TheDriver

The Ayatolla wrote: »

ITV PLayer works for OnDemand content without a VPN for me (no live streams).
Channel 4 Player and 5 player the same.

Prime Video works for all Amazon-own content.
Likewise with Netflix. You get the Irish version.

BBC iPlayer generally is Geo-blocked.

A VPN isn't really needed unless you're desperate for BBC or the live streams from ITV.

Only C4 works for me without vpn

MarkY91

The Ayatolla wrote: »

ITV PLayer works for OnDemand content without a VPN for me (no live streams).
Channel 4 Player and 5 player the same.

Prime Video works for all Amazon-own content.
Likewise with Netflix. You get the Irish version.

BBC iPlayer generally is Geo-blocked.

A VPN isn't really needed unless you're desperate for BBC or the live streams from ITV.

Cough IPTV cough........

Marhay70

MarkY91 wrote: »

Cough IPTV cough........

Cough, if you're lucky enough to find one that's not a scam, cough

bladespin

Marhay70 wrote: »

Cough, if you're lucky enough to find one that's not a scam, cough

There are many good ones out there, trick is to find feedback from users, no service is perfect but it's the ones who respond fast etc.

Troy McClure

It says does not deliver to Ireland ? Am I missing something?

septictank

Troy McClure wrote: »

It says does not deliver to Ireland ? Am I missing something?

Parcel Motel or similar.

ablelocks

MarkY91 wrote: »

Cough IPTV cough........

Marhay70 wrote: »

Cough, if you're lucky enough to find one that's not a scam, cough

coronavirus testers report immediately, coughs detected in BA

matzen

Roku Premiere down to £29.98 on Amazon UK. Great alternative to the Fire Stick.

Sleeper12

matzen wrote:

Roku Premiere down to £29.98 on Amazon UK. Great alternative to the Fire Stick.

Is it harder to sideload apps and use VPN? I have a Now TV stick and it seems limited in the amounts of apps

Muahahaha

Does a firestick allow you to cast from your phone to the tv?