What are /r/fireTV's favorite Products & Services?

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The cursor is tougher to use than the old app, but I have been using Silk to get to YouTube.com for a while since the mobile and desktop sites have more features:

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Silk-Browser/dp/B01M35MQV4

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07N2ZHFY9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_z58gFbHC6EQHK

I used Cable Mater's micro USB to Ethernet adapter on mine and it works great.

Replace the included power cord with this and connect an Ethernet cable and you should get as good of a connection as you can without upgrading your internet speed.

Bad news, I’m afraid: that’s exactly what I'd expect to happen. It's normal.

Think about what a VPN does: it effectively moves (tunnels) you to a private network elsewhere, and in effect, you're no longer connected to the local network.

Some VPNs let you get around this by allowing traffic to the local network as well as the tunneled network, but I haven't seen any on the FireTV that do (it may even be beyond the capabilities of the FireTV's cut-down OS), and anyway, if a VPN setup lets you talk to the local network, then it's not redirecting all traffic to the VPN, and in that case it's not fully secure or fully effective.

The FireTV app notices a FireTV device and draws its UI ready for the user to use, but then realises its traffic isn't actually able to reach the device (or replies aren't coming back) and disconnects.

I'm not a network specialist, so my understanding of this situation could be incomplete, but I use ExpressVPN on a FireTV stick, and get exactly the same problem. I don't think it's likely to be avoidable unless your VPN app allows talking to the local network.

I had the same issue myself, it's a resolution issue. This happens with my fire stick but not my fire tv. The resolution changes when accessing Private Internet Access. To change the resolution:

"Press the Up and Rewind buttons on your Amazon Fire TV remote at the same time for 5 seconds. The system then cycles through available output resolutions, pausing at each resolution for 10 seconds."

The s should get you going.

My Downloader app has a built-in browser that supports downloading certain files.

Amazon Appstore Listing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BP507/

More info about the app: http://www.aftvnews.com/downloader

There is an android and apple app for your phone.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.storm.lightning.client.aosp&hl=en

or

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazon-fire-tv-remote/id947984433?mt=8

Are you sure you're router/modem didn't assign a new IP address to your fire TV? If I was you I'd check in the fire TV settings and see what the IP is. If that's not the problem Silk browser was released for gen3 want it? Just use it and download the apks. If you don't fancy that you could grab mixplorer for Android and start the ftp server built-in to it, and then grab Total Commander for fire TV, then use silk to grab the ftp plugin and install it, after that go into Total Commander and add a new server. Just don't forget to set password and login for ftp mixplorer server.

I cannot figure out how or why to find Ultra HD content. I can see some in my viewing history, but I can't search for Ultra HD titles.

Case in point: If I search Amazon for Goliath Ultra HD, I don't see it. But it's here. If I didn't have Goliath Ultra HD in my viewing history, I would never even know Ultra HD was available. Leaves me very confused.

Good news for parents: YouTube Kids (Android TV) works as well. URL: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-kids-tv-android-tv/youtube-kids-tv-android-tv-1-00-03-release/

Exact filename: com.google.android.youtube.tvkids_1.00.03-10003330_minAPI21(arm64-v8a)(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk

I have this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-HT-SF150-Soundbar-Bluetooth-Surround/dp/B079DD19ZT

Its a treat! Had no problem syncing it to the fire tv and remote

Download and send to your Fire TV

https://www.amazon.com/HBO-NOW-Stream-TV-Movies/dp/B00XZFCVK4/

Remember to go to settings and sync your content so it is sure to be available on your fire tv.

You're right, this is Amazon preemptively making a change before the block. The YouTube app, which is made by Amazon, was updated last night to this new version that just puts up browser redirect buttons. If you sideload the previous YouTube app (enter bit.ly/oldfiretvyoutube in Downloader) the app works just like before and still displays the January 1st warning message.

Nothing is truly free, so if you're not paying your VPN Provider, who is? Kind of defeats the purpose of a VPN.

I know that I have an offer for 3 years of NordVPN for $89 that expires today. That's a pretty good VPN for less than $3/month.

How complex are the buttons you need to hit? Sideclick Has a great remote and all of the buttons are fully customizable

Web Video Caster and Server Cast. They will both have it under beta before the end of the weekend. While it is working fine I was in the middle of other changes so I can't release until I finish those.

There are apps for Android and Ios that can control the fire tv. There are also apps to control kodi. My favorite kodi remote for Android is yatse

Also depending on how new your TV is the remote for your TV may control the Fire tv. I have a newer Sony tv and the remote controls the Fire tv through hdmi. See Hdmi-Cec

It's really up to your TV's ability to pass the steam through, and samsung's have been know to have this limitation. You will probably only be able to pass PCM(stereo) at the optical output of the TV.

http://www.cnet.com/news/20-tvs-tested-which-sets-can-pass-surround-sound-to-a-sound-bar/

From here.

> The Playstation Dualshock 4 controller works out of the box (and the Playstation home button in the center of the controller even works as a Fire TV home button). Some users, however, report odd key mappings that can only be fixed if you have a rooted unit wherein you can install new key maps. If you’re using the controller with games that allow for in-game remapping this isn’t an issue.

Good luck with the touchpad and headphones.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/live-channels-android-tv/live-channels-android-tv-1-17-5live_channels_20180905-00_rc05-release/live-channels-android-tv-1-17-5live_channels_20180905-00_rc05-android-apk-download/

That's the one I'm using

>I used the 64bit version of YouTube

@izike: First and foremost, thank you so much for the tutorial!!!

I want to add that I already had the same version of YouTube previously sideloaded but it was the 32-bit variety. I wasn't sure if the 64-bit version would work since the Fire TV OS is 32-bit (I know the CPU is 64-bit). I'm glad to report that it works: my YouTube account appears. The only problem, although minor, is that the search function is still broken. When launching the search feature, YouTube displays a pulsing microphone icon with the words "Speak now." Obviously, it can't receive voice input. Then, when you cancel and back out, the app closes and you're brought to the Fire TV home screen.

Does the 64-bit version correctly implement the search function?

This is the 32-bit version: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv-2-01-04-release/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv-2-01-04-2-android-apk-download/

He fucked up the link, it's this one: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv/

(You won't be able to sign in without installing Google Play services as well though)

Thanks! I sideloaded the latest arm32 version (https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv/youtube-for-android-tv-android-tv-2-01-04-release/).

But there's a problem. Is there a special way to sign in to the YouTube app? Every time I click (with the fire remote) the "Sign in" link in the upper left corner, I get a message that reads "You're signed out Sign in for a personalized experience."

How do I sign in?

SmoothStreams is great for Live TV and sports /r/SmoothStreamsTV (Fee for service)

I think you need to request an invite to the sub, I subbed when it was still open.

SportsAccess is one that gets mentioned frequently and very few bad things are said about it. When something does go wrong they own up to it and fix it. I've only seen people complain during PPV events. (Fee for service)

Mobdro is a reliable app that needs to be sideloaded. Lot's of US and foreign channels as well a 24/7 shows and movies. Quality is SD or low HD but for free I can't complain. Ad supported on the menus and I think I may have seen one prior to the stream starting but not intrusive. (Free)

A whole host of other free IPTV services and Sports services but it looks like you've already messed with those, I agree leaves much to be desired.

A lot actually!

Full disclosure: I'm a Channels dev

Channels offers a visual way to browse what's currently on TV including a grid guide. It also has a buffer which lets you pause/rewind/fast forward live TV up to 90 minutes. It even provides the option to add on a full DVR service to turn the app into a full DVR system.

You can totally just plug your antenna into the back of your TV and switch inputs to ANT and channel surf like that, which is awesome. But these are the things that Channels offers including not having to input switch your TV. You get your live TV right next to all of your other streaming apps.

Channels isn't right for everyone, but those that have it really love it.

Check out the site to see it in action. https://getchannels.com/androidtv/

Been a while since I used the Steam Link, but Moonlight is an option if your gaming PC is using an Nvidia card. You might try it and see if it works any better for you.

All these ppl that charge to "jailbreak" and install apps are scammers. Only app I know of from that list is Cinema HD and that's a free app... You can sideload apps using either adb or the Easy fire tools app from your phone..

Device performance seems to crap out when available storage dips below 1GB. You seem to use a lot of apps, so you might want to consider adding a MicroSD or USB drive to your setup to offload some app storage. This can be done with one of the accessory cables available @ Amazon. To use a MicroSD, you'll also need a USB MicroSD card reader. Here are the links to both @ Amazon US.

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Streaming-Android-Samsung-Genesis/dp/B08LGQY454

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-MobileMate-microSD-Card-Reader/dp/B07G5JV2B5

A pocket router can connect to your schools connection & provide a way to get online with the firestick TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) - Support Multiple Modes, WiFi Router/Hotspot/Bridge/Range Extender/Access Point/Client Modes, Dual Band WiFi, 1 USB 2.0 Port https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5RCZQH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5S92AYP6C3DCWJMT0B6K

If you install Mouse Toggle for Fire TV (N.B. an app on the Google Play store / apple app store, not Amazon app store!) you can use the menu and fast forward buttons on the remote like a mouse wheel to scroll up and down. Might be worth trying it out before buying a travel router

You need an Android (or iOS) device to both load the app and start the service on the newer fire tv devices

Sorry but it doesn't work like that. One is a backup to the other; the second would never be used if the first one is online. I think there are some easy DNS changers that use the VPN functionality, but I'm not sure if they work on the fire tv.

Try sideloading this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.blokada.alarm.dnschanger

Neither! ATV Launcher is a custom launcher. Here it is in the Google Play Store.

And here's how to enable a custom launcher on a FireTV stick.

Have you tried something like this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autostart&hl=en

Here's the APK to download and transfer by USB drive (Fire TV box) or ADB (Fire TV stick):

https://apkpure.com/autostart-no-root/com.autostart

If you have another Android device then you can use the apps2fire app to install apps from your Android on the Fire TV or browse and upload files to it.

My money is on the Intel Compute Stick being the next big thing. $90 for a Linux version that isn't locked. As soon as someone puts Kodi on it, you could run anything you wanted to. Netflix, Primes, Hulu; hell, Kodi is the only way I can run NHL GCL on my AFTV.

http://www.cnet.com/products/intel-compute-stick/

I would try one of the tronsmart usb Ethernet adapters first. Usually about $10 and it works with some android devices.

Tronsmart USB 2.0 to RJ45 LAN Ethernet Network Adapter for MINI PC Mac Tablet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DA3V4JK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_fyQPub0HDRZ8T

Edit: I have one I will try on my unrooted box and tell you if it works.

Edit 2: it works. You need to forget all wireless networks and reboot with adapter it. If no network unplug and plug back it. Adapter flashes blue and is then connected. You cannot configure ip, subnet or DNS anymore. It put it on a different subnet but streaming works. It broke the official remote app. Wukong remote works. Airplay works. Had to sign back into Netflix but it works. Plex works if you sign out. YouTube casting breaks.

So you have sacrifices for keeping the rooted box.

Doing something like this could work (not sure) if your planning to game on emulators, and those emulators support keyboards as controllers.

I seriously doubt you can use the Wiimote as a normal gamepad to work with Amazon Appstore games.

Instructions here for installing the Amazon add-on.

http://www.howtogeek.com/113491/how-to-get-hulu-and-amazon-video-on-xbmc/

~~And I just checked and normal VPN's don't work in XMBC unless you use addon like https://github.com/datho/datho-xbmc-repo~~

But just using a normal proxy works. I use a cheap five dollar a month droplet on Digital Ocean with Squid installed and it works fine with that. I can totally walk you through setting that up if you want. It only takes ten minutes.

Not OFFICIALLY. However I use the AndroidTV version of the app sideloaded and it works fine. You just have to update and maintain it yourself.

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/vudu/vudu-movies-tv-android-tv/vudu-movies-tv-android-tv-4-1-45-96620-release/vudu-movies-tv-android-tv-4-1-45-96620-android-apk-download/

I was having he same problem for a few days and the issue is only present in the latest version of the app for fire tv. I have two fire sticks, one running an older version of the app without any issues.

I fixed this by side loading an apk using the “downloader” app.

This is the exact apk I sideloaded:

https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/hulu/hulu-android-tv/hulu-android-tv-2-0-3-release/hulu-android-tv-2-0-3-android-apk-download/

I know the link is long but if you visit google in the downloader app, do a search for “apk mirror Hulu Android tv 2.0.3” and it will the the first link.

The UI will look different since this apk is for Android tv but it works perfect!

Don’t forget to allow apks from unknown sources in the fire stick settings.

It’s a pain to do this but it’s better than getting the stupid connection error. Hope this helps someone out there.

I was having the same problem and I've been trying to remember what resolved it - I think setting my country to US on this page ended up solving it.

Thanks! Tried that with no success at first. I was using Youtube for Android TV version 2.0+.

Uninstalled that and installed older version 1.3.11, works great.

After a bit more experimentation, I found a temporary solution for my KKMoon C2407 bluetooth keyboard. The SEARCH (F1) key brings you out of the app. However, this is only a partial QUICK FIX. It does not emulate the BACK key and so does not work for apps like Mobdro video streamer which often serves up a full screen ad requiring that you use the BACK key before starting the video stream.

I rooted for Google Play Store and for Fake Wifi Connection

Just installed it. Looks good, except most channels are tagged as "Wifi Only" and my box is hard wired.

Edit: Solved it!

There is a nice little utility out there called Fake Wifi Connection! which works. One note, though it doesn't really say so, you need to enable it with Xposed Installer for it to actually work.

Thanks again.

Channels relies on a TV tuner. No matter what, you need a way for it to get your TV. It uses the HDHomeRun type of tuner that will stream your TV over the network.

There's a CableCard model of the HDHomeRun (HDHomeRun Prime) that will let you use cable. It even has 3 tuners. This is what I personally do. You can purchase this tuner, then rent a cable card from your cable company for around $5 a month, and watch 3 different things on your network at the same time.

This means you just pay for the HDHomeRun (you can get them on Amazon or at Best Buy), then buy the Channels app once for $25, then rent the CableCard for $5 a month, and you'll have TV on every TV in your house with an ongoing rate of just $5 per month (for equipment costs).

A lot of our customers go this route. Most of the cost in cable plans is equipment rentals. Get rid of those, and your monthly payment is pretty cheap. It's a great setup.

How To - https://getchannels.com/howto
HDHomeRun Prime - https://www.silicondust.com/product/hdhomerun-prime/

I hope this helps!

Unless something's changed, the most recent version of Aptoide works perfectly fine for me; and I have never rooted my FireTV. I have the most recent FireTV OS version, and checked both options in Settings -> Developer Options; enable-debugging and unknown-sources. I used adbFire 1.09 on Windows to sideload aptoide5.2.0.2.apk and then added three popular stores: milaupv, mark8, and htcsense. I tested Aptoide just today by installing ES File Manager, and it installed and ran perfectly fine. It's worth pointing out that many paid apps (Mx Player Pro, etc) likely won't run properly on the Fire TV without rooting and installing certain google services; for example, I could only get the free ad-supported version of MX Player 1.7.31 (NEON) to work from https://sites.google.com/site/mxvpen - but none of the legal or pirated apk's of the pro version seemed to work at all. Since the free versions are the ones that tend to work, I'd recommend using this site to download an apk directly from Google (safer, less likely to have malware) and side load it with something like adbFire: http://apps.evozi.com

Yes, you run the plex server on your computer and point to your movie / TV folders you have locally, and the Plex app on FTV will connect to that. There are some apps that will stream stuff on plex, but I don't use them. There's a netflix app native to FTV, so you're covered.

Depending on the file container, Using a computer you can split the file without re-encoding . Avidemux is free and easy to use. http://fixounet.free.fr/avidemux/ just set the video and audio output to "copy" and then use the slider to select start and end points.

Possibly a problem with your wifi speeds. Unplug your router and plug it back in.

If possible, download the Silk browser app to your Fire TV device and go to fast.com to get an idea of the speed you are getting. 20Mbps is ok.

Make sure you are trying to watch a 1080 show. Some aren't.

What speed does your ISP provide on a consistent basic? Once again, run fast.com on your computer to test - preferablt in a hard-wired connection.

Note: I pay for YT Red, so I haven't tested this on YT.

On my Shield some apps let you watch recent episodes but they have ads (Comedy Central, FX, TBS). I changed the DNS on just my Shield (not my router) to this: https://adguard.com/en/faq.html

I haven't seen an ad on any of those streaming apps since doing so. If the FireTV allows for custom DNS, it's worth a shot.

They drop their price frequently to $84. Yesterday a new one was $69, I bet they do it again before Christmas.

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Fire-TV-streaming-media-player/product/B00CX5P8FC?context=browse

Set up a price alert

Not really much you can do, try playing a file from a computer on the same network, that'll at least tell you if its fine internally. Likely though its just the external servers, you can't really control how well they are connected. An addon that provides more sources will give you more choices to select from, thats probably your best bet. Or give something like https://real-debrid.com/ a try, its a few bucks a month and gives better links to the file hosters.

If you sideload es file explorer, you can update directly from a network share or local folder right on the fire tv. http://www.estrongs.com/?lang=en

I have a network folder just for apk files. If you select the apk file in es file explorer, it will ask you if you want to install/update it. Very handy.

There is one option you have, if you don't / can't have root access and want remote control. If they have a computer on the same network, you can use remote desktop to connect to the computer, and then on the computer you can use scrcpy to view and control the fire tv.

Afaik you need root access to remote control some devices with TeamViewer

If you are savvy enough to create a VPN or run TeamViewer on other one of their PC's, check out https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy I haven't tried it but it should work.

The little "pig-tail" HDMI cable they included wasn't actually long enough for my needs so I got a longer one, because I didn't want to bury my Firestick behind my TV, thus restricting my Wifi connection.

But ultimately I had to get an Ethernet to USB adapter as I think my neighbors Wifi was causing me problems.

I don't have a Toshiba Fire TV, I have a Fire TV Stick 4K, but does your remote have a Fire TV home button that you can press and hold?
For me, that brings up an option for Display Mirroring, though it's not compatible with any devices I happen to own.
I ended up installing AirReceiver, which supports Google Cast: https://www.amazon.com/%E9%BE%99%E6%96%B9%E5%84%BF-AirReceiver/dp/B00L5HQRGS

If I understand the problem right, the OP has a firestick that can't access wifi (probably because the router it has the code for is no longer in use) and the paired remote is gone.

Use an OTG hub with a wired ethernet jack like this one:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078MNW25Q

That way it will connect to the network via wired ethernet and you can use your phone as a remote to change the wifi

Your TV and Sound Bar likely do not have a Unique On / Off IR code

So the cube is just sending out a "Power" command it doesn't know/care if the device is on or off, so if your devices are staggered like that one off and one on, then they will be staggered afterward as well

The cube just knows that you use your sound bar to listen to the TV so then it thinks they both need to be "Powered"

I use a <strong>SideClick</strong> remote for my living room TV, you can customize the buttons to be whatever you want.

As others said, get a gigabit usb to ethernet adapter.

This one works well and does require any additional adapters $15: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Streaming-Including-Chromecast/dp/B07N2ZHFY9

But you should really get an AP that supports 5Ghz. 2.4Ghz is very problematic for streaming. The more neighbors you have, the worse your performance will get because their routers are eating up the available channel utilization.

You can buy an old router that supports 2.4+5Ghz bands from eBay for $20-30 if you don't want to get something new for $50-100.

Yes, the OEM p/s is sufficient (5.25V), but as you say, a standard USB charging port is not (4.95-5.1V). I found OTG USB sticks connected via USB-OTG cable wouldn't work reliably when power supplied from normal USB charging port. Likewise with this USB/Ethernet hub. With the OEM power cube though all is well in both cases.

Now if you want to you don’t have to buy all that stuff... I went that route because I want to expand my storage.... you could just buy the Amazon ethernet adapter and a Cat6 Ethernet cable, but the adapter is junk... here are links to them

Amazon Ethernet adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Ethernet-Adapter-Fire-Devices/dp/B074TC662N

Cat6 Ethernet cable: https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Ethernet-Cable-100-Feet/dp/B003RCI5A0

Are you sure it's actually continuing to play when the TV gets turned off? The Fire TV should detect that the TV was turned off and stop playback, but I'm not certain if this actually works across all apps.

One option is to create an Alexa routine that triggers pauses playback at a specific time. Not a great solution, but it will keep it from going all night, if that's the main concern.

Another option is to use an auto-switching power strip (ex: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DHO1W/) that kills power to the Fire TV when the TV is turned off.

AFAIK true "rabbit ears" were tuned for VHF channels 2-13. No OTA TV broadcasts use those frequencies today, they have all moved to UHF, which used to use a simple circular loop if you didn't have an antenna of your roof for it. That said, modern set-top antennas combine the rabbit ears with a UHF loop and call the whole thing rabbit ears.

Is that the square pendant one? If so, I suspect it is like my 4K Firesticks in that the micro USB connection can be used as USB-OTG with an adapter like this which allows you to connect not only USB storage but also a wireless keyboard/touchpad like this one. You can't use a regular USB-OTG adapter since the FireTV is powered via the USB too. Unlike using ADB to control the device via USB or Ethernet, which requires you to enable a setting before you can use it to enable a setting, USB keyboards work as soon as they are connected with no need to enable them in FireOS. Using the keyboard you can navigate the FireOS settings menu to the screen for remote pairing and see if you can get one of yours to connect that way. You can probably get away with using any USB-connected keyboard you already have, but you will need that USB-OTG adapter for this to work.

I bought this the other day https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabit-1000Mbps-Ethernet-Adapter-Network/dp/B00LLUEJFU&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiL8bmq14ntAhUBmVwKHT9YDyEQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw34fTUhYZva5YLW3pIMOf44

I love the Fire Box remote! it's sleek, minimal, well made, simple to use, onscreen low battery alerts, non directional functionality. Mine is 1st gen tho. As for ergonomics, yes it's a little cumbersome because of it's beveled shape but fits well in my hand. Amazon Fire TV also makes a game controller that has full and expanded functionality. https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-Controller-Voice-Search/dp/B00NO8LX7E

You can get the harmony smart control for only $70. I realize it doesn't show in the pictures on Amazon but it does in fact come with the hub and the remote. You can also use your phone / tablet as a remote with the harmony app.

another alternative if nothing else works is using the "total commander" app. it will remain listed in the recent apps.

install it and launch kodi/spmc. then as long as you do not close or restart the firetv/app, kodi/spmc will be the selected option the next time you launch total commander.

link to app on amazon appstore.

this to me is a better alternative than going to settings, managaged installed apps, LOADING APP TIME, scrolling down to kodi, enter, lauch app.

There are HDMI audio extractor boxes for just this purpose. Fairly inexpensive too, here's the first one I found:

ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor | Optical Toslink + L/R Stereo Analog Converter Outputs | VHD-H2HSAs | Support Amazon Fire TV, etc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBHX072/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_y-2-ybYVR27H5

If the Android Amazon remote app doesn't work, then:

• you could try the factory reset with USB keyboard technique, by temporarily buying a $10 keyboard from Target, walmart, best buy, etc.

• if you're looking to replace the remote control anyways:

You could buy a $15 replacement remote. -- or $30 for the full shebang Alexa voice remote .

You could borrow a friend's or relative's Fire TV remote overnight.

Have you checked out the new Amazon Alexa Voice Remote ? I just picked up two for $14.99 each on Amazon. It has volume and mute buttons, you can set it to control your TV or AV receiver, and it can be used to change the input source on many devices.

https://www.amazon.com/All-New-Alexa-Voice-Remote-with-power-and-volume-controls/dp/B07B6L2QCF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1547952113&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=fire+tv+remote

In my setup, it controls my FireTV (which as PlayStation Vue), turns the TV on/off, turns the AV receiver on/off, and controls volume on the AV receiver. Unfortunately, my old AV receiver can't have the inputs switched, but I'll upgrade it eventually.

Prior to that, I used the Sideclick. It allows you to program several buttons, so you can actually do quite a lot with it.

If it doesn't work and if I remember correctly, there was a device that helped it work. USB ports on TVs do not typically provide enough power. May not be worth the extra expense.

It does have 4 star reviews, $10 plus tax.

https://www.amazon.com/firePower-Power-Cable-Fire-Stick/dp/B073QYKT1Q

I kind of like using the power adapter. If you need to hard reset the FS, you don't have to reach behind the TV.

i use Easy Fire Tools which is basically the same thing:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.agondev.easyfiretools

Well, generally, yes. Free ones are very slow, though I think there’s sometimes giveaways. SmartDNSProxy is pretty good, which keeps your regular connection but just bypasses nearly all geoblocking (Netflix too). It cost $20/year last year, now it’s $35/year or $50 for 2 years. So depends on how much other international viewing you do. Unlocator is another site like that, but is more expensive and unblocks less channels with less customization.

It also includes a VPN on the side, but it’s faster to just use their Smart DNS service, You would set your Zattoo country to Switzerland (has the most channels) on the Smart DNS site and connect to your WiFi using “Advanced” settings on the Fire stick to enter 2 custom DNS numbers they provide.

This combination worked best. I tried a different OTG cable that didn’t work.

UGREEN USB 3.0 Hub Ethernet... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLUEJFU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

DSYJ Micro USB Host OTG Cable with Micro USB Power for Samsung S7 Edge, S6 Edge, S5, S4 & Nexus 10 9 7 4 Player + All Others 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F6K81XM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_35XfFb22KJS1Z

You need both. Best you’ll get on internet speeds is about 250mbps due to limitations of USB 2.0 on the fire stick.

Sorry, I don't know that TV, but there are a lot of devices with the same issue. Try https://www.amazon.com/LIGHTDIMS-LD002-LightDims-Black-Edition/dp/B009WSN8PK

This one. I've been running it since December 2019 and I have been very happy with it. My only complaint is that I didn't realize till I got it that only two of the USB-A ports are actually USB... the third is just power. My fault though because it was clearly specified in the Amazon description. I just connected a spare laptop-type octopus USB hub to one of the ports which gives me 10/100 Ethernet and five USB2 ports.

I got this & it's great. I have bigger hands & the bottom corner of the Fire remote would kinda dig into my palm but this attachment has eliminated that problem. Added bonuses... it has a light, a headphone jack AND a remote finder feature on their app.

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Remote-attachment-Alexa-Voice/dp/B07XNVLPDW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=fire+tv+remote+attachment&amp;qid=1583973804&amp;s=electronics&amp;sr=1-4

I've tried with 3.0.0 which is the latest updated version, still same.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playstation.remoteplay

I don't think so but try using this app Web Video Cast, it's fantastic. Use the menu to select phone files instead of the web

Just last night I downloaded "Cast to TV" to my Samsung S8 to see if it would cast a mkv movie on my phone to my Firestick. It worked perfectly and didn't require me to download anything to my Firestick. And supposedly it works on Chromecast and Roku, but I haven't tested those yet.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cast.video.screenmirroring.casttotv

Mouse toggle app may be cheaper than a Bluetooth mouse, it's useful for a bunch of Android apps not designed for TV

There are two ways to use a VPN with your Fire TV Stick 4K. One is to set up the VPN through your home router, and set it so that it applies to your Stick's IP address.

What I do instead is this--I have Private Internet Access as my VPN, and they offer an Android app that works perfectly on the Stick. So anytime I want to watch something that requires the use of a VPN, I just start the app directly on the Stick and use it until I'm done.

I can't answer your exact question. However I can tell you from personal experience with the IPVanish App and Express VPN app that they both work much better on firetv3 than on firestick2. The processor on the stick2 gets bogged down with vpn running in the background and you will feel it and even see it when streaming. I can imagine the stick1 will be much worse (regardless of what OS ver it has).

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Wait until Oct 30 and buy the new stick 4k. That's amazon's most powerful player to date (more than cube, pendant or older sticks). You will thank yourself.

When I used it with IPVanish my FireTV would freeze and require a reboot. When I would launch without IPV it seemed like it worked fine. I only use with a VPN so I installed Covenenant. Not sure if this helps.

I used to use a different VPN for BBC access successfully for years but last year the BBC got more active at blocking VPN providers and mine (BolehVPN) stopped working for the iPlayer. Could this be the problem? Since then I use a Smart DNS service with the fire stick and other devices and it works perfectly. It's also a lot cheaper than my VPN used to be.

Is HMA a reputable VPN? I've never heard of it?

I'm planning to load Private Internet Access (PIA), on mine. They've been around for a long time and their service is much cheaper. I'd check them out before using HMA.

I'm running the same setup as you. I've signed up for a one month stint with IPVanish. In my experience, and I'm a noob at this kinda stuff, IPVanish and Kodi don't play well together. Maybe PIA will work better?

Have been using Private Internet Access on the Fire TV box for sometime now. You can't use a VPN on the first generation stick from my understanding but the 2nd gen with Alexa (and I believe version 5.2.2) works with PIA. Followed this tutorial for PIA but I assume it's probably similar for any VPN if you use Apps2Fire or ES Explorer

You could do it either way, but I've chosen to do it on the ftv as I don't want it to effect my whole network. The service is Smart DNS from PureVPN.

The way it works is that you use their DNS settings instead of your ISP's. Then when your device looks for (made up example) instead of giving the IP directly to Amazon it gives the IP of the company which then acts as a proxy so Amazon would see the request coming from them on a US IP rather than from me on a foreign IP.

It works on my laptop and I can stream from the Amazon website. However, both my ftv and KindleFire HD still get License_Error so it seems that somehow the way they authenticate is different. I've some apps on say Roku 3 now have hardcoded DNS entries within them for Google's DNS, so that could be the case, but I've not had a chance to test yet (and I'm headed to the US next week for a month, so I probably won't get a chance until mid-August).

Unblock-Us works fine on the Fire TV; since the stick is quite similar, there's a fair chance that it will cooperate with unblock-us. I'm using the Fire TV with the service, and it's always worked without a hitch.

Personally, I use UnoTelly setup.

I now have the app on the FTV and my NUC, also downloaded the app to my iPhone and iPad. I use UnoTelly VPN feature to stream games away from home. Works great. Only cost me $26 for 6 months with UnoTelly Gold package.

I browse it (nbastreams) with my android phone using Video Web Caster (alt android browser, with ad blocking), that has built in support to FLING to AFTV directly. No app on AFTV required.

Directly. Get an OTG cable and a USB ethernet hub. I use the following:

OTG: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JCZ2FQQ Ethernet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJU0K2Q

This also allows you to plug in a USB stick, to store all your legally downloaded roms.

You have the stick version of FireTV, which look like a usb drive almost, then you have the newest model, which looks like a Cube, then you have the device model which replaces the FireTV box like models, which now looks like a 'dongle'.

https://www.amazon.com/all-new-amazon-fire-tv-4k-uhd-streaming-media-player/dp/B01N32NCPM

You can use something like this to output the optical audio to analog RCA outputs for your receiver. Or you could do maybe Bluetooth audio out to your receiver with one of these.

Then use the FireTV iOS remote app to control playback.

I was thinking about going with something like this + firebox + soundbar. Any other issues you can think of that I should think about?

It doesn't fit all your criteria, but this is the one I use for my stick:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BALK9CM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_vQmvvb0QR3HHZ

Works great. I wish it was a little bigger so the kids would stop losing it, though.

Here is another option (more expensive) if your TV uses a removable power cord. Like ones used for monitors and desktops. It gives you an outlet behind the TV.

The InstaOutlet® for Media Players Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ9F2XS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_fLr7ub04PVQW7