NEW (03/02/2014):
See 7: Turn off auto play the next episode of series
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I own the device since the 49, - EUR-launch action and have since also prime customer.
At Prime-video offering I no longer need to lose a lot of words, I think it's very extensive and balanced and it's for the whole family doing what.
I want to take something to the technique and settings, but for some people because it comes to confusion and to rashly awarded bad reviews.
In principle: It is a streaming box, that is the innate main purpose, for it is provided anything by sideload installed functions are tolerated Amazon additions, but which make this box so incredibly attractive.
Here is a random list of points that mostly lead to questions:
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1. Standby
The FireTV only goes to standby if it is in the main menu and NO app running in the background (eg Kodi). Otherwise, only the screen saver comes on. It is not a true standby, but it is only the video section turned off, the power consumption almost does not change thereby. The standby can also manually via Menu -> Settings -> System -> Standby be brought or by pressing a key on a USB-connected wireless keyboard (eg the Logitech K400).
Hopefully Amazon will soon be time an update that you can do that too directly via remote control.
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2. snagging:
Chance of reports of "defective" FireTVs remain hanging in the "Amazon" start screen.
Simple solution that almost always leads to success:
Reset to factory settings via simultaneous pressing of the remote control buttons on the right (RIGHT) and BACK (BACK) for 10 seconds. But beware: it will erase the user and login data!
Note:
If you intentionally or unintentionally tried with popular PC Tools "adbFire" or "FireTV Untiliy app" to root the FireTV, it can also cause this behavior of the box! The German FireTV is not currently Routeable and then leads to such "hanging". If you're unlucky, the box is then no longer to be reset.
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3. Video contents and 50Hz / 60Hz / 24p issue
In principle can be streamed smoothly, it just depends on what material is streamed and what is set on FireTV. Unfortunately, the Android operating system does not automatically adjust the refresh rate, it can not distinguish automatically between 50Hz or 60Hz video material. Nor can Android play 24p material via MKV files smoothly.
By default, when FireTV the resolution of 1080p at 60 Hz is preset!
If now, for example German video material as the "Gruffalo" streamed, which is present as 50Hz video material to FireTV must be manually switched to 1080p / 50Hz, otherwise Bildruckler be visible. Here then are some US series recorded at 30 frames, stutter with this setting ... It must then unfortunately again manually to 1080p / 60Hz are switched!
Again: The FireTV can not help here, Android is the culprit!
Another problem relates to the Video Codec "VC-1". This is supported by FireTV NOT because no royalties to Microsoft paid! The codec is not so often used in contrast to H.264, but it does happen. Kodi, this material may then not play without massive jerking and loss of sound, because the hardware-based decoding is not supported by software and not enough resources are available.
The 24p Ruckels lies before ever. However, should the next version of Android, both automatic 50 / 60Hz-sensing and switching offer and 24p playback smoothly. It remains to be seen whether there is doing what soon.
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4. Correct Black Level (image too bright / Image too dark, gray values "drink" from)
The correct black level is always dependent on the settings both on the setter (FireTV) as well as the playback device (TV or projector). It is defined via the HDMI RGB Range HDMI or color space. There are the usual PPC RGB color space and the "vormalen" video color space (the term color space is now used of course, very simplified)
The HDMI-RGB region or the HDMI color space of FireTV is fixed at Limited / Limited / limited (16-235). He therefore does not support the full RGB color space (0-255) !!!
At Panasonic plasma can be, for example for each HDMI input HDMI RGB range set separately, in which case "normal" must be selected, which in turn corresponds to the limited color space of 16-235. "Full" (0-255) is the wrong attitude here! The HDMI content type should be set the way for the same HDMI input to "Off".
Likewise "1080p HDMI Pure Direct" to "OFF"!
(Tip: In general, all Bildver (bad) better off and operate the plasma TV in Professional mode !!)
The TV can incidentally easily be checked for correct color space. Simply download from the Internet, the "AVS HD 709 Calibration Disk" and as a mini-Bluray burn to DVD. The disc contains a variety of test patterns, such the "APL Clipping Pattern", which easily allows you to set the correct black level.
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5. Tonseinstellungen
These are described in FireTV setup with clear text.
a) The simplest setting that every TV can handle, is "Dolby Digital Plus from". Then also optically transmit a stereo signal via both HDMI as. Most TVs have built no decoder and need accordingly a pure stereo signal.
Is Dolby Digital (Plus) playback possible, for example if an AV receiver with corresponding decoder is present, can be optically adjusted precisely to suit the connections HDMI /:
b) Is the AVR additionally stops optically connected (FireTV depends directly on your TV via HDMI), then is "Dolby Digital over fiber" to choose. The TV receives over HDMI continues to be a stereo signal, the AVR Dolby Digital 5.1 Raaumklang over the optical link.
c) Is the AVR connected via HDMI and has he a DD + decoders, then the setting is "Dolby Digital Plus via HDMI" to use. But visually is now only a stereo signal!
Note for stereo analog connection (and since the Amazon service not helped):
The FireTV has no analog RCA audio outputs.
Analog audio output on RCA you can get an adapter from the optical output. Just after an adapter Search:
With ebay this is of course a lot cheaper if you order abroad. ,
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6. Mount a Logitech Harmony remote
Older Harmony Remotes can operate the FireTV via IR via a detour.
It is called FLIRC and is a USB dongle which receives IR commands. Simple to program on the PC and plug the dongle into the USB port of FireTV. FLIRC is also available in the Logitech database.
Alternatively, you can also exchange the Harmony. The new devices, which operate with the smartHUB (Touch, Ultimate One) can also control the FireTV by BT. Works without problems with my Ultimate and the Hub.
If the new units are too expensive, you can also buy the smartHUB including auxiliary remote control or the stroke individually. Then you can drive it to the phone or tablet via Wi-Fi, the hub sends IR to all devices and BT directly towards FireTV.
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7. Turn off auto play the next episode of series (display with the cover of the next issue)
Automatic DWiedergabe how to follow Turns off:
Login -> My Account -> My Prime Instant Video -> Preferences -> Playback Settings
Autoplay (Auto Playback)
Controls AutoPlay on registered devices. Autoplay starts the next episode of a series at the end of the current sequence automatically. For other formats you a list of video recommendations appears.
On ()
Off (X)
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I will gladly answer any further questions about the settings and do not mind spending more enlightenment, also with regard to correct color space settings.
In summary, the FireTV is a damn good piece of hardware with almost infinite Erweiterungspotetial!
I am now back to a renewed price action of Amazon to me to get a second device for the home theater.
And shortly yet to the "150, - EUR-FireTVs" on eBay:
Let's not kidding you, there is currently neither a Rooting still a jailbreak for the FireTV. What for? Everything can install itself on the Android developer option. Tolerated perfectly legal and even Amazon without affecting the warranty!
And anyone can install itself via a PC program the extensions without great expertise.
