Who Fire TV advantages a detailed overview and comparison with FireTV Stick

Here, first, an overview of the scope of services as well as my personal assessment of Amazon's new streaming box Fire TV, which has been available since September 2014 now also in Germany.

My starting point:

- I am Amazon Prime customer,
- But have no prime-enabled smart TV.

Fire TV I ordered because I was curious if so streaming also in the interaction with my already slightly aged living room LCD TV from Sony (constructed in 2009) is no problem and if the overall package in practice really provides the promised added value ,

Scope of supply:

Apart from the actual FireTV box the appropriate Amazon packaging nor the accompanying remote control including batteries required includes (2x AAA), a mains cable (power cable with AC adapter) for the power supply and a printed Quick Start Guide.

Appearance / design:

Schlicht triffts most likely. An inconspicuous square black box, just 11.5 x so that they will 11.5cm small and not even 2 cm comfortably on my DVD player space. The Amazon logo on the top is not to be overlooked, however, does not interfere. Function wins over design here. What I did not like, were the sharp edges and corners of the box. Not even hinted somehow rounded.

What is not there, but you will need:

You definitely need still a sufficiently long HDMI cable to connect the box to your TV (HDTV). One of the high anyway good Amazon Basics HDMI cable accomplishes this purpose and should be ordered the same if necessary. Of course must be in a free HDMI slot on the TV. A further condition is an appropriate broadband Internet connection; most streaming providers recommend a bandwidth of at least 6 Mbit / s.

Connection of Fire TV box:

There are only 3 connections needed: The Fire TV box has its own power supply (power cord), you need to connect to the TV (HDMI cable) and connect to the Internet. The latter can be done either through an Ethernet cable or wirelessly via W-Lan (Dual Band with 2 antennas). The installation via Wi-Fi the first time the setup or can be accessed later via Settings / System / Network. Once after a scan the home network has been found, enter only the access key and the connection is established.

Where is the button to switch off?

Fire TV has no separate on / off switch, but was initially only after 30 minutes of non-use automatically in a sleep mode (standby). By protests Amazon has now responded. Since the last software updates There are two possibilities, Fire TV to switch directly on standby, either via the menu item Settings / System / sleep mode (rather cumbersome) or simply the Home button (with the house) press longer (ca . 1-2 seconds) and then there on standby. To completely turn off you have to manually separate the box from the power supply. I have a switchable power strip resorted simple and effective. From then also means really from.

Getting Started:

Fire TV is pre-configured upon delivery. That is, it is already with the Amazon account, the order was carried out from which, linked. If you want to later give or sell the box, you can unsubscribe at any time the account (via Preferences / My account). After first turning on only a few basic settings are in accordance with the instructions on the screen to make (language). Then starts an automatic software update to the latest version. The device is ready for use after about 5 minutes. At the beginning there's a very nice cooked explanatory video (but is more for absolute beginners).

Home:

Here you will find their way intuitively. On the left side there is a narrow column of text with the preambles (movies, series, watchlists, library, etc.). About colored tiles you can then select the various contents in the main section: films, series, apps and games (separated by free and chargeable). Very important, I find that there is a separate, once multi-split, Section only with the free for prime customers Prime contents are with Prime Video. If one wants to specifically look for free movies and series, you do not have happily step through the whole range. Additionally, all Prime-content are still marked with the known prime Signet at the top left tile edge. Just for clarification: An existing Amazon Prime membership is a prerequisite for the use of free content. The purchase of the Fire TV alone is not enough to free use.

Amazon (Prime) Instant Video:

For Prime customers are currently more than 13,000 movies and TV series available. In recent months, came almost daily additions added. I use this huge supply ultimately not too intense for lack of time. Nevertheless, we in our family already by some output can save for a DVD or series relay, which we would have bought otherwise. Outside the free-Prime range, of course, access to the regular Amazon Instant Video offer, through which you can borrow or buy newer movies and series squadrons charged. The quality of the stream is consistently very good, no dropouts, no jerky. It is not true at all that the data does not come in the usual way in the TV. Whether a Prime membership is worthwhile, everyone must decide for themselves individually. Although it sounds like preferential or VIP treatment, it is ultimately nothing more than a binding contract with a fixed term and with clear rules, which for an annual flat fee a delivery liberation, a lending library for e-books and just said streaming flatrate selected films and series includes. It then uses even prime-specific discounts or Vorbestelleraktionen (Kindle, FireTV), to actual costs is not much left.

Overview of current Prime-releases (free movies and series)

Some may wonder: is Amazon Prime worth at all for me? For completeness, I would therefore like to briefly mention two ways in which one can date information on the new entrants to Prime always. Facebook users simply liken the site Amazon Instant Video DE and activate additionally receive notifications. Another good alternative is newsslash.com the German language website. They will give you a very clear presentation of the current new arrivals, by clicking at the top right of the page on the appropriate link.

Films and series in original version:

Currently there is only very occasionally the opportunity to choose between different audio channels. However, some films and series are in addition to the synchronized German version also in the original version (OV) and / or in their original language (OV) available. This can be filtered out specifically with "OV" and "OV" on the text or voice search. Amazon should expand the unfortunately still quite manageable OV offer quickly because this is a segment that is becoming increasingly popular.

ARD and ZDF media library:

That may be different in some users, but the public libraries are at least as important to me as the streaming of movies and series on the Amazon Prime offer. The libraries can be easily selected via the corresponding app icon on the screen. The structure is almost the same as known from mobile apps ago. One can therefore navigate as usual and call the desired programs from the past days. The quality of the program (resolution of the image and the sound) is consistently very good. I was thrilled the real because so far I could only use a Tablet media libraries. I think this is a widely underestimated offer and many users know the possibilities not to be free here. For me, definitely a great thing, my regular favorite TV program (Tagesschau, Crime Scene, documentaries) now in great and very good quality also can still watch later! Looking back after 6 months I can say that I continue to be very intensive use of this offer a real added value! If you look further, you find the way, also other libraries (Arte, BR).

BILD, Spiegel Online, Sport 1 and Spiegel TV, etc.

From these offers, I was positive surprised. Less of the navigation within these apps (sometimes a little getting used to), but the scope of the stored content here. Boredom is definitely not here, and I have initially spent a lot more time at the only times briefly zapping when I actually had before.

Netflix, Maxdome & Co.

Many people longed for a long time, Netflix has finally been replenished with the software update in early November 2014. Since understandably no supplier is able to cover everything, I see Netflix - and in particular their self-produced series - enriching and very welcome addition in the fledgling German VoD market. Competition can only be beneficial here, both in terms of supply and prices. The implementation of Netflix is ​​encouraging that also max cathedrals and Watch Ever will be available soon.

Amazon Music

Also with the November update amazon music has been integrated (switchable with music). On the first call, I was pretty stunned when I saw how many albums I bought in recent years on Amazon, some of it had already been forgotten. The titles are clearly grouped (by artist, genre, etc.) and can be played at will (randomly or playlist). Even the voice search works with the remote control, regardless of whether one is looking for an artist or a particular song. All in all a really good supplement to, though almost a little scary. It shows - at the relatively innocuous as music - quite clearly, as used herein, the purchase data of customers, brought together and prepared for a new (admittedly comfortable) offer.

Permanent Internet Connection

An existing Internet connection is a mandatory requirement in order to watch streamed content on FireTV can. Movies or series episodes can not download or temporarily store up to then at a later time to look at offline.

Usage collection / prevent accidental purchases

I was a bit surprised that a feature is enabled by default, which allows Amazon to collect information about my usage behavior and the useful lives of certain apps to store and disclose to third parties (developers). This can hold each his own, I would like to be but previously liked to ask when something on my part. Therefore, I have this feature under Settings / Applications first disabled. Also in Settings you can find the parental control, which can be individually configured. I have a precaution enabled, so now a PIN prompt initially appears when times inadvertently clicks on a pay content or squashed on the remote control.

Finally: playback function via USB from April 2015!

Fire TV does have a USB 2.0 port. This, however, was not initially designed to connect USB sticks and play it stored movies, video or music directly on Fire TV on TV. Only with the software update 04/2015 this shortcoming has been fixed and the Fire TV Box thus for me a full-fledged media player (my temporary solution, an old WD TV Live box, since available unused next to it). To play avi, mkv or mp4 I use the app VLC for Fire, which can be installed very easy via the Amazon Appstore. The app is indeed rather simple, but it works perfectly. Even MP3 music files on the stick will be recognized and can be played without any problems.

More options due to the activation of USB ports:

The improved USB connectivity is now possible to eg memory-hungry apps on the App management (at least in large part) to outsource to an external USB storage, so that the by us to 8GB (of which only about 5.5 GB available ) limited memory no longer negative arises. Also wired USB game controller, the wireless Xbox 360 game controller and other input devices with USB dongle (mouse, keyboard, remote control) are recently supported.

New connection possibilities via Bluetooth:

Since the software update 04/2015 allows additional accessories to connect and use Fire TV. Bluetooth profiles are supported A2DP (for headphones), HID (for mice, keyboards and remote controls) and SPP (for game controllers).

Voice-assisted search function

One Voice Search that actually works as the advertising promises Amazon. Operation is simple. Simply the microphone button on the remote control, press and hold, then speak after the beep the desired title, actor or director in the built-in remote control microphone. I was skeptical but it actually works in most cases. After less than one second, the realized by FireTV text appears on the screen. After another key confirmation then the selection of the relevant films, series or apps. It makes no difference whether they are German or English title. Both are equally reliably detected. It is also possible to specifically search by voice with the supplement only after Prime exclusively free content. Good thing! Offers third party will not be displayed in the results. The search is limited to the on-site Amazon offers. Nevertheless, the voice search is a truly innovative and especially comfortable feature to which I was quickly (and like) used. Sooner or later, such a function will probably be nationwide standard.

Games

I like to play. With the game offering that Fire TV brings almost incidentally, I am so far not yet become quite warm. Minecraft, Asphalt 8, NBA2K14 and a number of other, often paid games. all well and good, but these are games that I play so far either on the PC, the Playstation or the tablet while it is likely to remain largely well. The FireTV remote control as a game controller is only a temporary solution. She's really suited neither of its dimensions or with regard to the buttons (too small, firm pressure point arrangement) to play. As a separate accessory Amazon does offer to the Fire Game Controller. Before its purchase but you should try if not other, already existing in the household, it is also possible to connect controllers, especially with the software update 04/2015 the connectivity options have been significantly improved again for this. The games offer a whole will probably find only a small number of followers in its current range extent. Others have also bought in between for beginners or even for a quick little game, but the real game freaks will remain faithful to their usual devices.

Hardware / speed / heat / noise:

The Fire TV Box is equipped with a lush modern quad-core processor, a dedicated graphics unit and 2GB of RAM. All actions are therefore running really smoothly and without significant delay or jerkiness (as opposed to my more leisurely WDTV box). From turning on until ready to operate only takes a few seconds. Despite the built-in sophisticated hardware FireTV box is also used in several hours of operation only lukewarm, but not hot. It runs absolutely silent for the rest.

(Note: We have telecom DSL16000, an older router Speedport W700V and the house several powerline adapter (D-Lan) and an additional powerline adapter with antenna as Wireless Access Point Although these devices no Wi-Fi. support for fast 802.11n standard, the communication between router and FireTV sufficient to ensure Smoothly streaming in perfect quality via W-Lan).

Remote Control:

The remote control is relatively small and light. It is reduced to the essential functions and thereby virtually self-explanatory. I find this very positive because the seven, clearly arranged, keys with clear symbols (no miniature lettering as so often) absolutely enough. Also worth mentioning is that the connection to the Fire TV box is established via Bluetooth, so you do not need line of sight as in conventional infrared remote controls. Thus, the box can be eg also easily hide behind the TV. The initial connection (pairing) with Fire TV during commissioning automatically worked with me for the rest. From time to time, an update of the remote control software to the current version (the Fire TV connected easily via Settings / Control Select Remote) is recommended.

Comparison of Fire TV Box with the new Fire TV Stick

The mid-April 2015 from amazon offered little brother of the box, the Fire TV Stick costs, regularly barely half as much as the box. For the drive of the technical equipment and the terminals have been reduced to the essentials here or Functional. No remote control for the voice search, no LAN port, less memory (only 1 instead of 2GB) and a weaker processor. Some graphics-intensive games like Asphalt 8 or Riptide GP2 are therefore not available for the stick. Furthermore, restrictions exist on your accessories because the stick no USB input devices can unlike the Box can be connected. Keyboards and game controllers can only be via Bluetooth (Stick Standard 3.0, Box has 4.0) to the FireTV stick.

Nevertheless, one should not be misled them. The FireTV Box is the luxury edition, the 110% solution, which hardly leaves wishes for techies. The FireTV stick still working fast enough and doing its streaming tasks excellently. When viewing movies and videos I can find absolutely no difference between stick and box, in both cases, it works smoothly and without any judder. Only when scrolling through the menus remain the stick when it comes to speed, something behind the box. There hakelt sometimes a little, but this is really one notices only in direct comparison, in practice, you can safely ignore. The FireTV stick also needs definitely a comparison with Google's Chrome Cast, which is weaker equipped in the essential technical features, not fear. One advantage of sticks is also its portability. In contrast to the box that is designed primarily for a fixed location, can be the stick unplug with two handles, low space requirements and weight (just under 1/10 of the box) and transport elsewhere reinsert. It is therefore ideally suited for use with different TVs within a budget and traveling. A use of FireTV sticks in hotels (in Internet access via username and password) should be possible, but so far I could not test in practice. There eventually when installing apps that do not originate from the AppStore Amazon (eg Kodi / XBMC) No problems. This is also possible on the stick via sideloading. For entry into the video-on-demand world of FireTV stick is currently probably the cheapest and easiest way. Who, however, the powerful, stationary solution with convenient voice search and advanced connectivity preferable makes the FireTV box nothing wrong. Both have their advantages. Functionality, portability and a reasonable price (stick) on the one hand, performance and comfort (Box) on the other.

Conclusion:

Not everything that is offered and technically possible, you really need too. Everyone must ultimately decide for themselves the added value offer him Fire TV and Amazon Prime. Both belong together for me. Fire TV without simultaneously also use the, last better and better, Prime offering, makes little sense. The other way around quite: Who already suitable playing capability Prime has (SmartTV, iPad, PC, Smartphone) and him enough these devices in terms of size, quality and comfort, have to make a question what his Fire TV ultimately offers added value and what it it in the Practice actually uses.

In my particular case, the new streaming box from Amazon is a significant improvement in any case, because it opened my first opportunity to stream a wide variety of multimedia content directly and easily into my living room and on my still good services payable Non-SmartTV to view , Amazon concludes with FireTV so that, at least in our household to date still existing gap between Internet streaming and conventional TV usage. For this value, I think even the purchase price to be appropriate. My personal evaluation I would therefore settle between 4 and 5 stars, since the functions by the software update 04/2015 but rather with the tendency to 5 stars.

Is now unfortunately become yet longer than expected. I hope my comments help one or the other may still be undecided in deciding whether FireTV not perhaps come for him in question. If you still have questions, simply use the comment function. Thank you for reading!