Amazon FireTV

[poofyhairguy]

This is my favorite part of Amazon's page for the device:

From the responsive interface and instant search results, to smooth gaming and ultra-fast streaming, everything about Amazon Fire TV is fast and fluid. It’s all thanks to a quad-core processor with 3x the processing power of Apple TV and Roku, a dedicated Adreno 320 graphics engine, and 2 GB of memory—4x that of Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.

Maybe they will get a specs race in the set top segment going.

 

[tential]

It's looking like all these Chromecast complaints can be chalked up to things that aren't the Chromecast. Except for the lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Being a bit pragmatic, I don't try to stream transcoded 1080p files across my network. Not until I own ac hardware on both ends and have an actual server with loads of space. 720p does the job just fine, and at full quality. I use Plex, my server is our desktop with more than enough horsepower. All devices have a strong Wi-Fi connection because I didn't cheap out/get stuck with ISP provided crap.

My phone/tablet does not lose its connection to the Chromecast, so if I want to pause, I turn the screen on and press the pause button.

Using Plex as an example, the Chromecast is ideal for me. No stupid remote that will just get lost, transcodes "just work" on it where the type of video dictated what console I used before, and some files simply didn't work regardless.

This amazon box doesn't fit in with our house mostly because we already have a Chromecast, but to completely discount the Chromecast due to outside factors isn't fair.

Sorry but you just said you don't own a server and only stream 720p content. So what if we do own a server and want to stream 1080p content? How does Chromecast server my needs when most files I have Chromecast couldn't handle?

Chromecast is a good device for people who can use it. Some people need MORE than chromecast. That's what the FireTV is offering me. More power than a chromecast. If you're happy with CHromecast that's great, but I just need more than that.

 

[tential]

This is my favorite part of Amazon's page for the device

Maybe they will get a specs race in the set top segment going.

Yup. I was reading up on the Roku and read the line "You'll have to wait for the Netflix app to load. It takes 15 seconds" (They had times listed for each app). I just exited it right then and there. Waiting 10+ seconds for an app to load is unacceptable to me. Thank GOD Amazon is releasing a set top box like this. I had originally though of using an MK908II or similar type of ANdroidstick/Box now that they're quadcore as well. Problem is drivers just aren't all there for those boxes yet.

 

[bearxor]

I'm wondering why Amazon went with BLuetooth 2 for the remote. Seems like 4LE would be a better choice. At least they're just AAA batteries I suppose.

 

[tential]

This device looks ok not amazing. The real value is the fact Amazon restricts the platforms for their video service. In fact I would probably get one just for that if my Panny TVs didn't have Prime steaming built in.

The controller seems like an afterthought and I don't think this will make huge waves in the gaming community.



Not every way. I can think of three advantages of a ten foot interface:

1. A 65 inch screen can visually represent a large library better (or more attractively at least) than a 5 inch phone or a 7 inch tablet.

2. A ten foot interface can often be easily customizable beyond the initial plans of the developer (without you having to be a developer) because by its nature it is a more basic interface. I don't know of any app or collection of apps that can seamlessly tie together all the things I have tied together in my 10 foot HPTC interface (like controlling and launching local movies and TV shows, 3D movies, emulators of every major console I have owned, streaming content, etc.).

3. A ten foot interface is more comfortable for older generations that have worse eyesight or aren't as tuned to mobile device. As long as I programed my Harmony correctly, I could give my Grandad my remote and he could access 80+ percent of the capabilities of my HPTC setup. Without becoming an app developer, or only using a more simple device with less capability, there is no way I can do that with a mobile device.

I think the best solution is to have both options.

It's just NICE to have it on the big screen. When I sit there with my family and we look for a movie to watch on XBMC we aren't huddled up on a small 7 inch tablet. I have a 70 inch HDTV yet you want me to huddle around a small tablet to picka movie? No. We sit back on the couch/get comfortable. I scroll through the movie list on my remote and EVERYONE gets to see the movie info/read the description and we decide together what we want to watch.

Chromecast has its uses but to all of a sudden say "Browsing on a 7 inch tablet is BETTER than browsing on a 70 inch TV?" Even Better, lets say we are unsure of watching a movie. I then simply hit "Play Trailer" on XBMC and BOOM, a 1080p (1080p because there is no reason why in the year 2014, with 4K on the horizon, that I can't watch 1080p at all times) is ready at my fingertips to play. We get a feel for the movie and make a decision.

 

[sweenish]

Sorry but you just said you don't own a server and only stream 720p content. So what if we do own a server and want to stream 1080p content? How does Chromecast server my needs when most files I have Chromecast couldn't handle?

Chromecast is a good device for people who can use it. Some people need MORE than chromecast. That's what the FireTV is offering me. More power than a chromecast. If you're happy with CHromecast that's great, but I just need more than that.

Plex server. People have been talking about it throughout this thread. If you don't know what it does, I'd recommend looking into it. Your server would need some CPU beef to transcode, though.

And looking at your last post, you actually have no clue how the Chromecast works. It's built from the ground up to go and grab online content. Local (as in from device connected to Chromecast) streaming only became viable with notable apps like BubbleUPNP and AllCast.

Only judging from the two posts I've bothered to read about your needs, the Chromecast could actually suit you fine, and the part that makes this debate interesting is that you could stand to save $65.

 

[tential]

Plex server. People have been talking about it throughout this thread. If you don't know what it does, I'd recommend looking into it. Your server would need some CPU beef to transcode, though.

And looking at your last post, you actually have no clue how the Chromecast works. It's built from the ground up to go and grab online content. Local (as in from device connected to Chromecast) streaming only became viable with notable apps like BubbleUPNP and AllCast.

Only judging from the two posts I've bothered to read about your needs, the Chromecast could actually suit you fine, and the part that makes this debate interesting is that you could stand to save $65.

Chromecast didn't support networked content until just RECENTLY. And it STILL isn't fast enough to stream the files I watch over it's slow wifi. It's not going to stream a full BluRay rip is it?

And then I have to use Plex to transcode my 1080p rips into 720p lower quality/lower bit rate rips to use with Chrome cast? What's the point of high quality rips if I end up watching it 720p low quality?

 

[cronos]

I don't see any mention of UPnP or DLNA anywhere. I have my doubts about local media playback. Looks like they want you to run everything through that stupid Cloud again.

Err... we were talking about Plex right above your post.

 

[Kaido]

My interest hinges on the gaming aspect of it - I've been wanting something that can handle emulators & something akin to an Xbox 360 remote, but I haven't wanted to go full-on HTPC again because my family understands the Roku really well. I have three Roku 3's right now, although my last one was a refurb off Woot & it's having some issues, so I may have to check this out.

 

[cronos]

Chromecast didn't support networked content until just RECENTLY. And it STILL isn't fast enough to stream the files I watch over it's slow wifi. It's not going to stream a full BluRay rip is it?

And then I have to use Plex to transcode my 1080p rips into 720p lower quality/lower bit rate rips to use with Chrome cast? What's the point of high quality rips if I end up watching it 720p low quality?

Plex plays 1080p rips just fine. And it had support to play your local content since December, which is not exactly "RECENTLY".

 

[rh71]

If you're trying to play back Blu-Ray rips, the wifi on the Chromecast is too slow to do 1080p. You'll need transcoding. If you have an Android I suggest BubbleUPnP as the remote/control app, Serviio as the PC server program, and Bubble UPnP Server as the Chromecast go-between. It all goes together rather well.

For the simple task of stream to tv via Chromecast, can I just throw Bubble UPnP Server on the PC and BubbleUPnP on android to control it?

 

[sweenish]

Chromecast didn't support networked content until just RECENTLY. And it STILL isn't fast enough to stream the files I watch over it's slow wifi. It's not going to stream a full BluRay rip is it?

And then I have to use Plex to transcode my 1080p rips into 720p lower quality/lower bit rate rips to use with Chrome cast? What's the point of high quality rips if I end up watching it 720p low quality?

Seriously, just look into Plex. You're posts are getting full-on ignorant in regards to its capabilities. I realize that you're piecing information together from my posts, but that is my specific use-case. Plex is a great piece of software.

Networked content has been available for a couple months now. It is recent, but not all caps recent. And it's moot. Available is available. We're in a thread debating the Chromecast's merits against a brand new device. What does it matter how recently Chromecast got functionality? The comparison is now.

A RAW blu-ray rip? That's just a waste of bandwidth and HDD space, in my opinion. Plex doesn't have to drop the resolution if you don't want it to. I also never said my 720p rips were low quality. They're not raw, but they don't lose much at all.

I've streamed 1080p content with no issues. I just don't care for how much more HDD space it takes it up relative to its quality. Because I don't have a server yet. If I had a server, I'd still use a Chromecast.

 

[luv2liv]

i dont know why it took companies forever to come up with a small box for web/games/movies/music in the living room. consoles came close but way expensive for none hardcore gamers.
$100 is a great price for those staying with amazon prime. but no MKV and most likely no support for files on my own local network is a deal breaker for me. and dont talk to me about Plex/transcoding.

 

[desura]

My problem with Plex is that it is horrible at recognizing titles. Worse, it will mislabel stuff.

I initially thought it was kind of overpriced (expected $50 to undercut apple tv) but looking at it, it is closer to that failed kickstarter project with the Tegra 3, whatever that was called.

So yeah. Looks alright, especially if they get good casual exclusive games.

 

[s44]

For the simple task of stream to tv via Chromecast, can I just throw Bubble UPnP Server on the PC and BubbleUPnP on android to control it?

I believe that would only be for streaming your phone (or cloud) content to the Chromecast. You'd still need some sort of server to actually offer PC content (the Bubble one is basically a networking interface, originally to the WAN and now to Chromecasts). Hence the Serviio suggestion.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I initially thought it was kind of overpriced (expected $50 to undercut apple tv) but looking at it, it is closer to that failed kickstarter project with the Tegra 3, whatever that was called.

I don't think it is close to the Ouya. That was a dedicated console that came with a controller. For this device the controller is optional and not the focus of the experience.

Which might be for the best. After all of Ouya's efforts to woo developers, the only people logging serious gametime on the device were using emulators.

Oh course this is a little more powerful than a Ouya, almost a 360's level of power.

 

[PokerGuy]

A lot of people seem to have trouble understanding that devices like firetv, apple tv, roku, etc are meant for normal people. Most of us here are tech nerds that like fiddling with stuff and configuring things.

For the average person, sitting there with laptop to use a chromecast on tv is not an option. I have a chromecast and have yet to find a use for it. I have HTPC's that I've connected to two 70" tv's in the house. With my logitech remotes, everyone, including the nieces and nephews can navigate everything and watch (using XBMC) anything in my library in full 1080 with no muss no fuss.

This firetv might be interesting, but I don't see it having any particular additional appeal over some of the things that are already out there.

Now if they make it so the thing can use a cablecard so we can use it to watch live TV as well as other media, I'm all in.

 

[desura]

I don't think it is close to the Ouya. That was a dedicated console that came with a controller. For this device the controller is optional and not the focus of the experience.

Which might be for the best. After all of Ouya's efforts to woo developers, the only people logging serious gametime on the device were using emulators.

Oh course this is a little more powerful than a Ouya, almost a 360's level of power.

Seems like it to me. Otherwise, why boast about the specs of it? If it's just a streaming box, better to put in a cheap processor and sell it for cheap. Instead they put in a top of the line ARM processor. Tells you something.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

My problem with Plex is that it is horrible at recognizing titles. Worse, it will mislabel stuff.

It isn't that bad and you can easily rename stuff. So far, I have about 140 movies and nearly 25 series (composed of hundreds of episodes) and it wasn't hard to fix mistmatches.

 

[bearxor]

Now if they make it so the thing can use a cablecard so we can use it to watch live TV as well as other media, I'm all in.

I was thinking it would be great if they did a USB ATSC tuner, like Boxee did for the Boxee Box. Don't really need Cablecard.

 

[tential]

Seriously, just look into Plex. You're posts are getting full-on ignorant in regards to its capabilities. I realize that you're piecing information together from my posts, but that is my specific use-case. Plex is a great piece of software.

Networked content has been available for a couple months now. It is recent, but not all caps recent. And it's moot. Available is available. We're in a thread debating the Chromecast's merits against a brand new device. What does it matter how recently Chromecast got functionality? The comparison is now.

A RAW blu-ray rip? That's just a waste of bandwidth and HDD space, in my opinion. Plex doesn't have to drop the resolution if you don't want it to. I also never said my 720p rips were low quality. They're not raw, but they don't lose much at all.

I've streamed 1080p content with no issues. I just don't care for how much more HDD space it takes it up relative to its quality. Because I don't have a server yet. If I had a server, I'd still use a Chromecast.

A lot of my nonuse of chromecast is based off it's history for the most part. Now that it can do things I need it to do it's too late. I've already used XBMC since Chromecast/Plex wasn't an option. Now that it is, I CANT go back to how chromecast expects me to navigate things. When you navigate your content in beautiful 1080p on your 70 inch LED HDTV it's hard to go back and view it on your phone/tablet. It's just too slow/inefficient compared to using my 70 inch HDTV.

I am willing to try it out again for use for other users though in my house. It doesn't suit my needs on my 70 inch LED HDTV but for others who actually want to use their phone to navigate media then I'd let them use it. That'd be like people like my father who are tethered to their smartphone.

Do I need to use the Plex for Android $5 app still?

My problem with Plex is that it is horrible at recognizing titles. Worse, it will mislabel stuff.

I initially thought it was kind of overpriced (expected $50 to undercut apple tv) but looking at it, it is closer to that failed kickstarter project with the Tegra 3, whatever that was called.

So yeah. Looks alright, especially if they get good casual exclusive games.

Filebot.net

It took me a couple weeks to rename my 10k episodes of TV but it was worth it. Plex

 

[poofyhairguy]

Seems like it to me. Otherwise, why boast about the specs of it? If it's just a streaming box, better to put in a cheap processor and sell it for cheap. Instead they put in a top of the line ARM processor. Tells you something.

I do think that they care about it being seen as a gaming platform. Why else create Amazon Game Studios? But the priority by far is Amazon's streaming content.

The real question is: will third party companies care enough to develop real games for it, or even tweak mobile games enough to work well? Especially when you consider the install base isn't all Fire TV owners, but just the ones who shell out for the controller?

 

[poofyhairguy]

It doesn't suit my needs on my 70 inch LED HDTV but for others who actually want to use their phone to navigate media then I'd let them use it.

Um, you can just use this app:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.leetzone.android.yatsewidgetfree

Works great, I use it daily.

 

[Imported]

No HBOGO is a dealbreaker. Its the only thing I use Chromecast for right now.. though I guess I could put it on my PS3 now for the living room and put the Chromecast back in the bedroom.

 

[cronos]

A lot of my nonuse of chromecast is based off it's history for the most part. Now that it can do things I need it to do it's too late. I've already used XBMC since Chromecast/Plex wasn't an option. Now that it is, I CANT go back to how chromecast expects me to navigate things. When you navigate your content in beautiful 1080p on your 70 inch LED HDTV it's hard to go back and view it on your phone/tablet. It's just too slow/inefficient compared to using my 70 inch HDTV.

Not sure what you're talking about. You only need to navigate Plex content on your phone/tablet if you are watching them on your phone/tablet, or if you use ChromeCast (since all ChromeCast does is stream stuff, it doesn't have a UI in itself).

But if you are watching your Plex content on your 70 inch TV through a Roku/AppleTV/WDTV, and obviously this FireTV, you of course navigate the content right there on your "beautiful 1080p" on your TV. Did you seriously not get that?

Edit: What the heck. You are talking specifically about Chromecast? This thread is about FireTV and its competitors so that's why I responded like that. Chromecast is definitely not for everyone. But this device from Amazon is not trying to compete with it. It's trying to compete against Roku and AppleTV. Chromecast is a completely different thing and targeted people with completely different usage patterns.