Amazon fire tv box. How to Set Up an Amazon Fire TV Stick for Great Media Streaming. Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Movies and TV series

If you want to add streaming video or special multimedia features to your TV, Apple TV or Chromecast are available. The two devices are noticeably different from each other, and they are also aimed at different use cases. Amazon also does not want to remain on the sidelines of the streaming market, the company introduced a new Fire TV set-top box, officially announcing it in Europe. Sales of the new device were very successful.

If you order the console today, you will not receive it until mid-December due to demand. Enough time to learn all the advantages and disadvantages of the set-top box.

Hardware

Let me start with the hardware. It plays a pretty important role compared to its competitors, since the Amazon Fire TV will not only play movies and music, but also work as a game console. The processor must handle games Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 APQ8064T, which is, for example, used in a smartphone Samsung Galaxy S4. The quad-core SoC relies on four Krait 300 cores clocked at up to 1.7 GHz, but more important is the Adreno 320 GPU, which delivers decent 3D performance.

Among the additional components we note 2 GB random access memory, internal flash memory with a capacity of 8 GB without expandability, dual-band communication standard 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0. Interfaces include HDMI, Ethernet, USB and optical audio output. But the set-top box, which measures 115.0 x 115.0 x 17.5 mm and weighs 281 grams, does not have an IR port; the included remote control works via Bluetooth. This operating principle has the advantage of not requiring direct visibility between the remote control and TV Fire. However, radio communication consumes more energy than classical control via infrared rays.

The remote itself has a few keys, although it doesn't look as spartan as Apple's competitor. For operation, eight buttons and a cross-piece in the form of a ring are offered.

But after the first use, it still becomes noticeable that the Fire TV set-top box does not have everything that can be useful to the user. For example, the Amazon set-top box does not have a power switch. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the set-top box automatically goes into standby mode, where it will download and install updates if required. Fire TV consumes little energy, so we don't see any major problems.

Software

Amazon relies on operating system proprietary Fire OS based on Android. The devices have version 3.0 installed, which is based on Android 4.2.2. Just like Kindle tablets or Fire Phone smartphones, Google apps not pre-installed, but can be downloaded from Amazon's own App Store. But in the case of Fire TV, everything is somewhat complicated by the fact that the selection of applications is significantly smaller than that of a tablet and smartphone.

But a tech-savvy user can download and install the apps themselves via APK files. In this way, you can install third-party programs. In this, the Fire TV set-top box surpasses Apple TV and similar devices; it is also worth noting the modification possibilities. The most popular example is the XBMC shell. This media center can be installed on a set-top box, and then play multimedia files over the network. Unfortunately, connecting a USB storage device to the set-top box is not supported. USB port Yes, but on the Fire TV set-top box it cannot be used for flash drives and hard drives.

The interface bears little resemblance to the typical Fire OS look. For Fire TV, Amazon has opted for a tile-based interface as well as partitioning. On the left side of the home screen you can see menu items: Prime video, movies, TV series, Watchlist, but there are also games, applications, music and so on. Some of these items are further divided into sub-items, for example, you can display only new films or those that meet a certain criterion. Visually, the interface looks very modest, dominated by gray and black shades. In direct comparison, the Apple TV interface seems friendlier, but it's also not always intuitive.

But after installing several applications, the clarity of the interface is lost. For some reason, the Fire TV box likes to place icons in different places, copying them several times. And the problem is only getting worse as the number of applications grows. After installing the ARD and ZDF libraries, news apps, photo viewer, Spotify and some others, the interface becomes cluttered.

In progress

The company has put a lot of effort into developing Fire TV. While the remote control isn't as easy to use as the Apple TV's, we were pleased with the built-in search function. It allows you to search not only by traditionally typed words, but also supports voice recognition. After pressing the corresponding button on the remote control, the system can dictate the name of the actor, the name of the film or the genre. The system will look for recognized words in Amazon Instant Video and the application list, but not inside the applications themselves. We were pleased with two features. Firstly, recognition of titles and names on English language really very good. Secondly, the system performs recognition very quickly - although the data is sent to the cloud for processing.

But navigation through the interface does not work so well. Despite the presentation of different categories, horizontal scrolling does not work in the home screen; you must first select a category, which will be displayed in a separate screen. The “Back” and “Start Screen” buttons make navigation somewhat easier.

WITH initial setup Amazon's Fire TV did well. You can quickly set up an account and Wi-Fi access, with the main functions shown in animated videos. We only had complaints about setting up the demon wired network. We were able to connect the set-top box to our Fritz!Box wireless router only on the third try, and no error messages were displayed.

Have you just purchased an Amazon Fire TV Stick? Did you know that Amazon just released a 4K version? Curious to know what you can do about it? You'll have it all working in no time with this simple usage guide.

The Fire TV Stick is Amazon's answer to the growing demand for video streaming services. It competes with similar products in the market such as Roku and Google Chromecast. It provides all your entertainment needs in one dongle-sized device. The new 4K remote now supports Ultra HD, HDR and Dolby Atmos technology and retails for $69.99.

So what exactly can you do about it? Well, if you like to stream videos from content providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime and more in a super convenient way, then this is the device for you. It's also compatible with Amazon's various apps and game library. You can also access music from Spotify and Prime Music. Overall, the Fire TV Stick gives you easier access to content such as videos, movies, TV shows, and music.

There are many versions of Fire TV Stick available in the market. IN latest version A complete overhaul of the interface has been implemented. This means it's now easier to operate and explore the features available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick. In addition, the device's processor power has been significantly increased. This makes operations faster and more precise.

When you buy an Amazon Fire TV, each box will come with a few extra items. Apart from the main unit, there is also a micro USB dongle that comes with an HDMI port. You also get an Alexa Voice Remote. In addition, you will receive a USB cable and a power adapter. An HDMI extender and HDMI adapter are also included to optimize the connection. Lastly, you should get 2 AAA batteries for the remote.

What you need

To start setting up your Amazon Fire TV Stick, you'll need:

  • Compatible TV. Compatible TV is important. Fire TV Stick works great with HD and Ultra HD TVs with an HDMI input port.
  • Internet connection. In addition to the TV, you will need an Internet connection. To ensure a smooth setup process, your Fire Fire Stick must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  • Amazon. You will also need an Amazon account. This is because you need to register your Amazon Fire TV Stick device with your Amazon account. This will allow you to access the content you want whenever you want and also learn about latest updates and functions software. If you don't have it yet account Amazon, be sure to sign up for it.

Installation Guide

When you are all set to use your Amazon Fire TV Stick. Follow these steps to start your device:

Step 1: Connect the power adapter

  • Connect the USB power cord to the port Micro USB Fire TV.
  • The other end of the cord must be connected to the power adapter.
  • Make sure the power adapter is also connected to a power source/outlet.
  • Always use the power adapter supplied with the device. Most TVs come with powered USB ports. However, this may not be enough for the device.
  • Warning: Never connect your Amazon Fire TV to a huge HDMI hub. This may cause the device to malfunction.

Step 2: Connect to TV

  • Find the HDMI port on your TV and connect the device to it.
  • You can also use hdmi extender to securely connect the device to the TV.
  • Select the appropriate HDMI port to connect. You will need to enter the relevant details in the next step.

Step 3: Select Input Channel

  • Turn on the TV.
  • As mentioned earlier, select the correct HDMI input channel. Enter this into your TV when prompted.
  • Once successfully selected, the Fire TV Stick logo will appear on your TV.

Step 4: Set up your remote

  • Use the batteries supplied with the remote control.
  • Using your thumb, follow the arrow on the back of the remote. Insert the batteries into the appropriate slots. Place the cover back in place.
  • Take the time to read the instructions on how to use the remote remote control to make the most of its capabilities.

Step 5: Connect the remote control toTV

  • In the next step, you need to pair the remote with your Fire TV Stick. Once you set up the remote correctly and place the batteries, it will automatically connect.
  • If The remote control does not connect automatically to the device, press the button "Home". Hold for a few seconds. Then scroll up until you find "Detection Mode". Select this option to complete pairing the remote with the Fire TV Stick.

Step 6: Connect to the Internet

  • The next step is to connect your Amazon Fire TV Stick to the Internet. Follow the onscreen instructions on how to search for and connect to Wi-Fi networks. You can also connect via a wired connection.
  • From the Fire TV menu, open "Settings", then select "Net". This will force the device to search wireless network in this district.
  • Select your preferred network. If you can't find your network, select "Repeat search" or "Join another network." Make sure your connection is not hidden so you can connect to it.
  • If a password is required to connect, enter it.
  • When your device is successfully connected, a confirmation message will appear on the screen.
  • If you are connecting to a wired network, you will need an Ethernet cable. It is not included with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Be sure to purchase it if you don't already have it.
  • Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to your Amazon Fire TV. The other end of the cable should be connected to your router or modem. Go to "Settings", and then "Net". Select an option "Wiring" and select which network to connect to. Just like a Wi-Fi network, you will also see a confirmation message when the connection is successful.
  • Note. The first time you set up a Wi-Fi network, you will be prompted to save a password. Saving your password is a handy feature that allows you to connect easily in the future. This can save you time as you no longer have to enter your password every time. So, if you're connecting to a secure network that you own, select "Save Wi-Fi passwords for Amazon." However, if this shared network, which may be accessed by unfamiliar users, you can skip this step.

Step 7: Register your Amazon Fire TV Stick


  • You need to register your Amazon Fire TV Stick. You can do this through your Amazon account. This is an important step to access all the content you want. Whether you want more movies, TV shows, videos or music, registering instantly increases your chances of success. By registering, it will also be easier for you to manage your content.
  • When you first launch, you will see on-screen instructions to register your device. Follow these instructions.
  • Go to "Settings" in the Fire TV menu. Select "My account". If your account is still not registered, the option will appear "Register".

note: If you purchased your Fire TV Stick through Amazon, it will be automatically registered.

  • You can also choose option "Deregulation"" This will allow you to register your device to a different Amazon account.

Step 8: Get Started

  • Once setup is complete, you are ready to use the device. If the setup process was completed correctly, a video will appear on the screen "Welcome". You can also play the video. It will tell you how to use the features available on the Fire TV Stick.
  • The main menu is where you'll start and access Fire TV features. You can quickly access your apps and games. Here you will find Amazon apps and some third party applications, such as Hulu and Netflix.
  • To watch movies and TV shows, go to Main menu. Select "Movies" or "TV show" to view the content. You can rent or buy the movies and TV shows you like. Amazon Prime members can also enjoy additional perks such as a featured category.
  • Can't find the content you're looking for? You can use the search feature on your Amazon Fire TV. Simply enter a search phrase for the relevant content you are looking for. If you have a Fire TV remote, you can also activate voice search. Find the Voice button on your Fire TV remote. This will save you the time and hassle of typing on the on-screen keyboard. Search capabilities are also available in some, but not all supported applications.
  • If your Fire Stick automatically goes into sleep mode while you're not watching. Therefore, there is no need to turn it off after use. However, you have the option to turn it off whenever you need. You can also simply unplug the TV that the remote is connected to. This will also effectively disable it.

With these steps, you should now be able to use your Fire TV bar as much as you want. And with a wide range of features and functionality, you can get all the entertainment you need with this device without the need for satellite or cable subscriptions.

About Amazon Fire TV, in which we studied in detail all the nuances of the new media set-top box and drew parallels with Apple TV, comparing both products. We decided to translate it for you, dear readers.

Amazon's Fire TV is its answer to Apple's Apple TV and competitors like the Roku 3 and Google Chromecast. The set-top box gives you access to Amazon-branded features like Instant Video, Showtime Anytime, and a variety of games on your TV's big screen. Of course, it won't be able to play content from iTunes, which means all your movies, music, and apps purchased on your iPhone or iPad are useless. However, if you don't have a large iTunes legacy or want to try something new, you have a choice!

Apple TV vs Amazon Fire TV: Design and initial setup

When I opened the Fire TV box, I was surprised by its small size and flat form factor. It is slightly larger than the Apple TV, but thinner than the latter. Thanks to this, the console looks very cool and, importantly, it does not take up much space and will fit on any surface. To start using Fire TV, simply connect the power cord and HDMI cable.

In the case of Apple TV, the installation process is completely similar, connect two cables and you're done.

Winner: Draw.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Remote Control

The ease of use of a media set-top box largely depends on the remote control. Personally, I hate the Apple TV remote because it always slides around and gets lost among the blankets and couch cushions. As a result, you always have to put it “face down” somewhere in the living room. However, it is very convenient and easy to use. Also, the advantage of Apple TV is the many shortcuts that allow you to quickly navigate between popular functions. Well, don’t forget about the Remote.app application, which greatly facilitates text entry and gesture control.

The Fire TV remote looks thicker than the Apple one, but it seems to me that this is more of a plus. It's much more comfortable to hold and doesn't get stuck in sofa cushions. But the key feature of the Fire TV remote is, without a doubt, voice control. You can search by TV series, films, actors and much more. Want to watch all the films with Christian Bale? No question, just say his name and Fire TV will give you them full list. The only downside is that on this moment, the set-top box searches for information only on Amazon services. That is, even if you are logged into Netflix or Hulu Plus, using voice control You won’t be able to find anything in them - you will have to search in them manually, using the appropriate applications.

Both remotes are easy to learn and convenient, but the Fire TV can offer more options out of the box without the need to install additional apps. We consider this a plus, since voice search is easier than manual input text.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Interface and Design

Navigation through the Apple TV interface is carried out using a list of icons that can be configured in settings. The top row remains unchanged and contains shortcuts for quick access to the iTunes Store, iTunes Radio, music and media files from other computers on your home network(via iTunes of course). You can arrange all other icons as you please or hide them altogether. Anyone who has used iOS devices will be familiar with the Apple TV interface.

Fire TV, on the other hand, uses a vertical menu divided into categories on the left side of the screen, leaving the lion's share of space for previewing the content contained in each section. Scrolling up or down immediately displays all content from the relevant category. This interface is very visual and is more focused on the content that always remains in front of your eyes. Sometimes, when moving through the Apple TV menu, it slows down a little, but Fire TV does not have this drawback, which is good news.

The Apple TV interface is a bit outdated (but that should be fixed by an upcoming update approx. lane). But the Fire TV shell, on the contrary, was a welcome breath of fresh air for me.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Movies and TV series

Both iTunes and Amazon offer huge selection movies and TV shows. Which service is best for you largely depends on your preferences and the ecosystem with which you surround yourself. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can watch movies for free on Amazon Instant, which are often available there before they are available on iTunes.

On the other hand, if you've been buying content on iTunes for years, it will be fully available on Apple TV via iCloud. Music and movies from all your iPhone, iPad and Mac will also be available everywhere.

Both services are good and can offer content for every taste, so it all depends on who you prefer to give your money to.

Winner: Draw.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Music

Apple TV gives you access to iTunes Radio and all the content from iTunes Match - hundreds of radio stations to suit your tastes at your fingertips. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can use AirPlay to stream music from any service directly to your Apple TV.

Fire TV supports Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn Radio, VEVO and several other services. But given its recent release, we can expect even more streaming services to appear soon. In the meantime, thanks to the support of iTunes, Apple TV undoubtedly remains the leader. Also, I wonder why Amazon hasn't introduced its own music store and services yet.

Considering iTunes integration and AirPlay support, which opens up access to a variety of alternative services, the Apple TV wins on this point.

Winner: Apple TV.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Apps

With Apple TV, you only get the apps that come out of the box. Sometimes Apple agrees to collaborate with new partners and suddenly you have new applications or support for new services. And although the list is quite extensive, Fire TV offers us an excellent alternative. Already at launch, there are hundreds of applications, and soon there will be even more. All Fire TV apps are essentially the same Android apps that scale to fit the screen size. However, they don't look bad at all and work great.

Also don't forget about Amazon Coins, which are awarded when you purchase content and can be used for your future purchases. This is a great way to get legal games and apps for free. Who would refuse this?

U Apple are good positions in the battle for applications on mobile devices ah, but Amazon is currently the leader in media set-top boxes.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV.

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Games

Amazom optionally equips its Fire TV with a dedicated gaming controller. Now there are quite a large number of games, and in the future there will be even more. You don't need a gamepad to play these games; you can also play them using the included remote control. I don't think Amazon is going to offer Xbox-quality games (especially for that kind of money), but for non-gamers the Fire TV's gaming capabilities will be quite enough.

There are rumors about an SDK for developers of games and applications for Apple TV, but at the moment only the “boxed” applications described above are available to us. Although if you have an iPhone or iPad, using AirPlay you can easily play any of the installed games on the big screen.

Winner: Amazon Fire TV (AirPlay doesn't count).

Fire TV vs. Apple TV: Accessibility

Thanks to the VoiceOver feature, Apple TV has fairly broad universal access capabilities. This function has virtually no analogues, not only among media set-top boxes, but also among mobile devices. You can launch any application or shortcut with one touch. When VoiceOver is enabled, the name of each menu will be spoken. All this allows people with visual impairments to use Apple TV without any inconvenience.

I couldn't find any on Fire TV. additional options universal access. Both consoles support subtitles, but this is unlikely to help users with low vision. If this is critical for you, Fire TV will not best choice.

Winner: Apple TV.

Who should buy Apple TV?

Apple TV is about to be updated, but the current generation shouldn't be written off either. All users tied to the Apple ecosystem will prefer the functions that Apple TV provides: iTunes Match, iTunes Radio, iCloud - it all works great. It is also very beneficial to use Apple TV to mirror your iPhone and iPad to big screen. For people with visual impairments, it will the best option, thanks to the Voice Over function.

If you already own other Apple products and frequently purchase content or have an iTunes subscription, Apple TV will be the best purchase for you.

Who should buy Amazon Fire TV

Anyone with an Amazon Prime or Kindle Fire subscription will no doubt love Fire TV. Despite the fact that this is only the first release, it can already offer quite a wide range of possibilities. Immediately after launch, Amazon managed to provide users with a lot of content, including applications and games. If you're not tied to iTunes and the Apple ecosystem, Fire TV can be a great addition to your home media system.

The third generation of Amazon Fire TV set-top boxes was a bit of a surprise. It was expected to be a streaming gadget or a more powerful set-top box. Instead, we got the equivalent of the Chromecast Ultra, with Amazon's custom interface.

As streaming devices become more powerful, the need for set-top boxes decreases. But, let's take a look at the new generation of Fire TV and find out all its features.

The new Fire TV comes with various accessories neatly packaged in a cardboard box.

For the price of $70 (4,000 rubles) we get a kit that includes:

  • Amazon Fire TV set-top box.
  • Long USB cable.
  • Power adapter.
  • Remote control with Alexa integration.
  • A pair of AAA batteries for the remote control.
  • Setup Guide.

The kit may also include an Amazon Basics HD antenna, but the price will increase to $75 (RUR 4,500).

Setting up the set-top box

To connect to Amazon Fire TV, you need to find a free HDMI port on the back of your TV ( soundbar, audio / video receiver, etc.) and connect it.

It is recommended to connect the set-top box using the supplied power adapter, since using a USB port means that when you turn off the TV, the set-top box will also turn off, and it will take additional time to load it the next time you start it.

The weight of the Fire TV is a bit of a concern, as it can put unwanted strain on the HDMI ports on both the TV and the set-top box. To reduce it, it is recommended to attach the gadget to the TV using double-sided tape or Velcro.

Once the device is installed and turned on, Amazon's app walks us through a simple setup. You will need to pair the remote control and the set-top box. To do this, press and hold Home button within 10 seconds.

After connecting, you must enter the password for your WiFi network and select required applications, which I will start loading immediately.

Management and support

To control your Amazon Fire TV with Alexa, you need to install the Amazon Alexa voice assistant app.

The Alexa assistant can launch Spotify playlists, Pandora channels, and other content. There is one drawback, it cannot play a certain movie or TV show through the Netflix or Hulu applications and is almost useless for the Russian-speaking population.

Alexa services are also not designed to set alarms or timers. There is no way to control the TV volume using voice command. For those who have never used this voice assistant, I will say that it is the same as Siri in Apple products or Google Assistant in Android.

Equipment performance

Amazon Fire TV is fast, whether you're scrolling through menus or loading 4K HDR content. On Amazon's video adapter, it typically takes about 15 seconds to play 4K HDR video. It also depends on the Internet connection; with good speed, Fire TV can provide excellent picture quality.

There will be no lag when watching movies online or playing games, provided you connect the system to the power adapter as stated in the instructions. When I tried to run the box via USB, performance really slowed down.

The Fire TV box supports video streaming at up to 2160p (4K) at 60fps and is HDR10 compatible. This means you can watch HDR videos on Amazon, Netflix and other services that use HDR10. However, Fire TV doesn't support Dolby Vision or another HDR standard, so any 4K movies you watch in other enhanced modes will play back with standard dynamics.

The Ethernet connection ensures that 4K Ultra HD viewing will begin almost immediately after switching on (if there is sufficient bandwidth). Within a radius of five meters from the wireless router, you will have to wait up to 40 seconds until the content works at full resolution. In homes where WiFi is less stable, this will be a real problem.

Amazon Fire TV Warranty

Amazon offers a one-year warranty, with the option to purchase an extended two-year and three-year warranty for $9 or $10 (R500 - R600), respectively.

Bottom line

Amazon Fire TV is powerful, portable, and easy to use anywhere. There is support good apps and Alexa integration, so if you have smart home components, the Fire TV will fit the bill.

If Amazon decides to add support for Dolby Vision or release a more powerful TV box (Ultra variant), it's possible that this Fire TV will be superseded within a year of the improved version being released. But, it is an extremely powerful, well-equipped device that will last at least two to three years before you need to replace it.

Is there an alternative?

If you have a large library of 4K movies with Dolby Vision support, then the $70 Chromecast Ultra is a better choice. If your media is mostly on iTunes, then you need an Apple TV 4K.

There are also many Chinese Android TV boxes with improved features as well as a remote control that can control games.

Benefits of Amazon Fire TV

  • Fast work.
  • Stable connection.
  • 4K and HDR10 support.
  • Slim and stylish design.
  • Simple interface.

Fire TV Disadvantages

  • Only Amazon content is prioritized.
  • Slightly updated, not new equipment.
  • An external power adapter must be used.
  • Most of the functions are useless for the CIS.

Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 3, Chromecast - what to choose?



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