Mine won't even do 2.0 flac with resolution > 16/44.1. it used to about a year ago. It sucks how they dumb these things down.
Amazon Firestick 4K Max for Surround Music
- Thread starter HomerJAU
- Start date
Help Support QuadraphonicQuad:
Do Amazon have a group of testers for their 'Fire' products or somewhere where 'Fire' product owners can discuss/report issues in one place?
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Good question
Progress update: I've completed nearly all the screen grabs for the 'How To', now its doing the write up.
Hopefully by end of today (its 1:00pm here now) I'll post the document and the files.
Hopefully by end of today (its 1:00pm here now) I'll post the document and the files.
I'm not quite there yet, but to give you an idea of what's involved in my process of installing Kodi on a Firestick and configuring Kodi please check out the pre-release PDF docs as they are now:
https://reva.blob.core.windows.net/kodimods/How To - Kodi on FireTV.pdf
https://reva.blob.core.windows.net/kodimods/How To - Kodi on FireTV.pdf
Bugger!!!
Apart from the cost, I've run out of excuses... I'm going to have to buy myself one of these 'Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max' devices and start experimenting!
Apart from the cost, I've run out of excuses... I'm going to have to buy myself one of these 'Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max' devices and start experimenting!
The first release (1.0) of the files needed and an updated PDF is now uploaded:
(Edit: Jan 20 - updated the PDF and zip file contents to 2.0 - now using Kodi v21 Omega Beta 2 nightly dated 18 Jan))
How to Install Kodi and the QQ Logo skin mod on a Firestick 4K max:
https://reva.blob.core.windows.net/kodimods/How To - Kodi on FireTV.pdf
Link to the zip file in this doc. Carefully follow the instructions:
I am off camping in a local forest tomorrow until the weekend and won't have internet access. I'll try and see if there are any posts here when I get near any mobile reception... I'll be hanging around here at home on and off for about 20 hrs from now so will answer if I see something here.
THX
(Edit: Jan 20 - updated the PDF and zip file contents to 2.0 - now using Kodi v21 Omega Beta 2 nightly dated 18 Jan))
How to Install Kodi and the QQ Logo skin mod on a Firestick 4K max:
https://reva.blob.core.windows.net/kodimods/How To - Kodi on FireTV.pdf
Link to the zip file in this doc. Carefully follow the instructions:
I am off camping in a local forest tomorrow until the weekend and won't have internet access. I'll try and see if there are any posts here when I get near any mobile reception... I'll be hanging around here at home on and off for about 20 hrs from now so will answer if I see something here.
THX
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I've updated the Kodi Firestick installer with an updated build. Same link as published in my PDF above (Post #127).
The installer uses a build done on January 12 2024. Its Kodi v21 Omega Beta 2 with updates as of 12th Jan. (original installer I used was built 5 January)
The installer uses a build done on January 12 2024. Its Kodi v21 Omega Beta 2 with updates as of 12th Jan. (original installer I used was built 5 January)
I got a chance to try this install today, and ran into some issues...
First of all, I want to say thank you to @HomerJAU for all your efforts to provide this. It is much appreciated!
I was able to get through Step 3 successfully, and did see the Kodi app running (briefly) on the FireTV. When I ran "Install-2.bat" it was able to copy over most of what it was supposed to, but I recall had some errors. Unfortunately the command window closed unexpectedly before I could copy the contents. I did go back and try to do some sleuthing by repeating the mkdir commands in "Install-2.bat"
This is what I got:
So my best guess is that the "adb shell mkdir" command somehow didn't work correctly. When I try to run the Kodi app now on the Firestick all I get is a blank screen. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Other notes:
I was running this from Windows 7, although it doesn't seem like that should make a difference
I was installing the latest zip file that includes net.kodinerds.maven.kodi21.firetv.armeabi-v7a-202401120631-16f4389a-Omega.apk
First of all, I want to say thank you to @HomerJAU for all your efforts to provide this. It is much appreciated!
I was able to get through Step 3 successfully, and did see the Kodi app running (briefly) on the FireTV. When I ran "Install-2.bat" it was able to copy over most of what it was supposed to, but I recall had some errors. Unfortunately the command window closed unexpectedly before I could copy the contents. I did go back and try to do some sleuthing by repeating the mkdir commands in "Install-2.bat"
This is what I got:
Here are some results of poking around the file structure:
The addons folder has a long list of contents that I won't post here (unless desired).
So my best guess is that the "adb shell mkdir" command somehow didn't work correctly. When I try to run the Kodi app now on the Firestick all I get is a blank screen. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Other notes:
I was running this from Windows 7, although it doesn't seem like that should make a difference
I was installing the latest zip file that includes net.kodinerds.maven.kodi21.firetv.armeabi-v7a-202401120631-16f4389a-Omega.apk
Hi @audioWolf212.
I’m going to reset one of my FTVs (back to clean, new) and follow my instructions to see what may be the problem and also (maybe) update the docs if needed.
I didn’t make it clear (no screen shot) that at the end of step 3, users must run Kodi at least once and give permissions to access the file system.
I may not do this today, so hold back until I confirm.
I can probably give you an another batch file to get you back to where you would be at end of step 3, before you run the 2nd batch file.
THX
I’m going to reset one of my FTVs (back to clean, new) and follow my instructions to see what may be the problem and also (maybe) update the docs if needed.
I didn’t make it clear (no screen shot) that at the end of step 3, users must run Kodi at least once and give permissions to access the file system.
I may not do this today, so hold back until I confirm.
I can probably give you an another batch file to get you back to where you would be at end of step 3, before you run the 2nd batch file.
THX
@audioWolf212
I have updated both the PDF document and the zip file contents (minor changes to the batch files - more info and updated the Aeon Nox skin to latest and additional mods to the QQ Logo files).
Please delete your temporary Kodi install files and download latest QQKodiADM.zip and start again.
If you want to try again, go to your FTV Settings, then Applications and Uninstall 'Kodi Nerds' then start the process from scratch.
EDIT: You may also need delete some data copied with these batch file commands (after you login in first - copy this into a new bat file). I'm not sure if uninstalling the Kodi app will also deletes its folders - it should I guess...)
-----------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Please watch the batch file command window and report any errors shown
To make step 3 easier to follow, I broke it down into 4 smaller steps: 3A to 3D (the PDF has screen shots) - Do not proceed to next step unless previous step is completed. Please let me know if you find any issues.
---------------------------
STEP 3A: Initial attempt to install Kodi (grant permission to Debug on your FTV)
Now go to the folder you created with all the downloaded files in Windows File Explorer. Find the file: Install-1.bat and double-click to run it: The batch file will ask you to enter your FTV IP Address, go ahead and enter it. Then hit <Enter>
The batch file will attempt to connect to your FTV, which will be blocked first time: Your FTV will pop a screen 'Allow USB Debugging?' Click 'Always allow from this Computer' Then click 'Allow'
STEP 3B: Second attempt to install Kodi (after granting Debug permission above)
The batch file install has failed to connect, so close the command window and run the Install-1.bat once again (double-click) This time you should see the ADB connects to your FTV and it will then install the Kodi apk and finally copy a small file that tells Kodi to use an alternate folder system for its user data (one you can access). This is quite fast. When the Install-1.bat is completed, you now have Kodi installed but you now need to give Kodi permission to access folders (and files) on your FTV – See Step 3C below.
Edit: Step 3C no longer required as the batch file now does this step
STEP 3C: Give Kodi permission to access folders (and files) on your FTV.
Go to the FTV, and then in Settings (the Cog icon) screen click: 'Applications' Then click: 'Manage Installed Applications' Scroll down find and click on: 'Kodinerds Omega' (the name of the Kodi version just installed) Then click 'Permissions' Then click: 'Storage' and set that to 'All Files' – Allow management of all files Permissions are now set for Kodi to run correctly.
STEP 3C: Run Kodi on your FTV (Edit: was Step 3D)
You can now click the 'Back' button and click the 'Launch application' to start Kodi for first time.
IMPORTANT: After setting the Kodi permissions above: YOU MUST RUN KODI AT LEAST ONCE before proceeding to STEP 4 Kodi will do a first run config: Kodi will ask permission to record audio ('Deny' or 'once only' seems to work).
Kodi will ask permission to access photos and media: 'Allow'
Now go to the Kodi menu at top and exit the Kodi app.
STEP 3 is now completed but ONLY if you have run Kodi on your FTV
-----------------
THX
Garry
I have updated both the PDF document and the zip file contents (minor changes to the batch files - more info and updated the Aeon Nox skin to latest and additional mods to the QQ Logo files).
Please delete your temporary Kodi install files and download latest QQKodiADM.zip and start again.
If you want to try again, go to your FTV Settings, then Applications and Uninstall 'Kodi Nerds' then start the process from scratch.
EDIT: You may also need delete some data copied with these batch file commands (after you login in first - copy this into a new bat file). I'm not sure if uninstalling the Kodi app will also deletes its folders - it should I guess...)
-----------------------------------------------------
Code:
set /p IPADDRESS="ip-address-of-fire-tv: "
pause
adb kill-server
adb start-server
REM ---- adb connect <ip-address-of-fire-tv> -------------
adb connect %IPADDRESS%
echo "Your FTV should now be connected - Close if not and check your FTV"
pause
adb shell rm -r /sdcard/kodi_data
pausePlease watch the batch file command window and report any errors shown
To make step 3 easier to follow, I broke it down into 4 smaller steps: 3A to 3D (the PDF has screen shots) - Do not proceed to next step unless previous step is completed. Please let me know if you find any issues.
---------------------------
STEP 3A: Initial attempt to install Kodi (grant permission to Debug on your FTV)
Now go to the folder you created with all the downloaded files in Windows File Explorer. Find the file: Install-1.bat and double-click to run it: The batch file will ask you to enter your FTV IP Address, go ahead and enter it. Then hit <Enter>
The batch file will attempt to connect to your FTV, which will be blocked first time: Your FTV will pop a screen 'Allow USB Debugging?' Click 'Always allow from this Computer' Then click 'Allow'
STEP 3B: Second attempt to install Kodi (after granting Debug permission above)
The batch file install has failed to connect, so close the command window and run the Install-1.bat once again (double-click) This time you should see the ADB connects to your FTV and it will then install the Kodi apk and finally copy a small file that tells Kodi to use an alternate folder system for its user data (one you can access). This is quite fast. When the Install-1.bat is completed, you now have Kodi installed but you now need to give Kodi permission to access folders (and files) on your FTV – See Step 3C below.
Edit: Step 3C no longer required as the batch file now does this step
Go to the FTV, and then in Settings (the Cog icon) screen click: 'Applications' Then click: 'Manage Installed Applications' Scroll down find and click on: 'Kodinerds Omega' (the name of the Kodi version just installed) Then click 'Permissions' Then click: 'Storage' and set that to 'All Files' – Allow management of all files Permissions are now set for Kodi to run correctly.
STEP 3C: Run Kodi on your FTV (Edit: was Step 3D)
You can now click the 'Back' button and click the 'Launch application' to start Kodi for first time.
IMPORTANT: After setting the Kodi permissions above: YOU MUST RUN KODI AT LEAST ONCE before proceeding to STEP 4 Kodi will do a first run config: Kodi will ask permission to record audio ('Deny' or 'once only' seems to work).
Kodi will ask permission to access photos and media: 'Allow'
Now go to the Kodi menu at top and exit the Kodi app.
STEP 3 is now completed but ONLY if you have run Kodi on your FTV
-----------------
THX
Garry
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MrSmithers
1K Club - QQ Shooting Star
Thanks Garry,
I can confirm the installation also works on a Chromecast HD. As you say it's important to run Kodi first between steps 3 and 4 to allow permissions. I didn't do that the first time and it was necessary to run that delete batch file after uninstalling, before giving it another go. I guess that'd be the same for any Android device.
Was quite snappy and quick moving around the menus but I'd defo recommend using a Firestick 4K Max as the Chromecast HD (a pretty basic device) seemed to struggle with lossless Atmos content. Had no problem with playing lossy DD+ Atmos content though.
Kodi 21 as yet doesn't seem to be able to play MPEG-H content, as this device works using the iRZ-MPEG-H Media Player. In Kodi it just skips through the files.
All told a pretty cool option to have!
Cheers...
I can confirm the installation also works on a Chromecast HD. As you say it's important to run Kodi first between steps 3 and 4 to allow permissions. I didn't do that the first time and it was necessary to run that delete batch file after uninstalling, before giving it another go. I guess that'd be the same for any Android device.
Was quite snappy and quick moving around the menus but I'd defo recommend using a Firestick 4K Max as the Chromecast HD (a pretty basic device) seemed to struggle with lossless Atmos content. Had no problem with playing lossy DD+ Atmos content though.
Kodi 21 as yet doesn't seem to be able to play MPEG-H content, as this device works using the iRZ-MPEG-H Media Player. In Kodi it just skips through the files.
All told a pretty cool option to have!
Cheers...
Thanks Will.
I found myself awake at 2:00am thinking about this (why the batch files failed). I ended up jumping on my iPad to see if there were any updates in the thread, so great to hear you got everything installed!
The FTV Max is very snappy. Your chromecast may struggle with TrueHD Atmos due to wifi bandwidth. Are you on wifi?
Nothing yet in Kodi for MPEG-H Passthrough but you can probably configure Kodi not use the iRZ media player as an ‘external player’ (it should be invisible to the user in Kodi). From memory you need to create an xml file in the userdata folder with info on the external player, fir Android you’d need to use an adm copy command to copy the xml into the Android device’s Kodi userdata folder, example of that copy command in the install-2.bat file. The xml file content is documented on the Kodi wiki:
https://kodi.wiki/view/External_players
I found myself awake at 2:00am thinking about this (why the batch files failed). I ended up jumping on my iPad to see if there were any updates in the thread, so great to hear you got everything installed!
The FTV Max is very snappy. Your chromecast may struggle with TrueHD Atmos due to wifi bandwidth. Are you on wifi?
Nothing yet in Kodi for MPEG-H Passthrough but you can probably configure Kodi not use the iRZ media player as an ‘external player’ (it should be invisible to the user in Kodi). From memory you need to create an xml file in the userdata folder with info on the external player, fir Android you’d need to use an adm copy command to copy the xml into the Android device’s Kodi userdata folder, example of that copy command in the install-2.bat file. The xml file content is documented on the Kodi wiki:
https://kodi.wiki/view/External_players
MrSmithers
1K Club - QQ Shooting Star
Oh cheers yeah good idea, I'll try and give that a go at some point and if successful I'll defo get a Firestick 4K Max!
Thanks for the help @HomerJAU! I tried again and this time it worked! I'm still at a loss for what I did differently this second time. I'm quite sure I ran Kodi and enabled the file access before running Install-2.bat both times.
Begin extraneous detail:
I used the "adb pull" command to save the contents of /sdcard/kodi_data/org.xbmc.kodi/.kodi/ before trying the install again. Comparing that with what was in the files you supplied I discovered that on my first attempt, the "userdata" folder had been overwritten as a file with the contents of guisettings.xml from the "Backup" folder. I have NO idea how this happened!
All seems to be working correctly now, and I dusted off my Linux terminal skills in the process! I didn't get very far with the rest of the setup as I'm having trouble getting Kodi to connect to my Synology NAS. I'll save troubleshooting that for a another time. I may reach out if I get stuck.
Thanks again!
Begin extraneous detail:
I used the "adb pull" command to save the contents of /sdcard/kodi_data/org.xbmc.kodi/.kodi/ before trying the install again. Comparing that with what was in the files you supplied I discovered that on my first attempt, the "userdata" folder had been overwritten as a file with the contents of guisettings.xml from the "Backup" folder. I have NO idea how this happened!
All seems to be working correctly now, and I dusted off my Linux terminal skills in the process! I didn't get very far with the rest of the setup as I'm having trouble getting Kodi to connect to my Synology NAS. I'll save troubleshooting that for a another time. I may reach out if I get stuck.
Thanks again!
Good to hear!
If using nfs to your NAS ensure you set each Share Volume you want your FTV to use to allow the FTVs IP Address and to set Kodi Settings, Services, nfs to use no greater version than what’s allowed on your NAS. I use v3 I think.
A screenshot of my Synology NAS NFS permissions for a Share volume: (My FTV has IP 192.168.1.17)
NAS File Services:
If using nfs to your NAS ensure you set each Share Volume you want your FTV to use to allow the FTVs IP Address and to set Kodi Settings, Services, nfs to use no greater version than what’s allowed on your NAS. I use v3 I think.
A screenshot of my Synology NAS NFS permissions for a Share volume: (My FTV has IP 192.168.1.17)
NAS File Services:
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I believe it is caused by not starting Kodi prior to install-2:
When Kodi first runs, after the install-1 copies a special properties file, which forces Kodi to create the userdata folder in a new accessible (by external users) system sub-folder and creates that userdata folder with other files and folders. If userdata doesn’t exist when my install-2 is run install fails to copy the files correctly.
(Maybe there is something else at play, this is my first play with Android filesystems)
Thanks much! That seemed to do it! I've got it working with a handful of files that I used as a test library (multi-channel AAC, FLAC, DTS). I even installed the add-on for SACD ISO support and now I'm listening to Ray Sings Basie Swings in beautiful 5.1 streaming off my NAS!
Cheers! You da MAN!
Thanks @audioWolf212 and @MrSmithers for your feedback and having a go as first users of my batch files.
I’m tweaking a couple more things today, so should have an update for new users.
I’ll also add some additional batch files to:
Delete my files off the FTV
Create a screen capture of the FTV and copy to your PC (useful for deluging and showing off your system)
Just copying my QQ Logo skin mods alone to an existing Kodi v21 Omega Android device
I’m tempted to write a small app to help with this for new and existing Kodi users:
Install add-ons in Kodi (a database needs to be updated otherwise Kodi doesn’t see it)
Update various Kodi settings (and Add-on settings).
Then I could automate more of the setup I’ve documented in the PDF doc.
I’m tweaking a couple more things today, so should have an update for new users.
I’ll also add some additional batch files to:
Delete my files off the FTV
Create a screen capture of the FTV and copy to your PC (useful for deluging and showing off your system)
Just copying my QQ Logo skin mods alone to an existing Kodi v21 Omega Android device
I’m tempted to write a small app to help with this for new and existing Kodi users:
Install add-ons in Kodi (a database needs to be updated otherwise Kodi doesn’t see it)
Update various Kodi settings (and Add-on settings).
Then I could automate more of the setup I’ve documented in the PDF doc.
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