FireTV Hardware
Fire TV Gen-1 and Gen-2 differences
The main differences between the first-generation Fire TV (released in 2014) and second-generation TV (released in 2015) is that the second-genration supports newer video codecs (HEVC and VP9) plus higher resolutions (Ultra HD /2160p at up to 30 fps, also known as "4K" resolution), and that includes HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 as required for 4K output by some streaming apps such as Netflix. And while the first-generation Fire TV (2014) shipped with an older version of the Fire TV operating-system it can now be upgraded to the same new version as the second-generation Fire TV (2015), so software-wise the old and new hardware can still support the same features and functions that are not dependent on newer Android hardware (such as video codecs and resolution).
Fire TV Stick differences
In a nutshell: slower processor Broadcom BCM28145 (which won't be a huge difference for average Kodi usage), Amazon Fire TV Stick only has 1GB of RAM, comes withoput no USB port and wired Ethernet. The stick does feature HDMI, power, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The first versions of the Fire TV Stick does not support newer video codecs (HEVC and VP9), nor does it support higher resolutions than Full HD / 1080p, (so no support for Ultra HD /2160p at up to 30 fps, which also known as "4K" resolution). All released versions of the Fire TV Stick still work fairly well from a Kodi standpoint (faster than a Raspberry Pi 1, but slower than a Raspberry Pi 2/3).
In 2015 Amazon bundled the Fire TV Stick with the new voice remote control (that has an integrated microphone).
In 2016, Amazon released a new version. The dualcore Broadcom BCM28145 was replaced by a quadcore MediaTek MT8127, which does support HEVC. It is bigger, 85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm compared to the older measuring 84,9 mm x 25,0 mm x 11,5 mm. Amazon US sells it as "All-New Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote".
You can also tell the difference by the FCC ID; 1st-gen models have a FCC ID of 2ABDU-0509, while 2nd-gen models have a FCC ID of 2AE6S-0948.
Controls
- Fire TV remote
- Note: For better button layouts, see Alternative keymaps for Fire TV remote.
Button Global action Fullscreen video action 
3 Directional pad: - Up
- Down
- Right
- Left
Directional pad: - Up: Next chapter or go forward 10 minutes
- Down: Previous chapter or go back 10 minutes
- Right: +30 seconds
- Left: -30 seconds
4 Select On-screen-display menu 6 Context menu Playlist 8 Play/pause Play/pause 9 Back Back out of fullscreen video (does not stop playback)
- Special Keystrokes
- To reboot the Fire TV with the Fire TV remote, hold Play/Pause (8) and Select (4) for 5 seconds.
- RIGHT (Directional pad) + BACK (9) for 10 seconds will ask you if you wish to do a factory reset
- If you wish to remove something from your Recent list, point to the item, select the Context Menu key. A small menu pops up in the lower right. Select 'Remove from Recent'
- Also see the Little Known Fire TV Options and Links article for more
- CEC
- People are reporting that the Amazon Fire TV has basic CEC support. Reported working keys are UP, DOWN, RIGHT, LEFT, SELECT, PLAY and PAUSE (depending on the TV brand).
- Keyboards
- Through bluetooth or a USB connection (Fire TV box only) you can connect additional remotes and devices. These devices must be seen as a "keyboard" to the OS, so that they don't need additional software drivers. For example, the FLIRC, which is a universal learning IR receiver..
- See keyboard controls for how to control Kodi using a keyboard.
- Additional Fire TV controls goes as followed:
Key Action F11
or "browser search"
media key.Voice Search (Does not send mic audio) F12 Fire TV home screen Esc Fire TV back button Ctrl+Esc
or "Menu" (to the right of the Windows key on the right side)Fire TV menu button Alt+Tab ⇆ Recent App Ctrl+Alt+Delete System reset
- USB hack
- Gamepads
- Any USB or bluetooth gamepad that works in general for the Fire TV will also work in Kodi.
- Examples
- Fire TV gamepad
- Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad (uses a small USB dongle)
- Xbox 360 wired gamepad
- Xbox 360 wireless gamepad works if you use the Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows
Did You Lose Your Remote?
- Use a tablet or phone to control your FireTV
- Order a New Remote
FireTV 3
- The FireTV 3 has arrived
- Officially rebranded as the 'Fire TV Pendant'
- Amazon Fire TV 3 Specifications
- Select the 'Fire TV - Gen 3 2017' from the pulldown
- Fire TV 3 Includes a new Bluetooth Based Alexa Voice Remote
- Also applies to the Fire TV Cube
Fire TV Cube
- Amazon Fire TV Cube Specifications
- Select the 'Fire TV Cube 2018' from the pulldown
Related Links
- FireTV Remote Utilities
- Return to Amazon Fire TV
- Go to FireTV Software Notes
- Go to FireTV Maintenance and Kodi Performance
- Go to Little Known Fire TV Options and Links
- Go to FireTV Known Issues