Sony have blocked the install of Kodi on Android TV

UrbanFret · 08-01-2019 9:50pm

grahamb1 wrote: »

Important MAG device users
*****************************

So Informir which are the makers of MAG Devices have been informed by courts to block all portals which are on the "list" for IPTV streaming. For to copyright reason.

Blocking MAG BOX Portal only.
*******************************

Source???:rolleyes:

The above info is pre christmas.

dubrov · 08-01-2019 9:51pm

UrbanFret wrote:

Source???

Makes no sense as it would kill their business overnight

UrbanFret · 08-01-2019 9:59pm

dubrov wrote: »

Makes no sense as it would kill their business overnight

Oh that is their official line at the moment. If the copyright holders file a complaint they have to act. However if they are doing it without the knowledge or permission of the boxes end user then they themselves are breaking the law. I suspect they add the black list to the firmware updates so if you disable auto updates you should be fine. Although That's only my opinion.

how.gareth · 08-01-2019 10:07pm

UrbanFret wrote: »

Source???:rolleyes:

The above info is pre christmas.

My mag box was blocked twice by informir in the last 2 months whilst using 2 different iptv subs. A copyright warning appears on screen, supplier beat it by changing portal but the official mag boxes are doomed in the future I reckon, hopefully there will be a reliable replacement from a different manufacturer who dosnt allow themselves to be bullied by the big media corporations

UrbanFret · 08-01-2019 10:11pm

how.gareth wrote: »

My mag box was blocked twice by informir in the last 2 months whilst using 2 different iptv subs. A copyright warning appears on screen, supplier beat it by changing portal but the official mag boxes are doomed in the future I reckon, hopefully there will be a reliable replacement from a different manufacturer who dosnt allow themselves to be bullied by the big media corporations

Do You know had you Firmware updates enabled or disabled?

Suckit · 08-01-2019 10:44pm

The mag boxes with the old/alternative official firmware flashed to it works anyway, as do custom firmwares. But I don't think it's as straightforward for Kodi.
Sony could/should have chosen to have a custom version of Kodi. That would allow many functions, but prevent many others. Whoever was in charge of that was either very lazy or didn't understand it.

Suckit · 08-01-2019 10:48pm

how.gareth wrote: »

hopefully there will be a reliable replacement from a different manufacturer who dosnt allow themselves to be bullied by the big media corporations

There already are plenty. Better too.

the_syco · 09-01-2019 12:51am

Stoner wrote: »

I'm on my second Sony Android TV.

What happened the other Sony Android TV?

A relative is on their 4th android box. The TV is still (touch wood) going grand. It's from when 1080p was "high spec", before BluRay players became available.

A mate has a Smart TV, but he has to watch Netflix on his PS4, as the Smart TV apps haven't been updated in quite some time.

The high horse brigade · 09-01-2019 1:00am

the_syco wrote: »

.A mate has a Smart TV, but he has to watch Netflix on his PS4, as the Smart TV apps haven't been updated in quite some time.

This is the trouble, your depending on the TV manufacturer for app updates. I've seen older LG smart TVs don't get the latest version of Emby app.

Suckit · 09-01-2019 2:44am

dubrov wrote: »

Makes no sense as it would kill their business overnight

That has been done for a long time. They were behind one of the largest illegal IPTV providers being arrested (up to that point there was no real clue as to where they operated from) around this time last year. That opened it up it wide for other 'providers'.
They seem to now go after the people that supply the streams.
Their business is not reliant on people buying illegal iptv. They have already made a lot of money from that and they could probably help fund many legal IPTV services now to help their business grow.

i.e. It could be in their interest to encourage 100% legal streams.

how.gareth · 09-01-2019 12:01pm

UrbanFret wrote: »

Do You know had you Firmware updates enabled or disabled?

No it hadn’t updated in the previous six months

how.gareth · 09-01-2019 12:01pm

Suckit wrote: »

There already are plenty. Better too.

Cool what are they? I’d be interested

09-01-2019 1:37pm

Picked up a Sony Android TV for black Friday. At first I wasn't really concerned what OS it ran and previously I ran a Chromebox with KodiBuntu but being able to install Kodi on the TV itself proved very handy.

At the moment I can still launch it so maybe they haven't pushed out the change globally. I've turned off automatic software updates in the chance it may slow the chance of getting affected.

Looking at the Kodi forum it seems they are blocking the Kodi PACKAGE_ID, so working around it shouldn't be too hard as this can be changed. Failing that I'll hook up my KodiBunto box and forget about the android OS.

Suckit · 09-01-2019 2:59pm

how.gareth wrote: »

Cool what are they? I’d be interested

I suppose Formuler would be the biggest.
Then there BuzzTV, iPremium/Avov, ftatronix.com ship those here.
Xtreamz not so well known, and there are a ton of Chinese and German boxes too.

Hurrache · 09-01-2019 3:36pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

All smart TVs are crap, it's a marketing gimmick. You will always get a much better experience from a separate box or dongle

That's not true at all.

McMurphy · 09-01-2019 3:51pm

Hurrache wrote: »

That's not true at all.

It certainly is in my experience.

The high horse brigade · 09-01-2019 4:12pm

Hurrache wrote: »

That's not true at all.

It is true for several reasons already mentioned:
1 the hardware is weak when compared to the experience you get on even a 50 quid fire stick
2 you are at the mercy of the TV manufacturer for updates with them having the ability to block whatever they like as we are seeing here.

Hurrache · 09-01-2019 5:00pm

You may have mentioned reasons, but they're invalid. You're comparing a firestick with what you're imagining incorrectly is a standard Smart TV. I've a media server in the house and 2 Smart TVs and a dumb one, 2 different OS. The media server hasn't been used in months other than to back files up.

Even when it was used, the TVs could run the client software anyway without the need for a firestick or the likes, there's simply no need for one.

To say Smart TVs are crap and a gimmick does not stand any sort of scrutiny.

Cockford Ollie · 09-01-2019 5:07pm

Especially Android TVs. Even if Sony left it at version 7, apps would be updated and available for it for years.

The high horse brigade · 09-01-2019 5:40pm

Hurrache wrote: »

You may have mentioned reasons, but they're invalid. You're comparing a firestick with what you're imagining incorrectly is a standard Smart TV. I've a media server in the house and 2 Smart TVs and a dumb one, 2 different OS. The media server hasn't been used in months other than to back files up.

Even when it was used, the TVs could run the client software anyway without the need for a firestick or the likes, there's simply no need for one.

To say Smart TVs are crap and a gimmick does not stand any sort of scrutiny.

I do believe there is a certain type of person needs a smart TV (my brother is one), but to say the experience is just as good as a dedicated box is not true. Convenient yes, just as good no.

I've an Emby server with a 90TB library I share with family and friends. I've got several users using various different smart TV's, Sony, Lg and Samsung. The apps on ALL smart TVs are painful to browse through the library when compared to the experience from a Fire Stick or MiBox. They are so slow they are constantly buffering and freezing with any high bitrate content.
The app on the LG is stuck on an older version of Emby because LG refuse to allow it to update.
I'm at the stage now where I refuse any support unless they buy an addon box for the better experience it brings.

They are all much the same for Youtube/Netflix, pretty slow to browse through the library of images, slow to start a stream, not a great experience at all. And just to note none of these are using wireless

ED E · 09-01-2019 5:44pm

Mr E wrote: »

??

I understand what you're saying about Sony, but what did Nintendo ever do to you?

Not me personally but how they treat youtubers and the like.

Hurrache · 09-01-2019 6:27pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Convenient yes, just as good no.

So they do what the people want them to do, so are neither gimmicky or crap.

The high horse brigade wrote: »

They are all much the same for Youtube/Netflix, pretty slow to browse through the library of images, slow to start a stream, not a great experience at all. And just to note none of these are using wireless

Both mine are on wireless, one from 2016, the other from 2018, stream instantly and there's never any pause for thumbnails.

A decent Smart TV will negate the need for a Firestick and the likes.

The high horse brigade · 09-01-2019 10:14pm

Sony Says it Will ‘Fix’ Kodi Problem in Next Update

https://torrentfreak.com/sony-says-it-will-fix-kodi-problem-in-next-update/

The high horse brigade · 09-01-2019 10:38pm

Hurrache wrote: »

Both mine are on wireless, one from 2016, the other from 2018, stream instantly and there's never any pause for thumbnails.

I'd like to know the make and model of these you recommend

Cockford Ollie · 10-01-2019 1:02am

The high horse brigade wrote: »

I'd like to know the make and model of these you recommend

A fast Sony Android TV is the newest one, the AF9.

I have an AF8 which is sluggish, compared to a Shield, but fast compared to a pre Android TV Sony from 2015.

One thing about TVs playing the content is 5.1/7.1 audio getting out to your Amp. Most will only allow compressed audio over ARC. The AF9 has eARC which allows uncompressed 5.1/7.1

Stoner · 10-01-2019 6:03pm

the_syco wrote:

What happened the other Sony Android TV?

Upgraded to OLED, gave the older one to my godchild

Stoner · 10-01-2019 6:12pm

Cockford Ollie wrote:

A fast Sony Android TV is the newest one, the AF9.

I've this model. Thought the AF8 was ok too.

I'm not sure if some of the comments here are from users who've used Android TV and get that the apps are updated.

My Android TVs got great updates. With significant feature improvements.

I did not get that with other Smart TVs. I always bought boxes

sweetie · 10-01-2019 8:49pm

Have sony also done something to disable dns changes? Can't seem to get smartdns to work on my new Bravia kdxf8096

coldfire1x · 11-01-2019 6:06pm

https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/01/10/whoops-sony-blocking-kodi-on-its-android-tvs-was-an-accident/

It was an accident.

The high horse brigade · 11-01-2019 6:11pm

coldfire1x wrote: »

https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/01/10/whoops-sony-blocking-kodi-on-its-android-tvs-was-an-accident/

It was an accident.

Ahem, yeah right. Due to the way it was being blocked and bypassed this was never an accident.

UrbanFret · 15-01-2019 8:46pm

Custom firmware released for the infomir Mags, Works perfectly and beats the block!

how.gareth · 15-01-2019 11:49pm

UrbanFret wrote: »

Custom firmware released for the infomir Mags, Works perfectly and beats the block!

Downloaded automatically from their site?

UrbanFret · 16-01-2019 3:47pm

how.gareth wrote: »

Downloaded automatically from their site?

Infomir hardly going to release it.

Whats This?

how.gareth · 16-01-2019 7:07pm

UrbanFret wrote: »

Infomir hardly going to release it.

Whats This?

Sorry yeah that was a silly thing to say!
Cheers I’ll take a look, easy to do?

UrbanFret · 16-01-2019 9:33pm

how.gareth wrote: »

Sorry yeah that was a silly thing to say!
Cheers I’ll take a look, easy to do?

Yes put the relevant file on a usb sick and update it through the bootmenu. Turn box on.and press button with 3 lines on it centre left of remote below home button to access this menu. If unsure theres some tutorials on youtube.

how.gareth · 17-01-2019 12:07am

UrbanFret wrote: »

Yes put the relevant file on a usb sick and update it through the bootmenu. Turn box on.and press button with 3 lines on it centre left of remote below home button to access this menu. If unsure theres some tutorials on youtube.

Brilliant much appreciated

UrbanFret · 17-01-2019 11:43am

(Guide to flashing mag USB Method)

1)Download custom firmware
2) Connect your USB stick (use 4gb or smaller) to computer and format file system to FAT32, copy the correct image file for your mag onto the root of the USB Drive
3) On the USB drive you should now have the directory MAG250/254 this contains two files image update and bootstrap
4) Enter The MAG BIOS
(How to enter the BIOS setup (bootloader menu) MAG-250/254?)
a) Power off the MAG250/254.
b) Press and hold the «menu» button on the remote (This is the button Centre left of remote 3 parallel lines below the home button)
c) Without releasing the «menu» button Power on the MAG-250/254.
you should now be in the BIOS menu.
5) Select “Upgrade Tools”, press ok on the remote control
6) Select “USB Bootstrap”
7) Connect the USB flash drive( to rear port if available) and click OK to confirm the beginning of the update process
8) Wait for the update, STB will reboot itself.
9) You should now have the new firmware on the box.

(You can check you have the new firmware version from the inner portal under device info)

The high horse brigade · 17-01-2019 12:30pm

Mag box support should have it's own thread

UrbanFret · 17-01-2019 1:09pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Mag box support should have it's own thread

Well this happens to be were we have been discussing it. If you're a mod im sure you can move the posts referencing the mags.

how.gareth · 17-01-2019 2:35pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Mag box support should have it's own thread

Yep sorry I kinda dragged it off course but thought your thread was dead anyway? Like they haven’t blocked kodi so problem solved I think

john_doe. · 18-03-2019 12:57pm

The high horse brigade wrote: »

It is true for several reasons already mentioned:
1 the hardware is weak when compared to the experience you get on even a 50 quid fire stick
2 you are at the mercy of the TV manufacturer for updates with them having the ability to block whatever they like as we are seeing here.

stumbled upon this thread as deciding between a Sony Android Tv and a TV + separate box this time.

Note i have :
Sony TV (not smart) with Minix U9-h
Samsung TV (not smart) with Minix u9-h
Sony TV (smart) with Netflix and Youtue (have also a chomecast)

i have previously been advocate of separate boxes , but im not so sure any more.

Compatibility of Apps with Boxes is not always great. Netflix is a mess on the Minix U9-h, bought these "high function" boxes couple of years back only to have a nightmare with Netflix. Only Certain version of netflix is supported , so many times had to downgrade or tried to upgrade the app. Cannot watch things like BlackMirror interactive due to the old version of the app.
Firmware has not been updated in an age. Full HD Netflix support lacking. You tube crashes. These were quite popular "android boxes"

Looked at the Roku- cant run Youtube kids. etc (had Roku at one point)
Amazon fire- running youtube/youtube kids - have to be workarounds - ultimately these devices dont have to support it.
Chromecast - you need your phone - pain to have to do this.

The Nvidia seems the only good android box out there (note the mi-box s seems to be another failure from reviews to date)

The other thing that slightly annoys me is the fact i have 3 remotes , its just not convenient (tv, set-top box, android box).

If the Chromecast ran android tv and did not need a phone for interaction id agree separate device may be better option.

But for now it seems to be an Android TV on Sony or an Nvidia box. Options are very limited, i think the "android box" market is over hyped as a lot of them also have compatibility and update issues such as the TVs themselves.

I dont think its as straightforward these days , the principle of a separate device i like , but there needs to be decent android boxes/sticks come to market.

My usage of apps on a box has included:
Netflix
Plex
YouTube
YouTube Kids
RTE player (very rare)
Amazon Player
Kodi(no longer use- reverted to Plex)
VLC Player (rare)
Dream EPG player(havent use since bought 2nd tiviar box)

18-03-2019 1:02pm

Just stumbled across this thread.
Sony also blocked the plex app.
Had to buy the parents a chrome cast.

john_doe. · 18-03-2019 1:27pm

BrownFinger wrote: »

Just stumbled across this thread.
Sony also blocked the plex app.
Had to buy the parents a chrome cast.

Well that rules out Sony TV with Android for me.

BandMember · 18-03-2019 2:29pm

I haven't tried Plex, but Kodi is working fine on my Sony android tv - I think they reversed the decision to "block" Kodi after all the flack they got. If you read back the thread, you'll see a link which clarifies the situation.

how.gareth · 18-03-2019 11:45pm

john_doe. wrote: »

stumbled upon this thread as deciding between a Sony Android Tv and a TV + separate box this time.

Note i have :
Sony TV (not smart) with Minix U9-h
Samsung TV (not smart) with Minix u9-h
Sony TV (smart) with Netflix and Youtue (have also a chomecast)

i have previously been advocate of separate boxes , but im not so sure any more.

Compatibility of Apps with Boxes is not always great. Netflix is a mess on the Minix U9-h, bought these "high function" boxes couple of years back only to have a nightmare with Netflix. Only Certain version of netflix is supported , so many times had to downgrade or tried to upgrade the app. Cannot watch things like BlackMirror interactive due to the old version of the app.
Firmware has not been updated in an age. Full HD Netflix support lacking. You tube crashes. These were quite popular "android boxes"

Looked at the Roku- cant run Youtube kids. etc (had Roku at one point)
Amazon fire- running youtube/youtube kids - have to be workarounds - ultimately these devices dont have to support it.
Chromecast - you need your phone - pain to have to do this.

The Nvidia seems the only good android box out there (note the mi-box s seems to be another failure from reviews to date)

The other thing that slightly annoys me is the fact i have 3 remotes , its just not convenient (tv, set-top box, android box).

If the Chromecast ran android tv and did not need a phone for interaction id agree separate device may be better option.

But for now it seems to be an Android TV on Sony or an Nvidia box. Options are very limited, i think the "android box" market is over hyped as a lot of them also have compatibility and update issues such as the TVs themselves.

I dont think its as straightforward these days , the principle of a separate device i like , but there needs to be decent android boxes/sticks come to market.
My usage of apps on a box has included:
Netflix
Plex
YouTube
YouTube Kids
RTE player (very rare)
Amazon Player
Kodi(no longer use- reverted to Plex)
VLC Player (rare)
Dream EPG player(havent use since bought 2nd tiviar box)

4K firestick?

youcancallmeal · 22-03-2019 8:55pm

Only just saw this thread now. I have a Sony Android TV and SPMC works great on it. Surprised it hasn't been mentioned already, it is a fork of kodi and more or less the same thing

TBi · 22-03-2019 9:07pm

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Only just saw this thread now. I have a Sony Android TV and SPMC works great on it. Surprised it hasn't been mentioned already, it is a fork of kodi and more or less the same thing

Last i checked SPMC hasn't been updated in a while. The latest version of Kodi works well on android TV. I find Kodi has better support for all the files i throw at it.

The high horse brigade · 22-03-2019 9:57pm

SPMC is dead, no more updates for it. The developer joined another crew nearly a year ago.
http://www.aftvnews.com/spmc-creator-ends-the-apps-development-and-joins-the-mrmc-team/

BandMember · 23-03-2019 3:17pm

SPMC is finished, developer left over a year ago and is not compatible with many add ons anymore (especially the new ones).

One thing that I've noticed with Kodi on my Android TV though is that since the update to v18, the display is set by default to 1080p and I can't change that setting. I uninstalled it and did a fresh install from the Playstore, but it's still the same. Anyone else have this problem?

Sony have blocked the install of Kodi on Android TV

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