Fire Stick - complete beginner....

74jax

I've purchased a Fire Stick, I'm looking to see what I can get without buying Prime.

I should add I'm not clued up remotely on computer software, add ons, sticks etc.....:eek: I'm not sure I should be incharge of the Fire Stick at all to be honest....

If I want Netflix, do I have to buy Prime and then pay to subscribe to Netflix or is there another way please?

Is it worth having the stick without Prime? I don't have access to the 30 day trial Prime, I'd have to buy it outright, which I don't really want to do if there's a cheaper way round it (although it does seem easier for a technophobe like me to just purchase it).

Is there a list of what the Stick comes with? Box sets, movies etc when I look on Amazon, I think I'm just directed to what i'd get with Prime.

Thanks for any advice you feel you can throw at me, even if it is 'step away from the Fire Stick'.....

I_have_spoken

Is it worth having the stick without Prime?

IMHO no, the Stick is sold at cost by Amazon in order to tempt folks onto Prime for the free delivery and movies. They want to lock you in, which is why Amazon is stopping support for Apple devices.

The only way to make the Stick useful without Prime is to install Kodi, but maybe that's not for beginners - http://www.htpcbeginner.com/install-kodi-on-amazon-fire-tv/

74jax

I_have_spoken wrote: »

IMHO no, the Stick is sold at cost by Amazon in order to tempt folks onto Prime for the free delivery and movies. They want to lock you in, which is why Amazon is stopping support for Apple devices.

The only way to make the Stick useful without Prime is to install Kodi, but maybe that's not for beginners - http://www.htpcbeginner.com/install-kodi-on-amazon-fire-tv/

A friend had offered to put kodi on it, I might take her up on it if it will open more access.

DCFC79

You can give prime a go and if you don't like it you can cancel it.

Its got on demand services like BBC iPlayer, on demand 5.

If I want Netflix, do I have to buy Prime and then pay to subscribe to Netflix or is there another way please?

No you don't have to buy prime and subscribe to Netflix, you would be better off buying a Roku box.

With Kodi the first stream might not work so you try another 1.

Kodi is really good on a fire stick.

victor2

Prime is a pretty useless video/TV service IMO, unless you are paying for it for the delivery options on your orders. If you want to watch anything half decent on Prime, you still have to rent or buy it in addition to your subscription.

74jax

DCFC79 wrote: »

You can give prime a go and if you don't like it you can cancel it.

Its got on demand services like BBC iPlayer, on demand 5.

If I want Netflix, do I have to buy Prime and then pay to subscribe to Netflix or is there another way please?

No you don't have to buy prime and subscribe to Netflix, you would be better off buying a Roku box.

With Kodi the first stream might not work so you try another 1.

Kodi is really good on a fire stick.

I don't have the option of the free 30 day trial so don't want to sign up if I can find other ways of using it.

Going to see how I go with kodi

Thanks

thescouselander

victor2 wrote: »

Prime is a pretty useless video/TV service IMO, unless you are paying for it for the delivery options on your orders. If you want to watch anything half decent on Prime, you still have to rent or buy it in addition to your subscription.

There's loads of good stuff on Prime - I think it's much better than Netflix at any rate.

henm2

There is some good stuff on the stick already on by default when you buy it. One is bbc iplayer and if you are already a netflix subscriber at £5.99 a month you can use that also.

However the only reason I have ever got a fire stick is the ability to use Kodi. Kodi is a brilliant free system for streaming film, TV, sport. However you will need to install it on to a fire stick. See this guide for sideloading Kodi on to a fire stick http://www.htpcbeginner.com/install-kodi-on-amazon-fire-tv/
For some inspiration about good quality working add ons for Kodi just google 'Kodi addons'. There are however a lot of add ons around that simply do not work so be very choosy. Genesis and Phoenix are two good ones to start with. Do not put too many on the stick as there is very limited memory. It is best kept light as possible for smooth running. Many people overload it.

Gillor

I_have_spoken wrote: »

The only way to make the Stick useful without Prime is to install Kodi, but maybe that's not for beginners - http://www.htpcbeginner.com/install-kodi-on-amazon-fire-tv/

There now seems to be a simple (relatively!) method of installing Kodi on Amazon's Firestick without using a computer or the Android Developer's Bridge - video tutorial here.

I haven't tried it yet but aim to give it a go over the weekend.