Database Users

Android App BT Controller

Really missing an Android App that can control the FTV like a controller. I use one to control my TV, DVR, etc... works pretty good. Not as good as the actual controller, but when someone walks off with it, I can do it from my phone.
Seems this would not be hard to do with a BT app on the phone to mimic the controller, provide keyboard input etc...

krelvinaz said:
Really missing an Android App that can control the FTV like a controller. I use one to control my TV, DVR, etc... works pretty good. Not as good as the actual controller, but when someone walks off with it, I can do it from my phone.
Seems this would not be hard to do with a BT app on the phone to mimic the controller, provide keyboard input etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It certainly seems doable. Maybe Amazon will release something like this in their app store.
I mean XBMC has a remote app and it works well with XBMC and FireTV.
And i have seen games (like bombsquad) which have controller apps that are mostly usable for gameplay.

atomriot said:
It certainly seems doable. Maybe Amazon will release something like this in their app store.
I mean XBMC has a remote app and it works well with XBMC and FireTV.
And i have seen games (like bombsquad) which have controller apps that are mostly usable for gameplay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed the one from bombsquad last night.... seemed like a good way to extend a game.

New Shield!

Hey All,
New to Shield, not to Android or TV boxes.
For the past year I've been using the Amazon FireTV. Mostly for YouTube which I connect to my phone and for KODI and various add-ons for it. And before that I got a Chromecast early 2013 when they were first released.
Recently I've been loading the FireTV with emulators and connecting a USB hub, Xbox 360 controller dongle etc got a pain so I decided to buy a Shield.
So far, things I like
- Default TV launcher (I have a sideload launcher for my other apps)
- Play Store
- Game performance
- Design of device and peripherals
Things that bug me...
- No pause/play, rewind, forward buttons on either the gamepad or the remote controller? This thing is marketed as Android TV and coming from a Fire TV, I really miss these. Even my 10+ year old Sky remote has a pause button.
- No context / menu button. Makes using some sideloaded apps a real nightmare. Any workaround?
- I have yet to find a way to open the context menu on KODI to add my favourites.
- Cast functionality on the YouTube app is not as expected. If I open the YouTube for TV app from the launcher, I can view my subscriptions and watch videos and I can use the remote for the on-screen controls. There's no way to queue any videos.
- If I connect my phone's YouTube app to the Shield, the Shield goes to the basic UI my old Chromecast used. I can queue videos on the phone, but I can't use the remote or controller on the Shield to do anything except pause.
- I can't see any value in the remote. It adds nothing extra.
Any tips / suggestions?
Thanks!

skymera said:
Hey All,
New to Shield, not to Android or TV boxes.
For the past year I've been using the Amazon FireTV. Mostly for YouTube which I connect to my phone and for KODI and various add-ons for it. And before that I got a Chromecast early 2013 when they were first released.
Recently I've been loading the FireTV with emulators and connecting a USB hub, Xbox 360 controller dongle etc got a pain so I decided to buy a Shield.
So far, things I like
- Default TV launcher (I have a sideload launcher for my other apps)
- Play Store
- Game performance
- Design of device and peripherals
Things that bug me...
- No pause/play, rewind, forward buttons on either the gamepad or the remote controller? This thing is marketed as Android TV and coming from a Fire TV, I really miss these. Even my 10+ year old Sky remote has a pause button.
- No context / menu button. Makes using some sideloaded apps a real nightmare. Any workaround?
- I have yet to find a way to open the context menu on KODI to add my favourites.
- Cast functionality on the YouTube app is not as expected. If I open the YouTube for TV app from the launcher, I can view my subscriptions and watch videos and I can use the remote for the on-screen controls. There's no way to queue any videos.
- If I connect my phone's YouTube app to the Shield, the Shield goes to the basic UI my old Chromecast used. I can queue videos on the phone, but I can't use the remote or controller on the Shield to do anything except pause.
- I can't see any value in the remote. It adds nothing extra.
Any tips / suggestions?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's an Android device, you got options. You can usually pair just about any Bluetooth remote. In addition Google made a really neat and minimalistic app called Remote Control that works wonderfully with Android TV (at least that's the case for my Nexus player and Shield TV console). There's also this www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4JYTWA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_5XHvwbH3D7DKJ
Supposedly you can program it to your liking and it has lots of functionality including play/pause and volume controls. There are also controllers with a mouse pad and keyboard built in. Both remotes I suggested have play/pause functions. The Google remote control app doesn't have a mouse, but has a keyboard, a play/pause, select, home, back, and scrolling buttons, of you can opt to use a directional pad with tap to select function, I usually find myself using this remote app over Nvidia controller, it's a free app and very reliable. Personally I like Nvidia's accessory controller concept, but not sure I'd pay $50 for a half baked product when there are so many better universal and all in one remotes out there.

Syndrome666 said:
Since it's an Android device, you got options. You can usually pair just about any Bluetooth remote. In addition Google made a really neat and minimalistic app called Remote Control that works wonderfully with Android TV (at least that's the case for my Nexus player and Shield TV console). There's also this www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4JYTWA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_5XHvwbH3D7DKJ
Supposedly you can program it to your liking and it has lots of functionality including play/pause and volume controls. There are also controllers with a mouse pad and keyboard built in. Both remotes I suggested have play/pause functions. The Google remote control app doesn't have a mouse, but has a keyboard, a play/pause, select, home, back, and scrolling buttons, of you can opt to use a directional pad with tap to select function, I usually find myself using this remote app over Nvidia controller, it's a free app and very reliable. Personally I like Nvidia's accessory controller concept, but not sure I'd pay $50 for a half baked product when there are so many better universal and all in one remotes out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
I have since discovered that X on the gamepad shows the context menu in Kodi and I downloaded Yatse app on my phone which is also nice.
May look into a bluetooth remote.
Never found a workaround for YouTube, but it's only a minor annoyance.

Nvidia Shield TV Remote missing MENU button! Can't use this for Kodi :(

I just discovered that the Nvidia Shield TV's remote control doesn't have the MENU button. I use the MENU button a lot in Kodi to access the context menu. I'm probably going to return it now.
This remote has so few buttons, there's not even a HOME button or a BACK button!
The hardware is great but the remote ruins the experience.

Kodi 16 supports long press on select button for context menu support. Wait for stable 16.1 and upgrade and you'll then be able to use the remote for context menu duties

Remote is garbage, agreed. Pressing X on the gamepad in Kodi will show the context menu

I agree. The Nvidia remote is really not a good thing for kodi. You can download this though it works great.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.leetzone.android.yatsewidgetfree

Would we be able to buy an Amazon Fire TV remote and use it with this for Kodi? I got this on Black Friday mainly because of the remote deal, this remote is such a disappointment.

chantelle310 said:
Kodi 16 supports long press on select button for context menu support. Wait for stable 16.1 and upgrade and you'll then be able to use the remote for context menu duties
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's cool but still a long time to wait. I still can't believe Nvidia says that their remote is worth $50.

Neo3D said:
Would we be able to buy an Amazon Fire TV remote and use it with this for Kodi? I got this on Black Friday mainly because of the remote deal, this remote is such a disappointment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fire tv remote works fine yes. Syncs up through Bluetooth perfectly. One additional button added from Nvidia wouldn't have been a crime. I love everything about the remote apart from the lack of menu button.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kodi 16 beta 2 Jarvis works great on shield and tweaks and fixes related towards shield tv have been implemented. I actually like the remote but I got it for free which helps

with the headphone port on the remote it actually doubles as a chromecast Audio. I find that a very nice feature and use it a lot.

I think the remote is worth the $. First; it's Bluetooth, not IR. Second. It's got a headphone jack which supports headsets (headphones with mic). This makes it worth it imo I can be watching TV and enjoying sound while someone else sleeps in the room. Priceless for me. Third: it's got the mic for voice search.
I've been able to map buttons on the remote with key mapper.
I would check out Droid Mote if the remote isn't for you. Sounds like you've got an android phone or two lying around you could get along with a lot better. Yes it does require the paid server app. But the benefits of Droid mote are worth the cost.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

chantelle310 said:
fire tv remote works fine yes. Syncs up through Bluetooth perfectly. One additional button added from Nvidia wouldn't have been a crime. I love everything about the remote apart from the lack of menu button.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of the AFTV remote did you confirm to be working?
AFTV-G1 bluetooth?
AF Stick?
AFTV-G2 WiFi?

killerskincanoe said:
I think the remote is worth the $. First; it's Bluetooth, not IR. Second. It's got a headphone jack which supports headsets (headphones with mic). This makes it worth it imo I can be watching TV and enjoying sound while someone else sleeps in the room. Priceless for me. Third: it's got the mic for voice search.
I've been able to map buttons on the remote with key mapper.
I would check out Droid Mote if the remote isn't for you. Sounds like you've got an android phone or two lying around you could get along with a lot better. Yes it does require the paid server app. But the benefits of Droid mote are worth the cost.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you remap it so the Play/Pause button on the game controller plays/pauses the movie instead of showing the Info drop down?

mrruin said:
with the headphone port on the remote it actually doubles as a chromecast Audio. I find that a very nice feature and use it a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't ChromeCast Audio where your phone sends audio through WiFi to your speakers? How did you get the remote to do that?

Neo3D said:
How do you remap it so the Play/Pause button on the game controller plays/pauses the movie instead of showing the Info drop down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this, should work. I am using Jarvis on shield but was able to do this with my nexus player
http://kodi.wiki/view/Add-on:Keymap_Editor
This is what my key map xml looks like for nexus. Allows context when no video and pause play when video
<keymap>
<global>
<keyboard>
<play_pause>ContextMenu</play_pause>
</keyboard>
</global>
<fullscreenvideo>
<keyboard>
<play_pause>PlayPause</play_pause>
<key id="61448">stop</key>
</keyboard>
</fullscreenvideo>
</keymap>

Neo3D said:
Isn't ChromeCast Audio where your phone sends audio through WiFi to your speakers? How did you get the remote to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you just cast to the chromecast, which means you tell chromecast via your phone where to stream media from. The chromecast, once you started the audio stream, doesn't need your phone. You can turn it off, music will still play.
SATV has built in Chromecast, the remote will output any audio via the headphone jack. So, plug it in to your stereo, cast to your SATV and your stereo will play the stream.

mcord11758 said:
Try this, should work. I am using Jarvis on shield but was able to do this with my nexus player
http://kodi.wiki/view/Add-on:Keymap_Editor
This is what my key map xml looks like for nexus. Allows context when no video and pause play when video
<keymap>
<global>
<keyboard>
<play_pause>ContextMenu</play_pause>
</keyboard>
</global>
<fullscreenvideo>
<keyboard>
<play_pause>PlayPause</play_pause>
<key id="61448">stop</key>
</keyboard>
</fullscreenvideo>
</keymap>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a friggin great idea! Where did you find the XML tag names for all the remote's buttons? Is there a tag or key ID for the voice button? I'm thinking of making that the context menu while fullscreen video is playing.

where you put this xml file

I have always used the Yatse smartphone app for kodi, even before the shield. Just use that, its worlds better anyways.

Neo3D said:
Which version of the AFTV remote did you confirm to be working?
AFTV-G1 bluetooth?
AF Stick?
AFTV-G2 WiFi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its only the Fire TV stick remote that works.
I tried my fire tv box remote and the shield didnt pick it up.

silverblack said:
Its only the Fire TV stick remote that works.
I tried my fire tv box remote and the shield didnt pick it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting, that's what I've read previously. I wonder why the AFTV remote won't pick up but the AF Stick will?

UK - On demand apps. All4, My5, ITV/STV Player

I know Android TV's like Sony have these apps, but I can't seem to find them anywhere to use on the nVidia Shield TV
Any ideas?

I don't know that the TV's actually do. It's a shame they are dragging their heels over bringing these apps to android TV. You have a couple of options really...
1) Install SPMC (or KODI). There are 3rd party add-ons for BBC and ITV, FTV guide will give you live TV channels. Kodi can be customised nicely , I've set it to auto start and use it as a homescreen for the SHIELD.
2) You can "mod" your SHIELD TV and flash an android ROM on to it. This will mean you can then use the Android apps as you're no longer on Android TV. This might be a bit too extreme for you though.

How you can make shield to auto start kodi? Could you give us some step by step please..
Thanks..

zelduy said:
How you can make shield to auto start kodi? Could you give us some step by step please..
Thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autostart&hl=en
Install that...open it. Choose which app you want to autostart and no you don't need to root the SHIELD TV. I use SPMC as it's being tailored for the SHIELD TV but you can use KODI instead

any apps on demand?

the nvidia shield tv has chromecast (now google cast) built into it, casting all4 to it from another device works better than sideloading the all4 app. that's the best way to get all4 on it, as there's no all4 kodi add-on.
you can sideload My5 if you get an apk from another device, the demand 5 kodi add-on is dead. you need to use right stick mouse emulation, as it's a touchscreen app.
you can also sideload itv hub, but the kodi add-on is better.

Mr Creosote said:
the nvidia shield tv has chromecast (now google cast) built into it, casting all4 to it from another device works better than sideloading the all4 app. that's the best way to get all4 on it, as there's no all4 kodi add-on.
you can sideload My5 if you get an apk from another device, the demand 5 kodi add-on is dead. you need to use right stick mouse emulation, as it's a touchscreen app.
you can also sideload itv hub, but the kodi add-on is better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post!
I don't personally do the casting and I use Android not Apple stuff. However I do know Kodi has Airplay compatibility. I've never tried it but maybe that will help iphone/ipad users do the same trick?
I never thought of extracting the My5 apk from my molly...thank you! I might just give that a try

I believe that you can cast from the ios version of all4 as well, yes.

if anyone has a working my5 apk please direct it this way, have not found one apk that will work, always some issue.

Slayerkodi said:
if anyone has a working my5 apk please direct it this way, have not found one apk that will work, always some issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're probably finding that it's working as best as it's going to. you can only navigate with the right stick emulating a mouse, and it doesn't work great doing that either.
I got it by installing it on my phone then using es file explorer to back it up.

I've got it but it gives error message when trying to play any video, both on my phone and shield TV

To be fair regarding apps on demand try Pluto it's linking to youtube live channels and other sources,and also actually make a playlist once in youtube live to fill with playlists of the youtube live channels you want click the + next to playlist when it's open right top of the list.That's one set of live on demand you can use which is none commercial tv oriented.But for true tv on demand get a smart tv with it built in,or a tv box which is made to have the on demand services incorporated otherwise use kodi or spmc and add on demand channels from vido addons section.

ok somehow my5 decided to work on shield （still no luck on phone） so i have bbc iplayer, itv, all4 and my5. uk catch up services sorted!!

Slayerkodi said:
ok somehow my5 decided to work on shield （still no luck on phone） so i have bbc iplayer, itv, all4 and my5. uk catch up services sorted!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to post the apk's of the above apps? I'd love to be able to get the full line up of UK catchup apps in one box
Thanks!

+1
I'd like to get a copy of the APK's that work with the shield. Thanks

ok my5 i just downloaded from playstore on my phone then transferred the apk, same with 4od - if you dont have a phone or pc then just download on shield using aptoide or chrome. bbc iplayer already installed on shield but i use the kodi addon instead, itv player i installed through aptoide and it works but i use the kodi addon aswel with this one. there is actually catchup services for channels dave and really aswel as a kodi addon.

can you navigate with remote and press enter/select on these apps?

anhyone got channel 5 working?

I use the Nvidia game controller and it works on that, using the right analog as a mouse and A as the right click. Works perfect for me

My5 doesn't work on shield TV anymore since the update - just so you guys are aware.

Amazon Echo/Alexa Can Turn On FireTV Through Harmony Remote/Hub and IFTTT

Via this IFTTT Trigger:
https://ifttt.com/recipes/342269-use-alexa-to-trigger-activities-on-your-harmony
What is amazing/scary is that I loaded this link in Firefox and it already knew my Logitech Harmony Ultimate Activities. I have Activities for DirecTV, BluRay, FireTV, CD Deck, and OTA TV. With one button I power on the source and switch to the correct HDMI feeds to the display and to the sound system . So now if I say, "Alexa, Trigger FireTV" my FireTV is ready for action with the picture and sound correctly selected. "Alexa, Trigger DirecTV" properly re-configures everything for that. Still working on Power Off but it sort of works.
Logitech is working with Amazon to make it all native but for now, IFTTT is slick as snot.