As expected, it didn’t take long for the new 5.0.4 software update to begin rolling out to devices. This update appears to only be for devices already running Fire OS 5, which are the 2nd-gen Fire TV and Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote. First generation Fire TVs and Fire TV Sticks that are bundled with non-voice remotes will most likely be receiving an update to Fire OS 5 in January. This update looks to be just bug fixes that include Dolby Digital audio fixes.
At least one reddit comment indicates that this update has finally added a new Dolby Digital option to the Fire TVs audio settings. The new Fire TV has always had a Dolby Digital Plus option, but those with older audio equipment that doesn’t support the “Plus” standard have thus far been unable to get surround sound audio out of the Fire TV. I haven’t received the update myself, so if you have and can verify that Dolby Digital audio works, please be sure to leave a comment below.
Like all Fire TV software updates, this one is rolling out slowly to a few devices at a time. You can force an update check from the Fire TV’s settings menu, but if it’s not your device’s turn to update, there is no way to manually install the update. If you’re wanting to root your 2nd-gen Fire TV, you better be sure your device is updated to software version 5.0.3.1 immediatly, since the current rooting method is only compatible with that version. Once the 5.0.4 software update becomes available for your Fire TV, you will no longer be able to install older versions.
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Hopefully there will be a rooted version if the update is beneficial enough for the work involved
I just put 3 units on ice until root becomes an option for me. Until then, I still have my one gaming unit which will be my sacrificial lamb and will accept all updates.
There is a really easy root method using Windows and virtual machine. Takes about 2-2-1/2 hours once you begin sending root info to ftv but it’s very easy to do. Did mine with zero problems.
What about AC3 pass-through?
I sure hope so! But i wont be receiving it until there’s a rootable option, then again, im not sure i’ll keep this unit rooted if i dont find more uses for Root that benefit me over receiving updates on a regular basis lol.
Just received the 5.0.4 update and all the 4K content has vanished ?
Did you try the Account Sync trick?
Yes, as you mentioned before and it all came back but strange that happens !
i was trying to update bit it says no update found
I have three Amazon Fire TV boxes (all 2nd gen). One of them updated itself last night and the other two won’t find the update even when I manually have it check. My guess is they have them staged into groups so their servers don’t get overwhelmed.
Amazon concerned about a few firmware downloads overwhelming their servers? Perhaps they should have hosted it on those AWS servers instead.
I seriously doubt ‘server load’ is the real reason here.
some how i am still unable to upgrade
It’s just not your turn to update. There is no way to force the update if it’s not your turn. You just have to wait.
The update becomes available to a few devices at a time so that they don’t mess up all Fire TVs at once incase there’s an issue with the update. It doesn’t have anything to do with server load.
Is skygo working on 5.04?
So kodi is not affected after the update?
Correct. Kodi works fine on 5.0.4
So, I installed the update hoping that it would fix my issue of static noise during playback of movies that have DD or DTS in Kodi and it still does not work. I tried the DD over HDMI setting on the FireTV and the passthrough settings in Kodi and still get the static. My receiver is showing that the output is PCM as opposed to the bitstream. My connection is as follows:
FireTV -> HDMI -> Denon AVR-X1200W -> HDMI -> TV
Content from other native apps work (Amazon, Netflix ) and is sending out DD / DD+ as expected.
What version of Kodi are you using? Have you tried other versions? (Either the v16 betas or v15 stable)
I am having the same issue as Ray E and am using Kodi 15.2
I got 5.04 installed and all seems to be working well with Kodi again.
Is your AV Receiver HDCP 2.2 and 4k compatible? That makes the difference…
Was hoping that 5.0.4 fix the Kodi Passtrough issues :-( Doesn´t look like it worked. Have also a x1200w Receiver, but still no update to 5.0.4
Tried both 15.2 and 16b4
I stumbled across this thread, and by the looks of it, i think it’s related to the receiver (Denon). It looks like the way passthrough currently works in Kodi, it’s not sending a compliant stream, so certain receivers have issues.
http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=228158&pid=2170042#pid2170042
The update WORKS !!!
I can confirm that the new Audio option (DD over HDMI) does work on all the DD capable Apps (Amazon, Netflix, HBO, StarZ, Encore).
So thats a success — but it take them a VERY LONG time to release this update.
I don’t use Kodi. If folks are having audio issues with it – I would imagine it is outside the FireOS ecosystem and needs to be updated by a 3rd party.
Awesome! Thanks for the confirmation!
Well – not so fast … :(
It was all working great and so I unplugged the haphazard test setup so I could neatly tuck all the cables out of sight … after that I powered it all back up … and now I only get DD5.1 from Amazon sources. The same Netflix/HBO movies that triggered the DD5.1 flag before restart … now show PCM (stereo). I reconfirmed that Audio is set to ‘DD over HDMI’. Why would a simple reboot or restart muck with this behavior? Very frustrating.
It looks like there is some issue with the handshake with my 2014 model year Samsung 4K TV (AFTV2 ->HDMI->TV->TOSLINK->RECEIVER). This handshake works fine (receivers see DD 5.1 via TOSLINK) for Amazon Instant Video streams. The handshake fails (receiver see PCM Stereo) for Netflix / HBO / StarZ and Encore.
To reiterate, the non-Amazon sources were playing DD 5.1 fine initially then recycling power seemed to have messed something up.
FWIW – I am connected to a HDCP 2.2 capable HDMI port on the TV – I test Amazon 4K and it played great with receiver displaying DD 5.1.
The handshake anomaly might be specific to this TV – but the fact that it only shows up when playing non-Amazon streams – makes me wonder what the hell is going on.
I plugged a HDCP 2.2 receiver (loaner) in the path.
AFTV2->HDMI->HDCP2.2 RCVR->HDMI->TV->TOSLINK->Non-HDMI RECEIVER
The HDCP 2.2. receiver sees DD 5.1 from all sources.
But after going through the TV, the legacy receiver is only seeing DD 5.1 for Amazon videos (not for Netflix, HBO etc.).
I like the warmth of my old receiver, the HDCP 2.2 receiver sounds inferior. I am battling to keep using my old receiver.
That is some very strange behavior. Especially since it worked prior to a reboot. As always, thanks for the update. Keep me posted of any changes.
2ND FTV 5.0.4 KODI 15.2 and 16 tried both
KODI LOST AUDIO, Tried everything including WUKONG remote f8
tried different audio output, no luck
exit KODI,other APPS audio works fine
Definitely a FireTV upgrade and KODI conflict