Third Generation Amazon Fire TV Announced, Includes 4K UHD and HDR Support
Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches; 3.04 ounces
Shipping Weight:0.75 pounds
Model number: LDC9WZ
List Price: USD 69.99
Price: USD 69.99 (As of October 22, 2017)
I own about four of the Fire TV devices one for each of my television sets. Recently, I broke down and pre-ordered the new Fire TV 3rd generation. Although, I do not have a 4k TV, I wanted it so I could be up-to-date with my devices. Also, in order to be able to discuss the benefits of the device, I need one to test and take it through the paces. In reading about it, the new Fire TV does not appear to have changed much as far as features are concerned. This is also why I only bought one. I’m thinking Amazon is going to upgrade the real Fire TV instead of offering us what could be considered an updated Fire stick.
Sometimes, Amazon introduces products to the public that are not ready for primetime, such as the Echo Show. I’m not excited about the new Fire TV, but since I am an Amazon Prime Subscriber owning these devices are beneficial to me. Every app I use for streaming is available and easy to access. The content is streamed quickly and smoothly with rare buffering issues.
I’m not crazy about the HDMI cable hanging from the new Fire TV, I much rather liked it the way it was designed on the 2nd generation Fire TV. I understand Amazon is trying to compete with Apple and Chromecast Ultra with this offering but it doesn’t come off as something innovative and competitive, but hurried and without much thought or imagination into the design and features of the device. Some reviewers have noted the absence of Dolby Vision, but does come with HDR and Dolby Atmos. Of course, the new Apple TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR-10.
Product Features
- All-new Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and HDR support in a compact and portable form factor.
- Experience true-to-life picture quality and sound with access to vivid 4K Ultra HD up to 60 fps, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Enjoy tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills with access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and more. Subscription fees may apply.
- Use your voice to easily find, launch, and control content with your Alexa Voice Remote or pair Fire TV with an Echo device for hands-free content control.
- Do more with Alexa by playing music, ordering a pizza, and controlling compatible lights and other smart home devices-just ask.
- Prime membership unlocks thousands of movies and TV episodes, including Thursday Night Football, Amazon Original Series, Amazon Channels, and ad-free listening to millions of songs with Prime Music.
- No cable or satellite? No problem. Use an HD antenna to get free broadcast networks like NBC and PBS or watch live TV and sports with subscriptions to Hulu, PlayStation Vue, and Sling TV.
- Simply plug into an HDTV and start streaming in minutes. With an ultra-fast processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, you can rely on smooth and responsive performance.
- Ethernet support With optional Ethernet Adapter
- Ports HDMI output, Micro USB for power only
- Voice support: Yes, with Alexa Voice Remote (included) or free Fire TV Remote App (available for download on Fire, Android, and iOS)
- Hands-free voice control: Available by pairing Fire TV with any Echo device
- Output Resolution Supported: 2160p, 1080p, and 720p up to 60 fps
TV Compatibility
TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback. Compatible with (1) 4K ultra high-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 2160p at 24/25/30/50/60 Hz and HDCP 2.2, including popular models from LG, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, Vizio, and others or (2) high-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 1080p or 720p at 50/60 Hz.
What’s In The Box?
Fire TV, Alexa Voice Remote, USB cable and power adapter, quick start guide, product guide, 2 AAA batteries.
Amazon Fire TV Comparison2
| Device | Fire TV (3rd Generation) | Fire TV (2nd Generation); No longer available | Fire Stick (2nd Generation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Resolution | 2160p, 1080p, and 720p up to 60 fps; Up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps; 1920 x 1080 | 2160p up to 30fps; 720p and 1080p up to 60fps; Support for 4K Ultra HD video, with a compatible connected UHD TV; 1920 x 1080 | Up to 1080p HD at 60 fps; Support for HD video with a compatible connected HDTV; 1920 x 1080 |
| Quad Core Processor | Amlogic Quad-core 1.5 GHz/ ARM 4xCA53 | MediaTek Quad-core up to 2 Ghz, Dual-core @ 2.0 GHz + Dual-core @ 1.6 GHz | MediaTek Quad-core ARM 1.3 GHz |
| Storage | 8 GB (4.5 GB available for internal storage); No MicroSD external storage option | 8 GB (4.5 GB available for internal storage); MicroSD external storage option, up to 128GB | 8 GB (4.5 GB available for internal storage); No external storage |
| Memory | 2 GB | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| HDR 10 Support | Yes | None | None |
| Internet Connection | Wi-Fi and compatible with Amazon Ethernet Adapter | Wi-Fi or wired (Ethernet) networks | Wi-Fi and compatible with Amazon Ethernet adapter |
| Hands-free voice control | Yes, pairing Fire TV with any Echo device | No | No |
| Alexa Voice Remote | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ports | HDMI output, Micro USB for power only | DC Jack, HDMI output, 10/100 Ethernet, microSD slot, USB 2.0 | HDMI output, Micro USB for power only |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 2.6” x 0.6” (65.0 mm x 65.0 mm x 15.0 mm); Wt. 3.1 oz (87.1 g) | 4.5" x 4.5" x 0.7" (115 mm x 115 mm x 17.8 mm); Wt. 9.5 oz. (270 g) | 3.4" x 1.2" x 0.5" (85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm); Wt. 1.1 oz. (32.0 g) |
| Device | Fire TV (3rd Generation) | Fire TV (2nd Generation) No longer available | Fire Stick (2nd Generation) |
Product Description
Fire TV connects you to a world of entertainment. With a compatible 4K Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) TV, watch as thousands of movies and TV episodes come to life in vibrant colors and detailed contrast. Find your favorites with universal voice search across more than 140 integrated channels and apps or discover new content with personalized recommendations on the home screen.
PROs
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) support: enhanced image quality
- Cost of device is reasonable
- Voice control through Echo devices
- Great for Amazon Prime subscribers
- Compact and portable design
CONS
- If attached HDMI cord fails, the device no longer functions
- No expanded memory slot or USB slot
- No Ethernet slot, needs adapter to connect with Ethernet cable
- Appears to be an “Ultra” Fire Stick rather than an updated Fire TV device
