Recommended flash drive

[frazzxr]

So I switched from Nvidia shield to FireTV because it seems to solve "network issues" that I would periodically see when watching TV (read disconnects".

The problem I have now is that FireTV doesn't provide enough storage for a decent buffer. I found expanding it with channels moved to a USB flash drive, I got tons my ore buffer. However, with channels moved to an this drive I suffer frequent pauses in the playback, even when behind in the timeline, leading me to believe that the performance of the drive is the issue.

Can someone recommend a drive they are using (brand / model) that works well?

Thanks

[maddox]

The problem is you were using a flash drive. These are designed for moving files between computers, not as a storage mechanism backing something like a dvr. They are way too slow.

What you want to buy is a simple external usb hard drive that has its own power supply.

[frazzxr]

I had read the FireTV didn't support this. Has this been proven to work? Do they make a tiny powered hub? I was kind of liking the small configuration.

[maddox]

I misread your post thinking you meant Shield.

Yes, a flash drive is what you want to extend the buffer. You should be fine with any Sandisk brand I would think. But those that have gone this route would have more experience than me.

[frazzxr]

I guess my original question is back in play. The drive I am using is a SanDisk 3.0 device and not working well.

[chDVRuser]

Would this help?

HLS option

So, I have been testing the HLS option from the Debug settings. It seems like a good solution for streaming devices that don't have a lot of free memory for the pause buffer. The HLS option provides a fixed 60 minute pause buffer stored on the server for any streaming device. In my testing on a Shield Pro (ethernet connected), a Chromecast Google TV, a Sony Google TV, and a Firestick 4k TV Max, I found it takes about an extra 2 seconds to start a live stream and it had a couple of short pauses …

[frazzxr]

Thanks for the reply. I assume this requires the beta?

[Edwin_Perez]

Are you using an OTG cable ? Or a Cable with etherenet.

I use these and they work great ...

Amazon.com: Ethernet Adapter for TV Stick Cube, Chromecast, Tivo Stream 4K - Micro USB OTG HUB with Power Cable : Electronics

Amazon.com: PNY 64GB Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive 3-Pack : Everything Else

[MikeBear]

I use this with an OTG cable on the Firestick 4k MAX, and it works fine: SAMSUNG FIT Plus 128GB - 400 MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive (MUF-128AB/AM) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7PDLXC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon.com: 2 Pack OTG Cable Replacement for Fire Stick 4K, Compatible Samsung...

[chDVRuser]

@frazzxr

I assume this requires the beta?

I would assume
I don't use those devices, just remembered reading the thread.

[Edwin_Perez]

The latest release might have HLS look under settings - debug
then you can set size of buffer ... If not you have to use the BETA.... worth a try It will not uninstall the release version. I use HLS on my Cheap Fire TV sets and it works great. It is a lot Cheaper to use the BETA than buy something that might not work.

[frazzxr]

Thank you to everyone for the replies. In the end I bought the Samsung drive mentioned by MikeBear with my existing OTG cable. So far it has been pretty stable...although I am still on day one. The previous drive paused pretty frequently...