Archive:ODROID

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Home icon grey.png   ▶ Devices ▶ ODROID
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ODROID-C2.png

ODROID is a series of powerful ARM-based single-board computers (developer boards), manufactured by Hardkernel Co., Ltd., an open-source hardware company located in South Korea, capable of running Android or Linux. Kodi was easly on first ported for use on Hardkernel ODROID-X, X2, U2, U3, XU, XU2, XU3 and XU3 Lite. And later Kodi has also been ported to the ODROID-C series, and today ODROID-C/C+ and ODROID-C2 supports Full 1080p (Full HD) video playback of the most commonly used codecs, including support for most if not all Kodi add-ons, as well as offering very good GUI performance.

The ODROID series was at first primary designed to act as a development platform for developers wanting to prototype embedded systems based on Samsung Exynos 3, 4, and 5 series of System-on-Chips (SoC), but have since also been made popular for multi-purpose use by low-power device enthusiasts and hobbyist alike, including those using it for as HTPC (Home Theater PC) for Kodi. And today the ODROID-C series are based on Amlogic SoCs which are primarly designed to be used in media players.

Overview

Even though the product name ‘ODROID’ is a portmanteau of ‘open’ + ‘Android’, the hardware isn't actually fully open source because some parts of the design are still retained proprietary by the Hardkernel company or by ARM itself, such as the graphics drivers. As a home media center this line of boards offers a very cheap HTPC clients that as a media player in many cases works better then similar devices like the Raspberry Pi series.

The best option for Kodi is to use the OpenELEC distrobution. However the official Ubuntu image from HardKernel also includes a modified version of Kodi (though often outdated and can not be easily updated).

Odroid C series

The Odroid C1, C1+, and C2 from Hardkernel's C series are very low cost (around $30 to $ 40 USD as of early 2016) and very good performance as a HTPC clients. Having a C1/C1+/C2 installed with OpenELEC is very simple to setup and works exceptionally well. The C1/C1+/C2 handles most skins without lag. There however a few heavier skins like Aeon MQ* that will lag a little bit but not what can be considered beyond acceptable ranges for everyday use. Video performance is great. Odroid-C1 and C1+ can playback 1080p / Full HD Blu-ray Disc (H.264) rips @ 30 FPS plays very fluid even if streamed over WiFi with good signal. And the newer Odroid-C2 which is also capable of playing back videos encoded with the HEVC (H.265) at up to 2160p / Ultra HD @ 30 FPS, and as such outperforming all current versions from the Raspberry Pi.

Installing Kodi (OpenELEC)

Installation is pretty simple for the OpenELEC Builds, (installing done from a Windows computer):

  • Download Win32 Disk Imager: http://com.odroid.com/sigong/blog/blog_list.php?bid=144 (Download link is below the image.)
  • Download The disk image for your odroid:
  • Insert your SD card or eMMC and start the Win32 Disk Imager.
  • Select your disk Image and the drive letter and click Write. Once the process is complete Click Verify. If the verification fails Click write again and the verify again. If it still fails ignore it.
  • Insert the SD or eMMC into your odroid, plug your HDMI and Wifi module in before you plug the power in.
  • The Odroid will start and show the Openelec Logo for a few minuets. The Odroid will then restart and Boot into Kodi. You will be greeted with the OpenELEC startup screen. Follow the prompts and you will be enjoying in no time.

Other Software Options

See also

  • Android hardware - Other Android platform which Kodi supports hardware video decoding on.
  • Android - Android operating system information in regards to Kodi usage.

Links