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{{XBMC faq toc Inline}}
'''F'''requently '''A'''sked '''Q'''uestions about {{Kodi}} for new users and curious onlookers.
__TOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__
==What is XBMC?==


XBMC (formerly "Xbox Media Center") is a free, [http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html open source (GPL)] multimedia player that runs on the first-generation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox Microsoft Xbox™], (not the newer Xbox 360), as well as on computers running <b>Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows</b>.


==What can XBMC do?==
__TOC__
*XBMC can be used to play/view the most popular video, audio, and picture formats, and many more lesser-known formats, including:
{{-}}
 
== General FAQ ==
* ''Video'' - DVD-Video, VCD/SVCD, MPEG-1/2/4, DivX, XviD, Matroska
:{{Big|''See also: '''All platforms FAQ''' for FAQs that apply to all versions of {{Kodi}}.''}}
* ''Audio'' - MP3, AAC.
{| style="width: 100%;"
* ''Picture'' - JPG, GIF, PNG.
{{FAQ|1=XBMC|2=What_is_it
 
| Question = What is {{Kodi}}? What is XBMC?
These can all be played directly from a CD/DVD, or from the hard-drive. XBMC can also play multimedia from a computer over a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network local network] (LAN), or play media streams directly from the Internet.
| Answer  = XBMC is the old name for what is now known as {{Kodi}}. XBMC is still the proper name if you are referring to an old version of the program (e.g. “[[Releases#Release history|XBMC v13.1]]), but since the release of version 14 (codenamed "[[Archive:Helix|Helix]]") on {{#dateformat:2014-12-22|mdy}}<ref name="helix" />, both the application and the project that produces it are named '''{{Kodi}}'''.
 
*XBMC can play DVD-Video movies (with and without menus) from ISO/IMG images and even ZIP/RAR-archives.
*XBMC has playlist and slideshow functions, a weather forecast feature and many audio visualizations.
*XBMC can in addition run [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language) python-scripts] written for XBMC as plugin widgets.
*XBMC has a simple user interface that's pleasant and easy to use.
 
All these features enable your device to function as a full multimedia jukebox.  
 
'''Notes'''
*XBMC is a non-profit hobby project that is only developed by volunteers in their spare time, for free.
*To run XBMC on an Xbox, you must have a  [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox#Modding_the_Xbox modded Xbox] to run on or it will not function (see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modchip modchip] or [http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox-tutorials.php?p=151|#151 software exploit/hack]).
*For a complete list a functions and features see the [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs| supported features/formats list here]].
 
==What features does XBMC have?==
See the [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs| complete list of supported features]].
 
===Does XBMC support or feature ''this'' and ''that'' function...?===
See the [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs| complete list of supported features/formats here]] or try it yourself and find out!
 
You might also want to look in the [[Xbox_Media_Center_Online_Manual|manual]].
 
===Exactly which media formats  can XBMC play? ===
See the [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs| complete list of supported features/formats here]], if it is not listed there then XBMC does not support it (yet)!
 
==== What media codec versions can XBMC play? ====
Again, See the [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs| complete list here]]
 
==Does XBMC support High Definition (HD) resolution media? ==
Yes and no, but the answer is a little more complicated than that, see below:
===XBMC for XBox===
In general, XBMC running on a standard Xbox '''cannot''' play native [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_video HD] format videos, but '''can''' upscale standard definition or lower format video to HD resolutions.
 
The XBox's 733Mhz Intel Pentium-III CPU, is too slow to play [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_video native HD] video (Microsoft® and DivX® recommends a 2.4 Ghz PC + 384MB RAM for 720p MPEG-4 playback!).  This means that you might only get maybe 10-20fps (frames per second) displayed, which will appear jerky and un-viewable.
 
On a standard XBox the following HD formats are supported:
* 480i/480p/576i/576p output at 480p (Not Scaled).
* 480i/480p/576i/576p output at 720p (Upscaled).
* 480i/480p/576i/576p output at 1080i (Upscaled).
 
The following video resolutions are '''NOT''' supported, at any output resolution:
* 720p
* 1080i
 
==== Upgraded Processor ====
It is possible to upgrade the processor in an Xbox (for example, with the [http://www.friendtech.com DreamX-1400 from FriendTech], to one which is at capable of decoding some native HD videos
(i.e. those encoded with MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 ASP (H.263) at up to 720p).
[http://www.upgrade123.com/catalog/index.php FriendTech do offers trade-in]). Note! You must enable/setup your HDTV settings in Microsoft dashboard, (on NTSC Xboxes).
 
=== XBMC for Linux, XBMC for Mac, and XBMC for Windows ===
Since the components in a personal computer running Linux, Mac or Windows operating systems can be upgraded, the limit of resolution that XBMC is able to playback will be dependent on the exact hardware in that system. Note however that the primary dependency is the CPU, because XBMC uses software decoding for all video streams.
 
 
 
===Does XBMC support Blu-ray or HD DVD playback with out without menus?===
No. There is not yet any C/C++ open source software out there yet capable of fully playing back Blu-ray or HD DVD so we can not add the code from somewhere in any case. [http://www.ffmpeg.org FFmpeg (the open source codec-suit that XBMC uses)] will probably relatively soon be able to decode all audio and video codecs used in both Blu-ray and HD DVD, but even when that happens you
still have to get around the DRM encryptions used by the disc formats and there is not yet any C/C++ open source software library capable of that on-the-fly, neither is there any C/C++ open source software library out there capable of displaying Blu-ray or HD DVD menus. XBMC need C/C++ open source software libraries for all of these things to fully support Blu-ray or HD DVD playback.


==Where can I suggest/request a new feature or function to be implemented into XBMC?==
{{Intro|Kodi}}
You can log a NEW feature/function request in our [http://trac.xbmc.org RFE Request Feature Tracking System], (we recommend you [http://forum.xbmc.org/register.php register] and login on our [http://trac.xbmc.org Trac] tracking-system, if you are already registered on on the [http://forum.xbmc.org XBMC Community Forum] then know it is the same login so no need to re-register). Just make sure that you first remember to search for existing "Feature Requests" before logging a new request! You should take note that we guesstimate that 99% of all ''new'' requests XBMC users post have already been requested before so it is imperative that you search thoroughly! You may also post a copy of your suggestion in the feature-suggestion section of our community-forums if you want it open for discussion, however, again you must search there too before you can post, (we do not enjoy reorganising duplicate posts). Please respect that your request only counts as a suggestion, there' s no guarantee that it will implemented soon or ever. Known that almost all users think their own ideas is the most important, and a very common comment is: "''if you only add these features then XBMC will be perfect for me''". Note! Only one feature per [http://trac.xbmc.org RFE Request] and Forum Thread is allowed (for easier manageability).
}}


==When will ''this'' and ''that'' feature or function be supported by XBMC?==
{{FAQ|1=features
XBMC development is driven by the tasks that are important to the individual developers, none of whom are paid for what they do on the project. If there is a feature that is important to you, the best way to get it implemented is to undertake the task yourself, otherwise you have no rights to demand new ''things'' to be implemented and get no guarantees that some specific ''thing'' will be prioritized before something else. You may however suggest/request for ''things'' and if you ask nicely. Please respect that your request only counts as a suggestion, there' s no guarantee that it will implemented soon or ever. Known that almost all users think their own ideas is the most important, and a very common selfish comments are: "''if you only add these features then XBMC will be perfect for me''" and "''I think you should prioritize my idea over anything else''". If you make a good argument and present it in a smart way then developer might then like your idea and implement the ''thing'' you asked for.
| BGcolor  = WhiteSmoke
| Question = What can Kodi do?
| Answer  = {{Main|Features and supported formats}}
{{#lst:Features and supported formats|intro}}
}}


Meanwhile, we recommend that you read this article on [http://www.catb.org/%7Eesr/faqs/smart-questions.html How To Ask Questions The Smart Way]. Arrogant and 'pushy' people will most likely just be ignored (or even banned if they step over the line which we consider to be acceptable).
{{FAQ|1=Team_Kodi|2=Team_XBMC
| Question = Who is Team Kodi?
| Answer  = {{Main|Archive:Team Kodi}}
{{#lst:Archive:Team Kodi|intro}}
}}


If you are thinking of contributing code to the project, please see "[[Appendix D: Development Notes]]".
{{FAQ|1=Kodi_Foundation
| BGcolor  = WhiteSmoke
| Question = What is the Kodi Foundation?
| Answer  = {{Main|Kodi Foundation}}
{{#lst:Kodi Foundation|intro}}
}}


==Can I update the audio/video codecs in XBMC myself?==
{{FAQ|1=help|2=bugs|3=troubleshooting
No. XBMC relies on a built-in open source codec suit called [http://www.ffmpeg.org FFmpeg]. XBMC codecs get updated on a regular basis by the developers of Team-XBMC when FFmpeg programmers add support for newer or updated codecs and file containers. Please see [[Codec and Format requests]] for more information.
| Question = How do I get help or report a bug?
| Answer  =
* '''[[Troubleshooting]]''' ⇐ Start here
* '''[[HOW-TO:Submit a bug report|How to submit a proper bug report]]'''
* '''[[forumtopic:111|General Support subforums]]'''
* '''[ircs://irc.libera.chat:6697/kodi #kodi]''' [[wikipedia:IRC|IRC]] chat channel on Libera.chat
}}


==Where can I request/suggest a new codec-decoder or file-format to be implemented into XBMC?==
{{FAQ|1=donate|2=contribute
The answer (and explanation) to this question is so long that we had to put it in separate page, see; [[Codec and Format requests]].
| BGcolor  = WhiteSmoke
| Question = How can I help and/or donate?
| Answer  = {{See also|Development}}
* [https://kodi.tv/donate/ Donate]
* [https://kodi.tv/contribute/developers/ Submit a patch]
* [[HOW-TO:Help with quality assurance testing|Help with quality assurance testing]]
}}


==When will ''this'' and ''that'' codec-decoder or file-format be added and supported by XBMC?==
{{FAQ|1=Technical_FAQ
The answer (and explanation) to this question is so long that we had to put it in separate page, see; [[Codec and Format requests]].
| Question = Where can I find an FAQ for more technical questions?
| Answer  = {{See|Archive:All platforms FAQ}}
}}


{{FAQ|1=PVR_(Live_TV_and_DVR)
| BGcolor  = WhiteSmoke
| Question = Can I watch Live TV and handle PVR/DVR functions in {{Kodi}}?
| Answer  = {{Main|PVR}}
{{#lst:PVR|intro}}
}}


==Is XBMC, The XBMC Project, or Team-XBMC affiliated with Microsoft in any way?==
<section begin="free content" />
No, XBMC, The XBMC Project and its members are not in any way affiliated with Microsoft in any way. [http://xbmc.org XBMC] is only a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software software program] that is made by [http://www.xbmc.xbox-scene.com/wiki/index.php?title=Team_XBMC_and_Others Team-XBMC] (ie, the members of the [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc The XBMC Project]) as a free [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_developer third-party] product that any person can install and run on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox Xbox™ game-console hardware] (which is manufactured and sold by [http://www.microsoft.com Microsoft Corporation]).  
{{FAQ|1=free_content
| Question = Where do I get all the movies and TV shows from?
| Answer  = {{Kodi}} does not provide any video content or video streaming services. If you bought a "Kodi" player that was advertised as a streaming service than you probably have been misled by a seller trying to make a quick buck. Kodi is a more akin to a video player, like your DVD/Blu-ray player. The main aim of Kodi is to work with video files you have on your own computer or local network (e.g. a file server or NAS). Kodi can also access online videos using add-ons, but these add-ons are almost always made by the community and come from a third party service/source, and do not come preinstalled from official versions of Kodi.  


XBMC, The XBMC Project (and its members, Team-XBMC) and the services (including developer tools, resources, download areas, files, source code, product information, documentations and communication forums, collectively called "Services") provided by us has nothing to do with [http://www.microsoft.com Microsoft] by any association or affiliation what so ever.
While there are many legal video third party '''[https://kodi.tv/addons add-ons]''' and services that work with Kodi, be aware that some less reputable online sellers might try and bundle or market unofficial/unsupported piracy/bootleg add-ons. Such add-ons/services are not endorsed, encouraged, or supported by [[Archive:Team Kodi|Team Kodi]] or the [[Kodi Foundation]]. Please do not ask about services that are explicitly for bootleg video content on official Kodi websites, forums, or other support channels. For more information, see our '''[[Official:Forum_rules|forum and community rules]]'''.
}}
<section end="free content" />
|}


XBMC is not approved by Microsoft to run on the Xbox, in fact installing/running XBMC on your Xbox may very well void your warranty! [http://www.microsoft.com Microsoft] does however have similar products to XBMC for the Xbox called "[http://www.microsoft.com/Windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/devices/xboxextenderkit.mspx Media Center Extender for Xbox]" (a.k.a. "Xbox Media Center Extender Kit") and "[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/m/musicmixer/ Xbox Music Mixer]", which are both very limited feature/function-wise in our own humble opinion.
== References ==
<references>
<ref name="helix">[[User:Natethomas|Betzen, Nathan]] ({{#dateformat:2014-12-22|mdy}}), [https://kodi.tv/article/kodi-140-helix-unwinds/ Kodi 14.0 - Helix Unwinds], [https://kodi.tv/blog Kodi Blog].</ref>
</references>




[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Guides]]

Latest revision as of 06:04, 9 October 2022

Frequently Asked Questions about Kodi for new users and curious onlookers.



General FAQ

See also: All platforms FAQ for FAQs that apply to all versions of Kodi.

What is Kodi? What is XBMC?

Link

XBMC is the old name for what is now known as Kodi. XBMC is still the proper name if you are referring to an old version of the program (e.g. “XBMC v13.1”), but since the release of version 14 (codenamed "Helix") on December 22, 2014[1], both the application and the project that produces it are named Kodi.

What can Kodi do?

Link

Kodi can be used to play almost all popular audio and video formats around. It was designed for network playback, so you can stream your multimedia from anywhere in the house or directly from the internet using practically any protocol available. Use your media as-is: Kodi can play CDs and DVDs directly from the disk or image file, almost all popular archive formats from your hard drive. Kodi will scan all of your media and create a personalized library complete with boxcovers, descriptions, and fanart. There are playlist and slideshow functions, a weather forecast feature and many audio visualizations. Once installed, your computer will become a fully functional multimedia jukebox.

Who is Team Kodi?

Link

Team Kodi is the formal group of people who develop and maintain Kodi, the Kodi websites and perform other administrative roles that facilitate its feasibility and growth.

What is the Kodi Foundation?

Link

The "Kodi Foundation" is the non-profit organization that oversees the Kodi project and is registered in the US.

How do I get help or report a bug?

Link

How can I help and/or donate?

Link

Where can I find an FAQ for more technical questions?

Link
See: Archive:All platforms FAQ

Can I watch Live TV and handle PVR/DVR functions in Kodi?

Link

Answers to some common questions regarding Live TV, PVR and Radio which may help you understand the requirements for setting up and using this powerful component of Kodi.


Where do I get all the movies and TV shows from?

Link

Kodi does not provide any video content or video streaming services. If you bought a "Kodi" player that was advertised as a streaming service than you probably have been misled by a seller trying to make a quick buck. Kodi is a more akin to a video player, like your DVD/Blu-ray player. The main aim of Kodi is to work with video files you have on your own computer or local network (e.g. a file server or NAS). Kodi can also access online videos using add-ons, but these add-ons are almost always made by the community and come from a third party service/source, and do not come preinstalled from official versions of Kodi.

While there are many legal video third party add-ons and services that work with Kodi, be aware that some less reputable online sellers might try and bundle or market unofficial/unsupported piracy/bootleg add-ons. Such add-ons/services are not endorsed, encouraged, or supported by Team Kodi or the Kodi Foundation. Please do not ask about services that are explicitly for bootleg video content on official Kodi websites, forums, or other support channels. For more information, see our forum and community rules.

References