Archive:Linux FAQ: Difference between revisions

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XBMC for specific FAQs about XBMC running under Linux, Lunux computer hardware, and Linux operating-system squestions.  
{{notice|1= {{bigger|1= The Linux FAQ is going though a major overhaul and some things might be missing. For a copy of the old version see '''[http://wiki.kodi.tv/index.php?title=Linux_FAQ&oldid=76795 here]'''.}} }}


==About XBMC for Linux==
===What is XBMC for Linux?===
'''XBMC''' (formerly named "XBox Media Center", not to be confused with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Media_Center_Extender Microsoft's Windows Media Center Extender for the Xbox]) is an award-winning free and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source open source] media player, originally designed to run on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox Xbox game-console]. The GPL/LGPL licensed source code basically consist of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_framework GUI framework] that has been written from scratch by [[Team-XBMC]], this GUI acts as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front-end front-end control interface] for several audio/video players designed for specific purposes (and those are loaded when needed as DLLs), the GUI is also the user interface to [[XBMC Features and Supported Formats/Codecs|all of XBMC multimedia handling functions such as databases and sorting, etc.]]. [http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc The XBMC Project], (who's members maintain XBMC source code), is a non-profit open source hobby project that is developed by volunteers in their spare-time without any monetary gain. The team of developers working on XBMC have always encouraged anyone to contrinute to the projecj, this would be helpoing out with this wiki and write HOW-TO guides, help others in the forum, skin XBMC, submit source code patches for new [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs|features or functions]], improve on existing ones, or fix bugs.


===Why port XBMC to Linux?===
<section begin="intro" />'''F'''requently '''A'''sked '''Q'''uestions for Kodi running under Linux-based operating systems.<section end="intro" />
The main reasons for porting XBMC to Linux are non-technical, (so it is not that the Xbox hardware is too slow orgetting too old for the XBMC GUI or its existing [[XBMC_Features_and_Supported_Formats/Codecs|features/functions]]), no the real reasons for the Team-XBMC developers is that we want XBMC to get a larger end-user and developer-base, because the more people who use XBMC and help maintain the code (and skins) the longer the project will grow and stay alive. The main reason from an end-user point of view is that the Xbox can not playback native high-definition video (at 720p and 1080i/1080p), especially not if the video is encoded with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264 H.264] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VC-1 VC-1] codec. Nevertheless, note that the XBMC project will still keep the old Xbox as the primary reference platform for standard-definition resolution video for some time (possibly a few more years), which means that the same GUI (and skins) that runs smooth under Linux on a relatively new computer must also run just as smooth on the old Xbox hardware (or a old computer that closely matches the Xbox hardware, at 733Mhz Intel Pentium III CPU and only 64MB shared memory with supported 3D accelerator).


==XBMC for Linux specific features and functions==
__TOC__
===Does XBMC for Linux 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 relativly 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, nither 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.


==Linux Operating-System Questions==
=== Supported Linux distributions ===
===Which are the supported Linux distributions?===
:* Team Kodi provides precompiled binaries for Ubuntu from the '''Team Kodi PPA'''. In the future there will also be precompiled binaries for Debian and Steam OS.
*Supported Linux Operating-System installed on a supported computer, currently supported OS are:  
:* Team Kodi recognizes '''[[LibreELEC]]''' versions of Kodi as "pretty damn awesome".
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition Ubuntu Desktop Edition 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) 32-bit for x86]
:* Generally speaking, as long as Kodi is compiled per recommended guidelines (see '''[[Compiling Kodi]]'''), those builds are considered "kosher".
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition Ubuntu Desktop Edition 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) 32-bit for x86]
:* Kodi builds that use external ffmpeg/libav are not supported and are strongly discouraged.
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition Ubuntu Desktop Edition 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) 32-bit for x86]
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/serveredition Ubuntu Server Edition 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) 32-bit for x86]
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/serveredition Ubuntu Server Edition 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) 32-bit for x86]
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/serveredition Ubuntu Server Edition 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron) 32-bit for x86]
**[http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Edition 7.10 (UME) 32-bit for x86]
*It is possible to compile and run 32-bit XBMC under 64-bit (AMD64/EMT64) Ubuntu if you run it in a 32bit chroot.


==Hardware Questions==
=== Supported hardware ===
===What is current recommended hardware requirements for XBMC===
For x86 hardware:
For end-users the recommended minimum requirement is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86 x86-based computer], with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_Processing_Unit 3D GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)] that at least supports [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shader_model Shader Model 3.0] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenGL OpenGL 2.0] (that features 24bpp or 32bpp for 3D hardware-acceleration support, which XBMC GUI need to run smoothly at an acceptable frame-rate). Graphic adapters that support [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DirectX DirectX version 9.0c] or later usually meet all of those mentioned requirements, ([[Team-XBMC]] recommends [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or later] as NVIDIA are currently the manufacturer that offers [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_hardware_and_FOSS good device-drivers for Linux] (and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or later] supports OpenGL 2.0).
{{collapse top}}
=== Why is a OpenGL 2.0 compatible graphic-controller the recommended minimum for XBMC? ===
:{{#lst:Supported hardware|Linux}}
OpenGL 2.0 is not really the current minimum requirement to run XBMC, as in reality XBMC will today run with only OpenGL 1.4 + [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLSL GLSL] support (everything else has fall-backs to be runned in software on the CPU, slower than GPU hardware though), however to be sure to stay future-proof Team-XBMC have decided that the OpenGL 2.0 is the recommended minimum requirement.
{{collapse bottom}}


:'''Currently OpenGL 2.0 hardware is only needed for:'''
=== How to install or update Kodi for Linux ===
* Any deinterlacing that is not linear blending (which FFmpeg does in software)
{{Main|HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Linux}}
* Video [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_post-processing video post-processing filtering] (bicubic upscaling, etc.)
* Non-power of two textures for the GUI (using NPOT saves a lot of texture memory)
* Hardware accelerated YUV 2 RGB conversion (actually GLSL is needed for this, and a few GPU hardware implementations as low as OpenGL 1.4 does provide GLSL as an extension. OpenGL 2.0 guarantees availability of GLSL).
:'''In the future OpenGL 2.0 might also be needed for:'''
* More [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_post-processing video post-processing filters] to improve visual quality perception.
* [[Hardware Accelerated Video Decoding]] (using the GPU hardware to assist with video decoding)


==Troubleshooting==
===How can I sort out graphic/video issues in XBMC for Linux===
====Video Device Driver====
Most of the problems that you encounter with slow display or OpenGL related errors are because you do not have the proper or outdated display drivers installed.
=====Begin but install the video drivers the Ubuntu Way=====
*For NVIDIA drivers follow the guide [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/Nvidia here (link)]
* For ATI drivers follow the guide [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI here (link)]
* For Intel it is simpler since the drivers are open source so they are usually already pre-installed. You need to make sure that you use the newer 'intel' driver and not the older 'i810' driver or the 'vesa' driver. This could be verified by checking the 'Driver' value in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.
=====Alternative is to install the latest drivers using Envy=====
There is a tool called '''Envy''' that helps you setup the proper display drivers. It usually contains the very latest versions of the video drivers. Please follow the guide [http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html here (link)].
====Verify OpenGL support====
Once you have your drivers in place, you need to make sure that OpenGL is properly configured. Run the following command:
# glxinfo | grep -i direct
The result should be:
direct rendering: Yes
If the result is "No" it means that the display driver have not been properly configured. Also, you can run the command glxgears and you should see the wheels turning smoothly.


====Compiz====
=== Kodi for Linux version ===
Make sure Compiz visual effects is disabled. You can do this by going to System -> Preferences -> Appearance -> Visual Effects. Make sure "None" is selected.
: The current stable version of Kodi for Linux is {{Current version}}. This is the same code that all of the other platforms (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, etc) are using.


=== What version/nightly build/beta of Kodi am I running? ===
: Kodi main menu > System > Lower submenu > System info. '''Note the build date.'''


[[Category:FAQ]]
 
=== How to autostart Kodi in desktop mode ===
 
A)
 
<pre>
sudo sed -i "1i @kodi" /etc/xdg/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostart
</pre>
 
or B)
 
<pre>
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
ln -s /usr/bin/kodi ~/.config/autostart
</pre>
 
Source of this information is HOW TO: Autostart Kodi for Linux
 
=== What are the differences between Ubuntu + Kodi and LibreELEC? ===
* '''Ubuntu + Kodi:''' This setup will give you the full Unity desktop environment that has enough software installed to be a general computing solution.
* '''[[LibreELEC]]:''' An appliance distribution. Getting software other than what is provided in the basic distribution will be a little difficult, but not impossible.
 
 
=== Getting more help with Kodi for Linux ===
:* '''[http://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=52 Kodi for Linux specific help forum]'''
:* '''[irc://irc.freenode.org/Kodi #Kodi]''' [[w:IRC|IRC]] chat channel on irc.freenode.org.
 
 
=== Audio issues ===
:For most audio issues, including configuration examples, see '''Audio''' and '''Audio troubleshooting'''.
 
=== Video tearing on Nvidia GPUs ===
: When Kodi is used with Nvidia hardware, tearing will occur when the X composite extension is used.
 
:* '''Solution 1:''' Enable "Unredirect Fullscreen Window" in Compiz Config Settings Manager. [http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11145045#post11145045]
:*# Install CCSM (Compiz Config Settings Manager): <code>sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager</code>
:*# Open Compiz Config Settings Manager
:*# Check the option "Unredirect Fullscreen Window", which should be under the "Composite" section.
 
 
:* '''Solution 2:''' Disable the composite extension.
:::'''1.''' Add this to the end of /etc/X11/xorg.conf: (make a new file if xorg.conf doesn't exist)
<pre>Section "Extensions"
  Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection</pre>
:::'''2.''' Then log in with a gnome classic session (without the composite extension compiz doesn't work).
:::'''3.''' Also make sure to set Vertical blank sync to Always enabled in Kodi.
 
 
:* '''Solution 3:''' Disable the use of the SDL backing store - this is a bug in Ubuntu which will probably be fixed in due time but could cause tearing right now: http://askubuntu.com/questions/450593/how-do-i-eliminate-screen-tearing-on-14-04-and-xbmc-with-nvidia-331/450673#450673
 
=== Why can't I update Kodi on Ubuntu 13.04, 13.10, or other release? ===
: The precompiled binaries from the Team Kodi PPA only work with Ubuntu releases that are still getting support. When Ubuntu drops support for a version then our PPA stops making a binary for it. Simply update Ubuntu itself and then Kodi updates should work again. If you don't want to update Ubuntu that often then we recommend using a long term support (LTS) version of Ubuntu, such as 14.04, which will be supported until 2019.

Latest revision as of 07:20, 14 November 2020

Emblem-important-yellow.png NOTICE:
The Linux FAQ is going though a major overhaul and some things might be missing. For a copy of the old version see here.


Frequently Asked Questions for Kodi running under Linux-based operating systems.


Supported Linux distributions

  • Team Kodi provides precompiled binaries for Ubuntu from the Team Kodi PPA. In the future there will also be precompiled binaries for Debian and Steam OS.
  • Team Kodi recognizes LibreELEC versions of Kodi as "pretty damn awesome".
  • Generally speaking, as long as Kodi is compiled per recommended guidelines (see Compiling Kodi), those builds are considered "kosher".
  • Kodi builds that use external ffmpeg/libav are not supported and are strongly discouraged.

Supported hardware

For x86 hardware:

Extended content
CPU x86 or x86-64 processor such as: Intel Pentium 4/ Pentium M, AMD Athlon 64 / Opteron, or newer CPU (that support SSE2, which all CPUs made within the last 10-years does).
  • If your GPU/VPU does not support hardware video decoding then you will require a fast modern processor is required to decode some 1080p videos encoded in H.264, VC-1/WMV9, HEVC/H.265 VP9, etc
RAM
  • Recommended: 1GB or more in a HTPC media player appliance-like computer dedicated for Kodi, and 2GB or more in a computer for multipurpose use.
Graphics

Kodi will run on most graphics cards made within the last 10-years or so, though for good hardware video decoding support a little newer graphics cards can be required. This includes most cards from AMD/ATI, Intel, or NVIDIA which support OpenGL 2.0 or later.

AMD/Intel

Video decoding For hardware video decoding, which may be necessary on low-performance CPUs to playback 1080p content, make sure your GPU or VPU supports either VAAPI or VDPAU. For everything but older AMD cards and Nvidia, VAAPI is recommended. On AMD, you might have to start with the environment variable KODI_GL_INTERFACE set to GLX in order to get VDPAU support.
ATI/AMD ( VA-API 2.0.0 or VDPAU ) Intel ( VA-API 1.7.1 ) Nvidia ( VDPAU )
Minimum without HW decoding: ATI Radeon RV710/M92 (HD 4300/4500) Note: These are uvd2.2 cards Arrandale / Clarkdale or newer Nvidia GeForce 6-Series
Minimum for HW decoding of 8-bit H.264 and VC-1: Radeon HD 5000 series or newer Sandy Bridge / Silvermont or newer GeForce 8 series or newer (released 2006)
Minimum for HW decoding of 8-bit HEVC (H.265): AMD Radeon Rx 300 series or newer Braswell / Skylake or newer Nvidia GeForce 900 series (GM20x) or newer
Minimum for HW decoding of 10-bit HEVC (H.265): AMD Radeon 400 series or newer Apollo Lake / Kaby Lake or newer Not available
Minimum for HW decoding of VP9: Stoney Ridge APU or newer; not available for desktop GPUs at the moment Apollo Lake / Kaby Lake or newer Not available
Drive space The Kodi application generally only takes up between 100 to 200 MB of space, depending on how the binary is compiled. Technically speaking, if your hardware supports netbooting, you do not even require a internal storage for either the operating-system or for Kodi.
  • Minimum: 4 to 8GB
  • Recommended: 16GB or more
Depending on how big your video library is. Most of the space required for Kodi comes from the images/artwork cache.

Note: There´s no 304.xxx driver for Ubuntu 18.04 available anymore from the "Graphic Drivers"-ppa. Users who are using GeForce 6-series cards should either stay on an older Ubuntu version or use newer cards

How to install or update Kodi for Linux

Main page: HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Linux


Kodi for Linux version

The current stable version of Kodi for Linux is Kodi v21 Omega. This is the same code that all of the other platforms (Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, etc) are using.

What version/nightly build/beta of Kodi am I running?

Kodi main menu > System > Lower submenu > System info. Note the build date.


How to autostart Kodi in desktop mode

A) 

sudo sed -i "1i @kodi" /etc/xdg/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostart

or B) 

mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
ln -s /usr/bin/kodi ~/.config/autostart

Source of this information is HOW TO: Autostart Kodi for Linux

What are the differences between Ubuntu + Kodi and LibreELEC?

  • Ubuntu + Kodi: This setup will give you the full Unity desktop environment that has enough software installed to be a general computing solution.
  • LibreELEC: An appliance distribution. Getting software other than what is provided in the basic distribution will be a little difficult, but not impossible.


Getting more help with Kodi for Linux


Audio issues

For most audio issues, including configuration examples, see Audio and Audio troubleshooting.

Video tearing on Nvidia GPUs

When Kodi is used with Nvidia hardware, tearing will occur when the X composite extension is used.
  • Solution 1: Enable "Unredirect Fullscreen Window" in Compiz Config Settings Manager. [1]
    1. Install CCSM (Compiz Config Settings Manager): sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager
    2. Open Compiz Config Settings Manager
    3. Check the option "Unredirect Fullscreen Window", which should be under the "Composite" section.


  • Solution 2: Disable the composite extension.
1. Add this to the end of /etc/X11/xorg.conf: (make a new file if xorg.conf doesn't exist)
Section "Extensions"
  Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection
2. Then log in with a gnome classic session (without the composite extension compiz doesn't work).
3. Also make sure to set Vertical blank sync to Always enabled in Kodi.


Why can't I update Kodi on Ubuntu 13.04, 13.10, or other release?

The precompiled binaries from the Team Kodi PPA only work with Ubuntu releases that are still getting support. When Ubuntu drops support for a version then our PPA stops making a binary for it. Simply update Ubuntu itself and then Kodi updates should work again. If you don't want to update Ubuntu that often then we recommend using a long term support (LTS) version of Ubuntu, such as 14.04, which will be supported until 2019.
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