Archive:Linux FAQ: Difference between revisions

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{{mininav|[[General topics]]{{l2|[[Devices]]}}|[[FAQs]]{{l2|[[Linux]]}} }}
{{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]'''.}} }}
{{cleanup}}
{{FAQ header|for XBMC running under Linux-based operating systems.}}
{{XBMC FAQ}}
__TOC__
{{-}}


== Caveat ==
:There are no official XBMC builds for Linux distributions other than Ubuntu yet. If you use something other than Ubuntu, check to see if XBMC is available via your repositories or normal software installation method.


:<big>''See also: '''[[Installing XBMC for Linux]]''' for how to install XBMC on other distributions.''</big>
<section begin="intro" />'''F'''requently '''A'''sked '''Q'''uestions for Kodi running under Linux-based operating systems.<section end="intro" />


== General FAQ ==
__TOC__
:<big>''See also: '''[[XBMC all platforms FAQ]]''' for FAQs that apply to all versions of XBMC.''</big>
{{-}}
 
{| width="100%"
{{FAQ|1= Support
| BGcolor=
| Question= I'm here because I've got a problem, so what do I do if I'm still stuck afterwards?
| Answer=
If you run into issues it is helpful to gather all of the basic information, especially when you're thinking about starting an XBMC forum thread or opening a report on the XBMC bug tracker. Below is a list of information that should be included in a forum post '''as a minimum'''. As a rule, you should include anything that's relevant, such as recent changes, detailed media information, etc.<br />
 
* '''Compulsory''' xbmc.log with '''debugging enabled''', which contains the problem or issue you're experiencing.
* '''Video driver problems:''' Include a copy of your '''/var/log/Xorg.0.log''' in addition to your debug log.
* Use a '''pastesite''' for logs: do not post logs in-line on forums. On '''trac''', you should attach/upload the logs with your report.
* '''System specs:''' ('''CPU''', '''GPU''', etc.)
* '''Playback Problems:''' include '''video''' codec (e.g. MPEG-2, H.264) and container (e.g. .mkv, .mp4, .avi) or '''audio''' codec (e.g. FLAC, MP3) and container. If possible, include samples.
* '''Details''' of steps you took to attempt to fix it, if any. Describe what it is you tried when posting.
* '''Steps''' to duplicate your problem in detail.
* '''Screenshots''' that may help illustrate your problem or show your current settings. Use sites like [http://snag.gy/ snag.gy] or [http://www.postimage.org/ postimage].
 
 
For help/support visit [http://forum.xbmc.org/ '''XBMC Community Forums'''] or IRC [irc://freenode.net/ '''#xbmc-linux''']
 
{{see also|HOW-TO:Submit a bug report}}
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= Logfile
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= Where's my log file?
| Answer=
In Linux your XBMC log is located in:
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log</syntaxhighlight><br />
{{note|The location of the log assumes you are logged in as the '''<big>xbmc user</big>''' and not '''<big>root</big>'''.}}<br />
'''''See also:''''' [[SSH|Accessing XBMC via SSH]] e.g. Putty
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= Debugfile
| BGcolor=
| Question= How do I upload my log file?
| Answer=
You can generate a debug log [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastebin Pastebin] link automatically. This allows you to quickly post a log to anywhere that requires it.
<br />
{{Note|Don't forget to [[Log file#Enable Debugging|'''Enable Debugging''']] when creating the log so that maximum detail is available}}<br />
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$ sudo apt-get install pastebinit -y
$ cat $HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log | pastebinit</syntaxhighlight>
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= UserData
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= Where's the UserData folder?
| Answer=
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$HOME/.xbmc/userdata</syntaxhighlight>
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= InstallationDirectory
| BGcolor=
| Question= Where is XBMC installed?
| Answer=
The installation paths are as below:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">/usr/share/xbmc/
/usr/lib/xbmc/</syntaxhighlight><br />
 
{{Note|No user XBMC configuration files are kept in these locations; refer to [[userdata]] for these.}}
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= DiscPlayback
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= Does XBMC for Linux support Blu-ray or HD DVD playback with or without menus?
| Answer=
Yes, without menus. As of Dharma (10.0), XBMC includes support for playback of '''unencrypted''' Blu-ray directories when [http://www.videolan.org/developers/libbluray.html libbluray] is installed. However, XBMC must be compiled from [https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc source]. Installing from a repository like the [https://launchpad.net/~team-xbmc/+archive/unstable Team-XBMC unstable ppa] will not recognize whether libbluray is installed.
 
Currently, only the longest title is played from the Blu-ray directory, even on multi-video Blu-rays (e.g. TV shows). To play a Blu-ray directory, select the /BDMV/index.bdmv in the Blu-ray directory. If stacking is enabled, selecting the Blu-ray directory folder will start playback.
 
;Frodo v12 includes better support for bluray .iso and folder, there is still work in progress in this area for post Frodo.
 
To play Blu-ray discs in XBMC with MakeMKV, see below.
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:67420|playback Blu-ray Disc in XBMC for Linux with MakeMKV (Plugin Addon) Discussion thread]]}}
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= Distros
| BGcolor=
| Question= What Linux distributions are supported?
| Answer=
Check the '''[[HOW-TO:Install XBMC for Linux|install page]]''' for a list of supported distributions.
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= Hardware
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= What are the current recommended hardware requirements for XBMC?
| Answer=
For end-users the recommended minimum requirement is an [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 the XBMC GUI needs 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)).
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= LinuxHardware
| BGcolor=
| Question= XBMC for Linux minimum requirements
| Answer=
{{#lst:Supported hardware|Linux}}
}}
 
== Troubleshooting: General ==
{| width="100%"
{{FAQ|1= BootIssues
| BGcolor=
| Question= Boot Issues
| Answer =
Some Intel GPUs have issues with rc6 it can be disabled via grub.
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$ sudo nano /etc/default/grub</syntaxhighlight>
 
Append '''i915.i915_enable_rc6=0''' to:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="xml" enclose="div">GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash i915.i915_enable_rc6=0"</syntaxhighlight>
 
* Press {{keypress|ctrl|X}} say '''YES''' to save file
 
;Then run
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$ sudo update-grub</syntaxhighlight>
}}
|}
 
== Troubleshooting: Video ==
:{{incomplete}}
:Most of the problems that you encounter with slow display, playback or OpenGL related errors on Linux are because you do not have the proper display drivers installed, or because your versions are outdated. Using the correct drivers or updating can be a decisive step in resolving some issues.
{| width="100%"
 
{{FAQ|1= InstallOnUbuntu
| BGcolor=
| Question= Installing video drivers on Ubuntu and derivatives
| Answer =
:* For '''NVIDIA''' drivers follow the guide [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/Nvidia click this (link)]
:* For '''ATI''' drivers follow the guide [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI click this (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.
:Make sure your hardware acceleration '''libva''' or '''sna''' is installed and working.
:De-interlacing in Intel hardware needs cutting edge drivers like '''xserver-xorg-video-intel''', '''libva-intel-vaapi-driver'''<br />
 
Below, you can find forum discussions on various relevant topics, including complete setups and configuration of drivers. '''No NVIDIA forum discussion link exists yet, so please add links if you know of any relevant ones.'''<br />
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:|NVidia Place Holder]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:174854|Radeon OSS with vdpau]] forum discussion thread}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:165707|Intel GPU vaapi-sse4: Deinterlacing]] forum discussion thread}}<br />
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= UpgradingNVIDIA
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= Upgrading NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu and derivatives
| Answer =
Ubuntu (including XBMCbuntu) often ships with outdated drivers that do not fully support a platform.
Make sure that old versions of the NVIDIA drivers are removed if you use other third-party PPAs (repositories). For the sake of your sanity, '''don't remove any Ubuntu sources''', as that is highly likely to break something.
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">
$ sudo apt-get install python-software-properties pkg-config
$ sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:the_3rd_party_ppa_you_wish_to_remove_here
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates
$ apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install nvidia-current nvidia-settings
</syntaxhighlight><br />
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:142220|NVidia Drivers updates XBMCBuntu, Ubuntu and variants forum discussion thread]]}}<br />
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= IntelSNA
| BGcolor=
| Question= Intel SNA Acceleration
| Answer =
Intel uses VAAPI for GPU-accelerated video playback decoding, however there are other acceleration methods in the pipeline like SNA.
The use of GPU acceleration is an essential part of getting both smooth video playback and a lag-free interface (GUI).
Create or edit your existing '''/etc/X11/xorg.conf''' and add to section '''Device''' as below.
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="xml" enclose="div">Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Driver "intel"
Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
EndSection</syntaxhighlight>
 
For more information on '''SNA''', see: [http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=intel_sna_july2012&num=1 '''Intel SNA vs. UXA On Ivy Bridge''']
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:144633|Optimal video settings for Intel GPU forum discussion thread]]}}
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= VerifyOpenGL
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= Verify OpenGL Support
| Answer =
Once you have your drivers in place, you need to make sure that OpenGL is properly configured. Run the following command:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">
# glxinfo | grep -i direct
</syntaxhighlight>
 
The result should be:
<pre>Direct rendering: Yes</pre>
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.
}}
 
{{FAQ|1= Compiz
| BGcolor=
| Question= Compiz is not compatible with XBMC
| Answer =
There are several ways to address this.
 
* Make sure Compiz visual effects are disabled. You can do this by going to ''System'' -> ''Preferences'' -> ''Appearance'' -> ''Visual Effects''. Make sure "None" is selected.
 
* Alternatively, you can tell Compiz not to interfere with XBMC. Install and run CompizConfig, and under '''General Options''' tick "Unredirect Fullscreen Windows".
 
* For NVIDIA, you can disable this in xorg.conf, like so:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="xml" enclose="div">
Section "Extensions"
  Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection
</syntaxhighlight>
 
* Or, again for NVIDIA, you can disable Compiz directly at a terminal prompt:
:<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">$ sudo nvidia-xconfig --no-composite</syntaxhighlight>
Example minimal xorg.conf for NVIDIA: [[Minimal NVidia xorg.conf]]
}}
|}
 
== Troubleshooting: Audio ==


{| width="100%"
=== Supported Linux distributions ===
{{FAQ|1= PulseAudio
:* 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.
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
:* Team Kodi recognizes '''[[LibreELEC]]''' versions of Kodi as "pretty damn awesome".
| Question= Why Do I have a Pulseaudio Device?
:* Generally speaking, as long as Kodi is compiled per recommended guidelines (see '''[[Compiling Kodi]]'''), those builds are considered "kosher".
| Answer =
:* Kodi builds that use external ffmpeg/libav are not supported and are strongly discouraged.
Pulseaudio, is installed in certain Ubuntu and derivatives Desktop environments.


See [[PulseAudio]] for how to handle/Configure resolve
=== Supported hardware ===
}}
For x86 hardware:
{{collapse top}}
:{{#lst:Supported hardware|Linux}}
{{collapse bottom}}


{{FAQ|1= Audio_General_issues
=== How to install or update Kodi for Linux ===
| BGcolor=  
{{Main|HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Linux}}
| Question= I have audio issues including no audio devices.
| Answer =
In the event that You experience problems with audio there is a general page to help you troubleshoot possible issues, visit:
See [[Audio_troubleshooting]]
}}


{{FAQ|1= What_Required_Packages
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= What are the audio required packages?
| Answer=
To run alsa and benefit from HD bitstreaming and full audio support, type:


<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">
=== Kodi for Linux version ===
sudo apt-get install alsa-utils libasound2
: 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.
</syntaxhighlight>
}}


{{FAQ|1= NoSound
=== What version/nightly build/beta of Kodi am I running? ===
| BGcolor=  
: Kodi main menu > System > Lower submenu > System info. '''Note the build date.'''
| Question= Why is there no sound in XBMC?
| Answer=  
{{Note|'''Unmute channels in alsamixer''' in all cases if you're getting no sound via e.g. HDMI. Just for guidance, a couple of quick reference commands are listed below.}}<br />
{{tip|Substitute '''IEC958''' with your device ID depending on your '''{{code|aplay -l}} output.}}'''
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash" enclose="div">
$ amixer -q set Master 100% unmute
$ amixer -q set PCM 100% unmute
$ amixer -q set 'IEC958',1 unmute
$ amixer -q set 'IEC958',0 unmute
</syntaxhighlight><br />


{{note|Make sure that your correct sound card is in use in alsamixer. To change your card, press {{keypress|F6}} and then try different cards to make ensure it's not something as simple as using the wrong card - sometimes the onboard card may not be the one you want or need.}}<br />


{{note|For systems that have '''multiple sound cards''' e.g. ''Intel Azalia (internal) - GT520 (external)'', you could try to disable the onboard card in your system BIOS if it's not in use. This is suitable where, for example, you're using a Soundblaster or perhaps a video card that also supports audio e.g. HDA NVIDIA.}}
=== How to autostart Kodi in desktop mode ===
}}


{{FAQ|1= HDMIRemapping
A)
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= My ION1 needs HDMI Channel Audio remapping?
| Answer=
Some combinations of systems (e.g. ION) and receivers may have incorrectly mapped HDMI channels.
'''''See also:'' [[HOW-TO:Remap_HDMI_audio_on_Gen_1_ION_-_Linux|HOW-TO: Remap HDMI audio on Gen 1 ION - Linux''']]
|}
}}


== Dual Audio Setup ==
<pre>
{| width="100%"
sudo sed -i "1i @kodi" /etc/xdg/lxsession/LXDE-pi/autostart
This is an ultimate goal for some XBMC users. With the move to [[AudioEngine]] it becomes more complex and even impossible in some cases.
</pre>


One XBMC forum user, '''puntloos''', posted his finding which seem to work relatively well for his setup. Bear in mind that this will not be universal, though, and thus may not work under other circumstances.
or B)
<br />


{{forum link2|[[forum:145430|Setting up dual audio forum discussion thread]]}}
<pre>
mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
ln -s /usr/bin/kodi ~/.config/autostart
</pre>


As from XBMC v13 Pulseaudio support has been added, a benefit is that it can combine sinks easily.
Source of this information is HOW TO: Autostart Kodi for Linux


{{see also|PulseAudio#Combined_Output_aka_dual_audio}}
=== 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.


== Updating XBMC ==
:{{incomplete}}
:We obviously recommend the use of our PPAs, but we recognise that Ubuntu is only one of the many Linux distributions in use and users will also have Archlinux, Debian or Gentoo (amongst many others). Please feel free to provide details on how you can upgrade packages on these and other distros. The details below are thus really intended for XBMCbuntu and Ubuntu variant (Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Mint...) installations.


{| width="100%"
=== Getting more help with Kodi for Linux ===
{{FAQ|1= UbuntuPackages
:* '''[http://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=52 Kodi for Linux specific help forum]'''
| BGcolor=  
:* '''[irc://irc.freenode.org/Kodi #Kodi]''' [[w:IRC|IRC]] chat channel on irc.freenode.org.
| Question= Where are the XBMC packages for Ubuntu?
| Answer=
{{see also| Team XBMC PPA}}


;3rd party (contains older Ubuntu support etc)
* https://launchpad.net/~nathan-renniewaldock/+archive/xbmc-stable  '''ppa:nathan-renniewaldock/xbmc-stable'''
* https://launchpad.net/~nathan-renniewaldock/+archive/xbmc-nightly  '''ppa:nathan-renniewaldock/xbmc-nightly'''
* http://www.loggn.de/ubuntu-xbmc-repository-11-eden-airplay-pvr-livetv/
}}


{{FAQ|1= UbuntuUpdate
=== Audio issues ===
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
:For most audio issues, including configuration examples, see '''Audio''' and '''Audio troubleshooting'''.
| Question= Ubuntu manual XBMC upgrade process
| Answer=  
{{greenv|'''NOTICE:'''|[[XBMC v12 (Frodo) FAQ#What might break when upgrading to v12.3F .28Audio and Video.2C add-ons.2C skins.2C remotes.29|'''What might break when upgrading to v12''']] is a must-read for users upgrading to a final version.}}
Below is the process to upgrade XBMC manually and/or change the repository being used if you have a different source PPA (it is recommended to remove any previous PPAs that contain the same package sources). '''If you use other distros, please update or add a subsection with relevant information'''.


{{See also | Team XBMC PPA}}
=== Video tearing on Nvidia GPUs ===
}}
: When Kodi is used with Nvidia hardware, tearing will occur when the X composite extension is used.


{{FAQ|1= ArchUpgrade
:* '''Solution 1:''' Enable "Unredirect Fullscreen Window" in Compiz Config Settings Manager. [http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=11145045#post11145045]
| BGcolor=
:*# Install CCSM (Compiz Config Settings Manager): <code>sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager</code>
| Question= How do I manually XBMC upgrade process in Arch
:*# Open Compiz Config Settings Manager
| Answer=  
:*# Check the option "Unredirect Fullscreen Window", which should be under the "Composite" section.
This part needs to be updated <big>'''?'''</big>
}}


{{FAQ|1= FreeBSDUpgrade
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
| Question= How do I manually XBMC upgrade process FreeBSD?
| Answer=
Upgrading XBMC in FreeBSD is pretty simple, as long as a new version exists in port


* Update your port tree:
:* '''Solution 2:''' Disable the composite extension.
:<pre>$ portsnap fetch update</pre>
:::'''1.''' Add this to the end of /etc/X11/xorg.conf: (make a new file if xorg.conf doesn't exist)
* Update XBMC:
<pre>Section "Extensions"
:<pre>$ portmaster multimedia/xbmc</pre>
  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.


{{FAQ|1= GentooUpgrade
| BGcolor=
| Question= How do I manually XBMC upgrade process in Gentoo?
| Answer=
This part needs to be updated <big>'''?'''</big>
}}
|}


== Known issues ==
:* '''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
{| width="100%"
'''''See:'''''  [[XBMC v12 (Frodo) issues]]
|}


[[Category:XBMC Manual]]
=== Why can't I update Kodi on Ubuntu 13.04, 13.10, or other release? ===
[[Category:FAQ|Linux]]
: 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.
[[Category:Linux|*]]
[[Category:Troubleshooting]]
{{frodo updated}}

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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