Archive:Linux FAQ: Difference between revisions

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__TOC__
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== 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>
== General FAQ ==
== General FAQ ==
:<big>''See also: '''[[XBMC all platforms FAQ]]''' for FAQs that apply to all versions of XBMC.''</big>
:<big>''See also: '''[[XBMC all platforms FAQ]]''' for FAQs that apply to all versions of XBMC.''</big>
There are no official XBMC builds in other distros outside Ubuntu yet, if you use something other than Ubuntu check to see if XBMC is available via repositories.
:<big>''See also: '''[[Installing XBMC for Linux]]''' for How-to install XBMC in other distros''</big>


{| width="100%"
{| width="100%"
{{FAQ|1= Support
{{FAQ|1= Support
| BGcolor=
| BGcolor=
| Question= I'm here because I've got a problem, so what do I do if I'm still stuck afterwards?
| Question= I'm here because I've got a problem, so what do I do if I'm still stuck afterwards?
| Answer=
| Answer=
If you run into issues it is helpful to keep certain things in mind, 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 />
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.
* '''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.
* '''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.
* 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.)
* '''System specs:''' ('''CPU''', '''GPU''', etc.)
* '''Playback Problems:''' include '''Video''' codec and container or '''audio''' codec and container. If possible, include samples.
* '''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.
* '''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.
* '''Steps''' to duplicate your problem in detail.
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| Question= Where's my log file?
| Question= Where's my log file?
| Answer=
| Answer=
In Linux your XBMC log is located in the path below:
In Linux your XBMC log is located in:
 
<source lang="bash">$HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log</source><br />
{{note|The location of the log assumes you are logged in as the '''<big>xbmc user</big>''' and not '''<big>root</big>'''.}}<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
<source lang="bash">$HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log</source>
<br />
:'''''See also:''''' [[SSH|Accessing XBMC via SSH]] e.g. Putty
}}
}}


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<br />
<br />
{{Note|Don't forget to [[Log file#Enable Debugging|'''Enable Debugging''']] when creating the log so that maximum detail is available}}<br />
{{Note|Don't forget to [[Log file#Enable Debugging|'''Enable Debugging''']] when creating the log so that maximum detail is available}}<br />
<source lang="bash">sudo apt-get install pastebinit -y
<source lang="bash">$ sudo apt-get install pastebinit -y
 
$ cat $HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log | pastebinit</source>
cat $HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log | pastebinit</source>
}}
}}


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The installation paths are as below:
The installation paths are as below:


'''Please remember''' that '''no''' user XBMC configuration files are kept here, refer to [[userdata]] for user-space files.
<source lang="bash">/usr/share/xbmc/
 
/usr/lib/xbmc/</source><br />
<pre>/usr/share/xbmc/


/usr/lib/xbmc/</pre>
{{Note|No user XBMC configuration files are kept in these locations; refer to [[userdata]] for these.}}
}}
}}


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}}
}}


== Troubleshooting ==
|}
=== Boot issues ===
 
== 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.
Some Intel GPUs have issues with rc6 it can be disabled via grub.
<source lang="bash">sudo nano /etc/default/grub</source>
<source lang="bash">$ sudo nano /etc/default/grub</source>


Append '''i915.i915_enable_rc6=0''' to:
Append '''i915.i915_enable_rc6=0''' to:
Line 127: Line 131:
;Then run
;Then run


<source lang="bash">sudo update-grub</source>
<source lang="bash">$ sudo update-grub</source>
=== Video Device Driver ===
}}
{{incomplete}}
|}
: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.
 
== 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%"


=== Begin but install the video drivers the Ubuntu Way ===
{{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 '''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 '''ATI''' drivers follow the guide [https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI click this (link)]
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:Deinterlacing in Intel hardware needs cutting edge drivers like '''xserver-xorg-video-intel''', '''libva-intel-vaapi-driver'''<br />
:Deinterlacing 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 />
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 discussion thread ?]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:|NVidia Place Holder forum discussion thread ?]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:116996|XVBA for AMD Radeon/Fusion/NVidia forum discussion thread]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:116996|XVBA for AMD Radeon/Fusion/NVidia forum discussion thread]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:114368|Intel GPU forum discussion thread]]}}<br />
{{forum link2|[[forum:114368|Intel GPU forum discussion thread]]}}<br />
}}


=== Upgrading NVidia drivers in Ubuntu and variants ===
{{FAQ|1= UpgradingNVIDIA
'''For Linux''', updating your graphics drivers can be a decisive step in resolving some issues. Ubuntu and XBMCbuntu ship with often outdated drivers that do not support a platform fully.
| BGcolor= WhiteSmoke
Make sure that old versions of the NVidia drivers are removed if you use other 3rd party PPAs (repositories). For the sake of your sanity, '''don't remove any Ubuntu sources''', as that is likely to break something if you remove them.
| 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.


<source lang="bash">
<source lang="bash">
sudo apt-get install python-software-properties pkg-config
$ 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 -r ppa:the_3rd_party_ppa_you_wish_to_remove_here
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates
apt-get update
$ apt-get update
sudo apt-get install nvidia-current nvidia-settings
$ sudo apt-get install nvidia-current nvidia-settings
</source><br />
</source><br />


{{forum link2|[[forum:142220|NVidia Drivers updates XBMCBuntu, Ubuntu and variants forum discussion thread]]}}<br />
{{forum link2|[[forum:142220|NVidia Drivers updates XBMCBuntu, Ubuntu and variants forum discussion thread]]}}<br />
}}


=== Intel SNA Acceleration ===
{{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.
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).
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.
Create or edit your existing '''/etc/X11/xorg.conf''' and add to section '''Device''' as below.


<pre>Section "Device"
<source lang="xml">Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Driver "intel"
Driver "intel"
Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
EndSection</pre>
EndSection</source>


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''']
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]]}}
{{forum link2|[[forum:144633|Optimal video settings for Intel GPU forum discussion thread]]}}
}}


=== Verify OpenGL support ===
{{FAQ|1= VerifyOpenGL
:Once you have your drivers in place, you need to make sure that OpenGL is properly configured. Run the following command:
| 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:


<source lang="bash">
<source lang="bash">
Line 181: Line 205:
</source>
</source>


:The result should be:
The result should be:
<pre>Direct rendering: Yes</pre>
<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.
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:
:<source lang="bash">$ sudo nvidia-xconfig --no-composite</source>
Example minimal xorg.conf for NVIDIA: [[Minimal NVidia xorg.conf]]
}}
|}
 
== Troubleshooting: Audio ==
{| width="100%"
=== Audio issues ===
For XBMC v12 Frodo specific settings please see '''[[AudioEngine]]'''.
 
=== '''Why do I get no audio devices detected ?''' ===
If you have installed lightdm this will happen, it's is not a XBMC issue. A workaround exists.
:<big>'''''See: [[XBMCbuntu#XBMCbuntu no audio devices|XBMCbuntu no audio devices''''']]</big>
 
=== Required packages ===
<source lang="bash">
sudo apt-get install alsa-utils libasound2
</source>
 
=== '''No sound in XBMC''' ===
{{Note|'''<big>Unmute channels in alsamixer</big>''' in all cases if you're getting no sound via e.g. '''<big>HDMI</big>'''. Just for guidance, a couple of quick reference commands are listed below.}}
{{tip|Substitute '''IEC958''' with your device ID depending on your '''{{code|aplay -l}} output.}}'''
<source lang="bash">
amixer -q set Master 100% unmute
amixer -q set PCM 100% unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',1 unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',0 unmute
</source>


== Update XBMC from any PPA ==
{{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.}}
{{note|For systems that have '''multiple sound cards''' e.g. Intel Azalia (internal) - GT520 (external), you could try to disable the onboard card in '''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 audio e.g. HDA NVIDIA.}}
 
=== '''HDMI Channel Audio remapping''' ===
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 ==
{| width="100%"
This is a grail for some XBMC users and with inclusion of [[AudioEngine]] it becomes more complex and even impossible in some cases.
 
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.
<br />
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:145430|Setting up dual audio forum discussion thread]]}}
|}
 
== Updating XBMC from PPA ==
{| width="100%"
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.
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.


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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'''.
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'''.


Connect to your Debian/Ubuntu-based distro via [[SSH]] and run the commands below:
Connect to your Debian/Ubuntu-based system via [[SSH]] and run the commands below:


<source lang="bash">
<source lang="bash">
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:Upgrading XBMC in FreeBSD is pretty simple, as long as a new version exists in port
:Upgrading XBMC in FreeBSD is pretty simple, as long as a new version exists in port


; Update you port tree:
; Update your port tree:
<pre>portsnap fetch update</pre>
<pre>portsnap fetch update</pre>
; Update XBMC:
; Update XBMC:
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==== Gentoo manual XBMC upgrade process ====
==== Gentoo manual XBMC upgrade process ====
This part needs to be updated <big>'''?'''</big>
This part needs to be updated <big>'''?'''</big>
 
|}
=== Compiz is not compatible with XBMC ===
:Make sure Compiz visual effects is 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-Graphics use Disable composite in xorg.conf, like so:
<pre>Section "Extensions"
    Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection</pre>
Or in terminal
<source lang="bash">
sudo nvidia-xconfig --no-composite
</source>
: '''Minimal xorg.conf for NVidia''' [[Minimal NVidia xorg.conf]]
 
=== Audio issues ===
For XBMC v12 Frodo specific settings please see '''[[AudioEngine]]'''.
 
=== '''Why do I get no audio devices detected ?''' ===
If you have installed lightdm this will happen, it's is not a XBMC issue. A workaround exists.
:<big>'''''See: [[XBMCbuntu#XBMCbuntu no audio devices|XBMCbuntu no audio devices''''']]</big>
 
=== Required packages ===
<source lang="bash">
sudo apt-get install alsa-utils libasound2
</source>
 
=== '''No sound in XBMC''' ===
{{Note|'''<big>Unmute channels in alsamixer</big>''' in all cases if you're getting no sound via e.g. '''<big>HDMI</big>'''. Just for guidance, a couple of quick reference commands are listed below.}}
{{tip|Substitute '''IEC958''' with your device ID depending on your '''{{code|aplay -l}} output.}}'''
<source lang="bash">
amixer -q set Master 100% unmute
amixer -q set PCM 100% unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',1 unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',0 unmute
</source>
 
{{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.}}
{{note|For systems that have '''multiple sound cards''' e.g. Intel Azalia (internal) - GT520 (external), you could try to disable the onboard card in '''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 audio e.g. HDA Nvidia.}}
 
=== '''HDMI Channel Audio remapping''' ===
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 ==
This is a grail for some XBMC users and with inclusion of [[AudioEngine]] it becomes more complex and even impossible in some cases.
 
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.
<br />
 
{{forum link2|[[forum:145430|Setting up dual audio forum discussion thread]]}}


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


[[Category:XBMC Manual]]
[[Category:XBMC Manual]]

Revision as of 13:39, 2 February 2014

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Frequently Asked Questions for XBMC running under Linux-based operating systems. Template:XBMC FAQ


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.
See also: Installing XBMC for Linux for how to install XBMC on other distributions.

General FAQ

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

I'm here because I've got a problem, so what do I do if I'm still stuck afterwards?

Link

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.

  • 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 snag.gy or postimage.


For help/support visit XBMC Community Forums or IRC #xbmc-linux

Where's my log file?

Link

In Linux your XBMC log is located in:

$HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log

Note: The location of the log assumes you are logged in as the xbmc user and not root.
See also: Accessing XBMC via SSH e.g. Putty

How do I upload my log file?

Link

You can generate a debug log Pastebin link automatically. This allows you to quickly post a log to anywhere that requires it.
Note: Don't forget to Enable Debugging when creating the log so that maximum detail is available

$ sudo apt-get install pastebinit -y
$ cat $HOME/.xbmc/temp/xbmc.log | pastebinit

Where's the UserData folder?

Link
$HOME/.xbmc/userdata

Where is XBMC installed?

Link

The installation paths are as below:

/usr/share/xbmc/
/usr/lib/xbmc/

Note: No user XBMC configuration files are kept in these locations; refer to userdata for these.

Does XBMC for Linux support Blu-ray or HD DVD playback with or without menus?

Link

Yes, without menus. As of Dharma (10.0), XBMC includes support for playback of unencrypted Blu-ray directories when libbluray is installed. However, XBMC must be compiled from source. Installing from a repository like the 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.

Attention talk.png playback Blu-ray Disc in XBMC for Linux with MakeMKV (Plugin Addon) Discussion thread

What Linux distributions are supported?

Link

Check the install page for a list of supported distributions.

What are the current recommended hardware requirements for XBMC?

Link

For end-users the recommended minimum requirement is an x86-based computer, with a 3D GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that at least supports Shader Model 3.0 and 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 DirectX version 9.0c or later usually meet all of those mentioned requirements, (Team-XBMC recommends NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or later as NVIDIA are currently the manufacturer that offers good device-drivers for Linux (and NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or later supports OpenGL 2.0)).

XBMC for Linux minimum requirements

Link
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

Troubleshooting: General

Boot Issues

Link

Some Intel GPUs have issues with rc6 it can be disabled via grub.

$ sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Append i915.i915_enable_rc6=0 to:

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash i915.i915_enable_rc6=0"
  • Press ctrl+X say YES to save file
Then run
$ sudo update-grub

Troubleshooting: Video

Incomplete.png INCOMPLETE:
This page or section is incomplete. Please add information or correct uncertain data which is marked with a ?
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.

Installing video drivers on Ubuntu and derivatives

Link
  • For NVIDIA drivers follow the guide click this (link)
  • For ATI drivers follow the guide 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.
Deinterlacing in Intel hardware needs cutting edge drivers like xserver-xorg-video-intel, libva-intel-vaapi-driver

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.

Attention talk.png NVidia Place Holder forum discussion thread ?
Attention talk.png XVBA for AMD Radeon/Fusion/NVidia forum discussion thread
Attention talk.png Intel GPU forum discussion thread

Upgrading NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu and derivatives

Link

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.

$ 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

Attention talk.png NVidia Drivers updates XBMCBuntu, Ubuntu and variants forum discussion thread

Intel SNA Acceleration

Link

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.

Section "Device"
Identifier "Intel Graphics"
Driver "intel"
Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
EndSection

For more information on SNA, see: Intel SNA vs. UXA On Ivy Bridge

Attention talk.png Optimal video settings for Intel GPU forum discussion thread

Verify OpenGL Support

Link

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 is not compatible with XBMC

Link

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:
Section "Extensions"
   Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSection
  • Or, again for NVIDIA, you can disable Compiz directly at a terminal prompt:
$ sudo nvidia-xconfig --no-composite

Example minimal xorg.conf for NVIDIA: Minimal NVidia xorg.conf

Troubleshooting: Audio

Audio issues

For XBMC v12 Frodo specific settings please see AudioEngine.

Why do I get no audio devices detected ?

If you have installed lightdm this will happen, it's is not a XBMC issue. A workaround exists.

See: XBMCbuntu no audio devices

Required packages

sudo apt-get install alsa-utils libasound2

No sound in XBMC

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.

Tip Tip: Substitute IEC958 with your device ID depending on your
​aplay -l​
output.
amixer -q set Master 100% unmute 
amixer -q set PCM 100% unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',1 unmute
amixer -q set 'IEC958',0 unmute

Note: Make sure that your correct sound card is in use in alsamixer. To change your card, press 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. Note: For systems that have multiple sound cards e.g. Intel Azalia (internal) - GT520 (external), you could try to disable the onboard card in 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 audio e.g. HDA NVIDIA.

HDMI Channel Audio remapping

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

Dual Audio setup

This is a grail for some XBMC users and with inclusion of AudioEngine it becomes more complex and even impossible in some cases. 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.
Attention talk.png Setting up dual audio forum discussion thread

Updating XBMC from PPA

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.

Where are XBMC Packages for Ubuntu/Debian?

Official
Xvba and improved Vdpau (not mainline)
3rd party (contains older Ubuntu support etc)


Ubuntu manual XBMC upgrade process

NOTICE: 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.

Connect to your Debian/Ubuntu-based system via SSH and run the commands below:

sudo apt-get install python-software-properties pkg-config
sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:current_XBMC_providing_ppa
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:the_ppa_you_wish_to_use
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get remove xbmc xbmc.bin
sudo apt-get install xbmc xbmc.bin

Arch manual XBMC upgrade process

This part needs to be updated ?

FreeBSD manual XBMC upgrade process

Upgrading XBMC in FreeBSD is pretty simple, as long as a new version exists in port
Update your port tree
portsnap fetch update
Update XBMC
portmaster multimedia/xbmc

Gentoo manual XBMC upgrade process

This part needs to be updated ?

Known issues

See:XBMC v12 (Frodo) issues