View source for Quick start guide

{{mininav|[[First time user]]}}


= Introduction =
Hello and welcome to {{Kodi}}!

{{Kodi}} is an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software open source] media centre '''software''' that can play a wide variety of music and video formats in addition to viewing '''[[PVR|Live TV]]''' and using add-ons (plugins) to further enhance your {{kodi}}. The software can be installed on a variety of platforms as detailed on the '''''[[First time user]]''''' wiki page. 

{{Kodi}} is designed with the '''''[[w:Home cinema|Home Theater]]''''' in mind using a '''''[[w:10-foot_user_interface|10-foot user interface]]''''' rather than on a small monitor while you sit at your desk. Because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, the best way to interact with {{Kodi}} is with a remote control or keyboard, rather than with a mouse.  If it helps, think of {{Kodi}} as the ultimate DVD-player/set-top-box. Be aware that mouse functionality is limited.


<section begin="intro" />This guide is designed to point you to the correct information that will assist in correctly setting up your {{kodi}}. We strongly recommend you follow the guides to ensure the correct setup.<section end="intro" />

''{{red|We strongly urge you to not follow the numerous YouTube video guides as nearly all those guides have been written with the single minded purpose of Piracy and Copyright Infringement. THERE IS NO SUPPORT FOR THAT HERE at {{kodi}}.}}''


If you have not already downloaded and installed the {{kodi}} software, return to '''''[[First time user]]''''' and follow the installation instructions for your chosen operating system.

''{{red|{{Kodi}} does not sell hardware, nor are we affiliated or promote any of the so called "{{kodi}} boxes" that are advertised for sale. We strongly urge you not to purchase these devices as they are normally pre-installed with add-ons used for piracy and copyright infringement, and some have been known to contain malware. The [https://forum.kodi.tv/ {{kodi}} forum] does not provide support for these types of devices.}}''

= Basic Controls =
Read this page to familiarise yourself with the menu system and other screens in {{kodi}}.
{{see|Basic controls}}



= Library Mode =
;Why do I need a library?
One of the features that makes {{kodi}} so great is the ability to display all types of artwork and metadata (plots, directors, actors etc) in a visually stunning format. 

The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...
*Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
*Music for the Music Library.

To use the numerous features that are only possible with a correctly setup library, your video and/or music collections need to be added to the library to correctly function. 

{{Kodi}} consists of two libraries - Music and Video. The following guides have been created to guide you through the setup process of both.

{{Index two column
 | link name 1 = Guide to Create and Modify your Video Library
 | link 1 = HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
 | image 1 = Video.png
 | link name 2 = Guide to Create and Modify your Music Library
 | link 2 = :HOW-TO:Create_Music_Library
 | image 2 = Nuvola apps kscd.png
}}



= File Mode =
If you do not want to create the libraries and take advantage of these features, then you can '''''[[Add-on:Estuary/Settings#Main_Menu_Items|hide Menu items]]''''' and access your media through the inbuilt file browser accessed from the main menu by selecting '''Videos''' then '''Files'''.

Be aware that using this mode, {{kodi}} becomes a simple media player with limited functionality. There will be no extended artwork and no movie information amongst many other missing features which all require a library to function. In effect, {{kodi}} is a simple file browser similar to Windows Explorer, and will simply allow you to browse your folders and files as set up on your hard drives.


= Live TV and Radio =
{{main|PVR}}
With a pre-installed backend PVR Tuner, {{Kodi}} can be used as the front end interface to view and record live TV and radio, similar to a TiVO setup.



= Games =
{{main|Games}}
Note! Games support is not available before Kodi v18 Leia! The Games option allows you to add stand-alone games and games running in emulators which can be launched from Kodi.

Games does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. {{kodi}} has support for many game controller settings for configuring gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, and mouses, for use inside those games/emulators that are running natively inside Kodi's runtime.



= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
{{Main|Add-ons|Add-on manager}}
{{#lst:Add-ons|intro}}



= Adding Pictures =
{{main|Pictures}}
The Pictures option allows you to add your home photo collection to {{kodi}} which you can then easily display on your large, high definition TV screen.

Pictures does not yet use any library functions and is simply a file browser. If you set up either the video or music library, you will be familiar with setting up a source for pictures.



= Using a remote control =
{{main|Remote controls}}
{{#lst:Remote controls|intro}}





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