Quick start guide: Difference between revisions

From Official Kodi Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
>Natethomas
No edit summary
m (Updated for v20)
 
(169 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
===Welcome to XBMC!===
{{mininav|[[First time user]]}}
Congratulations new users to your choice in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_center media center] software:  XBMC.  The XBMC interface is designed with the '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_cinema Home Theater]' in mind.  This means it is best viewed on a large-screen TV while you sit on your couch 10-feet away from that TV, rather than on a small monitor while you sit at your desk.  And, because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, the best way to interact with XBMC is with a remote control, rather than a computer mouse.  If it helps, you can think of XBMC as the ultimate DVD-Player/Set-top-box, rather than just another program on your computer, (and NO ONE uses a mouse with a DVD-Player/Set-top-box).
__TOC__
==First Steps==


===XBMC Main Features===
XBMC does two things really well.  It can play your music and videos, and it can display all of your music and videos in something we call the "[[library]]".  In fact, if you have ever read anything about XBMC before, then you have probably already seen pictures or videos of the Music and Video Library in action.


===Getting ready to play music and videos===
= Introduction =
To play Music, a TV show Episode, or a Movie, you first have to tell XBMC where your media is located. 
Hello and welcome to {{Kodi}}!


Letting XBMC know where to find your videos and music is very simple. First, open XBMC, then just click up or down in the home menu until either "Videos" or "Music" is highlighted.  For the rest of the explanation in this guide we will use "Videos" (and, specifically "Movies") as the example, but it works the same way in Music, (as well as for TV shows and Music Videos).
{{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.  


===Adding a Video Source===
{{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.
Click "Videos" in the home screen menu, for this example we are going to use the Confluence skin, which is the default skin in XBMC since version 9.11 (a.k.a. "Camelot").


[[Image:Home_-_Videos2.jpg]]


Now click "Add Source".
<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" />


[[Image:Videos_-_File_Mode2.jpg]]
''{{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}}.}}''


The "Add Video Source" screen will be displayed.


[[Image:Add_Video_Source.jpg]]
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.


Click the "Browse" button. The following screen will be displayed.
''{{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.}}''


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


Now browse to where you keep your videos stored.  If you keep them shared on a network drive, read the [[Configuring PC Shares]] article for more information about setting up a share on your computer first.  If you have already done that then all you need to do is to scroll down the list until the "Windows Network (SMB)" choice is highlighted and click that option, and then browse through your network shares.


Once you have found the folder you keep your videos in, click the "OK" button.


'''NOTE!''' When you begin using the library, you will find that it is a really good idea to keep your "Movie" folder and your "TV Shows" folder and files stored separately from each other, so keep that in mind.
= 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.  


Now name this Video Source however you like. If it is a movie folder, you will probably want to name it "Movies", and if it is a TV Show folder then you will probably want name it TV Shows, at least if you are using the English language in the XBMC interface.  The name for the Video Source is totally up to you.  For this example, since we are dealing with movies, we just named it "Movies".
The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...
*Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
*Music for the Music Library.


Next, you have to tell XBMC what type of content is inside of the folder you just added, so click the button "Set Content".
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.  


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


==Setting Content==
{{Index two column
This section is why keeping your TV Shows and Movies separate is important.  When you click set content, you can set your video content as Music Videos, Movies, or TV Shows. Scroll through the options until you get to the correct one. Because in our example we're adding Movies, we will scroll to "Movies" and go through the Movie Settings.
| 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
}}


===Setting Movie Content Options===
If you keep each of your movies in its own folder with the movie name in it, like this:
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny\Big Buck Bunny.avi'''''
Then you want to tick the "Use folder names for lookups" option.




If you however keep all your movies in one big folder, like this:
= File Mode =
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny.avi'''''<br>
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'''.
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny II: Rise of the Lepus.avi'''''
Then leave all options unticked.


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.


If your movies are ripped DVD-Video files using a "'''''VIDEO_TS'''''" folder structure, like this:
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.IFO'''''<br>
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny\VIDEO_TS\VIDEO_TS.VOB'''''
Then you want to tick the "Scan Recursively" option.


====Run Automated Scan====
= Live TV and Radio =
Finally, since this is your first time adding adding media files to XBMC, we may as well take care of everything right now, so let us go ahead and create that pretty looking Library.
{{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.


To do so, tick the "Run 'Automated Scan" option.


Now, click "OK" and then "OK" again.  XBMC will now begin to scan your folders.  Depending on how many movies you have in the folder you selected, this scan could take a long time since it will be connecting to the internet and collecting metadata and artwork for all of the selected items.  When it is finished, your library will have been created, but you will not be redirected to it automatically, see the "Turning on the Library" section below to go to your library.


===Turning on the Library===
= Games =
Assuming you are using the default skin, Confluence, from the videos screen, to turn on the Library, just click left once to pull up the Side Menu.  Then scroll down and click "Library Mode".
{{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.


And that is it, you are now done. You now have a beautiful Library full of all your great movies, complete with titles, fanart, and tons of metadata information.
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.


Now that you have followed the guide above you should be able to figure out how to put your TV Shows and Music into the Library.  To do so, simply follow this guide again (but, of course, select choices appropriate to your goal.  For example, select "Music" if you want to add music).


==Important note about the Context Menu==
As you read this wiki and experiment on your own, you will quickly learn about the value of the '''''[[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]]'''''.


To use it, while highlighting an item, press the "C" key on the keyboard.  If you are using a mouse, you can right click while hovering over an item.  With remote controls, the option to bring up the [[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]] differs based on the remote control that you use. 
= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
{{Main|Add-ons|Add-on manager}}
{{#lst:Add-ons|intro}}


The important point is that the "[[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]]" is really the key to controlling XBMC.  With it you can queue an item, play it, set content, update the library, scan for new media, and so on.


==Conclusion==
Thanks for reading this Quick Start Guide.  Below in the "Also see" section you will find additional suggested reading that may be useful for getting started with adding your media files to XBMC.  We have done our best to answer every question in this wiki, the [[XBMC Online Manual]] and the [[Frequently Asked Questions]], however if you still can not find your answer after extensively searching, feel free to ask, see [[XBMC:Community Portal]].


==See Also==
= Adding Pictures =
* [[Video Library]]
{{main|Pictures}}
** [[Set Contents (Video Library)]]
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.
** [[TV Shows (Video Library)]]
 
** [[Movies (Video Library)]]
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.
* [[Music Library]]
 
** [[Preparing your Music]]
 
* [[Thumbnails]]
 
* [[FanArt]]
= Using a remote control =
* [[Types of Media Sources]]
{{main|Remote controls}}
* [[Adding Media Sources]]
{{#lst:Remote controls|intro}}
 
 
 
 
 
{{top}}
{{updated|20}}
 
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Karellen]]

Latest revision as of 08:33, 29 January 2023

Home icon grey.png   ▶ First time user ▶ Quick start guide


Introduction

Hello and welcome to Kodi!

Kodi is an open source media centre software that can play a wide variety of music and video formats in addition to viewing 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 Home Theater in mind using a 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.


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.

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.

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 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.

icon Guide to Create and Modify your Video Library
Kodi has the ability to create separate Movie, TV Show and Music Video libraries that can display your collections in an Artwork and information rich display. Follow these pages to step through the creation of your libraries. 		icon Guide to Create and Modify your Music Library
The aim of these modules is to provide the required information to enable you to correctly set up, modify, and reinstate your Music library as required. As this guide is created for the new user, most pages have been created with minimal jargon and short explanations in an effort to reduce information overload and confusion. Where extra information is provided, note is made to what can be safely ignored.


File Mode

If you do not want to create the libraries and take advantage of these features, then you can 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 page: 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 page: 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 pages: Add-ons and Add-on manager

An Add-on is another piece of software that can be added to a program to further expand and enhance the features of that program. Imagine a smart phone and all the additional Apps that can be installed to enhance its functionality. Kodi has the same ability and these apps are referred to as Add-ons. Kodi has a growing list of community driven add-ons which can be installed from a common official repository, while still enabling third-party developers to also host their own unofficial repositories for add-ons that any user can choose to add themselves.


Adding Pictures

Main page: 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 page: Remote controls

Kodi is primarily designed for the home theatre using the 10-foot user interface principles controlled with a remote control. Alternatively a (wireless) keyboard can be used.



Return to top
Retrieved from "https://kodi.wiki/index.php?title=Quick_start_guide&oldid=244033"