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Congratulations new users in your choice of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_center media center] software:  XBMC.
{{mininav|[[First time user]]}}
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. 
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, think of XBMC as the ultimate DVD-Player/Set-top-box (and NO ONE uses a mouse with a DVD-Player/Set-top-box).


==XBMC Main Features==
* XBMC can be used to play almost all popular audio and video [[XBMC Features and Supported Formats/Codecs|formats]]
* Use your media as-is: XBMC can play CDs and DVDs directly from the disk or image file
* Powerful library that can automatically scan media to retrieve covers, descriptions and fanart from the internet.
* [[Playlist]] and  [[Pictures|slideshow]] functions
* [[Weather|Weather forecast]] feature, a "news ticker" of your favorite [[RSS Feeds]]
* Flexible, simple to use [[Add-ons]] system that can extend the functions of XBMC
* [[Configuring PC Shares|Network]] playback built in - stream any playable media from anywhere in the house or internet.


Once installed, your computer will become a fully functional multimedia jukebox.
= Introduction =
Hello and welcome to {{Kodi}}!


==About this Guide==
{{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.  
This guide is designed to get you up and running with XBMC in the shortest time possible, and was written with the most typical use cases in mind. For more in depth information please refer to the [[XBMC Online Manual]].
 
This guide was updated for the XBMC Dharma release.  If you are running another version the information in this guide may not be applicable.


{{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.


==Installing XBMC==
XBMC is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-platform cross-platform] software.
It is currently being developed for:
* [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ Microsoft Windows]
* [http://www.apple.com/mac/ Apple Mac OS]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution Linux]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_tv Apple TV 1] (silver)
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_TV#Apple_TV_Second_Generation_.28iOS.29 Apple TV 2] (black)
* [[Installing XBMC Live|XBMC Live]] and [http://openelec.tv/ Openelec] distribution for that Set top box feeling. 


Prior to installing XBMC on a full operating system it is recommended that you ensure all the installed hardware (sound, video, etc) is fully functional using the base operating system.
<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" />
Platform specific guides can be found [[:Category:Installation|here]].


''{{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}}.}}''


==Preparing your files to be added to the Library==
To get the best experience using the [[Library]] functions it is recommended that you have separate directories for your different types of Media.
For Example: Photos, Music, Movies, TV Shows, and Home Videos


====Adding '''Music''' to the Library====
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.
In order to be able to include information on your music collection in the Library, XBMC needs your music to be tagged. When your collection is scanned, XBMC stores all the tagging information (artist, album, year, genre, etc) in the database which allows you to efficiently search and manage your music collection.
Today most media applications and players (e.g. iTunes / iPod) organize music by this ID tag information.<br>
'''Note:''' Your audio files '''MUST''' have a valid ID tag for them to work properly in the XBMC Music Library.


Check out the [[XBMC Online Manual]] for more information on [[Preparing your Music]]
''{{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.}}''


====Adding '''Videos''' to the Library====
= Basic Controls =
XBMC can search the Internet and automatically find information about your Movies and TV shows using [[Scrapers]]. To be most effective your Movie and TV show files should be named according to standard [[TV Shows (Video Library)#TV_Show_files_naming_conventions|naming conventions]].
Read this page to familiarise yourself with the menu system and other screens in {{kodi}}.
{{see|Basic controls}}


The filename is referenced by a search within the online records and the closest match is selected. If the filename is not exactly or very close to the movie title the automatic scan may not always offer accurate matches.


More information on the [[Video Library]] can be found in the [[XBMC Online Manual]] and more information about getting good matches with the [[scrapers]] can be found [[IMDb (Video Library)|here]] or [[TV Shows (Video Library)|here]]


= 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.


==Using a Remote Control==
The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...
Often the most convenient and user friendly way of controlling XBMC is using a [[Remote Controls|remote control]]. This further enhances the appliance feel of the XBMC and fits next to (or replaces) the other remotes that are likely to be in your entertainment room.  [[Using a remote control with XBMC|MCE Remote]] controls are usually the cheapest and easiest to use with XBMC, but many other remote controls have been very successfully used with XBMC.
*Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
*Music for the Music Library.


For more information on remote controls and XBMC please explore the links below:
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.
* [[Remote Control Reviews]]
* [[Remote Controls]]
* [[Using an MCE remote control in Windows]]
* [[Using a remote control with XBMC]]
* [[Remote Controls#All in One Remote|All in One Remote]]
* [[XBMC Online Manual]]


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


==Adding Music and Videos to the Library==
{{Index two column
To play Music, a TV show Episode, or a Movie, XBMC must know where your files are located.
| 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
}}


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.  The descriptions in this guide will use "Videos" (and, specifically "Movies") as the example, but it works in much the same way for Music or any other media content type.


===Adding Media Sources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkWYxqoOF3c Short Youtube clip of a media source being added]


[[Media Sources]] are the links that tell XBMC where your content is stored and what type of content is contained within each one.  You can have multiple sources for each media type.
= 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'''.


Click "Videos" in the home screen menu.
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.


[[Image:Home_-_Videos2.jpg]]


Now click "Add Source".
= 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.


[[Image:Videos_-_File_Mode2.jpg]]


The "Add Video Source" screen will be displayed.


[[Image:Add_Video_Source.jpg]]
= 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.


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


[[Image:New_Share.jpg]]


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. 


Once you have found the folder you keep your videos in, click the "OK" button.
= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
{{Main|Add-ons|Add-on manager}}
{{#lst:Add-ons|intro}}


'''NOTE!''' When you begin using the library, you will find that it is a really good idea to keep your different types of content stored in separate directories, so keep that in mind.


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. With that said, you could also name the movies folder "Baluga whale."  The title will only be for your personal memory and does not affect how XBMC interacts with the folder. 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".


Next, XBMC will prompt you to Set the type of content in this Source.
= 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.


[[Image:Set_content_hl.jpg]]
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.


===Setting Content===
This section is why keeping your TV Shows and Movies, or other type of content 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.


====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.


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


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




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.


===="Selected Folder Contains a Single Movie" Option====


This option is intended exclusively for adding one movie at a time.  For example, if you are adding the folder:
{{top}}
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny.avi'''''
{{updated|20}}
And Big Buck Bunny is the ONLY movie in the folder, then this option can be ticked. If, on the other hand, you are adding a folder that contains several movies, all in their own individual folders, for example
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny\Big Buck Bunny.avi'''''<br>
'''''C:\Movies\Big Buck Bunny II\Big Buck Bunny II: Rise of the Lepus.avi'''''
Then do not tick the box.


===Run Automated Scan===
[[Category:FAQ]]
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. 
[[Category:Karellen]]
 
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===
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".
 
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.
 
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).
 
==Adding Picture Sources==
Adding sources for your [[Pictures]] is exactly the same as adding other media sources.  From the Home Page navigate to Pictures, select Add Source and browse to the location of your picture files.  However, Pictures are not added to a Library, so you will not need to Set a Content type or scan them into your library
 
==Weather Forecasts (Setting Your Location)==
XBMC can provide up to the minute [[weather]] forecast information from around the world using data from [www.weather.com Weather.com].  To set your location (up to three locations) for weather updates go to the home page, navigate to System and select Weather on the Settings page.  There you will have the option to select one of three locations.  Once selected use the on screen keyboard to type the location you desire, and select the one that matches your location.
 
==Setting up News Feeds (RSS)==
XBMC can show on the Home Page headlines of various [[RSS Feeds|news feeds]] from your favorite news sites on the internet.  To set up new feeds; from the Home page select Programs, then select the RSS editor.  Type the URL of the RSS feed you wish to subscribe to. For example: http://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/world/us_and_canada/rss.xml .  You will then be prompted to select the update interval, or how often you wish XBMC to check for news.  Afterwards you should see headlines from your new feed scroll across the home page.
 
==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. 
 
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==
* [[Video Library]]
** [[Set Contents (Video Library)]]
** [[TV Shows (Video Library)]]
** [[Movies (Video Library)]]
* [[Music Library]]
** [[Preparing your Music]]
* [[Thumbnails]]
* [[FanArt]]
* [[Types of Media Sources]]
* [[Adding Media Sources]]
 
[[Category:XBMC Manual]]

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.



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