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Welcome to Kodi.
= 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 an award-winning, open-source software media centre that supports various audio and video formats, plays Live TV, and can be enhanced with powerful add-ons.
{{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.


{{Kodi}} is designed to be the center of a [[w:Home cinema|home theater]] with a [[10-foot user interface|10-foot interface]], not to be used on a small monitor at your desk. Because everything is designed with the home theater experience in mind, {{Kodi}} is optimized for use with a remote control, rather than a keyboard and mouse.


<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" />


Think of {{Kodi}} as the ultimate digital media player.
''{{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}}.}}''




We recommend that you follow these guides to set up and personalize your {{Kodi}} installation so that it works as intended. This wiki has many detailed guides, useful for both new and experienced users. The '''Kodi Menu''' on the wiki '''[[Main page]]''' explains in detail how to use each {{Kodi}} module.
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.


First, download and install the {{Kodi}} software. There are installation guides for [[first time user]]s for all supported operating systems.  
''{{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.}}''


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


{{red|Do not use online guides to setting up Kodi that encourage piracy and copyright infringement.}}


{{Kodi}} does not sell hardware, nor are we affiliated with, or promotors of, any of the so-called ‘{{Kodi}} boxes’ that are advertised for sale. {{red|Do not purchase these devices.}} They often come 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 devices.


= The Kodi interface =
= Library Mode =
Read about Kodi's [[Basic_controls|controls and interface]] to familiarize yourself with {{Kodi}}.
;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 libraries =
The Libraries are accessed from the Main Menu using...
{{Kodi}} is capable of deep engagement with media metadata by adding media files to audio or video libraries. You can sort movies by director, search for all videos featuring a particular actor, or zip through the album covers in your music collection to choose a soundtrack for your evening.
*Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos for the Video Library
*Music for the Music Library.


{{Kodi}}’s libraries are accessible from the Main Menu, where you can select from Music, Movies, TV Shows or Music Videos.
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.  


There are two kinds of {{Kodi}} library – music and video. Media files must be added to make use of all the features of a library.
{{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
{{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
  | image 1 = Video.png
  | link name 1 = Creating, modifying and re-building your video library
  | link name 2 = Guide to Create and Modify your Music Library
  | link 1 = HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
  | link 2 = :HOW-TO:Create_Music_Library
| link 2 = HOW-TO:Create_Music_Library
| link name 2 = Creating, modifying and re-building your music library
  | image 2 = Nuvola apps kscd.png
  | image 2 = Nuvola apps kscd.png
}}
}}


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


Be aware that using this mode, {{Kodi}} becomes a simple file browser and media player with limited functionality – many {{Kodi}} features are only available through libraries, like extended artwork and movie information.


= Adding pictures =
= File Mode =
{{main|Pictures}}
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'''.
The Pictures module allows you to add a photo or picture collection to {{Kodi}}. Pictures do not yet have library functions. If you have added video or music files, you will be familiar with adding a source for pictures.
 
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.
 
 


= Adding games =
= Games =
{{main|Games}}
{{main|Games}}
Games are not supported in {{Kodi}} versions before v18 Leia. The Games module allows you to add stand-alone games and games running in emulators which can be launched from Kodi.
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.


The Games module does not yet have library functions and is effectively a file browser. As of Kodi v18 Leia there is an input manager with game controller settings for configuring gamepads, joysticks, keyboards, and mouses, for use with games running natively inside Kodi's runtime.


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


= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
= {{Kodi}} add-ons =
Line 66: Line 74:




= Changing skins=
= Adding Pictures =
{{Main|HOW-TO:Change skins}}
{{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.


{{Kodi}} comes with over forty different cosmetic skins. For a list of installed skins and to download more, go to: {{highlight|Settings → Interface settings → Skin → Skin - Estuary|bordered=yes}}
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.




<gallery caption="The same home screen using different skins" widths=200px heights=113px>
File:Estuary_home_movies.png| Estuary - default skin, Kodi 17 & above
File:Confluence_ss.png|Confluence -  default skin, Kodi 16 & below
File:Aeon Nox - glass home.jpg|Aeon Nox
File:ReFocus home.png|ReFocus
File:Titan.jpg|Titan
File:Welo.jpg|Welo
File:Transparency.jpg|Transparency
File:Skin.rapier.16.png|Rapier
File:Mimic004.jpg|Mimic
</gallery>


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






{{top}}


<div style="{{linear-gradient|left|#ffdddd, #ddffdd 50%, #ddddff}}">{{next|[[Video_library|Video Library Main Menu]]}} </div>
<br />
<div style="{{linear-gradient|left|#f5d3ff, #12b2e7}}">{{next|[[Music_library|Music Library Main Menu]]}} </div>


{{top}}
{{updated|20}}


{{updated|18}}
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Music library]]
[[Category:Advanced topics]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]

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

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

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

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

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

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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