XBMC Media Center

[picklemonkey]

So I just installed XBMC Live on a spare dedicated PC that I just got my hands on. I chose to install the OS that came with XBMC, rather than installing it on top of a custom ubuntu OS. I didn't want a "computer," but instead I wanted TV in a room that doesn't have a cable box. This is the first time I've ever played with XBMC, and I have to admit that I'm lost. I think it's because everything on the Internet talks about editing files/configs/etc, but the XBMC Live version doesn't appear to have any of that--the program IS the OS, so I don't know how to do much!

I don't plan on ripping movies for this. I only want to get TV channels streaming to it... Comedy Central or Discovery, for example. I'm reading on the Internet that it's possible to stream live channels (here, for example) on XBMC, but again, it all seems to involve downloading/unzipping/copying stuff which I don't think I can do. Does anybody have any experience with XBMC Live, or at least any general XBMC knowledge at all that may be able to help me get some TV channel streaming going?

I realize some stations may be too modest to allow for full streaming, and I recognize that maybe I'm just missing the point with this whole HTPC concept. If someone could point me to how to do any channel (Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC, etc) in XBMC Live, and any resources you might be aware of to identify other stations for streaming, I'd love to hear what you know so I can make a decision on how to use this technology myself!

[picklemonkey]

Re: XBMC Media Center

This says I can stream the last 4 weeks worth of The Daily Show:

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=78370

Here's South Park:

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=78326

And this mentions I can do many streaming TV channels:

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=HOW-TO_play_free_P2P_%28peer-to-peer%29_online_streaming_TV

My problem is I don't know how to manage files or the filesystem with the XBMC Live version. I'd like to learn how to stream full channels where possible, but I'd also be happy with setting up individual show streams like this provided I knew how to set it up in XMBC Live

[Kamal]

Re: XBMC Media Center

wait till res0 starts off typing in here, he's gotten pretty good with xmbc - not to mention he's a uneex hax0r

[picklemonkey]

Re: XBMC Media Center

I gave up and went with Boxee. So far I love it

[Kamal]

Re: XBMC Media Center

wmc imo

[floridaorange]

Re: XBMC Media Center

Since pickle gave up on this and mentioned the Discovery Channel, I guess it's not highjacking to mention I'll be on Discovery Health Channel on Dr. G Medical Examiner tonight... I'm waiting to find out what the name of the episode is ... I'm one of 2 killers.

http://health.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=62.15275.107413.26750.x

[Kamal]

Re: XBMC Media Center

Get XMBC to launch in full screen on system boot up

Download and install XBMC. Then, head to its installation folder—by default, that's C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC, and right-click on the XBMC.exe program. Choose "Create Shortcut", then drag that shortcut into your %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder. This ensures that XBMC will start up automatically with your computer. You may also want to go to %APPDATA%\XBMC/Userdata and add the following line to AdvancedSettings.xml, under the first line:

<fullscreen>true</fullscreen>Pdownload and install XBMC. Then, head to its installation folder—by default, that's C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC, and right-click on the XBMC.exe program. Choose "Create Shortcut", then drag that shortcut into your %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder. This ensures that XBMC will start up automatically with your computer. You may also want to go to %APPDATA%\XBMC/Userdata and add the following line to AdvancedSettings.xml, under the first line:

<fullscreen>true</fullscreen>

This ensures XBMC will always start in full screen.

[res0nat0r]

Re: XBMC Media Center

Download xbmcbuntu from the XBMC homepage. It will install in a couple clicks, start in fullscreen and work perfectly.

[dusk]

Re: XBMC Media Center

Its always been on again/ off again with xbmc and me... but I really want to try it out again now ... I have been hearing about Mashup and 1channel alot. I hear Kodi has a ton of issues. Anyone recommend any good current plug-ins?

[Kamal]

Re: XBMC Media Center

I've moved to Plex and stuck with it ever since.

[dusk]

Re: XBMC Media Center

^^^ This.

Plex is where its at. I kinda gave up on xbmc (kodi) streaming, buffering, plugin updates... broken streams, constant updates... too much hassel.

[Donny Concrete]

Re: XBMC Media Center

You can install a plex media server addon in XBMC.