Author Topic: Xbox Media Center (Read 9234 times)

ChadTower · « **on:** December 27, 2006, 10:22:54 am »

A thread for discussing XBMC. Please limit this to XBMC and its components. XBMC is fully GPL software and its source code is available at SourceForge.

If the mods find this undesirable, feel free to remove it.

It has come to light recently that a lot of us are XBMC users. Let's compare notes.

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:11:22 am »

I have a messy setup, but it runs and havent updated or cleaned it up since. It works, so I'm happy.

ChadTower · « **Reply #2 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:13:43 am »

I'm new to the Xbox and XBMC. Mine seem to be running well so far, needs a lot of config work to make it all nice and clean so others can use it easily. I'm considering making it the default dashboard now.

I installed the FAT build so have a couple of nice extras. The Apple Movie Trailers extension would be awesome if it didn't keep freezing XBMC on me, same with the YouTube extension.

ChadTower · « **Reply #3 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:56:12 am »

I'm looking into getting a remote for use with XBMC. What is the consensus on the remote?

Goz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2006, 12:36:55 pm »

I use a Logitech Harmony with mine and it works well. Because the remote is so kick ass and learns commands it works with everything in my Home Theater.

ChadTower · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2006, 12:54:03 pm »

Nice choice. I don't need anything like that. Our Xbox is attached to a TV with no external audio or anything. The best remote would be able to control the TV's native functions (on/off, volume, source), the Xbox itself for XBMC, and the DirecTivo that also sits on that TV.

The DirecTivo is always the pain in the ass for universal remotes.

ChadTower · « **Reply #6 on:** December 27, 2006, 01:43:31 pm »

Just poking through the available XBMC scripts... there is a BangBros browser.

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2006, 02:49:22 pm »

i just use the xbox remote.

big daddy · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2006, 02:59:20 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 27, 2006, 12:54:03 pm

Nice choice. I don't need anything like that. Our Xbox is attached to a TV with no external audio or anything. The best remote would be able to control the TV's native functions (on/off, volume, source), the Xbox itself for XBMC, and the DirecTivo that also sits on that TV.

The DirecTivo is always the pain in the ass for universal remotes.

you say you don't need anything "like that" then talk about how big a pain in the ass it is to do for DirectTivo.

The fact is, to do things like DirectTivo (with all of it's inputs), xbox, tv, etc, you really need a GOOD "Learning" universal remote. There isn't really a simple solution.

I personally use this one, as it had a lot of good reviews a few years back when I was looking into it. Works perfectly in everything I need it for except PS3 (which doesn't use infared)

http://www.remotecentral.com/mx500/index.html

DrumAnBass · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2006, 03:03:57 pm »

I haven't upgraded to 2.0 yet; can't remember which version I am running... But mine is working well and I hate to risk screwing everything up now that it is working flawlessly (with the exception of the scripts, which I don't use anyway...)

Is 2.0 worth it? And what is the best way to go about upgrading?

ChadTower · « **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2006, 03:07:00 pm »

By "like that" I meant AV genre control but it's reasonable to say that the DirecTivo falls into that category, now that I think a bit more about it.

I would not be willing to pay more than about $40 for a remote. That's why I have never gone into the more powerful universals.

I don't know what the difference is between 2.0 and prior versions as I have never used a prior version. I have read about the upgrade process, though, and it seems fairly straightforward.

pointdablame · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2006, 06:21:16 pm »

It's worth the upgrade to 2.0 if you ask me. Its a bit faster and a bit more stable IMO. I also really like the MC360 skin that mimics the Xbox360 dashboard. People either love it or hate it, but it's my skin of choice.

The python scripts in XBMC are awesome. I have a ton of streaming vid scripts set up like DL.TV, cranky geeks, Gamespot, et al... and I just load up a few episodes whenever I want. I don't usually have problems with YouTube or Apple trailers either like Chad seems to. There's a really nice Google Video script as well.

I have the normal Xbox remote and it works really well. I'm sure those learning remotes are great, but I can live without them. If you just want an easy way to navigate your Xbox from the couch, I'd grab the official remote Chad... it'll do what you want.

ChadTower · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2006, 06:39:51 pm »

Yeah, stopped at Gamestop to pick one up tonight. All they had were used ones that smelled like feet. For $15 each. Eff that.

igboo · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2006, 11:34:41 pm »

Any universal remote should be usable for the XBox. It uses standard RCA DVD remote codes. (Except for the 'ON' button, which would require a H/W mod)

SithMaster · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2006, 12:28:47 am »

try toysrus for remotes i saw one (official brand) for 5 dollars.

ChadTower · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2006, 09:19:34 am »

I was just going to head there after work tonight... it's a bit of a trip but worth it if they have one.

Any universal remote can be made to work IF you have the IR dongle... that comes with the Xbox remote.

crashwg · « **Reply #16 on:** December 28, 2006, 10:33:20 am »

Quote from: SithMaster on December 28, 2006, 12:28:47 am

try toysrus for remotes i saw one (official brand) for 5 dollars.

Yup, they had em for $5 in my neighborhood too. So I bought 4! A couple buddies of mine also got one at that price... They lowered the price to $5 a while ago though, so don't hold your breath on there being any left.

J_K_M_A_N · « **Reply #17 on:** December 28, 2006, 03:35:22 pm »

I bought the xbox extender remote package. I like it a lot. It has many more buttons so it is more user friendly. The only problem is you can't really find them anymore. I bought mine on ebay for like $30. Here is one that went for $100 on ebay. I guess I got a good deal.

If you get the dongle, you can use pretty much any RCA universal remote from what I understand. So you should be able to use just about any universal remote and program it to work with RCA equipment. Also, if you turn on the 'show remote code' option in XBMC, you may be able to use other buttons on the remote that aren't yet tied to anything.

J_K_M_A_N

Jabba · « **Reply #18 on:** December 28, 2006, 08:39:11 pm »

Quote from: pointdablame on December 27, 2006, 06:21:16 pm

It's worth the upgrade to 2.0 if you ask me. Its a bit faster and a bit more stable IMO. I also really like the MC360 skin that mimics the Xbox360 dashboard. People either love it or hate it, but it's my skin of choice.

The python scripts in XBMC are awesome. I have a ton of streaming vid scripts set up like DL.TV, cranky geeks, Gamespot, et al... and I just load up a few episodes whenever I want. I don't usually have problems with YouTube or Apple trailers either like Chad seems to. There's a really nice Google Video script as well.

I have the normal Xbox remote and it works really well. I'm sure those learning remotes are great, but I can live without them. If you just want an easy way to navigate your Xbox from the couch, I'd grab the official remote Chad... it'll do what you want.

Hey PDB, any good links you've found on how to set up these python scripts. The only thing I can see is Apple Trailers, and the Radio Stations. It would be very good to tweak the config to see Youtube, Google Video etc...

I use 2.0 (latest build on Dec 23) as a dashboard with the 360 skin on both my Xboxes.... Easy to use and I also use the Xbox remote mainly so that Mrs. Jabba would gravitate to it more readily.

ChadTower · « **Reply #19 on:** December 28, 2006, 09:08:40 pm »

The manual section on scripts.

The most useful one is the one that goes to XBMCScripts.com, checks all of the available scripts, and can download and install them for you.

pointdablame · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2006, 02:28:11 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on December 28, 2006, 09:08:40 pm

The manual section on scripts.

The most useful one is the one that goes to XBMCScripts.com, checks all of the available scripts, and can download and install them for you.

I can't help much more than what Chad just said.

The easiest (and laziest

) way is to load up the XBMCScripts script like Chad said and just start browsing from your Xbox itself. Find something you like... click it... bam! Installed and running. You can find your script options in the last tab of the MC360 skin, right below the Console Settings.

ChadTower · « **Reply #21 on:** December 29, 2006, 10:11:34 am »

Note that the autmoated installer doesn't always add a GUI entry for any given script and it has no uninstall capability.

Tried Toys R Us... no remote, looked like they were cleaning up after a fire in there. Did pick up an Xbox power cord for $2 and a pair of third party wireless PS2 controllers for $10 each.

gonzobrian · « **Reply #22 on:** December 29, 2006, 10:15:15 am »

Chad you should look at jp1 remote forum, http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php, lots of help.
I use this remote http://www.ofausa.com/remote.php?type=URC%206131 for my direct tivo and xbox and every thing else in my entertainment system. The remote cost about $23 and is fully programable. With the jp1 stuff you can do almost anything for a fraction of the cost. The above remote is set up with pvr keys that make it easy for the whole family to use.
On a side note you should really look into using instant cake with your direct tv tivos. It will allow you to do all the stuff xbmc does using the direct tivo. Much nice interface imho.

ChadTower · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2006, 10:44:58 am »

Instant cake... I used an instantcake image recently to replace the failed HDD in my series 1 Dtivo. I have a series 2 Dtivo in the bedroom (unaltered). Last time I looked they had nothing like an HMO equivalent available but I'll look now. Thanks for the tip, I'll look into the remote forum you recommended too.

I know there's always ways to do stuff like this cheaply but effectively yet I've always got so many projects going it's hard to keep track of it all.

Keeping up all this stuff and keeping it all moving forward is like a second full time job now.

gonzobrian · « **Reply #24 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:27:15 am »

Yes the series 2 direct tivo's can do hmo. tivo server will allow you to serve all of the media on your computer to your tivo. If you have two tivo's you can move around and watch your programs where you want.

ChadTower · « **Reply #25 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:31:16 am »

Ah, that's how I remember it. Our primary Dtivo is a series 1. The series 2 sits on the same TV as the Xbox so it doesn't need HMO. I'd swap them but the series 1 has a 300g drive in it and the series 2 is unmodded. Maybe at some point in the future. Last time I tried to look into what software was needed the info was all so underground and fragmented that I couldn't find enough of it this time.

gonzobrian · « **Reply #26 on:** December 29, 2006, 12:02:43 pm »

What I did with my tivo's was left the stock hard drive in one and put a big hard drive in the other. With hmo you can watch a program recorded on one receiver on any other direct tivo's, or use a computer as a server and store everything there.

ChadTower · « **Reply #27 on:** December 29, 2006, 12:06:45 pm »

HMO does not work with the Series 1, meaning only one of my DTivos is HMO capable.

The unmodded one is the Series 2.

When I originally modded the Series 1 there was no Series 2. The 300g drive was put into the Series 1 a few months ago when the upgraded HDD I originally put in there died (after 3 or so years of hard Tivo style use). The Series 1 does have a NIC in it but as there is (unless it's very recent) no HMO homebrew for Series 1 the NIC goes pretty much unused.

EDIT: I'm reading the JP1 stuff now. Awesome stuff. I'm so going to do this. Thanks for the pointer!

gonzobrian · « **Reply #28 on:** December 29, 2006, 04:15:06 pm »

Hey no prob. I always try to get people to take a look at jp1, especially since I see some buying these $300 remotes that do the same thing a $30 jp1 can do. To have one remote control everything has been awsome!

ChadTower · « **Reply #29 on:** December 29, 2006, 04:17:41 pm »

Starting a thread in EE about JP1.

Jabba · « **Reply #30 on:** December 29, 2006, 07:17:29 pm »

Thanks Chad/PDB. I'll load those scripts up tonight when I get home from work and give it a go.

Still at work working...

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #31 on:** January 04, 2007, 06:19:53 pm »

Question. I have a video file (.OGM) that contains two language tracks. Any idea on how to switch from one to teh other?

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #32 on:** January 04, 2007, 07:54:02 pm »

nm, figured it out

ChadTower · « **Reply #33 on:** January 04, 2007, 08:09:39 pm »

Care to post the solution so someone else could know?

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #34 on:** January 04, 2007, 09:31:09 pm »

while the video is running, you need to hit the menu button on the dvd remote. this gives you options like pausing and fast forward and also a way to open the audio and video options where you can change audio\subtitles and video sizes as well a abunch of other tweeks that id never use.

ChadTower · « **Reply #35 on:** January 05, 2007, 11:45:55 am »

The section of the Wiki on this.

Hoagie_one · « **Reply #36 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:43:16 pm »

i spent 20 minutes online trying to find that exact page, thx.

ChadTower · « **Reply #37 on:** January 12, 2007, 10:51:36 am »

Just set the GUI to display at 1080i and video to play at 720p... looks really good but it seems to make the Xbox less stable. Still need to get some debug info to figure out why as it doesn't always appear to be a resource issue. There are video formats it just won't play at all now that play fine if I set the video playback to NTSC.

stonefry · « **Reply #38 on:** January 12, 2007, 11:18:13 am »

I am a bit late in the game here, but I have been using XBMC for a couple years. It is my dashboard because no other dash comes close to it in features. There is one game that I like that won't run under XBMC, so I use Avalaunch for that. And when I want to ftp large files, I use Avalaunch and Qwix because of the great speed boost you get.

As for a remote, I have a Logitech wireless controller that I use exclusively. I have the Xbox remote, but I never use it. I also have a Harmony that I use for everything else, but I never got around to programming it for the Xbox.

Somebody asked about upgrading to a new XBMC version:

The Simple way is to just download it and ftp it to the directory where it is installed overwriting the files. I would not recommend that though because there are so many changes every day that there may be conflicts with whats in the cache and the config files.

The thorough way is to:
1. Delete the XBMC directory from your Xbox,
2. Clear the X: Y: and Z: and e:\cache directories
3. Delete the XBMC Save directories which are E:\UDATA\0face008 and E:\TDATA\0face008

This needs to be done without XBMC running of course because you can't delete files that XBMC is using.

-stonefry

ChadTower · « **Reply #39 on:** January 12, 2007, 11:23:19 am »

You forgot to mention that you should save the USERDATA and then restore it after installing the new XBMC. Maybe that's new, but it's definitely the recommended procedure now.


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