View Full Version : XBMC Linux port updates
Hi,
Here is an update on the XBMC Linux port effort for you who do not read the SVN changelog (http://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/xbmc/branches/linuxport/?view=log) on a daily bases.
During the recent weeks we continued to improve the Linux port making it more feature rich and we are reaching the point that it will be feature complete (compared to XBMC/Xbox):
1. Web server is now working (configure port > 1024 if not running xbmc as root)
2. All XBMC skins are now working without any file renaming
3. De-interlacing
4. Digital out (ac3/dts passthrough) support
5. Screen savers (only two for now: Plasma and Solar Winds)
6. Improved video playback in terms of perfomance. We now feel we are in the same level (give or take) as mplayer.
7. Overall cleanup of Settings from XBOX specific stuff.
Issues that we are currently dealing with:
1. DVD playback
2. Video resolution changes cause weird behavior of non accessible areas with mouse, etc
3. Video playback issues (sync, colors, crashes)
4. Occasional crashes
5. Improved Network Settings
6. Eliminate all 100s of warnings during compile time (we enabled all compiler warnings)
7. Credits screen
Leftovers that need consideration:
1. FTP server
2. NTP client
Also getting ready for Ubuntu 7.10 release this month: we made sure everything is working fine there. In fact I encourage people to install it since it automatically installs all the needed video drivers for ATI/NVidia/Intel and has Mesa 7 (== better OpenGL).
We are still not opening the SF Tracker for Linux issues but we would like to hear about problems that you have. Feel free to post new threads about issues. One issue per thread please. We can't promise to reply to everything but we will _probably_ read it.
-Yuval
Gamester17
2007-10-11, 15:52
Also getting ready for Ubuntu 7.10 release this month: we made sure everything is working fine there. In fact I encourage people to install it since it automatically installs all the needed video drivers for ATI/NVidia/Intel and has Mesa 7 (== better OpenGL).
Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) does however not include the NVIDIA applet to activate VSYNC from the GUI, does it?, and if you do not have V-SYNC (Vertical Synchronization) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_synchronization) enabled then you will get page tearing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tearing) issues, right? ...but I think that can still activate VSYNC in xorg.conf manually for NVIDIA and ATI(?)
Nick8888
2007-10-17, 10:23
I read this post the other day when it was posted and didnt want to add a useless post for the sake of it. But on second thoughts here it is, just to show that there is allot of interest in this (even if just from me) and please do post updates when you can.
Thanks
Nick
(quietly waiting for recommended hw specs)
AshsToAshs
2007-10-28, 10:27
On the same lines of Nick8888, thank you much for keeping the community updated on the status of the project.
*Goes back to rocking back and forth in a corner, eagerly awaiting final release*
-Ash-
I just want to say thank you so much for doing this. I absolutely love xbmc and cant wait for it on linux.
2. All XBMC skins are now working without any file renaming
hey Yuval, first of all - thanks a lot for your great contribution. you sure make my time spending with kubuntu far more pleasant :)
i wanted to know how should i install new skins:
as for now, let's say i've downloaded a skin via SVN, so after a little while of downloading it's located at my ./where-ever-i-was/skin-name/ - i then move it into the /XBMC/skin/ folder and try to pick it up through the GUI. unfortunately, the skin is not being viewed too well: the background image and all of the elements are missing, and basically all that i DO see are a few text labels floating around a black void.. :sad:
what am i doing wrong here?
thanks!
p.s.
i've noticed a build.bat file at each of the skin's folders, which xcopies the files and then run an windows execution file but... well.. it's linux.. ???
okay - i simply compiled everything under vmware and now it's working.. (so ashamed..:sniffle:)
Gamester17
2007-11-08, 13:10
@chikko, please respect that this specific topic thread is not for support/help questions!
absolutely right - sorry..
yuvalt,
Any update on the "State of"?
yuvalt, I greatly appreciate the summary of work completed and current activity as of early October. I tried reading the SVN change logs, but there are hundreds of entries and are very technical, mostly over my head.
It has been more than two months since this thread has been updated. Even though we hate to take a developer's time away from writing code, I'm sure many people would love to see a summary of the progress since then and the current to-do list. I'm subscribed to this thread now in case somebody can spare a few minutes to update it. Thanks in advance.
stevellion
2007-12-16, 20:26
Me too.. I'd love an summary update on the state of play.
Linux is a great way to go forward and I'm sure there will be a great progression to it, once it moves a bit further forward.
Hi,
Quick update on our progress:
1. We have stable video playback with GL pixel shaders for OpenGL 2.x drivers and specific shader for Intel 965 (probably also 945) drivers. All 720p content that I have tested works smoothly on relatively weak machines such as the Mac Mini (running Ubuntu 7.10). Some 1080p content (depending on bit-rate) also played smoothly on a Mac Mini as well. Many thanks to d4rk, elupus and vulkanr for getting us there.
2. DVD playback is working.
3. We have less and less crashes.
4. Network settings is working for ethernet and wireless. This is used when you want to have a dedicated machine for XBMC without a keyboard.
5. Timezone in the settings is fixed.
6. Most of the warning have been removed from the compile time, still more work to resolve the remaining ones.
7. Fixed crashes when streaming OGG music.
8. Initial support for MMS. This is still shaky but works in some cases.
9. elan has joined the team in an effort to port XBMC to OSX. This is still in very early stages but some nice progress has been made.
10. Removable drives now appears in Add Source.
11. Plugin settings dialog.
12. Display subtitles which are embedded in mkv files.
13. Subtitles now support embedded formatting options (italics, bold).
14. TTF fonts are scaled correctly when resizing the XBMC window.
Issues we are currently dealing with:
1. Resolution change using xrandr. This will take us closer to having a standalone XBMC which does not require GDM.
2. Cleanup of remaining warnings.
3. Credits screen.
4. Continue ironing open bugs.
5. Support for X11 screen savers.
6. Guide to installing XBMC on a standalone machine with no keyboard/mouse.
Still, the SF Tracker is still closed for linux bugs. We will do our best to respond to bugs discussed in the forum. We do encourage you to post patches in SF.
Don't forget to join our fan page in Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20916311640.
Wishing happy new year to all XBMC fans,
-Yuval
Hi,
Here is an update on the XBMC Linux port effort for you who do not read the SVN changelog (http://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/xbmc/branches/linuxport/?view=log) on a daily bases. SNIP
Awesome - thanks so much. Looks like you guys have really come a long way. I know several people who have HTPC builds on hold just waiting for you guys to put out an official release. Hell, at least the minimum spec for hardware keeps dropping in price.
Happy New Year!
stevellion
2008-01-12, 03:02
Thanks for the update - it also looks like things are moving on well.. Especially the news on Mac Mini as it's a fairly fixed platform..
(But not fast enough to run 1080p to get me to go buy one yet..)
Thanks so much!
gateway69
2008-01-16, 04:37
btw with the mac mini you can update the cpu to one of the faster ones and im sure you will be able to play all that 1080p content thats floating around :P
AshsToAshs
2008-01-17, 00:54
First off, thank you for the continued updates XBMC team. They are very appreciated to those of us that are craving this release.
And it sounds as if you are really working fast.
second:
btw with the mac mini you can update the cpu to one of the faster ones and im sure you will be able to play all that 1080p content thats floating around :P
hate to get off topic, but i gotta know: What socket does the intel mac mini use? and could someone link me (or pm me) a newegg link to a compatible faster CPU for it.
-Ash-
rodalpho
2008-01-17, 02:47
It's socket M. You can do it, but the mac mini is definitely not meant to be user serviceable, they're difficult to open, you'll void your warranty, and those mobile C2D's are very expensive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819111300).
Gamester17
2008-01-17, 14:21
Please respect that the Mac Mini discussion (or any other hardware for that matter) is off-topic for this topic thread!
PS! There is already a Mac Mini discussion here => http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30410
is it just me that gets a 500 server error almost every time they try to load the changelog? could someone maybe host it as a .txt updated every 24hours or something so the server doesn't have to generate it all the time?
rodalpho
2008-02-19, 20:01
Just run tools/Changelog/Changelog.py in your XBMC source dir to grab it live.
I don't actually run XBMC for linux, I just like tracking the changelog to see how its coming along. I guess that explains why no-one else is complaining though :)
if you really want to track the commits just subscribe to the xbmc-svn mailinglist
...could someone maybe host it as a .txt updated every 24hours or something...
I would be happy to see a summary posted ever couple months so that us less technical people can follow the progress and get an idea of when the time will be right for us to jump in and try it. By the way, it has been about two months since the last update.
I would be happy to see a summary posted ever couple months so that us less technical people can follow the progress and get an idea of when the time will be right for us to jump in and try it. By the way, it has been about two months since the last update.
Curious, what's stopping you from trying it now???? Honestly, it plays most any HD video I throw at it on my setup. If you have DVD ripped as ISO it will play those too I believe. It's not 100% polished and perfect but it's pretty usable right now. Is there some specific feature that's critical for you to make the attempt? My XBOX is only used for games and for playing my DVDs in VOB\IFO format. My HD-DVD rips are played on LinuXBMC as are all of my MP3 and downloaded video. <shrug>
Curious, what's stopping you from trying it now????...
Well, for example:
...we havn't got as far as making it easy for people :) we are still trying to work out the kinks. Makign a total simple install is for later
I know that it doesn't seem so difficult for a techie like you, but I looked into Linux a little and it left my head spinning. I don't even have an Intel computer yet, only an IBM cpu, a G5. I plan to give the Mac port a try. I'm not in a big rush because I would also like to see computer prices fall a little more too. Getting the horse power to play HD is still a little pricey.
I know that it doesn't seem so difficult for a techie like you, but I looked into Linux a little and it left my head spinning. I don't even have an Intel computer yet, only an IBM cpu, a G5. I plan to give the Mac port a try. I'm not in a big rush because I would also like to see computer prices fall a little more too. Getting the horse power to play HD is still a little pricey.
Currently, both the Linux and Mac ports of XBMC run only on x86 processors, so if your Mac is a G5, or specifically, if it's not an Intel based Leopard Mac, you're out of luck for the time being.
Even the G5 is a little marginal for HD playback especially since I always have other apps running in the background. I would get something newer and dedicated for an HTPC.
Meanwhile, I have a very nice (standard definition) set-up for recording TV shows and synchronized multi-room playback. I couldn't duplicate that in HD.
midgetspy
2008-03-05, 20:07
Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the right place to post but here's hoping :0)
I've been using XBMC for about a year now and I love it. I have an extensive Movie/TV library set up and I use it almost daily. Lately, though, I've been collecting some HD videos that I'm forced to play from my PC. This is a pain, so I'm buying a dedicated HTPC to do the job for me. I'm evaluating what I should use for playback and I'm wondering if XBMC Linux will do it for me at this stage of its development. I guess the easiest question to ask would be what does XBMC currently not do on Linux that it does on xbox? What features are missing?
Thanks,
Nic
rodalpho
2008-03-05, 20:57
Everything core works except python scripts, but it's not entirely stable, changing some options under video decoding will crash/freeze the program, it still has some references to the Xbox including game saves, there's no user friendly install, and it requires linux proficiency.
Gamester17
2008-03-05, 21:04
I guess the easiest question to ask would be what does XBMC currently not do on Linux that it does on xbox? What features are missing?Read http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Linux_port_project it should answer your questions, and no, this is not the right place to ask.
I'm evaluating what I should use for playback and I'm wondering if XBMC Linux will do it for me at this stage of its development.
I rediscovered XBMC Linux after 2 years of absence (No Xbox anymore) and I have to say, that it is the best x86 MediaCenter I have used for now! :grin: And this after extensively testing Windows MCE, Mediaportal and MythTv. Ok, if your into watching TV I cannot say, because i have an external PVR.
Ok, sometimes (rare for me) it freezes or crashes, but for these occasions I have a Button on the remote to restart it! :laugh:
Btw, thanks guys for this already *very* great port! I love it!
Everything core works except python scripts, but it's not entirely stable, changing some options under video decoding will crash/freeze the program, it still has some references to the Xbox including game saves, there's no user friendly install, and it requires linux proficiency.
Not entirely true with regard to core functions - DVD playback still doesn't work for me. If you have ripped DVD to an ISO format then you are probably good to go but I've ripped mine to IFO/VOB and the result at playback is perfect playback in a corner of the screen while the rest of the interface displays - it's like I've switched away from DVD playback mid-movie.:p
All in all though I find it to be pretty stable although since I build OFTEN that can vary. I keep a second install that is known good for those times when I want to watch something and it's not stable.
Since I cannot watch any of my DVDs I keep my old XBOX around. However if I wish to watch High-Def rips or downloaded content my Linux box gets the job and does it WELL. Since the question here is playing HD rips with the desire to skip the PC interface I'd ask - What format are these rips? If the content is a raw rip from BR or HD-DVD forget it. You will need to transcode the video - I'd suggest a MKV container with good sound and say an X264 compress to save space. This is what I do with my HD-DVD videos (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=135361) and just today I've received a Blu-Ray drive to start working with, now I need some content:eek:
Anyway, if ripped\compress content and downloaded stuff like TV shows is what you're after then XBMC rocks! If you've got tons of SD DVD in ISO format then that too ought to play great judging from other's posts. If it's IFO/VOB then hang onto the XBOX a little longer but go ahead and try XBMC on Linux - I've found nothing better.
Edit: Gah! - Yeah best to continue this elsewhere,say the successes thread vs sidetracking this thread.
lingenfr_xbmc
2008-04-02, 16:08
Curious, what's stopping you from trying it now????
Lack of a straightforward set of instructions.
1) Where to get the source? Just check out SVN or what?
2) Where to get the build script? Not on sourceforge or SVN, so where?
Seems that the team is doing all they can to dissuade users. Not complaining, just replying.
Lack of a straightforward set of instructions.
1) Where to get the source? Just check out SVN or what?
2) Where to get the build script? Not on sourceforge or SVN, so where?
Seems that the team is doing all they can to dissuade users. Not complaining, just replying.
I don't want too be rough, but read the MANUAL... first page, press XBMC for linux. there's howto compile and all. but for future reference, the README is better.
http://xbmc.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/*checkout*/xbmc/branches/linuxport/XBMC/README.linux
I don't want too be rough, but read the MANUAL... first page, press XBMC for linux. there's howto compile and all. but for future reference, the README is better.
Yes, but the manual and the readme also say:
Please understand that this Linux port project is not yet mature enough for a regular end-user to play with.
This is a very early port of XBMC to Linux. It's target is developers and not end-users.
So, both are telling me not to mess with XBMC for Linux yet. That is why people like me are here. We are following the progress of development, hopefully in a language we can understand, although a lot of geek talk is unavoidable on a topic like this. So, I hope that somebody who understands what is going on in development is willing to stop by this thread at least once every couple months to summarize what progress has been made and what is being worked on.
lingenfr_xbmc
2008-04-02, 18:39
topfs2 is correct, I should have read the manual. I also should have learned to program in c, python, write device drivers and ride fast without a saddle. I did read all the stickies in this forum and read the linux port info on the wiki. None of them answered my question. Is it too much to ask that the information be put in one of those places? At least a link to the manual? The assumption that everyone who asks this type of question is lazy is really not helpful. Regardless, thanks for the answer and the link you provided was informative.
rodalpho
2008-04-02, 19:16
Those links were written when XBMC for linux was in very early stages of development, way pre-alpha. We're in the testing stage for alpha 1 now, the first actual release of the program ever. But even alpha1 won't be recommended for unsophisticated end-users as it's not feature-complete.
As for the attitude of the devs, etc, welcome to open-source. These people aren't paid to help you, they're donating their time.
...even alpha1 won't be recommended for unsophisticated end-users...
Yep, that's me. That's why I'm waiting. I see that the developers plan to eventually write an easy install. I'm sure it wont seem very easy to me, but that would be a good time for me to jump in and test the waters.
rodalpho
2008-04-02, 21:19
The install is pretty simple right now, if you're linux savvy. It's just add the source to your sources.list and run "apt-get install xbmc". The program itself just isn't ready for prime time yet.
If you really want easy, check out the OSX port. Drag and drop.
It is pretty easy and installing Ubuntu isn't hard either. Sound and graphics setup can be a challenge but if using mainstream hardware it's not bad. Rodalpho what do you feel isn't really ready? With the exception of watching ripped DVD I use it for all of my video watching/MP3 and my issues with DVDs appear to be unique <shrug>
rodalpho
2008-04-03, 02:41
There are options that when selected repeatedly lock up the program, it still locks up intermittently during normal use, various spots refer to the xbox and saved games, the UI and settings are unfinished under system info, and of course the entire useless main menu "programs" item should be either removed or changed to run python scripts.
I use it every day myself, but it's not ready for widespread distribution.
7. Fixed crashes when streaming OGG music.
Hi yuvalt
XBMC still keeps locking up when i try to play an OGG file.
The files play fine in another mediaplayer.
Log:
17:06:22 T:3060709216 M:679833600 DEBUG: SECTION:LoadDLL(Q:\system\players\paplayer\vorbisf ile-i486-linux.so)
17:06:22 T:3060709216 M:679833600 DEBUG: Loading: /home/bram/XBMC/BUILD/system/players/paplayer/vorbisfile-i486-linux.so
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: Running thread 3011500944
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 WARNING: CreateFile, error 2 opening file </tmp/xbmc/04ca2df2.fi>, flags:800, mode:100.
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: Saving fileitems [/home/bram/Music/Barry White/The Ultimate Collection/]
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: -- items: 19, sort method: 0, ascending: false
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
17:06:22 T:3011500944 M:678719488 DEBUG: Thread 3011500944 terminating
17:06:22 T:3060709216 M:678719488 DEBUG: RetrieveMusicInfo() took 15 msec
17:06:22 T:3060709216 M:678719488 DEBUG: Sort, sorting took 0 millis
17:06:22 T:2923916176 M:678719488 DEBUG: Running thread 2923916176
17:06:22 T:2923916176 M:678719488 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:22 T:2932308880 M:678719488 DEBUG: Running thread 2932308880
17:06:22 T:2932308880 M:678719488 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:22 T:2940701584 M:678719488 DEBUG: Running thread 2940701584
17:06:22 T:2940701584 M:678719488 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:22 T:2923916176 M:678719488 DEBUG: staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
17:06:22 T:2923916176 M:678719488 DEBUG: Thread 2923916176 terminating
17:06:22 T:2932308880 M:678719488 DEBUG: staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
17:06:22 T:2932308880 M:678719488 DEBUG: Thread 2932308880 terminating
17:06:22 T:2940701584 M:678719488 DEBUG: staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
17:06:22 T:2940701584 M:678719488 DEBUG: Thread 2940701584 terminating
17:06:22 T:3060709216 M:678719488 DEBUG: Load /home/bram/XBMC/BUILD/skin/Vinci1/media/listfocus.png: 1.7ms
17:06:22 T:2949094288 M:678719488 DEBUG: Running thread 2949094288
17:06:22 T:2949094288 M:678719488 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:22 T:2949094288 M:678719488 DEBUG: staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
17:06:22 T:2949094288 M:678719488 DEBUG: Thread 2949094288 terminating
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:678662144 DEBUG: OnKey: 61480 pressed, action is 4
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:678662144 DEBUG: OnKey: 61480 pressed, action is 4
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:678662144 DEBUG: OnKey: 61453 pressed, action is 7
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:678662144 DEBUG: new file set audiostream:0
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:678662144 DEBUG: CPlayerCoreFactor::GetPlayers(/home/bram/Music/Barry White/The Ultimate Collection/02. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe.ogg)
17:06:23 T:3060709216 M:662507520 DEBUG: CFileCache::Open - opening </home/bram/Music/Barry White/The Ultimate Collection/02. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe.ogg> using cache
17:06:23 T:2897202064 M:662433792 DEBUG: Running thread 2897202064
17:06:23 T:2897202064 M:662433792 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
17:06:23 T:2897202064 M:662224896 DEBUG: Process, request seek on source to 6130384
17:06:23 T:2897202064 M:662224896 INFO: CFileCache::Process - Hit eof.
You might want to put the full log file onto pastebin.com and post a link here. An example Ogg passed to the developer would probably also help.
Gamester17
2008-04-05, 22:25
Please respect that this topic-thread is not for reposting bugs/issues or asking for new features/functions.
Don't make us lock it.
Lament Configuration
2008-06-22, 17:07
Spotted in the SVN:
"added .evo as support video format"
nice
UncleDirtNap
2008-06-23, 21:22
Total noob here so I this the wrong place I apologize.
So I have 2.1a2-hardy2 running on an updated install of Ubuntu 8.04 on a Core 2 Duo 3.0 ghz, 2 gb RAM with an ATI Radeon HD 2600 that I used EnvyNG to get the latest drivers for and I'm having a problem - XBMC runs but there's a persistent flashing that not only makes video playback choppy but interferes with mouse navigation.
I've looked at all the settings and nothing jumps out at me - is there anything I've missed or can try?
althekiller
2008-06-23, 21:40
Please see the post, two above yours...and please follow forum rules and DO NOT CROSS POST. You already have a thread with this question in it.
I agree Uncle's post was off-topic, but the last XBMC Linux port update was posted six months ago. All the posts since then have been kind of off-topic too.
althekiller
2008-06-24, 08:24
You're right, that's a great reason to high jack a thread.
Oh and linuxport is upgraded every couple hours by my count.
althekiller,
Neil meant the last update to the "Linux port updates" thread was 6 months ago, and every post since then has been off-topic. Not the last update to the Linux port itself.
The last informative update to this thread was on 2007-12-25 by yuvalt. The 40 or so posts since then have been off-topic.
But you're right, it's not a good reason to hijack a thread.
-Wes