View Full Version : [MAC] Integrate "Understudy" (a plugin for Front Row) into XBMC to implement Netflix?
jlslatton
2009-01-05, 21:19
So I've been searching for something in the way of an HTPC that will stream netflix, play DVDs, and play my home videos on my mac. The later two are wonderfully covered with XBMC for mac. However, lack of netflix has been a sore spot. Boxee seems to hit the spot in that area but they are alpha and quite buggy. Plex is ok but again, no netflix. I actually prefer XBMC for mac vice Plex.
Today, a buddy of mine tipped me off to "understudy."
http://code.google.com/p/understudy/
It's essentially a plugin for frontrow that enables streaming of Netflix and Hulu. I've yet to try it (at work) but I will certainly give it a shot tonight. However, I am no fan of frontrow and its lack of functionality.
Since understudy is opensource, how feasible is it now for the XBMC for mac team to come up with a streaming Netflix/Hulu solution? IMO, Netflix streaming functionality would be a big win for XBMC for mac.
Jeremy
jlslatton
2009-01-06, 00:53
Follow-up:
Understudy works surprising well. There are some kinks but overall I'm impressed.
My question still stands.
Thanks!
Jeremy
pcaddict
2009-01-06, 01:07
I hate to ask for instructions on installing Understudy but I am not too terribly proficient with OS X shell commands. I have tried installing with installer through ssh but am not having too much luck. Does the pkg need to be extracted in OS X then placed in the folders according to the 'Installing from source code' instructions on the Understudy page?
I appreciate your help,
Patrick
jlslatton
2009-01-06, 01:24
I just opened the package with StuffIt Expander. Installer started immediately after that. After it installs, you'll have an "Understudy" option in frontrow. You may have to use OSX 10.5 but that I'm not sure of...
Gamester17
2009-01-07, 00:20
Also see => http://xbmc.org/forum/tags.php?tag=netflix
Understudy is an outstanding plugin for Front Row on OS X 10.5.x. The code is is LGPL, and even on only three weeks old, it works great. Stream quality is good, functionality (integration of RSS feeds from Netflix and Hulu) makes life easy, integration tight. It's not complete of course, but even in its infancy it proves its value. Integrating it into the OS X version of XMBC should be a snap (spoken like a true non-programmer). Anyway, I wouldn't ignore this one XBMC folks...give it a shot and see for yourself.
Patrick,
As Jeremy already stated, you simply install it from the PKG file on the desktop. A couple of caveats (that got me):
1. You have to have Safari installed (I didn't)
2. You have to have OS X 10.5 (I didn't)
3. You need to login to your Netflix account on Safari (and leave Safari opened in the backrgound) before using Understudy.
4. You can find the RSS feeds (add them in the "manager" menu by copying the RSS url to your clipboard and using the "Copy from clipboard" function in Understudy) for Netflix (including Top lists, your Instant View Que, etc.) here: http://www.netflix.com/RSSFeeds
5. You can get RSS feeds for all of your favorite shows, new release lists, etc. from Hulu.
Anyway, enjoy. I watched a few shows/movies last night. Works GREAT! Wish it was integrated with XBMC.
I hate to ask for instructions on installing Understudy but I am not too terribly proficient with OS X shell commands. I have tried installing with installer through ssh but am not having too much luck. Does the pkg need to be extracted in OS X then placed in the folders according to the 'Installing from source code' instructions on the Understudy page?
I appreciate your help,
Patrick
Understudy is an outstanding plugin for Front Row on OS X 10.5.x. The code is is LGPL, and even on only three weeks old, it works great. Stream quality is good, functionality (integration of RSS feeds from Netflix and Hulu) makes life easy, integration tight. It's not complete of course, but even in its infancy it proves its value. Integrating it into the OS X version of XBMC should be a snap (spoken like a true non-programmer). Anyway, I wouldn't ignore this one XBMC folks...give it a shot and see for yourself.
It's being looked into but don't expect anything to appear overnight. :)
jlslatton
2009-01-07, 19:05
It's being looked into but don't expect anything to appear overnight. :)
Awesome! Thank you for the feedback :grin: Looking forward to it...
Gamester17
2009-01-07, 19:56
Which program language is the source code of this Understudy app written in? ???
http://code.google.com/p/understudy/source/checkout
Could it maybe be ported (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porting) to Python (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language)) so that it could be made into a plugin or script for XBMC (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Add-ons)?
http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=HOW-TO_write_plugins_for_XBMC
http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=HOW-TO_write_Python_Scripts
jlslatton
2009-01-07, 20:09
Looks like C to me but I'm not a programmer.
http://understudy.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/
jlslatton
2009-01-08, 02:30
Try object-c :)
hey...it had a "c" in it :P
I don't wanna sound too ignorant, but does this help?
http://pyobjc.sourceforge.net/
The PyObjC project aims to provide a bridge between the Python and Objective-C programming languages. The bridge is intended to be fully bidirectional, allowing the Python programmer to take full advantage of the power provided by various Objective-C based toolkits and the Objective-C programmer transparent access to Python based functionality.
I came across it when I was looking at how to write iPhone Apps with Python.