Thanks, man I might just take you up on it. Of course, I have to find a donor xbox or two first, but I'd appreciate any help I can get. This would save a good bit of money over going with two more PS3's....

you can buy them at your local gamestop store with a 30 day guarantee for $60...

Let me know when you want some help...

Sean

What do you guys do for storage? I don't rip that much but I do have a few TV Shows on demand which is awesome. I only have a 320GB internal but am going to run out soon. What are my best options?

Hmmm, when's the next time you will be in Raleigh (per your user info)? :)

If I want to add a bigger hard drive, does that get done after you first mod the Xbox with the factory HDD?

There are two excellent tutorials on Lifehacker that I used and I was able to softmod and upgrade my internal HDD to a 320GB.

"What do you guys do for storage?"

My Xboxs each have 120GB drives in them, but those are for storage of games and roms. All of my video is stored on various machines throughout my network, and I have the Xboxs set up to aggregate all the video to one single list. So if I need more storage, I just through a new drive into a computer, add it's SMB share location to my sources.xml, and the Xbox seamlessly takes care of the rest.

The biggest thing I do though is to throw stuff away when I am done watching it. :)

What do you guys do for storage? I don't rip that much but I do have a few TV Shows on demand which is awesome. I only have a 320GB internal but am going to run out soon. What are my best options?


I kept the original hard drive in the xbox and all media is stored on my network server. I have 2 xboxes and they each connect to the network server.

When I setup the 2nd xbox I ftp over the userdata folder from my 1st xbox. That saved me from having to re-setup the network media sources and scan the medio into the library for the 2nd xbox. I do have to add to the audio or video library new items to each xbox.

Sorry I forgot to mention that all my media is stored on my HTPC which is in a Zalman HTPC case. The issue is it only holds 2 HDDs, one of which is my OS. I was thinking of doing some sort of external NAS but I think that might be too expensive.

. As will recommendations for target resolution and codec.

Thanks.

Since you list 480P on your panny. I'll assume it's ED not HD.

In that case the res is 854 x 480. So nearest whole number multiple of 16 is 848. Which is what I recommend you scale all standard def DVD rips to for display on XBMC with that panny.

Get AutoGK and encode to XVID, keep original DTS and or DD5.1 sound tracks, and set the width to 848 wide. Go with standard quality '75' or specify the final file size (I usually shoot for 50-75% of original ripped vob size depending on content). You will likely notice some color banding on some material, and in dark areas if you over do it. But I've never seen macro blocking with these settings.

Play them back in XBMC using the original size option, and that should keep XBMC from doing any scaling at all. A weensy bit of overscan on XBMC gui set-up and those 848 pixels will fill the screen width wise.


As always YMMV.

Some how I managed to mess up my library and need help. The tracks were not playing, kept getting an error message so I rescanned my library. Now I have two of every track, one plays and one does not. Is there anyway to clear the bad tracks or get rid of everything and rescan?

I think in the system settings for XBMC there is a "Clean Library" option. I don't use Library mode myself, so that is my best guess to fix your issue. :)

Look in settings under video and music. There should be a library selection with choice to clean the library for both video and music.

Sorry I forgot to mention that all my media is stored on my HTPC which is in a Zalman HTPC case. The issue is it only holds 2 HDDs, one of which is my OS. I was thinking of doing some sort of external NAS but I think that might be too expensive.

I have 3 NAS's... Thecus N5200 (Garbage), Terastation, and Infrant ReadyNas X6.....

I highly recommend the Infrant solution. its got everything. its just expensive...

unraid is another popular option here and windows media server looks pretty good too....

Sean

Look in settings under video and music. There should be a library selection with choice to clean the library for both video and music.

and if that doesn't work goto into
XBMC_HOME/userdata/database/ and remove music.db

Seab

I have 3 NAS's... Thecus N5200 (Garbage), Terastation, and Infrant ReadyNas X6.....

I highly recommend the Infrant solution. its got everything. its just expensive...

unraid is another popular option here and windows media server looks pretty good too....

Sean

Holy crap that is expensive! I could build an entire PC for that much. I guess the cheapest solution for me would be to get a server case and transfer the PC into that. As a temporary solution I might get a 500GB Western Digital My Book.

Holy crap that is expensive! I could build an entire PC for that much. I guess the cheapest solution for me would be to get a server case and transfer the PC into that. As a temporary solution I might get a 500GB Western Digital My Book.

yes for $750 you can build a pc but you don't get the software...

your paying for the robust SW and the plug and play nature... if you want to tweak and fuss this solution is not for you. If you want to plug it in and forget it then this is the solution for you. I spend enough time hacking on most things in my house. I just wanted my file server to work and have features I wanted. EMail alerts that work, network recycle bin, snapshots.... Windows does not give you those features... There is no perfect answer. Its just about what you want....

Sean

yes for $750 you can build a pc but you don't get the software...

your paying for the robust SW and the plug and play nature... if you want to tweak and fuss this solution is not for you. If you want to plug it in and forget it then this is the solution for you. I spend enough time hacking on most things in my house. I just wanted my file server to work and have features I wanted. EMail alerts that work, network recycle bin, snapshots.... Windows does not give you those features... There is no perfect answer. Its just about what you want....

Sean

Amen, preach it.

+1

Read this...

http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=As_a_Dashboard


Krazies boots: e:\dashboard\default.xbe

so replace that file withthe shortcut described in the link above... Its quite straightforward... you might want to have AID or a Frostys recovery disc handy and bootable in case you screw it up so you can fix it. Always make sure you can run XBMC from the Evox, etc menu before switching it to be the default dash....

Cheers,
Sean
That did the trick. Thanks Sean.

yes for $750 you can build a pc but you don't get the software...

your paying for the robust SW and the plug and play nature... if you want to tweak and fuss this solution is not for you. If you want to plug it in and forget it then this is the solution for you. I spend enough time hacking on most things in my house. I just wanted my file server to work and have features I wanted. EMail alerts that work, network recycle bin, snapshots.... Windows does not give you those features... There is no perfect answer. Its just about what you want....

Sean

How about this one?

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/network-storage/terastation/terastation-live/

QUICK question - I am running the Dec 2007 2.0 build, and have the system connected to a Mits 55" widescreen which does 480p and 1080i. I have the 480p and 1080i enabled in the stock menu, and have the monster component interconnects. The XBMC video settings are set 'widescreen' and 480P. I am using the default player and filter set to 1. All looks good - - except I noticed the picture is 'soft' when compared to a DVD player playback on the same input on the TV. Also, the interlacing artifacts show up when we watch 'making of' stuff. The videos are streamed from ISOs on a Terastation.
Any ideas what I have missed? Or is it that the Xbox can only output 480i when in dvd playback mode?
Thanks in advance

QUICK question - I am running the Dec 2007 2.0 build, and have the system connected to a Mits 55" widescreen which does 480p and 1080i. I have the 480p and 1080i enabled in the stock menu, and have the monster component interconnects. The XBMC video settings are set 'widescreen' and 480P. I am using the default player and filter set to 1. All looks good - - except I noticed the picture is 'soft' when compared to a DVD player playback on the same input on the TV. Also, the interlacing artifacts show up when we watch 'making of' stuff. The videos are streamed from ISOs on a Terastation.
Any ideas what I have missed? Or is it that the Xbox can only output 480i when in dvd playback mode?
Thanks in advance

make sure soften is off. try the other resolution and interlace settings and see if any of them make a difference.... you could always try a newer build but that is not going to change much IMO.... also used the on screen display to make sure its not dropping frames...

on my TV's either 480i or 1080i yield best results...


Sean

How about this one?

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/network-storage/terastation/terastation-live/

I have an original terastation and its not fast and overly feature rich but its reliable and it works... Check the performance charts at smallnetbuilder and I beleive you will find the Terastation Pro is quite a bit faster for about the same money... Speed wont matter when streaming but it will make copying and ripping DVD's to the NAS much quicker...

Sean

I am having a weird issue. I upgraded XBMC this morning to the 4/20 version. I copied my userdata folder to my PC to back it up, then copied the new xbmc folder to the xbox overwriting everything. The program works fine but all the text is missing:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j84/Stryker412/screenshot000.jpg

Try just copying sources.xml over, not the whole userdata folder. Yeah, you'll have to rebuild the library and redo your settings, but at least you'll have text again. :)

I have an original terastation and its not fast and overly feature rich but its reliable and it works... Check the performance charts at smallnetbuilder and I beleive you will find the Terastation Pro is quite a bit faster for about the same money... Speed wont matter when streaming but it will make copying and ripping DVD's to the NAS much quicker...

Sean

Rip local, batch upload at night - way faster! A NAS really doesn't have to be super fast at all to stream even H.264 compressed HD content, multiple streams even...:cool:

"Rip local, batch upload at night"

This comes down to how much do you want to fiddle around, again. Why would I want to have to manage the media twice, when once will do?

I am having a weird issue. I upgraded XBMC this morning to the 4/20 version. I copied my userdata folder to my PC to back it up, then copied the new xbmc folder to the xbox overwriting everything. The program works fine but all the text is missing:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j84/Stryker412/screenshot000.jpg


Had the same problem and did exactly what DarkLordJames suggested and it worked fine on a box I was upgrading from like a 12/20 build just last week....

Sean

"Rip local, batch upload at night"

This comes down to how much do you want to fiddle around, again. Why would I want to have to manage the media twice, when once will do?

On my computers I can rip\compress a DVD local in a max of 15mins, if I rip to the network you can multiply that by at LEAST 4x. If you're just doing 5 DVDs by all means rip to a NAS in your spare time. I had\did 600+ DVDs and wanted to be done before I was old and gray.:rolleyes: I used multiple workstations all ripping local and it still took me quite a bit of time. Even the fastest NAS will be significantly slower than writing to a local drive.

How is ripping local and then uploading at night such a big hassle? Rip to a scratch partition and then before going to bed cut\paste the folders to an SMB share. If this is really too much effort for you then I cannot help but wonder how you manage to crawl out of bed in the morning.

Handle your media however you want but batching is hardly a task that requires massive amounts of organizational skills and it significantly speeds up the process - been there done that. I assumed we were talking about ripping more than a handful of DVDs.:confused:

"Rip local, batch upload at night"

This comes down to how much do you want to fiddle around, again. Why would I want to have to manage the media twice, when once will do?

Because with a slow NAS like the terastation it makes the process much faster if you just batch copy the ISO's etc when you are done ripping.... With the thecus there is no reason to bother its soo fast ripping straight to the NAS. But it has Almost 10x write throughput compared to the original terastation both on my GigE network. (Whole house is wired for GigE).

Sean

Because with a slow NAS like the terastation it makes the process much faster if you just batch copy the ISO's etc when you are done ripping.... With the thecus there is no reason to bother its soo fast ripping straight to the NAS. But it has Almost 10x write throughput compared to the original terastation both on my GigE network. (Whole house is wired for GigE).

Sean

What kind of write speeds exactly? Even ripping from one workstation to another - which is way faster than my NAS - I see slowdowns significant enough to make it a bad idea. Plus your network had better be rock solid, Windows seems better able to handle a glitch in a copy than it does with something like a compression or rip activity - I've tried both. One machine I've got compresses way faster than the others (more cores) so with HD media I copy it across to that box for compression and then off to the NAS when I goto bed or if compressing overnight I copy before heading for work :)

Um, guys. Yeah, I was arguing in favor of using good network storage versus using cheap network storage.

BLKMGK, I rip across my network all the time. Every Tuesday and Friday when Netflix comes in to be exact (purely for the convenience of watching when I want, then I throw it away when done). It takes the same 15 minutes to dump a movie to some other harddrive on my network as it does locally. No matter what, ripping to fast network storage is a lot less work that ripping to local, then moving around later.

Sean, I was backing up your earlier statement that for things like storage, you just want it to work. You don't want to fuss with it. :) BLKMGK seemed to be recommending putting up with slow storage. I merely asked "Why would you want to?".

Try just copying sources.xml over, not the whole userdata folder. Yeah, you'll have to rebuild the library and redo your settings, but at least you'll have text again. :)

Unfortunately that did not work. :(

You put the fresh Userdata folder back first, right? Just making sure. :)

Delete the whole XBMC folder, copy a brand new fresh version over (http://t3ch.yi.se/), then only copy sources.xml to the Userdata folder.

I just deleted the entire folder and started over, everything is working fine. I don't have that much media where it would cause grief but I did forget some of the custom scrapers I had installed which now I have to remember.

Unfortunately that did not work. :(

I also at the same time deleted these....

E:\TDATA\0face008\
E:\UDATA\0face008\

Docs say you dont need to do this anymore but its a old habit. see if that solves it....

Edit: nevermind I see you got it...

Sean

Um, guys. Yeah, I was arguing in favor of using good network storage versus using cheap network storage.

BLKMGK, I rip across my network all the time. Every Tuesday and Friday when Netflix comes in to be exact (purely for the convenience of watching when I want, then I throw it away when done). It takes the same 15 minutes to dump a movie to some other harddrive on my network as it does locally. No matter what, ripping to fast network storage is a lot less work that ripping to local, then moving around later.

Sean, I was backing up your earlier statement that for things like storage, you just want it to work. You don't want to fuss with it. :) BLKMGK seemed to be recommending putting up with slow storage. I merely asked "Why would you want to?".

sorry misunderstood... some people just want something cheap and choose a terastation...

Sean

What is the advantage of a dedicated network storage? With hard drives as large as they come now why not just throw a few drives in your desktop or a few networked pc's?

What is the advantage of a dedicated network storage? With hard drives as large as they come now why not just throw a few drives in your desktop or a few networked pc's?

There are many... Here's what matters to me.

1. less maintanence
2. no viruses
3. reliability
4. Raid-5
5. never having your movies or music stop because you had to reboot your PC to install some SW/Update
6. Features you dont get on windows (Email Alerts, Network Recycle Bin, Snapshots)
7. Headless operation. All my NAS's are headless and put in a closet in the basement where you wont here any noise they make....
8. Power Consumption

Sean

"What is the advantage of a dedicated network storage?"

As far as I can tell? None for XBMC. :) Since XBMC will aggregate sources in to one list, you can have stuff spread all around your network and have it show up as one source in XBMC. I guess it saves you from needing your computer(s) on at all times, but in colder climates like mine, there is no disadvantage to leaving the machines on constantly.

The Apple Trailers plugin has never worked for me for some reason. I just tried it again and the first time it said failed too many *something* queued. I tried it again after that and it froze my XBOX. :(

Could anyone refresh my memory on how to add scrapers? I found the one I was using before (Thetvdb.com) but can't remember how to add it. It was a text entry somewhere right? Also, since I already scanned my shows using the tv.com scraper should I clear all that data out so as not to cause conflicts if I switch scrapers or will it be ok?

The Apple Trailers plugin has never worked for me for some reason. I just tried it again and the first time it said failed too many *something* queued. I tried it again after that and it froze my XBOX. :(

Could anyone refresh my memory on how to add scrapers? I found the one I was using before (Thetvdb.com) but can't remember how to add it. It was a text entry somewhere right? Also, since I already scanned my shows using the tv.com scraper should I clear all that data out so as not to cause conflicts if I switch scrapers or will it be ok?

sorry never added a scaper... you should try here.....

http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=TheTVDB.com_%28Video_Library%29

Sean

What is the advantage of a dedicated network storage? With hard drives as large as they come now why not just throw a few drives in your desktop or a few networked pc's?

There are many... Here's what matters to me.

1. less maintanence
2. no viruses
3. reliability
4. Raid-5
5. never having your movies or music stop because you had to reboot your PC to install some SW/Update
6. Features you dont get on windows (Email Alerts, Network Recycle Bin, Snapshots)
7. Headless operation. All my NAS's are headless and put in a closet in the basement where you wont here any noise they make....
8. Power Consumption

Sean

Gotcha. Most of those don't really matter to me with the exception of maybe Raid. Also, thanks for the tip on deleting the database file. That worked.

What are some good scripts to DL?

Quick update on my playback issues - The Xbox definitely looks 'soft' compared to my DVd stand-alone player. I have adjusted the video settings, and am using the default DVD player. So now I'm going to experiment with the other settings (such as filter) to see if it improves.
This is still the 'go-to' box for the family - love the capability of getting the Apple movie trailers!!! Go Iron Man!

saw iron man wednesday night. awsome movie...best comic book movie in a while.

I just ran into the 4096 files in one folder issue...
I am using my box primarily for playing mp3s out in the garage. I sometimes put movies on in the background too, but 90% is for having my music without commercials while I work out there.
I have on the order of 120G of music that spans many types of music.
I put most of my files into Genre folders, so when I would play, I'd have to pick the folder (and also the Genre) I wanted. Lately I've been getting tired of always getting only one Genre at a time so I started yanking the songs in the Genre folders up to the parent directory. Well, it stopped me at 4096.

So my question is this, is there a way to have XBMC play ALL songs within an entire drive letter (on random)? Suggestions for how to structure my folders?

Is there a way around the 4096 file limitation?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

If you are on a folder and hit PLAY, then it plays everything inside that folder recursively. I use it all the time when I want to listen to an artist, but not a specific album.

One thing I would really like is keyword search for pictures. I would love to type "kid's name" and "Birthday" and get all their birthday pictures.

Look into library mode. It may support tagging.

EDIT: Nevermind. :) I just researched it, and nope. Library mode isn't even available for pictures. :(

I upgraded to the 4/20 version. For some reason my audio and video menu during video playback is blank on all my skins except PM3. Anyone else run into an issue like this before?

I upgraded to the 4/20 version. For some reason my audio and video menu during video playback is blank on all my skins except PM3. Anyone else run into an issue like this before?

yes, the userdata folder needs to be deleted and just replace the essential XML files and then rebuilt.....

Sean

Hi All,

Anyone know what the new remote events settings in XBMC are for. There is a new settings menu for this. Spent some time googling and can find no mention of it anywhere. A few posts on xbox scene asking the same question and no replies....


BTW: There is a t3CH 5/4/2008 build posted.....

Sean

I just ran into the 4096 files in one folder issue...
I am using my box primarily for playing mp3s out in the garage. I sometimes put movies on in the background too, but 90% is for having my music without commercials while I work out there.
I have on the order of 120G of music that spans many types of music.
I put most of my files into Genre folders, so when I would play, I'd have to pick the folder (and also the Genre) I wanted. Lately I've been getting tired of always getting only one Genre at a time so I started yanking the songs in the Genre folders up to the parent directory. Well, it stopped me at 4096.

So my question is this, is there a way to have XBMC play ALL songs within an entire drive letter (on random)? Suggestions for how to structure my folders?

Is there a way around the 4096 file limitation?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

The 4096 file limitation is likely due to memory restrictions. If you don't have a whole lot more songs you can try reducing the memory usage of the box ( decrease the resolution, cache and turn off animations)

Otherwise, there are two ways to accomplish what you want

1) use party mode. This will play ALL the songs in your library in random order and is not limited by the 4096.
2) Use smart playlists- this is the most powerful as you can make innumerable combinations to suite your mood but does take a little effort

Kupe

My Xbox isn't modded yet, but I plan to do a softmod hopefully soon. The fan noise while the system is powered up is pretty loud - during games it's not a big deal, but I'm sure I would find it distracting during movies or music (side note - my Toshiba HD-A2 HDDVD player also has some fan noise which bugs me).

I've read about the ability of XBMC to vary the fan speed. Is this something you can do even with a softmod, or does it require a mod chip?

I know there are options such as replacing the fan entirely, but this is already turning into a more expensive system than I planned!

My Xbox isn't modded yet, but I plan to do a softmod hopefully soon. The fan noise while the system is powered up is pretty loud - during games it's not a big deal, but I'm sure I would find it distracting during movies or music (side note - my Toshiba HD-A2 HDDVD player also has some fan noise which bugs me).

I've read about the ability of XBMC to vary the fan speed. Is this something you can do even with a softmod, or does it require a mod chip?

I know there are options such as replacing the fan entirely, but this is already turning into a more expensive system than I planned!

Within XBMC you can select either a default % for how fast to run the fan or select the fan to be controlled by the temperature of the CPU or GPU. I'm using the controlled by temperature method. When you start up the xbox the fan is really loud, but when XBMC loads the fan slows down.

I have one xbox in a cabinet and that is also a good option. The cabinet has a glass front so the DVD remote works, but I can't hear a sound out of the xbox.

yes, the userdata folder needs to be deleted and just replace the essential XML files and then rebuilt.....

Sean

Thanks, I'll have to give it a try when I get back into town.

I'm reading about issues with 5.1 output in the latest builds of XBMC. It seems many of the speakers have been switched around. Anyone else experience this?

Finally did my softmod and XBMC install last night. It went pretty smoothly just from following some of the online how-to's. Configuration is proving a little more difficult so far - I'm sure most of it is just because I'm not familiar with everything yet.

Some questions/comments:

1) TV output is for some reason set to 480i 4x3 even though my MS dash
and UnleashX both have all the HD resolutions enabled and I am on a
16x9 TV. Is it just a skin thing? Any recommendations for a good HDTV (720p or 1080i) skin? I like the default PMIII look. but not sure if it works OK with 16x9 HDTV?

2) Having more trouble than I expected setting up my shares. I'm sure
there is a way to tell it to always use folder \\share\photos for my
photos, as opposed to having to go through workgroup->server-> folder
menus every time, for example

3) Way to change the Xbox scene RSS Feed in the main menu to something like CNN? (I found some links for how to do this, just need to try it)

4) From XBMC, if I select exit to dash, it goes to MS instead of UnleashX
for some reason. And when that happens, as best as I can tell, MS
somehow temporarily disables my network access from the Xbox. I'm on
a wireless bridge and when I do exit to dash I get a msg saying
something like "When you are connected to a network, your Xbox may
download firmware updates and patches" and then my network access
dies. It happened twice and I just had to power off my wireless
bridge for a minute to get back up and running.

5) Some of the scripts don't work, but I'm sure that is because my
release is outdated - it's the T3CH stable release from a year or more
ago

6) Need to set XBMC as default dash

7) Last night I had some network shares working (by navigating through the workgroup) but this morning it gave an error trying to connect. Weird thing is I can still browse through the shares with the Explorer-type window, but can't connect to actually view or play files. Probably goes back to setting up my shares correctly.

8) What are people using for a target CPU temperature with the auto fan speed setting?

I'm sure I'll have more questions!

You should give the latest T3CH version a try. However, currently the weather lookup is broken. It should be fixed in the next T3CH version that will be released in about 2 weeks.

Good day to all,

today i discovered what its possible to do with the old Xbox. I was buyng the Popcorn Hour, but fore my actual need, no TV HD but a good crt, i think is better this solution.
I searched in my city, Rome, to find a 2nd end console. I can find for about 80-100 euro. I m worry ti get a bad console, i mean with degratated laser or smt else.
What i have to check when i take it?
I promise i will read, little by little, all this thread, but now if somebody can try answer sm my question, it could be great.

1) I never own an Xbox, so im worry i can get problem to transform in a good mediacenter. Isnt'it?
2) Its the best solution this Xbox for put all my DVD and pics on an HD to see on my Crt, surfing as on the mediaportal (or similar)?
3) From what i red in this thread(i just started :)) it seems i can make cover of my dvd etc etc, which frontend do u suggest it could be better actually? XBMC? It works even with MKV files?
4) Can i use external USB Hard disk?
5) WHich HD do u suggest to put inside?
6) Mkv (h.264) can be played on my TV (svideo)?
7) Cause i will take an old Xbox, there are some Mod that is better i dont take?
8) Which cable i need to connect the xbox to my Tv (Trinitron wide 32" with RGB on Scart and svideo)
9) Whcih remote control is better for use Xbox as Mediacenter?
10) Suggestion in general?

Many thanks to all and sorry for my terrible english and all my requests

Alex

You should give the latest T3CH version a try. However, currently the weather lookup is broken. It should be fixed in the next T3CH version that will be released in about 2 weeks.

Yeah, I plan to. I just started with the stable version based on some recommendations for people new to XBMC. Other than the script issue I am having, would the latest version help with any of the other questions I had - such as the video setting? My assumption (perhaps incorrect) was that basic functionality would be the same in the old vs. new releases, but little things like the scripts are mostly what get tweaked.

Also - I see the skin Ja Phule has some screenshots of in this thread (skin is now called Aeon) and it looks awesome! May have to give that one a try.

Yeah, I plan to. I just started with the stable version based on some recommendations for people new to XBMC. Other than the script issue I am having, would the latest version help with any of the other questions I had - such as the video setting? My assumption (perhaps incorrect) was that basic functionality would be the same in the old vs. new releases, but little things like the scripts are mostly what get tweaked.

Also - I see the skin Ja Phule has some screenshots of in this thread (skin is now called Aeon) and it looks awesome! May have to give that one a try.

I followed the same recommendation to start with the stable version. I used it for about 2 days and upgraded to the latest version. If I did it over again I would just start with the latest version.

"I like the default PMIII look. but not sure if it works OK with 16x9 HDTV?"

PM3 is the only skin for XBMC worth anything. It also works wonderfully with 16:9. Even if you are hooking up to a 1080i/p display, do yourself a favor and run XBMC in 720p. The Xbox only had 64MB to work with and the jump to 1080i eats up roughly 15MB more in my experience. This leads to bad things happening sometimes. :)

Resolution settings are in XBMC's settings menu. You just have to find the option. Your MS dashboard does need to be set to allow 720p/480p and 16:9 in order for XBMC to give you those options to select from.

Good day to all,

today i discovered what its possible to do with the old Xbox. I was buyng the Popcorn Hour, but fore my actual need, no TV HD but a good crt, i think is better this solution.
I searched in my city, Rome, to find a 2nd end console. I can find for about 80-100 euro. I m worry ti get a bad console, i mean with degratated laser or smt else.
What i have to check when i take it?
I promise i will read, little by little, all this thread, but now if somebody can try answer sm my question, it could be great.

1) I never own an Xbox, so im worry i can get problem to transform in a good mediacenter. Isnt'it?
2) Its the best solution this Xbox for put all my DVD and pics on an HD to see on my Crt, surfing as on the mediaportal (or similar)?
3) From what i red in this thread(i just started :)) it seems i can make cover of my dvd etc etc, which frontend do u suggest it could be better actually? XBMC? It works even with MKV files?
4) Can i use external USB Hard disk?
5) WHich HD do u suggest to put inside?
6) Mkv (h.264) can be played on my TV (svideo)?
7) Cause i will take an old Xbox, there are some Mod that is better i dont take?
8) Which cable i need to connect the xbox to my Tv (Trinitron wide 32" with RGB on Scart and svideo)
9) Whcih remote control is better for use Xbox as Mediacenter?
10) Suggestion in general?

Many thanks to all and sorry for my terrible english and all my requests

Alex

I will TRY to answer your questions as best I can.

1) Not sure of the question. Yes, XBMC is a good media center. No it's not real hard to convert an XBOX but if this is your first getting help wouldn't hurt.
2) Yes you can put all of your DVD on to disk and watch them. It would probably be easiest to put them on a server and watch them over the network if you have many of them though.
3) Yes, XBMC can display the DVD cover and information about the movie. It will do this with the out of the box interface when setup correctly. Put each movie in a folder with the DVD name as the folder name and tell XBMC to look it up on the WEB, it will download the cover art etc.
4) No I do not think you can use an external USB disk. A networked comptuer works best or you can fit the XBOX with a larger drive which can be harder.
5) Most any IDE drive can be used but unless you are doing a hardware mod chip this is harder to setup. Others can better explain this.
6) H.264 MKV can be played but be careful of the bitrate! 720P is about the best the XBOX can do and H.264 is processor intensive itself. You may not find that this works well as the XBOX only has a 733mhz P3 inside. I use my XBOX for normal DVD resolution.
7) I'm not sure what you're asking here.
8) An S-video adapter made for the XBOX would probably work best.
9) The XBOX DVD remote would probably be the best or a wireless XBOX controller.
10) General suggestions? You might want to take a look at XBMC for Linux (http://xbmc.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=52). This will provide greater flexibility and an upgrade path for the future.

Hope that helps some!

"H.264 MKV can be played but be careful of the bitrate! 720P is about the best the XBOX can do and H.264 is processor intensive itself."

Hey, woah! XBMC chokes hard on 720p MKV. We're talking somewhere around 2 frames a second. Yes, the Xbox can mostly handle 720p MPEG2, but not anything any more complicated at 720p. 540p is about the most you can get out of MPEG4 in XBMC, and then only the less complicated MPEG4 variants. You'd be lucky for 480p H264 MKVs to decode fast enough on the machien.

"I like the default PMIII look. but not sure if it works OK with 16x9 HDTV?"

PM3 is the only skin for XBMC worth anything. It also works wonderfully with 16:9. Even if you are hooking up to a 1080i/p display, do yourself a favor and run XBMC in 720p. The Xbox only had 64MB to work with and the jump to 1080i eats up roughly 15MB more in my experience. This leads to bad things happening sometimes. :)

Resolution settings are in XBMC's settings menu. You just have to find the option. Your MS dashboard does need to be set to allow 720p/480p and 16:9 in order for XBMC to give you those options to select from.

Thanks - I just upgraded to the latest T3CH build and now I see the options to enable widescreen and higher resolutions. For some reason when I go into Photos, the choices on the left side overlap the drive selections. Doesn't happen with videos or music.

1080i looks pretty good except text is just the slightest bit blurry when you get up close to the TV. 720p for some reason is VERY blurry. I'll try to get some screenshots.

Not sure why 720p would be blurry. Question - on the setting for normal/letterbox/widescreen - I assume I set this to widescreen, and then set 720p 16x9 in the appearance settings?

Still having some trouble with Apple trailers. It downloaded all of the summaries but won't play any - something about too many failed attempts?

And currently I am in the Youtube script menu and can't get out! Going to have to reboot again I think - but I am in the middle of adding all of my music to the library, so I'll wait till that is done.

"H.264 MKV can be played but be careful of the bitrate! 720P is about the best the XBOX can do and H.264 is processor intensive itself."

Hey, woah! XBMC chokes hard on 720p MKV. We're talking somewhere around 2 frames a second. Yes, the Xbox can mostly handle 720p MPEG2, but not anything any more complicated at 720p. 540p is about the most you can get out of MPEG4 in XBMC, and then only the less complicated MPEG4 variants. You'd be lucky for 480p H264 MKVs to decode fast enough on the machien.

Ah, thanks for the correction! I know I'd seen 720P on my box but honestly anything other than DVDs are being played on my Linux XBMC box these days.:cool:

"Question - on the setting for normal/letterbox/widescreen - I assume I set this to widescreen, and then set 720p 16x9 in the appearance settings?"

That sounds right! :) I don't know why it would look blurry at 720p for you though. Really, you do want 720p if it can be. 1080i is okay for pictures and music, but when playing video you run out of RAM at 1080i real quick. Even something as simple as DVD playback tends to start dropping frames at 1080i due to the RAM restrictions.

I will TRY to answer your questions as best I can.

1) Not sure of the question. Yes, XBMC is a good media center. No it's not real hard to convert an XBOX but if this is your first getting help wouldn't hurt.
2) Yes you can put all of your DVD on to disk and watch them. It would probably be easiest to put them on a server and watch them over the network if you have many of them though.
3) Yes, XBMC can display the DVD cover and information about the movie. It will do this with the out of the box interface when setup correctly. Put each movie in a folder with the DVD name as the folder name and tell XBMC to look it up on the WEB, it will download the cover art etc.
4) No I do not think you can use an external USB disk. A networked comptuer works best or you can fit the XBOX with a larger drive which can be harder.
5) Most any IDE drive can be used but unless you are doing a hardware mod chip this is harder to setup. Others can better explain this.
6) H.264 MKV can be played but be careful of the bitrate! 720P is about the best the XBOX can do and H.264 is processor intensive itself. You may not find that this works well as the XBOX only has a 733mhz P3 inside. I use my XBOX for normal DVD resolution.
7) I'm not sure what you're asking here.
8) An S-video adapter made for the XBOX would probably work best.
9) The XBOX DVD remote would probably be the best or a wireless XBOX controller.
10) General suggestions? You might want to take a look at XBMC for Linux (http://xbmc.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=52). This will provide greater flexibility and an upgrade path for the future.

Hope that helps some!


Great!!! really thanks!!! U removed nearly all my doubts.

About the question 7), i meant that if its better take a 2nd hand console withouth chip Mod and then i make a software mod by myself, or is better take a just modified consolle with a particular Mod (pe Aladdin or...)

If u dont mind i ask other 3 things

1) Is it possible use a Nas as the Synology Ds107? Or which way is better to collect all my pics and original DVD?
2) From what i know RGB is better than svideo, u suggest svidoo, so Rgb with Xbox is worste than svideo?
3) "watch them over the network ...." can be wifi too? I have a router USR9108...

Many thanks for patience to all

Alessandro

"H.264 MKV can be played but be careful of the bitrate! 720P is about the best the XBOX can do and H.264 is processor intensive itself."

Hey, woah! XBMC chokes hard on 720p MKV. We're talking somewhere around 2 frames a second. Yes, the Xbox can mostly handle 720p MPEG2, but not anything any more complicated at 720p. 540p is about the most you can get out of MPEG4 in XBMC, and then only the less complicated MPEG4 variants. You'd be lucky for 480p H264 MKVs to decode fast enough on the machien.

hello,

so if i have a 720p mkv i have to reduce to 540p? there is an automatic good way or is better foregt it? :)

Thanks

Alessandro

It's just not worth it. For something like a TV show, just get the 360p version instead. :)

It's just not worth it. For something like a TV show, just get the 360p version instead. :)

Sorry, i didnt understand, can you explain better? You mean than on a crt, even good, i cant get better than 360p? :confused:

Thanks

Alessandro

About the question 7), i meant that if its better take a 2nd hand console withouth chip Mod and then i make a software mod by myself, or is better take a just modified consolle with a particular Mod (pe Aladdin or...)

1) Is it possible use a Nas as the Synology Ds107? Or which way is better to collect all my pics and original DVD?
2) From what i know RGB is better than svideo, u suggest svidoo, so Rgb with Xbox is worste than svideo?
3) "watch them over the network ...." can be wifi too? I have a router USR9108...


7) get one premodded and preconfigured the way you want it from someone who has done many (PM me and I can refer you)

1) any NAS that provides SMB or FTP file access will work
2) RGB > s-video, so use that if your set supports it
3) 802.11G is plenty for streaming video, as long as the signal strength/quality are good. I stream DVD ISOs wirelessly w/o issues


so if i have a 720p mkv i have to reduce to 540p? there is an automatic good way or is better foregt it? :)


reduce it to 480p using AutoMKV, or just download the standard-definition version.

sorry, its always me that bother:confused:

I have a router wifi usr9108a, what i need and how to connect the xbox using wifi?

thanks to all

Alessandro

sorry, its always me that bother:confused:

I have a router wifi usr9108a, what i need and how to connect the xbox using wifi?

thanks to all

Alessandro

Here is a buy it and plug it in method
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xboxwirelessadapter/

And here is a DIY method
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/223/62/

I used neither. I use cat 5e to hardwire my xbox to my network.

And here is a DIY method
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/223/62/


Wow, that's pretty clever. I went the simpler route and just hooked up the Xbox to a wireless bridge that I've had for a while.

So far, I'm not sold on the latest build of T3CH XBMC. It seems slower and locks up more than the stable release. I know "stable" means just that, so I expect some issues with the newer releases, but I guess there are more than I expected so far. It's also possible it is just something in my setup not tweaked right.

So far, I'm not sold on the latest build of T3CH XBMC. It seems slower and locks up more than the stable release. I know "stable" means just that, so I expect some issues with the newer releases, but I guess there are more than I expected so far. It's also possible it is just something in my setup not tweaked right.

I've never had a lockup besides when automatically scanning my music files into the music library. What do you think is causing the lockups?

Here is a buy it and plug it in method
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xboxwirelessadapter/

And here is a DIY method
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/223/62/

I used neither. I use cat 5e to hardwire my xbox to my network.

My God, i didnt think could be so difficult or expensive. No way use a simple usb wifi pen?

thanks

Alessandro

After a reaseach in Rome i found

1) 2nd hand Xbox with soft mod, 2 joypad, 1wireless joypad, HD 40gb, sm games = 100 euro
2) 2nd hand xbox, Mod Aladdin, OS EVox, HD40GB, 2 original joy, sm games = 100 euro
3) New Xbox at shop = 90 euro

WHich one do u suggest? I dont think i can modify it bymyself, i red but its no so easy

thanks again to all

Alex

I've never had a lockup besides when automatically scanning my music files into the music library. What do you think is causing the lockups?

Part of it seems to be the scripts I'm trying to use. I just installed CNN and PBS Frontline from xbmcscripts.com, and neither works. The PBS one gets me a list of shows but when I select one, it never plays and just hangs. CNN hangs trying to get the list of videos. It's possible both are just outdated?

I've had other random hangs trying to access things like pictures and music. Going into my photos takes a long time for some reason - the little "working" icon in the top right just spins and spins. Maybe it is adding thumbnails or something?

I took some screenshots to try to show the blurry output of 720p but it doesn't look so bad in a screenshot. On the TV it is really blurry though.

Here's the issue I mentioned earlier with the menus overlapping in Photos - do you see this? I don't have this problem on videos or music. I see this in either 1080i or 720p.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/txhokie/2479281410/

I need to write up a list of my issues / questions and start working through them, I guess.

For only 10 Euro more I'd go with the chipped box myself. Softmods are harder to swap to larger HDD I think, you can find used games and wireless controllers easily enough.

I used wired networking myself - no chance of a stray microwave or other radio source screwing up my movie :P

There are also several wireless bridges that you can use for the xbox. I know people have had success with the Buffalo and Dlink bridges.

So I did some more troubleshooting and it turns out the G cable of my component cables was slightly unplugged from the Xbox AV pack. Plugged it in tight and 720p looks good - not quite as good as 1080i, but I can live with the 720p if it means more RAM available for applications. Hopefully it will stay plugged in now and not work itself out again.

I'm still wondering if anyone else sees the overlapping menus in the Pictures screen? I don't see it in music or videos. As shown here:

http://flickr.com/photos/txhokie/2479281410/

I do still have some unexplained lockups. For example last night I was showing my wife how you could stream MP3s and view our photos in a slideshow at the same time. It was working for a bit, then the music stopped and the screen went completely black. I had to reset with the power button to get it working again. And very few of the scripts I've tried actually work - PBS, Comedy Central, CNN... anyone have these working? Do the websites just change their format too fast for the scripts to stay current?

I have never had any luck with scripts. In general they seem to be badly programmed, but also pushing XBMC past the point of efficiency on the Xbox. Too slow for too little usefulness.

As for your weird other problems, I would say start over.

http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Uninstalling_XBMC

Do a full uninstall, then update to the newest SVN version.

http://t3ch.yi.se/

So I did some more troubleshooting and it turns out the G cable of my component cables was slightly unplugged from the Xbox AV pack. Plugged it in tight and 720p looks good - not quite as good as 1080i, but I can live with the 720p if it means more RAM available for applications. Hopefully it will stay plugged in now and not work itself out again.

I'm still wondering if anyone else sees the overlapping menus in the Pictures screen? I don't see it in music or videos. As shown here:

http://flickr.com/photos/txhokie/2479281410/

I do still have some unexplained lockups. For example last night I was showing my wife how you could stream MP3s and view our photos in a slideshow at the same time. It was working for a bit, then the music stopped and the screen went completely black. I had to reset with the power button to get it working again. And very few of the scripts I've tried actually work - PBS, Comedy Central, CNN... anyone have these working? Do the websites just change their format too fast for the scripts to stay current?

never seem anything like that. I also suggest reload... Did you figure out how to setup the sources.xml to point to your paths... slowness bringing up folders is almost always a network or fileserver performance issue. It should be snappy....

be glad to help out more when I get back from asia. writing this from the singapore airport on my way to china...

cheers,
Sean

never seem anything like that. I also suggest reload... Did you figure out how to setup the sources.xml to point to your paths... slowness bringing up folders is almost always a network or fileserver performance issue. It should be snappy....

be glad to help out more when I get back from asia. writing this from the singapore airport on my way to china...

cheers,
Sean

Thanks guys, I'll probably do an uninstall and install the latest SVN when it's out in a few days. I think part of my troubles may have been related to running in 1080i and memory issues. Last night I ran MP3s with a photo slideshow for a while and had no issues (now running 720p). I do have one repeatable problem on music, though.

When I switch to library mode, it works great unless I go the menu setting on the left that says "Switch View". Once I am on that choice, I can't leave it! I can click on it and toggle between Files and Library, but I can't go up or down to the other choices. Very strange. I have to go back into File mode, then exit Music, then back in and change back again to library mode.

I still need to figure out the best way to organize movies. I have so far tried 1 in ISO and 1 in VIDEO_TS folders. The ISO loads almost immediately, while the VIDEO_TS (with VOBs inside) took almost a minute. Based on that I'm leaning towards ISO, but it means one more step in the ripping process.

Overall I'm happy with XBMC, I just need to finish tweaking some things, and probably give up on some of the scripts I was hoping to use. Of course they aren't deal-breakers, but CNN, Comedy Central, and PBS would have been really cool.

Thanks guys, I'll probably do an uninstall and install the latest SVN when it's out in a few days. I think part of my troubles may have been related to running in 1080i and memory issues. Last night I ran MP3s with a photo slideshow for a while and had no issues (now running 720p). I do have one repeatable problem on music, though.

When I switch to library mode, it works great unless I go the menu setting on the left that says "Switch View". Once I am on that choice, I can't leave it! I can click on it and toggle between Files and Library, but I can't go up or down to the other choices. Very strange. I have to go back into File mode, then exit Music, then back in and change back again to library mode.

I still need to figure out the best way to organize movies. I have so far tried 1 in ISO and 1 in VIDEO_TS folders. The ISO loads almost immediately, while the VIDEO_TS (with VOBs inside) took almost a minute. Based on that I'm leaning towards ISO, but it means one more step in the ripping process.

Overall I'm happy with XBMC, I just need to finish tweaking some things, and probably give up on some of the scripts I was hoping to use. Of course they aren't deal-breakers, but CNN, Comedy Central, and PBS would have been really cool.


sounds like you have a bad build. is that navigation issue with the xbox controller or IR remote. Either way never seen that issue...

ISO's are better. the fact that video_ts folders take a minute to play is indicating a slow network or file server as I suggested earlier. On either of my 2 different home networks. ISO's are immediate and Video_ts folders take 8 seconds...

maybe once you find a a stable version you can get some of the scripts to run. I generally have so so luck with most of the scripts. Some work quite well like XBMC lyrics and youtube and others like the AppleTrailers script seems to be broken more often than not...

Cheers,
Sean

"Based on that I'm leaning towards ISO, but it means one more step in the ripping process."

The DVDfab ripper would be the ripper of choice these days, and it will rip directly to ISO.

sounds like you have a bad build. is that navigation issue with the xbox controller or IR remote. Either way never seen that issue...

ISO's are better. the fact that video_ts folders take a minute to play is indicating a slow network or file server as I suggested earlier. On either of my 2 different home networks. ISO's are immediate and Video_ts folders take 8 seconds...

maybe once you find a a stable version you can get some of the scripts to run. I generally have so so luck with most of the scripts. Some work quite well like XBMC lyrics and youtube and others like the AppleTrailers script seems to be broken more often than not...

Cheers,
Sean

Hey Sean,

Looks like we are both surfing AVS from an airport - I'm sitting in O'Hare right now. I am using a wireless Xbox controller, I don't have the DVD kit (haven't decided yet if it's worth it). I'm sure my network is not the fastest - the Xbox is connected with a wireless bridge to a mixed b/g network. Once something is selected, the streaming is fine. I haven't seen any skips or anything but I haven't sat and watched an entire movie via streaming yet.

I tried XBMC lyrics and didn't have good luck with that one either. It pulled up the list where I had to choose the song (I thought it would automatically recognize the song from the tags?) and once I selected the song, it gave some error about lyrics not found or whatever.

James - I use the free version of DVDFab, do you know if it also rips directly to ISO? I've always ripped to VIDEO_TS, then used DVDShrink & DVDDecryptor to burn if needed.


Thanks again for the help guys, I'll give reinstalling a shot once I'm back home. By then the next T3CH build should be out!

Hey Sean,

Looks like we are both surfing AVS from an airport - I'm sitting in O'Hare right now. I am using a wireless Xbox controller, I don't have the DVD kit (haven't decided yet if it's worth it). I'm sure my network is not the fastest - the Xbox is connected with a wireless bridge to a mixed b/g network. Once something is selected, the streaming is fine. I haven't seen any skips or anything but I haven't sat and watched an entire movie via streaming yet.

I tried XBMC lyrics and didn't have good luck with that one either. It pulled up the list where I had to choose the song (I thought it would automatically recognize the song from the tags?) and once I selected the song, it gave some error about lyrics not found or whatever.

James - I use the free version of DVDFab, do you know if it also rips directly to ISO? I've always ripped to VIDEO_TS, then used DVDShrink & DVDDecryptor to burn if needed.


Thanks again for the help guys, I'll give reinstalling a shot once I'm back home. By then the next T3CH build should be out!

sure... Shrink, Fab, and Decypter all burn straight to ISO

Anyone yet figured out what the remote events is supposed to do.....

Also anyone figured out how to get it to play a smart playlist or stream file on startup. I only seem to be able to get it to play a static playlist...

Cheers,
Sean

Hi
Not been on for ages ,I havn't used xbmc for about 8 months been using other things MG-35 etc. Decided to go back to xbmc as the other things are not as good but my xbox will now not sync with the time server ,has it changed? everythin else is fine it just displayes the wrong date and time. Also I know it is a bit of a long shot but is there any way to get xbmc to work with a touchscreen monitor
Cheers
Adi999999999

You could probably google up a time server to sync to. You could also just update to the newest version of XBMC. Also, no, I have never heard of touchscreen support.

Hi
Not been on for ages ,I havn't used xbmc for about 8 months been using other things MG-35 etc. Decided to go back to xbmc as the other things are not as good but my xbox will now not sync with the time server ,has it changed? everythin else is fine it just displayes the wrong date and time. Also I know it is a bit of a long shot but is there any way to get xbmc to work with a touchscreen monitor
Cheers
Adi999999999

I had a few versions where that was broken.... a couple builds later it was back working again...

Sean

Hi,

Was reading up further soft-modding the original XBox to put XBMC on it and trying to figure out which revision of the XBox would be ideal for this purpose.

I came across this article (http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=367210) as well as this one (http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=367210&seqNum=2). It seems that revision 1.6 (i.e. those manufactured after 4/2004) fixed the loopholes that allowed softmodd-ing the XBox and installing XBMC - is this true? Should I avoid this revision for XBMC?

I also read elsewhere (maybe in another page of this thread?) that revision 1.0 of XBox (with fan) was noisy compared to some later versions that had heatsinks.

So, I wonder which revision would be ideal for XBMC, taking into consideration factors such as fan noise, mod-ability, etc?

Thanks,
-Topper

I've soft-modded a rev 1.6 XBox using the hot-swap method described here (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=496263).

Hi,

Was reading up further soft-modding the original XBox to put XBMC on it and trying to figure out which revision of the XBox would be ideal for this purpose.

I came across this article (http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=367210) as well as this one (http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=367210&seqNum=2). It seems that revision 1.6 (i.e. those manufactured after 4/2004) fixed the loopholes that allowed softmodd-ing the XBox and installing XBMC - is this true? Should I avoid this revision for XBMC?

I also read elsewhere (maybe in another page of this thread?) that revision 1.0 of XBox (with fan) was noisy compared to some later versions that had heatsinks.

So, I wonder which revision would be ideal for XBMC, taking into consideration factors such as fan noise, mod-ability, etc?

Thanks,
-Topper

Thats just not true. I have soft modded at least 6 v1.6 xboxes using the more traditional game save method with Mech Assault and Krayzies softmod.

So it appears hot swap and the traditional methods both work fine for 1.6's...

EDIT: and the 1.0's are noiser. I have removed the fan and replaced it with a heat sink. DarklordJames just says you can remove it without consequence. Xbox's are kind of noisy in general (quieter than a 360 or PS/3) so all mine I have done the 80mm case fan mod described here and now they are silent.... you need a dremel tool to do this easily...

http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Xbox%2080mm%20Fan%20Mod.htm


Sean

Yeah, 1.6 Xboxen are just as easily softmodable as any other version. The very last version, 1.6b, sitting in my living room is proof. :) There was a very short period of time where the Halo 2 dashboard update broke softmods and prevented softmods, but that was all worked around really quickly. There may be issues with flashing the BIOS on a 1.6 softmodded machine, but that really only give you >137GB HDD support. Why would I ever need more than 120GB HDD in my Xbox? :) The really good games that are worth having on the machine equal up to less than 100GB, ROMs and emus are less than 10GB if you jam it full, everything else can stream across the network.

Yeah, 1.6 Xboxen are just as easily softmodable as any other version. The very last version, 1.6b, sitting in my living room is proof. :) There was a very short period of time where the Halo 2 dashboard update broke softmods and prevented softmods, but that was all worked around really quickly. There may be issues with flashing the BIOS on a 1.6 softmodded machine, but that really only give you >137GB HDD support. Why would I ever need more than 120GB HDD in my Xbox? :) The really good games that are worth having on the machine equal up to less than 100GB, ROMs and emus are less than 10GB if you jam it full, everything else can stream across the network.

Can you clarify the part about >137GB? I have a 1.6 (not sure if it is 1.6b) that is softmodded, and I have a 320GB drive I was planning to install. Is there something special I need to do with this larger drive?

Last I heard, you have to modchip 1.6 Xboxen to support bigger than 137GB, as there isn't a way to flash the onboard BIOS. Again, I have never seen the point of more space than that on an Xbox, so I haven't looked into it too deeply. There just isn't more than 100GB worth of games for the Xbox that have held up to time and are still worth playing. On 1.0 to 1.5 Xbox's, you could flash the onboard BIOS to support larger drive addressing.

Even un-chipped, you should still be able to see the first 137GB of that 320GB drive, and given that 320GB drives cost the same as 120GB or 160GB drives at this point, it's not like you spent too much on it. :)

Last I heard, you have to modchip 1.6 Xboxen to support bigger than 137GB, as there isn't a way to flash the onboard BIOS. <snip>

completely and totally incorrect. Older (flashable) hacked bioses had a *partition* size limit of 137GB for the F partition. Newer bioses and all softmods have the option of making the F partition 137GB (with the rest going to G) or putting all the space on F. You just need a bios with LBA2 support, and to format the F partition using 32k clusters. It's quite simpler than it sounds, as most of the software will handle it automatically. I've personally setup several 500 and 750GB drives for people, using any hardware version of the xbox, using physical modchips, TSOP flahes, and softmods

Last I heard, you have to modchip 1.6 Xboxen to support bigger than 137GB, as there isn't a way to flash the onboard BIOS. Again, I have never seen the point of more space than that on an Xbox, so I haven't looked into it too deeply. There just isn't more than 100GB worth of games for the Xbox that have held up to time and are still worth playing. On 1.0 to 1.5 Xbox's, you could flash the onboard BIOS to support larger drive addressing.

Even un-chipped, you should still be able to see the first 137GB of that 320GB drive, and given that 320GB drives cost the same as 120GB or 160GB drives at this point, it's not like you spent too much on it. :)

not true. They fixed this a while ago. I have 2 750G HD using Softmod in Xbox 1.6's...... The latest Krazies handles all this correctly with no issues.

The key with 750G is knowing how to set the 32K sector size and allocation the space 50% to F and 50% to G. Any other way and you will get data corruption. Theoretically even 1TB should work but I have not tried that....

Sean

I was under the impression you can do >137GB on the F partition to any size you want as long as you use 32k clusters, that using 32k clusters fixed any issue with data corruption. Is this not the case when you start going up with 750gb drives?

I was under the impression you can do >137GB on the F partition to any size you want as long as you use 32k clusters, that using 32k clusters fixed any issue with data corruption. Is this not the case when you start going up with 750gb drives?

Not with the 750's... even with 32k clusters if you do that everything you describe will format correctly but you will get data corruption as the disc starts to fill up....... I learned this the hard way on the first one I did. Something like 5XX GB is the point where it fails.... I read a lot of info on xboxscene at the time on this and the consistent message was to split the data between F and G equally when using bigger than a 500G drive.... I'm sure you can search over there and find the exact details but the approach I describe works well for me..... With XBMC and virtual paths it really doesn't matter than you have F and G other than from a space management perspective. as you know it virtualizes everything into a common drive...

Sean

Oh ok. I'll have to remember that. I just installed a 300gb into a softmodded box and was worried it'd get corrupted, it seems fine so far.

Oh ok. I'll have to remember that. I just installed a 300gb into a softmodded box and was worried it'd get corrupted, it seems fine so far.

300G your fine. I've done a few of those with no problem. its only on the really big disks...

Sean

You just need a bios with LBA2 support, and to format the F partition using 32k clusters. It's quite simpler than it sounds, as most of the software will handle it automatically.

Are you talking about the bios in the PC you use to format the drive here? If so, I would imagine most any recent computer would be fine for this, correct?

Can anyone point me to a good tutorial for preparing and installing a larger (in my case 320GB as mentioned above) drive? I have come across a few, but they tend to differ slightly and I'm wondering which would be best to follow.

Thanks!

Are you talking about the bios in the PC you use to format the drive here? If so, I would imagine most any recent computer would be fine for this, correct?

Can anyone point me to a good tutorial for preparing and installing a larger (in my case 320GB as mentioned above) drive? I have come across a few, but they tend to differ slightly and I'm wondering which would be best to follow.

Thanks!

no he is talking about the BIOS in the xbox which only matters in the mod chip case.... for softmod the BIOS is virtual.... for your 320G just use xboxhdm and everything will work out fine... your not in the zone of needing to worry about fancy partitioning yet....

Sean

no he is talking about the BIOS in the xbox which only matters in the mod chip case.... for softmod the BIOS is virtual.... for your 320G just use xboxhdm and everything will work out fine... your not in the zone of needing to worry about fancy partitioning yet....

Sean

but he does need to be sure that F is formatted with 32k clusters. That is needed for any partition size above 256GB.

but he does need to be sure that F is formatted with 32k clusters. That is needed for any partition size above 256GB.

Certainly true if you want to put all the space on F. you can use 16k clusters and then put the rest of space on G..... many ways to skin the cat... just depends what you want...

Sean

FYI for those looking to buy a used system, Gamestop has a $10 coupon off any used system for their email subscribers. I posted the coupon at the end of this thread for anyone that needs it:

hxxp://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=618422&page=30

FYI for those looking to buy a used system, Gamestop has a $10 coupon off any used system for their email subscribers. I posted the coupon at the end of this thread for anyone that needs it:

hxxp://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=618422&page=30

Does gamestop accept printout of the coupon you posted? or does it need the original coupon?

Thanks,
-Topper

It was emailed to those that subscribe to their newsletter. A printout is fine, there is no original as it was sent via email. I believe they have a 30 day guarantee, so you may want to test out the system a bit before moding it or cracking open the case.

OK - I'll bite
If you want to upgrade to a 500gb or larger HDD, you need to set the F and G for equal split? I have the F set for >137gb on the 300gb. Hmmm - I've been contemplating an upgrade to one of the 300gb to a 750gb, maybe I need to look into this some more to see if the upgrade is worthwhile.

I actually need to replace my bedroom Xbox, as it will no longer turn off. :) Thanks for the coupon!

Having an issue with the tech updater script. I tried to use the scripts self update but when I hit yes to update it just does nothing. Then, if I try to update tech itself it says I don't have enough free RAM.

Scripts kinda suck. A lot. Just go to the T3CH site and download the newest version.

I have been running xbmc on a soft modded xbox for quite a while now to stream movies and music without any problem. Recently I pulled some digital home video off tape onto my pc and tried to stream it with xbmc. I was surprised to find a lot of stuttering. The video came from a standard def panasonic camera shooting 720x480. I pulled it from tape to .avi files on my PC using adobe premier elements. My xbox has a wired connection to my server and is using smb. I am running a Jan 6 2008 build of xbmc. Is this expected behavior? I know that uncompressed home video is higher bitrate than DVD mpeg content but I was under the impression that xbmc could handle this. Anyone have experience with this?

"I pulled it from tape to .avi"

.AVI is just a container format that can hold many different codecs. The two issues that may be showing themselves are a) the codec you used is too complicated, so the Xbox can't decode it fast enough (like 480p h264), or b) the codec is very simple, so the bitrate is too high and your network is choking on it, starving the Xbox of realtime data (like raw DV).

Hi All,

Been out of the game for a year now and miss using my xbox's around the house. I hooked one up for my parent and they have a vonage cable phone setup in the network. For some time things where running fine. I did an update on xbmc awhile back and installed a new drive to there computer
to add new movies. Now the network is there or a better way to put it the xbox can not see the computer sharing it's files. But the Computer can FTP things to the xbox. what gives? Would this be a better answer instead of useing the computer and will this fix the problem. I don't know if vonage is the problem but it did work for months without a hitch.


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8374519&type=product&id=1178925992366

Please Help,
Chris

So I believe the codec used on the camera is DV and that I simply transfered the raw DV data to the PC without actually doing any transcoding? Does that sound correct? If so I guess my real question is is the bitrate of raw DV too much for XBMC to handle (I assume the answer is yes)? Appreciate the feedback.

"If so I guess my real question is is the bitrate of raw DV too much for XBMC to handle"

XBMC should chew through raw DV just fine, but your network is probably choking pretty bad. If memory serves, then DV works out to about 1GB per minute, or 17MB a second (136Mbps). This would saturate the 100mbps network connection right quick. :) Use Premiere to compress to something like Divx/Xvid, or one of the other MPEG4 variants, at a filesize of 700MB per hour (roughly 1500kbps) and you should end up with something alot more managable without much of a loss in quality. You could also encode to MPEG2 at about 2GB per hour (about 4500kbps) and you should still be good to go from all aspects.

Drop one of your current files to a data DVD without any transcoding and play it from there directly on the Xbox to test further whether the network is the problem, or the Xbox's capabilities.

Scripts kinda suck. A lot. Just go to the T3CH site and download the newest version.

How can I do that so my settings don't get lost? What should I back up first?

How can I do that so my settings don't get lost? What should I back up first?

This is what I usually do.

1. Download and extract the new T3CH build.
2. Rename the main XBMC folder on your pc to XBMC0.
3. FTP the XBMC0 folder into your Apps folder on your xbox (assuming this is where you keep XBMC in your xbox).
4. Copy over your UserData folder in your current XBMC folder into the XBMC0 folder.
5. Go into UnleashX dashboard and go to the file explorer and rename your current XBMC folder to XBMC1 and then rename the new build, XBMC0 to XBMC.
6. Restart your xbox.

This is what I usually do.

1. Download and extract the new T3CH build.
2. Rename the main XBMC folder on your pc to XBMC0.
3. FTP the XBMC0 folder into your Apps folder on your xbox (assuming this is where you keep XBMC in your xbox).
4. Copy over your UserData folder in your current XBMC folder into the XBMC0 folder.
5. Go into UnleashX dashboard and go to the file explorer and rename your current XBMC folder to XBMC1 and then rename the new build, XBMC0 to XBMC.
6. Restart your xbox.

JaPhule-

Thanks for the step-by-step, I finally got around to upgrading to the 5/18 build last night with your procedure. I'm happy to say that this new build fixes pretty much all of the problems I was having before - with the exception of scripts, which I think are just iffy in general. The Apple Movie Trailers script works fine, and that's a pretty cool one. Lyrics now hangs when I try to start it, but I can't imagine really needing that anyway!

Now I just need to optimize all of my movies and directories so things display the way I want in XBMC, and install that larger hard drive!

Quick question - if I were using XBMC as the default dash, how is the upgrade procedure different? I imagine you can't rename the XBMC folder to XBMC1 since it would be in use. Would I need to somehow boot into UnleashX?

Thanks!

Just a question that's way off topic but have any of you ripped Babylon 5?

JaPhule-

Thanks for the step-by-step, I finally got around to upgrading to the 5/18 build last night with your procedure. I'm happy to say that this new build fixes pretty much all of the problems I was having before - with the exception of scripts, which I think are just iffy in general. The Apple Movie Trailers script works fine, and that's a pretty cool one. Lyrics now hangs when I try to start it, but I can't imagine really needing that anyway!

Now I just need to optimize all of my movies and directories so things display the way I want in XBMC, and install that larger hard drive!

Quick question - if I were using XBMC as the default dash, how is the upgrade procedure different? I imagine you can't rename the XBMC folder to XBMC1 since it would be in use. Would I need to somehow boot into UnleashX?

Thanks!

I usually go to filemanger within XBMC and select and click on the dashboard file for UnleashX. For me it's on the C drive and named avalanche.xbe

Also, I heard that 5/18 build had something wrong with the thumbnails for TV shows from thetvdb.com. I usually save the old builds so I can downgrade if necessary.

"If so I guess my real question is is the bitrate of raw DV too much for XBMC to handle"

XBMC should chew through raw DV just fine, but your network is probably choking pretty bad. If memory serves, then DV works out to about 1GB per minute, or 17MB a second (136Mbps). This would saturate the 100mbps network connection right quick. :) Use Premiere to compress to something like Divx/Xvid, or one of the other MPEG4 variants, at a filesize of 700MB per hour (roughly 1500kbps) and you should end up with something alot more managable without much of a loss in quality. You could also encode to MPEG2 at about 2GB per hour (about 4500kbps) and you should still be good to go from all aspects.

Drop one of your current files to a data DVD without any transcoding and play it from there directly on the Xbox to test further whether the network is the problem, or the Xbox's capabilities.
Slightly off topic, but what are people using to capture their home movies? I have a mini-dv camera that I have been trying to capture to my pc, and so far have not been terribley impressed w/ the quality I have seen on my pc using Adobe Premiere Elements. I think Nero did a better job... but am wondering what other people use to do this.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Matt

I usually go to filemanger within XBMC and select and click on the dashboard file for UnleashX. For me it's on the C drive and named avalanche.xbe

Also, I heard that 5/18 build had something wrong with the thumbnails for TV shows from thetvdb.com. I usually save the old builds so I can downgrade if necessary.

Thanks for the tip.

Not sure about the TV thumbnail issue as I don't really have any ripped TV shows. I do have some that I record off cable here and there, but usually delete them after watching, so having thumbs isn't a big deal for me.

I'd love to have more TV shows, but not really excited about the possibility of getting into trouble from downloading via BT!

"Slightly off topic, but what are people using to capture their home movies?"

You quoted me, so I'm responding just so you don't think I'm ignoring the question. :)

I have no idea. :) Home movies are not something I ever cared about, so have never gotten into transferring them to anything. If I were to do such a thing though, I would use a standalone DVD recorder to start with. Firewire from the DV camera to the recorder, push GO, then edit or rip the resulting DVD on the PC side.

"Slightly off topic, but what are people using to capture their home movies?"

You quoted me, so I'm responding just so you don't think I'm ignoring the question. :)

I have no idea. :) Home movies are not something I ever cared about, so have never gotten into transferring them to anything. If I were to do such a thing though, I would use a standalone DVD recorder to start with. Firewire from the DV camera to the recorder, push GO, then edit or rip the resulting DVD on the PC side.

It wasn't until I got an xbox with xbmc on it that I cared to transfer the home video tapes to digital format either. I bought a cheap video capture card (MSI TV@nywhere+). The quality is ok. I haven't been able to get MPEG4 to work because I can't find the "magic" codecs. The manual just says to "find them on the internet". I would have used a USB transfer device but I don't have any computers with USB 2.0. Let me know what you decide to do.

"If so I guess my real question is is the bitrate of raw DV too much for XBMC to handle"

XBMC should chew through raw DV just fine, but your network is probably choking pretty bad. If memory serves, then DV works out to about 1GB per minute, or 17MB a second (136Mbps). This would saturate the 100mbps network connection right quick. :) Use Premiere to compress to something like Divx/Xvid, or one of the other MPEG4 variants, at a filesize of 700MB per hour (roughly 1500kbps) and you should end up with something alot more managable without much of a loss in quality. You could also encode to MPEG2 at about 2GB per hour (about 4500kbps) and you should still be good to go from all aspects.

Drop one of your current files to a data DVD without any transcoding and play it from there directly on the Xbox to test further whether the network is the problem, or the Xbox's capabilities.

James, thanks for the good suggestions. I have done have done some additional testing to try and isolate whether I am having a network problem or a decoding problem. First, I looked again at the the raw files I had captured from my camera. It appears that an hour of tape is consistently generating about 13 gig of data. This amounts to a bit rate just under 30 mbps. I did a little more reading on the DV codec and 30 mbps seems sane. The following link lists the bitrate at about 36mbps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dv

Next I used the freeware application NetMonitor to look at network throughput on my lan while trying various different tests. The results were as follows:

1. Streaming a ripped DVD (Fellowship of the rings ripped to .iso using DVD shrink and no compression) to xbmc via smb the throughput was between 8-9 mbps. This is what I expected for DVD. Results were the same streaming to VLC on another PC on my lan via SMB.

2. Streaming raw DV .avi file to VLC on another PC on my lan via SMB the throughput was just under 30 mbps as expected. There was no stuttering in the playback. The PC running VLC is a 4+ year old Dell laptop with a 1.4Ghz Pentium M processor and 512 meg of ram.

3. Streaming raw DV .avi file to xbmc via smb the throughput was around 45+ mbps. I was surprised by this and am not sure what the reason is. The playback on xbmc experienced a lot of stutter as I indicated previously.

4. I copied a test clip that was several minutes long via FTP to the E drive on the xbox. When playing the local file, the stuttering was actually much worse than when I was streaming the same content. This was also very surprising to me. I verified that the file sizes of the original and the local xbox copy are the same. I did not try copying the local file back to the server and md5 check summing it against the original, but I'm pretty confident that if I did, I would find the files to be identical.

5. I mpeg2 encoded the original DV content in premier elements in preparation for a DVD burn, and the I tried streaming the resulting .vob file. When streaming to VLC on another PC on the lan, the throughput was 8-9 mbps and the playback had no problems. When streaming to xbmc, the throughput was also 8-9 mbps and the video quality was fine, although there was a video/audio sync issue of some sort.

I'm not sure what to conclude from all of this. It appears that xbmc is having trouble decoding the DV data generated by primere. Why local decoding is worse than streamed decoding I'm not really sure. Also, I don't understand why streaming the DV data causes the throughput on the lan to be significantly higher than the bit rate of the file (and higher than the bitrate streaming to VLC). Finally, I don't understand why the DVD encoded version of the DV data experienced audio/video sync issue only in xbmc.

I guess the next thing I'm going to try is to capture the DV data from the tape using nero instead of premiere and see if that makes a difference.

Let me know what anybody thinks about any of this. I really appreciate the feedback.

It wasn't until I got an xbox with xbmc on it that I cared to transfer the home video tapes to digital format either. I bought a cheap video capture card (MSI TV@nywhere+). The quality is ok. I haven't been able to get MPEG4 to work because I can't find the "magic" codecs. The manual just says to "find them on the internet". I would have used a USB transfer device but I don't have any computers with USB 2.0. Let me know what you decide to do.
My pc accepts firewire and DVI, so I use that without needing an additional capture card. I was just wondering what software people are using to record the video.

For home movies, I use Pinnacle Studio to capture the DV file from tape. Then I add menus, transitions, background music, etc. and render the movie as an ISO image. After that - load it on the NAS and watch it thru XBMC. However - I have noticed interlacing artifacts during playback that I do not get while watching movie backup ISOs. But the menus work, and all 65 home movies of the munchkin are available to the wife at a press of a button. Done deal. Plus as an ISO - I burn a copy for the grandparents and cover my arse....

Hi All,

I did an update on xbmc awhile back and installed a new drive to there computer to add new movies. Now the network is there or a better way to put it the xbox can not see the computer sharing it's files.

Chris - Sounds like your update wiped out the settings where you indicate your movie/music shares. It may be back to the 'default' setting, which would be only looking on the Xbox HDD. Just a thought.

For home movies, I use Pinnacle Studio to capture the DV file from tape. Then I add menus, transitions, background music, etc. and render the movie as an ISO image. After that - load it on the NAS and watch it thru XBMC. However - I have noticed interlacing artifacts during playback that I do not get while watching movie backup ISOs. But the menus work, and all 65 home movies of the munchkin are available to the wife at a press of a button. Done deal. Plus as an ISO - I burn a copy for the grandparents and cover my arse....

Ripper, this is exactly the approach I plan on taking, except using premiere instead of pinnacle. However I would have expected to be able to stream the raw DV file itself as well. That resulted in an unexpected amount of stutter. Have you ever tried streaming one of the raw DV files after you capture it with pinnacle? If you get a minute some time, try it out and let me know how it behaves. Tonight I am going to try a DV file captured from nero instead of premier to try and determine if premier is the problem or if it is really xbmc.

Ripper, this is exactly the approach I plan on taking, except using premiere instead of pinnacle. However I would have expected to be able to stream the raw DV file itself as well. That resulted in an unexpected amount of stutter. Have you ever tried streaming one of the raw DV files after you capture it with pinnacle? If you get a minute some time, try it out and let me know how it behaves. Tonight I am going to try a DV file captured from nero instead of premier to try and determine if premier is the problem or if it is really xbmc.

Have you tried adjusting the video cache on the xbox? That could help playback. Personally, I'd convert the DV to mpeg2 to save space and not worry about trying to play the raw video.

"I played the demo and didn't like it. I like Penny Arcade as a comic but the translation to game was poor."

The source would be 60 interlaced fields instead of the 24 progressive frames of film. If I were hypothesize, I would suggest deinterlacing the original video down to 30p using a bob+weave deinterlacer, then move on to mastering the DVD. You'll lose framerate (not enough to matter), but you'll also lose the deinterlacing problems.

Probably.

Again, it's just a hypothisis. :)

Per replies to my previous posts in this thread, I've been looking into getting an Action Replay kit.

I came across this memory card and reader at a local used electronics store for about $7. The card looks like its from an Action Replay kit but the reader does not look like the pictures I have seen of the AR reader (receipt just says Off-Brand Xbox accessory and it does not have anything printed on the reader).

It also does not have the CD that the AR kit comes with - although I understand the software and gamesaves needed for softmodding can be downloaded online (correct me if I am wrong).

The store clerk plugged the memory card into the reader and then the reader into into an xbox they had in the store and the Xbox was able to read the contents of the memory card using the reader just fine (had some gamesaves for Halo2 and some other games).

I wonder whether this reader + memory card along with the AR software and gamesaves would be as good as the AR kit for softmodding the Xbox or do I specifically need to get the AR kit?

Thanks,
-Topper

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7076/img0048cs9.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4058/img0050ft7.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/981/img0049zt3.jpg

What you have in front of you is an Xbox controller, without the, you know, controller part. :) I would guess that it's whole reason to live was to be paired up with a wireless Xbox controller that didn't have it's own card reader built in.

To use this with your PC for making a softmodding kit, you need to do the same thing that you would do with a controller. Make an Xbox to USB cable.

What you have in front of you is an Xbox controller, without the, you know, controller part. :) I would guess that it's whole reason to live was to be paired up with a wireless Xbox controller that didn't have it's own card reader built in.

To use this with your PC for making a softmodding kit, you need to do the same thing that you would do with a controller. Make an Xbox to USB cable.

Yeah, I think what's missing in this device is a way to get the saved game from the PC to the memory card, right? If he could do that somehow (like from another modded Xbox?) then it would work, correct?

topper - Not sure if it was you I sent this info to earlier, but I ordered a cable from Play-Asia.com for around $7 that let me use a regular USB memory stick for transferring the saved game to the Xbox. All the software and how-to's are available online. Let me know if you want more details.

For anyone interested, I can confirm there is an issue with episode screenshots. However, this only applies for new shows that you add. The shows I already had ripped before the update still had their screenshots.

For anyone interested, I can confirm there is an issue with episode screenshots. However, this only applies for new shows that you add. The shows I already had ripped before the update still had their screenshots.

I assume you are talking about TV shows? What is the best way to incorporate TV DVD's into XBMC? I can rip to an ISO like a normal DVD, is that the easiest way? Or is there some way to split it into individual episodes that can be easily selected from within XBMC?

How are you guys integrating TV shows into XBMC - in the videos section? I know there is some way to use a different scraper than IMDB for TV show info but haven't figured that out yet.

What is the best way to incorporate TV DVD's into XBMC? I can rip to an ISO like a normal DVD, is that the easiest way? Or is there some way to split it into individual episodes that can be easily selected from within XBMC?

How are you guys integrating TV shows into XBMC - in the videos section? I know there is some way to use a different scraper than IMDB for TV show info but haven't figured that out yet.

See this XBMC Wiki entry: http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=TV_Shows

Your "least effort" path would be to rip the DVD to ISO, then name it using the supported multi-episode format described at the link.

(And, yes, you'd use a different scraper.... TV.com or tvdb.com. You'd also want to be running the latest build, I expect.)

Slightly off topic, but what are people using to capture their home movies?

What I had at hand... a ReplayTV 5xxx series DVR, via one of its composite/RCA inputs, and download the resulting MPEG2 files to the PC using DVArchive.

... but my xbox will now not sync with the time server ,has it changed? everythin else is fine it just displayes the wrong date and time. Also I know it is a bit of a long shot but is there any way to get xbmc to work with a touchscreen monitor
I'll second the suggestion that you update to the latest T3CH build. (almost always a good thing to do, plus it fixes the Weather problem)

Short of that, try entering the following, the default setting in the latest build, in your "Time Server Host" field: pool.ntp.org

One thing I would really like is keyword search for pictures. I would love to type "kid's name" and "Birthday" and get all their birthday pictures.
Yeah, agreed. I was just noticing the other day that the Pictures view is still absent a metadata/library perspective.

Are you running any particular photo manager software on your PC, through which you've associated the photos with keywords such as "kid's name", "birthday", etc?

Anyone know what the new remote events settings in XBMC are for. There is a new settings menu for this. Spent some time googling and can find no mention of it anywhere. A few posts on xbox scene asking the same question and no replies....

See this XBMC Wiki entry, regarding the EventServer (http://xbmc.org/wiki/index.php?title=EventServer).

Looks like it's to allow for more remotes/controllers without having to program them all into the core. (an interface for integrating non-standard controllers)

So has anyone here tried out the Linux port of XBMC that they are working on? I sometimes visit the dev forums but I'd rather hear the impressions of home theater folk than the more hardcore computer/tech types. I love my old Xbox but I'd like to move on to HD eventually.

I assume you are talking about TV shows? What is the best way to incorporate TV DVD's into XBMC? I can rip to an ISO like a normal DVD, is that the easiest way? Or is there some way to split it into individual episodes that can be easily selected from within XBMC?

How are you guys integrating TV shows into XBMC - in the videos section? I know there is some way to use a different scraper than IMDB for TV show info but haven't figured that out yet.

I rip each episode to a .vob then convert the .vob to a 700MB xvid file.

I rip each episode to a .vob then convert the .vob to a 700MB xvid file.

I do the same using AutoGK. I use 250MB for a 1/2 hour episode (which works out to be 21-23 minutes of video).

I do the same using AutoGK. I use 250MB for a 1/2 hour episode (which works out to be 21-23 minutes of video).

I don't rip as much so I like to increase the video quality a little. All the shows I rip are 1hr episodes. The 3hr Farscape mini-series was about 3GB. Farscape is the only show I kept the 5.1 since it was so well done.

I started ripping Babylon 5, and wow does it look awful on any resolution. I forgot how bad the show was treated on DVD.

Im getting (Playlist Playback Aborted Too Many Consecutive Failed Items)
I recently updated my T3CH xbmc to be able to get my Vista Shares able to be seen but for some reason it wont play iso files on the network or even on the hard drive in the xbox. It plays avi's okay and mp3's and photo's just fine.
thanks for any help

What you have in front of you is an Xbox controller, without the, you know, controller part. :) I would guess that it's whole reason to live was to be paired up with a wireless Xbox controller that didn't have it's own card reader built in.

To use this with your PC for making a softmodding kit, you need to do the same thing that you would do with a controller. Make an Xbox to USB cable.

Thanks for the clarification - sounds like what I have in the pictures is pretty useless for softmodding. Time to return it, I guess. I am guessing you and bswiz are referring to Xbox to USB cable like this, (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-2b-49-en-70-1xz.html) correct?

Yeah, I think what's missing in this device is a way to get the saved game from the PC to the memory card, right? If he could do that somehow (like from another modded Xbox?) then it would work, correct?

topper - Not sure if it was you I sent this info to earlier, but I ordered a cable from Play-Asia.com for around $7 that let me use a regular USB memory stick for transferring the saved game to the Xbox. All the software and how-to's are available online. Let me know if you want more details.

bswiz - looks like the play-asia.com cable might work. I do not believe you had sent me details regarding this but I had read on few other sites about making the Xbox to USB cable and using it as an alternative to the Action Replay kit. I think for $7, its pretty well worth it especially if it works as expected - and a more cost-effective option to AR kit. I do have a 128MB USB drive that I rarely use these days, so could easily re-use that for this purpose. Thanks for the tip! :)

-Topper

"I am guessing you and bswiz are referring to..."

You need the opposite of that cable. Something that accepts Xbox, and spits out USB. The one you linked accepts USB, for connecting to Xbox.

EDIT: Whoops! Yeah, the cable you linked is what bswiz was talking about. :)

"I am guessing you and bswiz are referring to..."

You need the opposite of that cable. Something that accepts Xbox, and spits out USB. The one you linked accepts USB, for connecting to Xbox.

EDIT: Whoops! Yeah, the cable you linked is what bswiz was talking about. :)

That's great! Will plan on ordering this soon. So sounds like this cable should allow connecting any USB device to the XBOX, correct?

If so, I wonder if I can connect the IR receiver for the XP Media Center Remote (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880100851) using the above USB (Female) to Xbox cable and use it to control XBMC with a harmony remote?

My original plan was to purchase the official DVD playback kit (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/d/dvdplaybackkit/default.htm) just to get the IR receiver and then load up the XBOX profile into my harmony remote to control XBMC. But if I can use the receiver of my spare Media Center Remote through the Xbox to USB (Female) connector, then that's even better .

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
-Topper

Just get the DVD playback IR reciever. Life will be easier. :)

That's great! Will plan on ordering this soon. So sounds like this cable should allow connecting any USB device to the XBOX, correct?

If so, I wonder if I can connect the IR receiver for the XP Media Center Remote (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880100851) using the above USB (Female) to Xbox cable and use it to control XBMC with a harmony remote?

My original plan was to purchase the official DVD playback kit (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/d/dvdplaybackkit/default.htm) just to get the IR receiver and then load up the XBOX profile into my harmony remote to control XBMC. But if I can use the receiver of my spare Media Center Remote through the Xbox to USB (Female) connector, then that's even better .

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
-Topper

I'm doubtful that the XP Media Center receiver will function with the xbox. XBMC will need to have drivers for that IR receiver which I don't think anyone would have likely written considering its not hard to find an xbox IR receiver. Just get the xbox dongle like darklordjames said.

Just get the DVD playback IR reciever. Life will be easier. :)

I'm doubtful that the XP Media Center receiver will function with the xbox. XBMC will need to have drivers for that IR receiver which I don't think anyone would have likely written considering its not hard to find an xbox IR receiver. Just get the xbox dongle like darklordjames said.

One more reason (http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9993) to get the Xbox DVD playback kit :)

New t3ch release available (6-01-2008), which fixes the lack of tv show episode thumbs on the 5-18-2008 release! :)

How can I delete the info for a TV show and have it rescanned using a different scraper?

How can I delete the info for a TV show and have it rescanned using a different scraper?

Assuming you have your tv show in its own folder, navigate to your tv show folder in file mode, bring up the menu and go to set content. Change the content type to "none" and this will remove the old tv show info. Then go back into the menu for this folder and choose set content again and change it to tv shows and set your scraper.

Hi all,

Still working on tweaking XBMC to get it the way I want and have a few questions related to TV shows.

1) How do you separate TV shows and movies (if at all)? Right now on my setup, when you select Videos from the main menu, it defaults to \\share\videos, which has TV and Movies subfolders. Is there a better way?

2) For ripping TV DVD's, any recommendations on the best way to preserve quality, but still be able to use the Episode Info feature? I know some people said they convert to DivX. If I want to keep max quality, how would I do this? I believe I can rip individual episode VOBs with a program like DVD Fab. Do I rip each into a separate folder, and then name the folder in the correct TV Show_Sxx_Exx (or whatever) format so XBMC can look up the episode info?

3) Is anyone recording TV and doing episode lookup for those shows? I can set my recordings to use any file name format, but how do you know, if a show aired on 6/1/08, which season/episode number that corresponds to?

Hi all,

I recently purchased a softmodded Xbox (version 1.4) with XBMC from someone that didnt want it anymore. I played around with it a bit and the "basic" things looks good so far - I was able to hook it up to the home network and stream some audio/video.

I noticed the following issues tho':
a) The weather script was not working as expected - I could customize the 3 locations to those of my choice but it would not get the latest data from the weather channel site. Each time I clicked on any refresh button on this screen it would flash "Busy" for a fraction of a second but the data would still not be updated few minutes later. I noticed the XBMC build on the box is from early May (before May 18) and suspect this is the build I have read about where the weather script was broken? I plan on upgrading to the most recent stable build. I have already downloaded both the builds (from May 18 as well as the June 1 build) and am thinking I will stick with the May 18 build since the June 1 build seems to have dropped the PM3 skin?. Since this is my first time making any changes to the XBox and XBMC, just wanted to check with folks here that following these steps (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Updating_/_Upgrading_XBMC) is all I need to do to update XBMC on my box, correct? Any other gotcha's I should keep in mind.

I am assuming this will also fix the weather script on the Xbox, correct?

b) The previous owner had installed the Apple Trailers plugin as well and that also does not seem to be downloading anything. I have waited for about a minute before exiting out of this script - does it take longer for this script to run? Would this be fixed when I update XBMC or is there something else (maybe change configuration somewhere?) that I should do to fix that?

Thanks,
-Topper

Assuming you have your tv show in its own folder, navigate to your tv show folder in file mode, bring up the menu and go to set content. Change the content type to "none" and this will remove the old tv show info. Then go back into the menu for this folder and choose set content again and change it to tv shows and set your scraper.


Thanks, that worked. Now I just have to figure out how to get Star Wars: Clone wars to show up since I just put each disc into one file....

Hi all,

I recently purchased a softmodded Xbox (version 1.4) with XBMC from someone that didnt want it anymore. I played around with it a bit and the "basic" things looks good so far - I was able to hook it up to the home network and stream some audio/video.

I noticed the following issues tho':
a) The weather script was not working as expected - I could customize the 3 locations to those of my choice but it would not get the latest data from the weather channel site. Each time I clicked on any refresh button on this screen it would flash "Busy" for a fraction of a second but the data would still not be updated few minutes later. I noticed the XBMC build on the box is from early May (before May 18) and suspect this is the build I have read about where the weather script was broken? I plan on upgrading to the most recent stable build. I have already downloaded both the builds (from May 18 as well as the June 1 build) and am thinking I will stick with the May 18 build since the June 1 build seems to have dropped the PM3 skin?. Since this is my first time making any changes to the XBox and XBMC, just wanted to check with folks here that following these steps (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Updating_/_Upgrading_XBMC) is all I need to do to update XBMC on my box, correct? Any other gotcha's I should keep in mind.

I am assuming this will also fix the weather script on the Xbox, correct?

b) The previous owner had installed the Apple Trailers plugin as well and that also does not seem to be downloading anything. I have waited for about a minute before exiting out of this script - does it take longer for this script to run? Would this be fixed when I update XBMC or is there something else (maybe change configuration somewhere?) that I should do to fix that?

Thanks,
-Topper

The latest June build does not drop the PM3 skin, it dropped a few PM3 themes within PM3. PM3 is by default the "green" theme but there are options for blue and red themes I believe, which have now been dropped, not sure why.

Apple trailer script comes built into the T3CH releases, it seems this plugin does get changed in new builds. You are given a option to do the "quicker" or "longer" load when you run apple movie trailers, the "quicker" option still takes awhile to load last time I tried it out.

Hi all,

Still working on tweaking XBMC to get it the way I want and have a few questions related to TV shows.

1) How do you separate TV shows and movies (if at all)? Right now on my setup, when you select Videos from the main menu, it defaults to \\share\videos, which has TV and Movies subfolders. Is there a better way?

2) For ripping TV DVD's, any recommendations on the best way to preserve quality, but still be able to use the Episode Info feature? I know some people said they convert to DivX. If I want to keep max quality, how would I do this? I believe I can rip individual episode VOBs with a program like DVD Fab. Do I rip each into a separate folder, and then name the folder in the correct TV Show_Sxx_Exx (or whatever) format so XBMC can look up the episode info?

3) Is anyone recording TV and doing episode lookup for those shows? I can set my recordings to use any file name format, but how do you know, if a show aired on 6/1/08, which season/episode number that corresponds to?

1. The XBMC wiki/manual should go over on how to separate movies and tv shows by editing the scripts. My skin, Aeon (http://www.aeoncentral.com), separates tv shows and movies automatically.

2. You should be able to rip your tv shows into a single vob for each episode using many of the free software out there. Keep all the episodes in a single tv show folder and using your naming convention and that should work.

3. I usually have to look up the episode on a website somewhere like www.thetvdb.com, and correctly name it.

Hi all,

I recently purchased a softmodded Xbox (version 1.4) with XBMC from someone that didnt want it anymore. I played around with it a bit and the "basic" things looks good so far - I was able to hook it up to the home network and stream some audio/video.

I noticed the following issues tho':
a) The weather script was not working as expected - I could customize the 3 locations to those of my choice but it would not get the latest data from the weather channel site. Each time I clicked on any refresh button on this screen it would flash "Busy" for a fraction of a second but the data would still not be updated few minutes later. I noticed the XBMC build on the box is from early May (before May 18) and suspect this is the build I have read about where the weather script was broken? I plan on upgrading to the most recent stable build. I have already downloaded both the builds (from May 18 as well as the June 1 build) and am thinking I will stick with the May 18 build since the June 1 build seems to have dropped the PM3 skin?. Since this is my first time making any changes to the XBox and XBMC, just wanted to check with folks here that following these steps (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Updating_/_Upgrading_XBMC) is all I need to do to update XBMC on my box, correct? Any other gotcha's I should keep in mind.

I am assuming this will also fix the weather script on the Xbox, correct?

b) The previous owner had installed the Apple Trailers plugin as well and that also does not seem to be downloading anything. I have waited for about a minute before exiting out of this script - does it take longer for this script to run? Would this be fixed when I update XBMC or is there something else (maybe change configuration somewhere?) that I should do to fix that?

Thanks,
-Topper

sounds like the internet connection is not working... are you getting RSS feeds.... double check your internet settings

Sean

1. The XBMC wiki/manual should go over on how to separate movies and tv shows by editing the scripts. My skin, Aeon (http://www.aeoncentral.com), separates tv shows and movies automatically.

2. You should be able to rip your tv shows into a single vob for each episode using many of the free software out there. Keep all the episodes in a single tv show folder and using your naming convention and that should work.

3. I usually have to look up the episode on a website somewhere like www.thetvdb.com, and correctly name it.

Thanks. I did briefly try the Aeon skin and liked how it separated TV and Movies into different menu choices.

I have figured out how to rip individual episodes, but not into single VOBs. For example, I have a DVD that only has 2 eipsodes of a show, but there are like 6 VOB files. And it's not necessarily 3 VOBs per episode as a single VOB can be split across episodes. DVD Fab can extract the episode but it is still in multiple VOB files - unless there is a setting I just need to change. Hmm, I might be able to extract each episode into an ISO also....

Thanks. I did briefly try the Aeon skin and liked how it separated TV and Movies into different menu choices.

I have figured out how to rip individual episodes, but not into single VOBs. For example, I have a DVD that only has 2 eipsodes of a show, but there are like 6 VOB files. And it's not necessarily 3 VOBs per episode as a single VOB can be split across episodes. DVD Fab can extract the episode but it is still in multiple VOB files - unless there is a setting I just need to change. Hmm, I might be able to extract each episode into an ISO also....

no ideas on this stuff. I dont do much TV stuff and dont so library mode for TV. Just movies....

There should be an option in DVDFab to do what you want... DVDShrink is another option but I dont have any experience in trying to separate out episodes off of a DVD like you are trying to accomplish....

Sean

sounds like the internet connection is not working... are you getting RSS feeds.... double check your internet settings

Sean

Yup, I already verified internet connectivity. When I first hooked it up, there was no internet connection and it kept scrolling an error message at the bottom to that effect. However, once I dug up and entered the MAC address of the Xbox into my router (MAC filtering is ON), I did get the RSS feeds scrolling at the bottom of the screen. I havent had a chance to play with it much since past weekend but I did find the build info etc when I had last plugged in the Xbox. One of these days (either today or tomorrow) I will try to get the build details (date built, etc) to see if it helps narrow down the cause.

Thanks,
-Topper

Thanks. I did briefly try the Aeon skin and liked how it separated TV and Movies into different menu choices.

I have figured out how to rip individual episodes, but not into single VOBs. For example, I have a DVD that only has 2 eipsodes of a show, but there are like 6 VOB files. And it's not necessarily 3 VOBs per episode as a single VOB can be split across episodes. DVD Fab can extract the episode but it is still in multiple VOB files - unless there is a setting I just need to change. Hmm, I might be able to extract each episode into an ISO also....

Use DVD Shrink and reauthor the disc. You'll be able to do each ep to one vob. I do it all the time before I convert to xvid.

This is in reference to formatting a new larger hdd. I have the latest AID v4.21. I seen somewhere that for a mod chipped box , just load the iso cd in the tray, after it loads turn off the xbox , remove the hdd and install the larger hdd. Turn the xbox back on and the auto installer will load again, select format hdd, load dash and apps and your done. Will this same method work for a softmod? If not I'll just follow the method using xbox hdm v1.9. It just seems easier. I softmodded using Krayzies ndure v1.1 before I got the autoinstaller. Also can anyone pm me where I can find the chimp v2.4 download at. That seems like an easy method also. Thanks for any help.

This is in reference to formatting a new larger hdd. I have the latest AID v4.21. I seen somewhere that for a mod chipped box , just load the iso cd in the tray, after it loads turn off the xbox , remove the hdd and install the larger hdd. Turn the xbox back on and the auto installer will load again, select format hdd, load dash and apps and your done. Will this same method work for a softmod? If not I'll just follow the method using xbox hdm v1.9. It just seems easier. I softmodded using Krayzies ndure v1.1 before I got the autoinstaller. Also can anyone pm me where I can find the chimp v2.4 download at. That seems like an easy method also. Thanks for any help.

That method will not work on a softmod.

Ja, I have an Aeon question. I downloaded a few of the backdrops off the Aeon site but I've tried converting them to .bmp and they just show up as a black screen (although the preview thumbnail works). What format should they be converted to?

Ja, I have an Aeon question. I downloaded a few of the backdrops off the Aeon site but I've tried converting them to .bmp and they just show up as a black screen (although the preview thumbnail works). What format should they be converted to?

I'm assuming that you are using the latest version of the AEON skin. Make sure you've enabled "xbox mode" in the Aeon settings menu as by default, it is optimized for 1080p. Enabling "xbox mode" will change it to 720p. Make sure when you are converting the wallpapers to bmp, that you are using 720p wallpapers and not 1080p wallpapers.

www.aeoncentral.com

Use DVD Shrink and reauthor the disc. You'll be able to do each ep to one vob. I do it all the time before I convert to xvid.

Can you elaborate on how to do this? I have DVD Shrink and know how to reauthor, but I don't see an option to rip to a single VOB. I can rip to a VIDEO_TS folder (which has multiple VOBs) or an ISO. Is there a setting I am missing? I am using version 3.2.

I am starting to think this might be more trouble than it's worth - rip the DVD, rename ISO (or VOB), etc. Maybe I should just play the original disc and call it a day - but that isn't nearly as cool as having everything show up in XBMC!

Can you elaborate on how to do this? I have DVD Shrink and know how to reauthor, but I don't see an option to rip to a single VOB. I can rip to a VIDEO_TS folder (which has multiple VOBs) or an ISO. Is there a setting I am missing? I am using version 3.2.

I am starting to think this might be more trouble than it's worth - rip the DVD, rename ISO (or VOB), etc. Maybe I should just play the original disc and call it a day - but that isn't nearly as cool as having everything show up in XBMC!

I know I've seen a few guides on how to rip TV Show dvds using a quick google search. One thing that makes it difficult is that tv show sets seem to vary by box set/shows on how they are authored, there isn't one perfect way to rip them.

The problem I have with TV DVDs is that thetvdb.com database doesn't have the DVD extras. thetvdb.com only has the episodes themselves. You can select broadcast or dvd order for the episodes.

Can you elaborate on how to do this? I have DVD Shrink and know how to reauthor, but I don't see an option to rip to a single VOB. I can rip to a VIDEO_TS folder (which has multiple VOBs) or an ISO. Is there a setting I am missing? I am using version 3.2.

I am starting to think this might be more trouble than it's worth - rip the DVD, rename ISO (or VOB), etc. Maybe I should just play the original disc and call it a day - but that isn't nearly as cool as having everything show up in XBMC!


In the settings for DVD Shrink there is an option that says rip vob files into 1GB chunks. Make sure that is unchecked. After that all you do is drag the appropriate title over to the left side. You'll know which ones since 1hr shows are approx 44 mins. Put all four in the left column then hit reauthor. Also make sure to check the compression settings and do no compression.

I play each disc in zoom player and write down the "title" (dvd title not the title of the episode) for each episode. I then use the free version of DVDFab decrypter http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm to rip each episode. In DVDFab I select "Main Movie" and then rip each title one at a time to iso files naming them the episodes I wrote down from zoom player.

I play each disc in zoom player and write down the "title" (dvd title not the title of the episode) for each episode. I then use the free version of DVDFab decrypter http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm to rip each episode. In DVDFab I select "Main Movie" and then rip each title one at a time to iso files naming them the episodes I wrote down from zoom player.

This is more or less what I've been doing - but it is pretty time consuming. It sounds like there is really no way around it, though. No matter what you need to tell the SW which episode(s) to rip, one by one.

Sounds like using DVDShrink might allow you to rip all episodes at once, though? Will give that a shot next.

While watching several videos in Normal mode, I get thin black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. These vids are in normal 16x9 (1.78) aspect ratio, so the bars shouldn't be there. I have checked and rechecked my video calibration in XBMC and it seems fine. In fact, if I move the top left calibration "arrow" way up to increase overscan, the black bar on the bottom gets bigger, and vice-versa. So I can't eliminate the bars with the calibration.

Switching to Zoom mode fills the screen perfectly with not much change in stretch or anything.

Is there something else I should check to make Normal fill the screen, or to tell XBMC to default to Zoom?

Thanks!

Anybody know if XBMC over Linux (once it is stable and generally available) might be able to take a SD DVD .iso and output the data completly unprocessed over HDMI at 480i so that the de-interlacing and scaling could be done by an external processor. Can legacy XBMC do this today (albeit over component video with the original unprocessed data having been converted from digital to analog). I am looking at the potential of pairing the upcoming Gefen TV Scaler Pro with XBMC (if the Gefen actually turns out to be pretty good).

This is more or less what I've been doing - but it is pretty time consuming. It sounds like there is really no way around it, though. No matter what you need to tell the SW which episode(s) to rip, one by one.

Sounds like using DVDShrink might allow you to rip all episodes at once, though? Will give that a shot next.

I rip an entire disc to 4 vobs. Then I rename the vobs to their appropriate episode name. Once I've ripped an entire season I put all the vobs into AutoGK and let it go for a good while (about 2.5-3hrs an episode).

While watching several videos in Normal mode, I get thin black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. These vids are in normal 16x9 (1.78) aspect ratio, so the bars shouldn't be there. I have checked and rechecked my video calibration in XBMC and it seems fine. In fact, if I move the top left calibration "arrow" way up to increase overscan, the black bar on the bottom gets bigger, and vice-versa. So I can't eliminate the bars with the calibration.

Switching to Zoom mode fills the screen perfectly with not much change in stretch or anything.

Is there something else I should check to make Normal fill the screen, or to tell XBMC to default to Zoom?

Thanks!

Try playing around with the pixel ratio in the video calibration. Some videos, even though the actual content is 16:9 (1.78:1), the actual resolution of the video file is not exactly 16:9, causing the black bars to exist.

Anybody know if XBMC over Linux (once it is stable and generally available) might be able to take a SD DVD .iso and output the data completly unprocessed over HDMI at 480i so that the de-interlacing and scaling could be done by an external processor. Can legacy XBMC do this today (albeit over component video with the original unprocessed data having been converted from digital to analog). I am looking at the potential of pairing the upcoming Gefen TV Scaler Pro with XBMC (if the Gefen actually turns out to be pretty good).

Bump. Anybody have any thoughts about this?

Try playing around with the pixel ratio in the video calibration. Some videos, even though the actual content is 16:9 (1.78:1), the actual resolution of the video file is not exactly 16:9, causing the black bars to exist.

Thanks, I'll give it a try. The other thing I noticed is that the picture doesn't always seem centered from top to bottom. I watched part of a movie the other night and there was a thicker black bar on the bottom than the top.

Maolq,

Since XBMC uses mplayer for videos, from what I understand, it deinterlaces internally, regardless of the output set by the xbox. So if you want to output 480i from the xbox, mplayer will deinterlace 480i to 480p (depending on how you set it in XBMC) and then the xbox will reinterlace it back to 480i.

Is there any info out there for optimizing the display of videos played using XBMC? I have XBMC setup so I can play DVDs ripped to a network share on m y 42" Sony RP HDTV. I also have a Pioneer DV-400 Upscaling DVD player connected to the same TV. If I compare the same (ripped) XBMC picture to the same (retail DVD) DVD player picture the DVD player is noticeably better. I have done the same basic display calibrations for both sources. The Xbox is connected using a component cable and set to output 720. The DVD player is connected over HDMI and also set to output 720. DVDs are ripped using AnyDVD without any compression, main title only.

Maolq,

Since XBMC uses mplayer for videos, from what I understand, it deinterlaces internally, regardless of the output set by the xbox. So if you want to output 480i from the xbox, mplayer will deinterlace 480i to 480p (depending on how you set it in XBMC) and then the xbox will reinterlace it back to 480i.

Ja Phule, thanks for the feedback. I guess to achieve what I really want, mplayer would need to have a configurable pass through mode where you could tell it to not do any de-interlacing or scaling. And XBMC would need a similar setting, so that it wouldn't modify the mplayer output. I think some brands of cable box (the SAs but not the Motos I believe) have a mode like this. I wonder how feasible this would be in mplayer/xbmc?

Is there any info out there for optimizing the display of videos played using XBMC? I have XBMC setup so I can play DVDs ripped to a network share on m y 42" Sony RP HDTV. I also have a Pioneer DV-400 Upscaling DVD player connected to the same TV. If I compare the same (ripped) XBMC picture to the same (retail DVD) DVD player picture the DVD player is noticeably better. I have done the same basic display calibrations for both sources. The Xbox is connected using a component cable and set to output 720. The DVD player is connected over HDMI and also set to output 720. DVDs are ripped using AnyDVD without any compression, main title only.

What about the XBMC picture makes it not look as good as your dvd player? Are you using good quality xbox component cables or a third party? What deinterlacing options are you using in XBMC?

Is there any info out there for optimizing the display of videos played using XBMC? I have XBMC setup so I can play DVDs ripped to a network share on m y 42" Sony RP HDTV. I also have a Pioneer DV-400 Upscaling DVD player connected to the same TV. If I compare the same (ripped) XBMC picture to the same (retail DVD) DVD player picture the DVD player is noticeably better. I have done the same basic display calibrations for both sources. The Xbox is connected using a component cable and set to output 720. The DVD player is connected over HDMI and also set to output 720. DVDs are ripped using AnyDVD without any compression, main title only.

I'm interested in this info, also. I haven't done back-to-back comparisons between my DVD player and XBMC, but I have noticed the various settings XBMC has (bob and weave, etc). However I have no idea how those should be set for best output, or if it varies depending on your setup.

I'm interested in this info, also. I haven't done back-to-back comparisons between my DVD player and XBMC, but I have noticed the various settings XBMC has (bob and weave, etc). However I have no idea how those should be set for best output, or if it varies depending on your setup.

I have done some direct comparisons to a couple of year old average ($100ish) Sony HDMI upconverting DVD player and the picture from XBMC is noticeably soft. I tried tweaking setting for a while and couldn't really make it much better so I eventually gave up. I would be interested if anyone has recommendations on how to tweak the setting to make things better.

I am also considering trying out the upcoming GefenTV Scaler Pro external video processor to see if that helps. It has the highly rated Silicon Optics Realta video processing chipset and should have a street price around $500. I love the convenience of the XMBC frontend and streamed movies, but would also like to be able to get the same picture quality as a really good upscaling DVD player (like the new OPPO 983).

"The Xbox is connected using a component cable and set to output 720. The DVD player is connected over HDMI and also set to output 720."

If you're going to compare, then you should be doing the comparison over component for both devices. I have yet to come across a TV that treats component and HDMI the same.

To answer the quality question though, here we go! First, update to the newest T3CH version of XBMC. Then in your Video settings you need to select High Quality Pixel Shader V2 as your Render Method. Then in the DVD playback options menu, make sure the deinterlacer is set to Auto. This will do proper 24fps playback for Film Sources, and perform a decent bob+weave deinterlace for Video Sources (TV shows). This is the best deinterlacing you can get out of XBMC on the Xbox.

No, not much processing is going on, but for a lot of us, that is preferred. :) The only thing I would like better, is if I could output to proper VGA or HDMI to do 1:1 pixel mapping, avoiding that second scaling pass.

Im still searching for some way to fix this, I read somewhere that my problem could be the way I make a ISO which a program call folder2iso, Has anyone else use this program and had luck with playing there ISO's. Also what program are people using to make there iso's?
thanks for any help

Im getting (Playlist Playback Aborted Too Many Consecutive Failed Items)
I recently updated my T3CH xbmc to be able to get my Vista Shares able to be seen but for some reason it wont play iso files on the network or even on the hard drive in the xbox. It plays avi's okay and mp3's and photo's just fine.
thanks for any help

I updated to the May 18 build and confirmed that the Weather plugin works now!

I then tried to add couple of Shared folders from two computers on the network. One computer is running W2K and the other WinXP Home. I shared folders on both these computers. In XBMC, I can see the folders from both the computers.

However, I can view and playback only the files from the W2K PC's Shared folder. For the WinXP Home PC, I can navigate to WorkGroup -> <PC Name> -> Shared Folders using XBMC. However, I cannot see any files in this shared folder. When I try to add this folder, XBMC says "unable to connect to the computer" or some such error message. I have confirmed that Windows Firewall is turned off on this PC (I have firewall turned on in my router) and that the PC and XBMC are on the same subnet. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
-Topper

Edit: I shared folders on the XP Home PC after going through instructions here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13355192&postcount=3105). Also made sure the Guest account is enabled on this PC.

I updated to the May 18 build and confirmed that the Weather plugin works now!

I then tried to add couple of Shared folders from two computers on the network. One computer is running W2K and the other WinXP Home. I shared folders on both these computers. In XBMC, I can see the folders from both the computers.

However, I can view and playback only the files from the W2K PC's Shared folder. For the WinXP Home PC, I can navigate to WorkGroup -> <PC Name> -> Shared Folders using XBMC. However, I cannot see any files in this shared folder. When I try to add this folder, XBMC says "unable to connect to the computer" or some such error message. I have confirmed that Windows Firewall is turned off on this PC (I have firewall turned on in my router) and that the PC and XBMC are on the same subnet. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
-Topper

Edit: I shared folders on the XP Home PC after going through instructions here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13355192&postcount=3105). Also made sure the Guest account is enabled on this PC.

I have had problems like this in the past and they can be difficult to debug. somehow something internal to windows is not responding to the changes you made and allowing guest access..... if you have accounts and passwords setup you can try using that apporach. The easiest solution to load XBSMP client like CCXGUI....

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=218883

Sean

I have had problems like this in the past and they can be difficult to debug. somehow something internal to windows is not responding to the changes you made and allowing guest access..... if you have accounts and passwords setup you can try using that apporach. The easiest solution to load XBSMP client like CCXGUI....

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=218883

Sean

Not sure what was the "missing link" in my setup, but I went through the checklist and followed the instructions outlined here (http://fixnetworkproblems.com/) and now the Xbox (as well as W2K PC) can see the files on XP Home computer using SMB. Actually what did stand out to me was learning that enabling the Guest account as outlined in the above link is different than going through the User Accounts in the Control Panel. Needless to say, I followed the steps outlined in the article to enable the guest account from the command line (as well as updated some registry keys) and after a reboot it now works.

Sean - Is the CCXGUI tool similar to the Tivo Service that gets installed with the Tivo Desktop and which allows the Tivo to see the published audio/video files?

Anyway, I bought one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Psyclone-Component-Video-Analog-Audio/dp/B0009X1OPS/) and one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-DVD-Movie-Playback-Kit/dp/B00005O0I9/). Hooked it up to my 32" LCD HDTV that supports 720p and 1080i. Went into Settings -> Video and played around with setting the Xbox to output video at various resolutions (480p, 720p, etc). As expected, when I played back videos, they would playback at the resolution set above (480p, 720p, etc). However, if I hit stop or go back to the PM III skin, it would revert back to 480i.

To switch PM III to also display at the HD resolutions, I am guessing I have to access the MS Dashboard and set it in there, correct? However, I could not find the MS Dashboard anywhere on the Xbox (As previously mentioned, I purchased the Xbox from someone else who had already installed XBMC on it, so I dont have the details of what they kept/deleted from the original Xbox). I scanned all the drives/folders and could only find the default.xbe file which I believe is the XBMC dashboard.

Any idea how/where I can get the original MS Dashboard so I can change the Xbox to permanently output the PM III skin to the appropriate HD resolutions (instead of switching from HD resolutions during playback and back to 480i while navigating the skin)?

BTW, I noticed Sean mention in one of his other posts here that the eeprom.bin file is the most critical file for the Xbox since it has settings/etc unique to each Xbox. I did find this file while looking for the MS Dashboard file and will back it up. Hopefully I can find any other missing files as I play around with the Xbox elsewhere.

Thanks,
-Topper

Topperdude,

There are 3 things you need to make sure is set up correctly in your xbox in XBMC.

1) Under the system settings, video hardware, enable 480p/720p/1080i (I personally don't enable 1080i). Since you are able to play conttent at 480p/720p/1080i this should already be enabled in your set up.

2) Under the video settings which you mentioned above in your post.

3) Under the appearance settings, screen setup, you can also set up 480i/p, 720p/1080i. This is what sets your resolution in your skin.

Some new screenshots from the latest Aeon (http://www.aeoncentral.com) skin.

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11a.jpg

3 seconds later
http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11b.jpg

TV Shows with automatic fanart download
http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11c.jpg

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11d.jpg

Some new screenshots from the latest Aeon (http://www.aeoncentral.com) skin.

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11a.jpg

3 seconds later
http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11b.jpg

TV Shows with automatic fanart download
http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11c.jpg

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/avs/xbmc/aeon11d.jpg



Looks nice but still not the skin for me....

Sean

Not sure what was the "missing link" in my setup, but I went through the checklist and followed the instructions outlined here (http://fixnetworkproblems.com/) and now the Xbox (as well as W2K PC) can see the files on XP Home computer using SMB. Actually what did stand out to me was learning that enabling the Guest account as outlined in the above link is different than going through the User Accounts in the Control Panel. Needless to say, I followed the steps outlined in the article to enable the guest account from the command line (as well as updated some registry keys) and after a reboot it now works.

Sean - Is the CCXGUI tool similar to the Tivo Service that gets installed with the Tivo Desktop and which allows the Tivo to see the published audio/video files?

Anyway, I bought one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Psyclone-Component-Video-Analog-Audio/dp/B0009X1OPS/) and one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-DVD-Movie-Playback-Kit/dp/B00005O0I9/). Hooked it up to my 32" LCD HDTV that supports 720p and 1080i. Went into Settings -> Video and played around with setting the Xbox to output video at various resolutions (480p, 720p, etc). As expected, when I played back videos, they would playback at the resolution set above (480p, 720p, etc). However, if I hit stop or go back to the PM III skin, it would revert back to 480i.

To switch PM III to also display at the HD resolutions, I am guessing I have to access the MS Dashboard and set it in there, correct? However, I could not find the MS Dashboard anywhere on the Xbox (As previously mentioned, I purchased the Xbox from someone else who had already installed XBMC on it, so I dont have the details of what they kept/deleted from the original Xbox). I scanned all the drives/folders and could only find the default.xbe file which I believe is the XBMC dashboard.

Any idea how/where I can get the original MS Dashboard so I can change the Xbox to permanently output the PM III skin to the appropriate HD resolutions (instead of switching from HD resolutions during playback and back to 480i while navigating the skin)?

BTW, I noticed Sean mention in one of his other posts here that the eeprom.bin file is the most critical file for the Xbox since it has settings/etc unique to each Xbox. I did find this file while looking for the MS Dashboard file and will back it up. Hopefully I can find any other missing files as I play around with the Xbox elsewhere.

Thanks,
-Topper

CCXGUI is like file sharing for windows but uses a different protocol. JA answered your video resolution questions in the previous post. I would recommend spending a little going through all the settings menus and learning how they work. There is a lot of goodness in there....

Sean

FWIW, My ReadyNAS streams without a hitch for hours on end, to multple xboxes. Can't recommend it enough as a companion for XBMC.

Hmm.. I need to buy a NAS.

Hmm.. I need to buy a NAS.

Agree with Slack its so much better than my POS thecus 5200....

one more example...

disk starts dying in the ReadyNAS. The OS detects the error counters in the drive that are incrementing and warns you to replace the disk. Which I did without hitch...

The thecus no such feature...
I had a disc die 3 weeks ago with no warning...
Order advance replacement
while waiting on the replacement about 8 days after the frist the 2nd drive dies without warning and the whole array is gone. (I have backup)...

put the failed drive in the PC and use a SMART util and you can see the drive has been logging errors but the thecus OS is not smart enough to tell you this stuff....

ReadyNAS is expensive and well worth the $$$ if you want something reliable that just works...

Sean

Maolq,

Since XBMC uses mplayer for videos, from what I understand, it deinterlaces internally, regardless of the output set by the xbox. So if you want to output 480i from the xbox, mplayer will deinterlace 480i to 480p (depending on how you set it in XBMC) and then the xbox will reinterlace it back to 480i.

JaPhule. I am in Houston.

Do you think you might be able to help me with CLONING an Xbox if I / when I visit Dallas in the near future. I plan to do this for my parents house . I can always use a laptop or HTPC. I'd like to make something like this for their convenience.

Thoughts?

JaPhule. I am in Houston.

Do you think you might be able to help me with CLONING an Xbox if I / when I visit Dallas in the near future. I plan to do this for my parents house . I can always use a laptop or HTPC. I'd like to make something like this for their convenience.

Thoughts?

I'd be happy to help. Check your PM.

Agree with Slack its so much better than my POS thecus 5200....

Sean

Not to beat a dead horse but...

Since upgrading the firmware in the ReadyNAS, I added the B itTorren t plug-in. I had dabbled in BT clients before (Azureus) back when I still had an account on xbox-sky tracker. But I had to leave my laptop on overnight to to get "certain ISOs" or XBMC updates.

Now the ReadyNas does that, might as well since I leave it on 24/7. And I've started downloading lots more stuff. Anyone remember Star Blazers? Sure the plug-in doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does have some niceties. You can throttle speeds in both directions. And because it's a web front end you can admin it all remotely. It has really added value to the ReadyNAS box.

They have another plug-in called ReadyNAS photos, that supposedly will serve up all your photos flickr style to whomever you grant access. Haven't messed with that one.

If only it could run WiRNS for my replays, now that would be something.

Hi, I have a soft modded XBOX running XBMC and just installed an XIR. I ordered the "EASY" kit and followed the directions on the manufactures website. The green light is on as it says it should be however I cant get the remote to turn the XBOX on but if I turn it on manually I can turn it off by pressing 0 on the XBOX remote 3 times. Does anyone have idea what I might be doing wrong. Thanks in advance

Hi, I have a soft modded XBOX running XBMC and just installed an XIR. I ordered the "EASY" kit and followed the directions on the manufactures website. The green light is on as it says it should be however I cant get the remote to turn the XBOX on but if I turn it on manually I can turn it off by pressing 0 on the XBOX remote 3 times. Does anyone have idea what I might be doing wrong. Thanks in advance

Try checking your connections. One of your wires probably isn't touching connector when you placed it in the xbox. I installed XIR recently in one of my xboxes and its been finicky also, sometimes it turns on immediately, other times i have to press enter 50 times for it to power up. I've been to lazy to open the xbox back up to fix it.

Not to beat a dead horse but...

Since upgrading the firmware in the ReadyNAS, I added the B itTorren t plug-in. I had dabbled in BT clients before (Azureus) back when I still had an account on xbox-sky tracker. But I had to leave my laptop on overnight to to get "certain ISOs" or XBMC updates.

Now the ReadyNas does that, might as well since I leave it on 24/7. And I've started downloading lots more stuff. Anyone remember Star Blazers? Sure the plug-in doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does have some niceties. You can throttle speeds in both directions. And because it's a web front end you can admin it all remotely. It has really added value to the ReadyNAS box.

They have another plug-in called ReadyNAS photos, that supposedly will serve up all your photos flickr style to whomever you grant access. Haven't messed with that one.

If only it could run WiRNS for my replays, now that would be something.

so what does it do to the throughput of the server while running. bit torrent is CPU intensive and the readyNas is already cpu limited?

Sean

Been using XBMC for a few months now and I love it. A few questions:

1. Is there any disadvantage in having my soft-modded Xbox boot directly to XBMC? If not, how do I go about doing that?

2. I love streaming from my computer, but the hard drive is quickly reaching its maximum capacity. Can I share my external hard drive and have XBMC recognize it?

Thanks in advance.

Been using XBMC for a few months now and I love it. A few questions:

1. Is there any disadvantage in having my soft-modded Xbox boot directly to XBMC? If not, how do I go about doing that?

2. I love streaming from my computer, but the hard drive is quickly reaching its maximum capacity. Can I share my external hard drive and have XBMC recognize it?

Thanks in advance.

1. no. detailed instructions are in the XBMC wiki.

2. sure.... I did this for 2 years before buying a NAS.... ( I would comment that its needs to be at least USB 2.0 not 1.1

Sean

so what does it do to the throughput of the server while running. bit torrent is CPU intensive and the readyNas is already cpu limited?

Sean

So far it's been transparent in daily life. I've noticed nothing abnormal about copying to/from the unit, or streaming to XBMC. Granted, I haven't tried my earlier experiments of opening up a DVD stream on every pc in the house (4).

Only thing I've noticed is that when remote desktopping into the home from work things are slowed down a bit because the ReadyNAS is seeding at 15kbits. On DSL.

So far it's been transparent in daily life. I've noticed nothing abnormal about copying to/from the unit, or streaming to XBMC. Granted, I haven't tried my earlier experiments of opening up a DVD stream on every pc in the house (4).

Only thing I've noticed is that when remote desktopping into the home from work things are slowed down a bit because the ReadyNAS is seeding at 15kbits. On DSL.

that and BT creates a pretry big load on most routers.... some of the hacker firmware for routers improves BT performance and load but thats another hacking project....

IN case your interested. Here's the URL.... Thanks for the info. I will give the ReadyNas BT Client a try....

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Sean

that and BT creates a pretry big load on most routers.... some of the hacker firmware for routers improves BT performance and load but thats another hacking project....

IN case your interested. Here's the URL.... Thanks for the info. I will give the ReadyNas BT Client a try....

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Sean

Dunno if it matters but my ReadyNAS has the memory 'upgrade'. I think its a gig.

Dunno if it matters but my ReadyNAS has the memory 'upgrade'. I think its a gig.

Thanks.... I only have the stock ram.... still too busyrestoring data to my thecus.... Its currently offline as it takes 2 days to expand the raid from 4 disc raid5 to 5 disc raid 5.....

BTW: There is a 6/16/ T3CH Build out....

Anyon out there with XBMC for linux have it working with MythTV. Looks like a lot of checkins in the last few months to better support the MythTV PVR.....

Sean

BTW: There is a 6/16/ T3CH Build out....


Just finished downloading.
My last d/l was something from Jan 08.

BTW what the heck is going on with the skins?
allxboxskins seems like it full of old stuff.
the xbox-scene forum is so mished-mashed it's hard to find the latest & greatest. I'm using Basic-Vision in my living room. And I cen;t see if a new version is available because team blackbolt site is on hiatus.

Is there a better site somewhere for current revs of popular xbmc skins???

I searched pirate bay thinking there would be lots of hits on xbmc skin. But the signal to noise is through the roof, and the latest t3ch build is listed as 4-38 in the results.

I came here cause I know there was post about a skin a few pages back.

Just finished downloading.
My last d/l was something from Jan 08.

BTW what the heck is going on with the skins?
allxboxskins seems like it full of old stuff.
the xbox-scene forum is so mished-mashed it's hard to find the latest & greatest. I'm using Basic-Vision in my living room. And I cen;t see if a new version is available because team blackbolt site is on hiatus.

Is there a better site somewhere for current revs of popular xbmc skins???

I searched pirate bay thinking there would be lots of hits on xbmc skin. But the signal to noise is through the roof, and the latest t3ch build is listed as 4-38 in the results.

I came here cause I know there was post about a skin a few pages back.

You can try the XBMC forums.
http://xbmc.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

They are getting ready to replace the PM3 skin sometime, with possibly the "Fluid" skin which sounds very interesting when it comes out.... in a few weeks they are saying....

You can try the XBMC forums.
http://xbmc.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

They are getting ready to replace the PM3 skin sometime, with possibly the "Fluid" skin which sounds very interesting when it comes out.... in a few weeks they are saying....

All the skins live on the XBMC Subversion server. This is where the latest code lives....

download Tortoise SVN

install it

make a dir for the skins

right click on the dir and selecte SVN Checkout

use this URL.....

https://xboxmediacenter.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/xboxmediacenter/

WAIT

Run the build.bat in each skin dir you want to use and enjoy your new skins...

pimped release usually includes a few more skins than the standard t3ch build also.....

Sean

Just updated to the June 11 build (the FAT build with extras on the T3CH site) last night and I started getting the black screen after the default Xbox (Green) bootup splash screen. So I followed the directions on the wiki (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Settings#Resetting_XBMC_settings_to_default). This, as I understand, cleared all the settings in the UserDefault directory. Then I followed directions here (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Error_Recovery_Mode) to gain ftp access to the Q drive and retrieve the log files that I have attached. The logs mention missing <myprograms> tag or that sources.xml might be malformed. I looked at the backup sources.xml files from the backup of yesterday's UserData (before updating XBMC, when it was working fine) and it didn't seem to have the <myprograms> tag either but was working fine. Should I try just copying the backup of the UserData folder from before the update? Any other thoughts on what I should try to resolve this?

Also, the light/LED around the Eject button is Orange (previously, per my settings this light would stay off unless the DVD drive was trying to read a disc) and interestingly the TV shows that the "black screen" signal its getting from Xbox is 1080i even though I had set it to 720p.

Edit: Also wanted to mention that before I reset the UserData folder by pressing the two thumbsticks, I would not get any audio with the black screen. After I reset the UserData folder, I do get the "new" T3CH splash screen and hear the startup audio message before it goes into the black screen.

Thanks,
Topper

Just updated to the June 11 build (the FAT build with extras on the T3CH site) last night and I started getting the black screen after the default Xbox (Green) bootup splash screen. So I followed the directions on the wiki (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Settings#Resetting_XBMC_settings_to_default). This, as I understand, cleared all the settings in the UserDefault directory. Then I followed directions here (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Error_Recovery_Mode) to gain ftp access to the Q drive and retrieve the log files that I have attached. The logs mention missing <myprograms> tag or that sources.xml might be malformed. I looked at the backup sources.xml files from the backup of yesterday's UserData (before updating XBMC, when it was working fine) and it didn't seem to have the <myprograms> tag either but was working fine. Should I try just copying the backup of the UserData folder from before the update? Any other thoughts on what I should try to resolve this?

Also, the light/LED around the Eject button is Orange (previously, per my settings this light would stay off unless the DVD drive was trying to read a disc) and interestingly the TV shows that the "black screen" signal its getting from Xbox is 1080i even though I had set it to 720p.

Edit: Also wanted to mention that before I reset the UserData folder by pressing the two thumbsticks, I would not get any audio with the black screen. After I reset the UserData folder, I do get the "new" T3CH splash screen and hear the startup audio message before it goes into the black screen.

Thanks,
Topper

FAT build? Sounds like you downloaded the old release from 2006.

Just updated to the June 11 build (the FAT build with extras on the T3CH site) last night and I started getting the black screen after the default Xbox (Green) bootup splash screen. So I followed the directions on the wiki (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Settings#Resetting_XBMC_settings_to_default). This, as I understand, cleared all the settings in the UserDefault directory. Then I followed directions here (http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=Error_Recovery_Mode) to gain ftp access to the Q drive and retrieve the log files that I have attached. The logs mention missing <myprograms> tag or that sources.xml might be malformed. I looked at the backup sources.xml files from the backup of yesterday's UserData (before updating XBMC, when it was working fine) and it didn't seem to have the <myprograms> tag either but was working fine. Should I try just copying the backup of the UserData folder from before the update? Any other thoughts on what I should try to resolve this?

Also, the light/LED around the Eject button is Orange (previously, per my settings this light would stay off unless the DVD drive was trying to read a disc) and interestingly the TV shows that the "black screen" signal its getting from Xbox is 1080i even though I had set it to 720p.

Edit: Also wanted to mention that before I reset the UserData folder by pressing the two thumbsticks, I would not get any audio with the black screen. After I reset the UserData folder, I do get the "new" T3CH splash screen and hear the startup audio message before it goes into the black screen.

Thanks,
Topper

What JA said... the software you downloaded is anicent and causing your problems...

You can try the XBMC forums.
http://xbmc.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12

They are getting ready to replace the PM3 skin sometime, with possibly the "Fluid" skin which sounds very interesting when it comes out.... in a few weeks they are saying....

Here's a list of the skins currently in Subversion....

* Back-Row/
* Basics-101/
* Basics-Vision/
* CEOMR/
* Clearity/
* Containment/
* Fusion/
* Insidious/
* MC360/
* Mint/
* PDM/
* Project Mayhem I/
* Project Mayhem II/
* Vision/
* XBMC Skin Manager/
* XMBOX/
* Xbox-Classic/
* amped/
* xTV/

Sean

FAT build? Sounds like you downloaded the old release from 2006.
Yes! And...

What JA said... the software you downloaded is anicent and causing your problems...
...Yes!

(Not sure why its still on the front page of the site though :confused:)

Got the latest from June 16 and everything is back to normal (Note to self - no more updates at midnite after a long day :rolleyes:). Thanks as always :D

-Topper

Yes! And...


...Yes!

(Not sure why its still on the front page of the site though :confused:)

Got the latest from June 16 and everything is back to normal (Note to self - no more updates at midnite after a long day :rolleyes:). Thanks as always :D

-Topper

Its still on the front page because like any good group of coders nothing is ever good enough and they dont have a project manager breathing down their neck going "Its been almost 2 years since your last official code release" , "How bout releasing a new official stable version"....

At least they have been busy.... Glad you working again. I loaded 6/16 build last night and so far so good....

Sean

Bought an xbox from gamestop, a used memory card, and splinter cell for 70 bucks plus tax, had to attach a usb end to the controller since action replay could not be found, anyway loaded the 6/16/2008 XBMC and it is working fine, ran stable all night.

Only problem I have with the 6/16 build is DTS audio over regular analog is distorted unlike the previous build which played fine.

Only problem I have with the 6/16 build is DTS audio over regular analog is distorted unlike the previous build which played fine.

I dont use analog so I never noticed that....

Sean

Bought an xbox from gamestop, a used memory card, and splinter cell for 70 bucks plus tax, had to attach a usb end to the controller since action replay could not be found, anyway loaded the 6/16/2008 XBMC and it is working fine, ran stable all night.

Awesome.... Great news and welcome... Hope you get as much enjoyment as most of us do.... :)

Welcome again...

Sean

JaPhule - I just downloaded this package called Auto Installer Deluxe which is supposed to be THE best simplest way to do an XBox to XBMC.

Does this thing contain everything including a SoftMod or do I still have to go and find that Splinter Cell or other SoftMod hack games.

What about this NDURE thing that I see around?
http://www.productwiki.com/microsoft-xbox/article/how-to-go-from-xbox-to-xbox-media-center-in-30-minutes.html
http://www.biline.ca/xbox_ndure.htm

Whats the best easiest Soft Mod? What do I need for it?

PS: Anyone use an Intrusion Detection thing like this for their Network Media Setup to ensure no one got in?

BTW - Has anybody tested their NAS Setups using this?

http://www.hackaday.com/2008/06/20/backtrack-3-final-is-out/

BTW - Has anybody tested their NAS Setups using this?

http://www.hackaday.com/2008/06/20/backtrack-3-final-is-out/

JaPhule - I just downloaded this package called Auto Installer Deluxe which is supposed to be THE best simplest way to do an XBox to XBMC.

Does this thing contain everything including a SoftMod or do I still have to go and find that Splinter Cell or other SoftMod hack games.

What about this NDURE thing that I see around?
http://www.productwiki.com/microsoft-xbox/article/how-to-go-from-xbox-to-xbox-media-center-in-30-minutes.html
http://www.biline.ca/xbox_ndure.htm

Whats the best easiest Soft Mod? What do I need for it?

PS: Anyone use an Intrusion Detection thing like this for their Network Media Setup to ensure no one got in?

BTW - Has anybody tested their NAS Setups using this?

http://www.hackaday.com/2008/06/20/backtrack-3-final-is-out/

A non modded xbox will not be able to run any burned media. Your xbox will not read the autoinstaller disc unless its been modded (soft or hard). The first post in this thread lists the guide to do your own soft mod.

Just sharing...we got hit by lightning the other night. Actually, we didn't get hit but it was close enough for my wireless router's antenna to pick some up (being used as an access point and switch in my media cabinet). It burned out the router as well as everything connected to us - well, just the LAN ports. My 360's network port is now dead as is my modded circa 2003 Xbox and a switch upstairs. I've replaced everything but those items are still dead - ironically both Xboxes work, just no sign of any network connectivity or lights on the back.

The one good point - despite having a dead DVD drive for years and having every replacement die within 6 months, I did save my original launch Splinter Cell disc which if I don't go the HTPC route is looking like a good way to Flash a new Xbox. I guess the other good point is that the rest of my PCs and laser printer are fine along with my display and all the audio equipment. Rather than time consuming and annoying, that could have been very expensive.

I'm really bummed about my original Xbox dying. This thing has served me soooooo well over the years and XBMC/XBMP was the whole reason I modded it long ago in the early EvoX and Xecuter days. I was kind of hoping the Linux version would be done by now but given that it's their free time I guess I can't complain.

BTW - Has anybody tested their NAS Setups using this?

http://www.hackaday.com/2008/06/20/backtrack-3-final-is-out/

Not sure what you are reffering to. I see a bunch of articles on that site... Anything specific.

you need to softmod the xbox first before AID is of any use to you.......

Sean

Just sharing...we got hit by lightning the other night. Actually, we didn't get hit but it was close enough for my wireless router's antenna to pick some up (being used as an access point and switch in my media cabinet). It burned out the router as well as everything connected to us - well, just the LAN ports. My 360's network port is now dead as is my modded circa 2003 Xbox and a switch upstairs. I've replaced everything but those items are still dead - ironically both Xboxes work, just no sign of any network connectivity or lights on the back.

The one good point - despite having a dead DVD drive for years and having every replacement die within 6 months, I did save my original launch Splinter Cell disc which if I don't go the HTPC route is looking like a good way to Flash a new Xbox. I guess the other good point is that the rest of my PCs and laser printer are fine along with my display and all the audio equipment. Rather than time consuming and annoying, that could have been very expensive.

I'm really bummed about my original Xbox dying. This thing has served me soooooo well over the years and XBMC/XBMP was the whole reason I modded it long ago in the early EvoX and Xecuter days. I was kind of hoping the Linux version would be done by now but given that it's their free time I guess I can't complain.

Sorry to hear that. Sunday morning in Raleigh lightning took out my whole computer stereo. blew up the pre-amp, amp, speakers and sub. It was the only thing other than my laser printer that wasn't plugged into a UPS. (woke up to boom and the smell of burnt electronics). Fortunately it did not blow up any of my computers, NAS's and tons of other stereo gear. If you need help getting an xbox softmodded and running again let me know...

Sean

What are the list of remotes that work well with an XBox XBMC in the following sub categories:

- Cheapest remote that works well enough?
- Value for Money Remote?
- The BEST remote for XBMC?
- The best Universal Remote easily configurable for XBMC?

Do any / all of the remotes need something additional on the XBox for use? Some kind of DVD package add on? Which remote should I get/ look out for?

What are the list of remotes that work well with an XBox XBMC in the following sub categories:

- Cheapest remote that works well enough?
- Value for Money Remote?
- The BEST remote for XBMC?
- The best Universal Remote easily configurable for XBMC?

Do any / all of the remotes need something additional on the XBox for use? Some kind of DVD package add on? Which remote should I get/ look out for?

1. The POS remote that comes with the xbox IR Eye which you need to buy anyway $10 or a wired xbox controller which comes with every xbox.
2. too mee, any harmony or generic universal remote that makes you happy
3. To me, a logitech wireless xbox controller or again any harmony
4. same as 3

plus you can use a iphone, itouch, psp or any web browser enabled device.... xbmc has more remote choices than about any other product out there.... something will tickle your fancy....

Yes you need the DVD Playback kit which is a USB IR Eye for the xbox and a cheapo RCA remote control. This is $10 at any gamestop store or online.

Sean

Logitech Harmony 520, 550, or 360. $100, and amazing remotes. Anything cheaper by any company is just garbage.

I prefer the xbox controller, all I have to do is follow the wire to find it, I think all remotes should have a wire so my baby can't lose them, eat them, or flush them, lossing a $100 remote to baby spit is very depressing.

What are the list of remotes that work well with an XBox XBMC in the following sub categories:

- Cheapest remote that works well enough?
- Value for Money Remote?
- The BEST remote for XBMC?
- The best Universal Remote easily configurable for XBMC?

Do any / all of the remotes need something additional on the XBox for use? Some kind of DVD package add on? Which remote should I get/ look out for?

1. Depending on your personal definition of 'well enough', the Xbox DVD kit remote could be the cheapest alternative. I was able to find it online here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00005O0I9) for about $5 shipped.
2. Again, depending on your needs, could be same as 1 above.
3 & 4 As Sean and James pointed out, the logitech harmony remotes work well. I currently have my harmony 676 and harmony 520 configured to control the XBMC box (using the Xbox -> Game Console (with DVD player) profile) but will probably use the remote from the Xbox DVD kit to customize it a bit before I put the original Xbox remote away for good.

Hope it helps,
-Topper

Logitech Harmony 520, 550, or 360. $100, and amazing remotes. Anything cheaper by any company is just garbage.

Now I wouldn't say that..... I use a One For All remote for my xbox (and all devices) in my bedroom and a Universal Remote Control (http://www.universalremote.com/consumer/products.php) in my living room. They both work fine. The OneForAll isn't as flashy as harmony or Universal Remote Control but it has all the buttons you need w/o relying on looking a screen for some functions like many of the LCD remotes out there.

Of course, to each their own.

I prefer the xbox controller, all I have to do is follow the wire to find it, I think all remotes should have a wire so my baby can't lose them, eat them, or flush them, lossing a $100 remote to baby spit is very depressing.

:D

Now I wouldn't say that..... I use a One For All remote for my xbox (and all devices) in my bedroom and a Universal Remote Control (http://www.universalremote.com/consumer/products.php) in my living room. They both work fine. The OneForAll isn't as flashy as harmony or Universal Remote Control but it has all the buttons you need w/o relying on looking a screen for some functions like many of the LCD remotes out there.

Of course, to each their own.

I would have to agree with Dark Lord on this one... Having owned a RF20 and RF30 I have owned a lot of remotes (prontos, marantz, theater master) over the last 15 years and the harmony's are clearly the best I have seen. Some of the layouts and button choices are odd but the Software is so much better than anything else out there and actually gives a common users a way to succeed in programming it where as my pronto and theatermasters are both too overly complex to program for most users...

I think the best of the IR's is the 720 and the One....

Unfortunately they dont make an RF One so I use 890's. Another nice benefit of the 890 is it controls Z-Wave devices..... I have the lights for the theather, fireplace, etc all controlled from the harmony.... Hopefully they will come out with a RF One here soon. Some people me included just dont really like the smooth buttons on the 880/890 series.... (Even so, I bought 3 of em, and have 3 other harmonies)..... Anyone want a free Rf20 with IR Repeaters and etc send me a PM and send one I have collecting dust...

Sean

Here's how much I love my Harmony: I actually need a universal remote for the bedroom, and instead of taking up Sean on his offer of a free RF20, I'd rather just go spend $100 on a Harmony 550.

A new version of XBPartitioner is out. It now supports 64k and 128k clusters for those wanting to create larger than 512GB partitions.

Is there any store where I could buy an Xbox Action Replay? A LOCAL STORE please?

I would suggest that you either buy a usb to xbox usb connector, or buy an extra controller and attach a usb end to it, the colors match one to one, then download the action replay software and driver for the memory card reader. I could not find action replay in any brick and mortor store near me. Make sure you use the action replay driver that is in the driver folder of the action replay install, from when you install the downloaded action replay software, and it should work like a charm. Warning, Vista does not like to let you switch drivers, I gave up and used an XP machine.

Action replay is all over ebay.

A new version of XBPartitioner is out. It now supports 64k and 128k clusters for those wanting to create larger than 512GB partitions.

cool....

1TB Softmods... Here we come....

Sean

Is there any store where I could buy an Xbox Action Replay? A LOCAL STORE please?

If you are in an area that has a Fry's electronics store, you can check if they have it in stock. I saw a ton of Action Replays in the San Jose Fry's electronics store when I was in the San Francisco Bay Area last month.

Alternatively, you can purchase something like this (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-2b-77-4-49-en-15-xbox+usb-70-1xz.html) and use it with a usb jump drive or memory card reader. The above store seems to be out of stock currently, but they are also available on ebay. If you decide to go this route, make sure you get the one with the female socket on the usb end.

Hope it helps,
-Topper

Hi there

I'm new to all of this, and have so far not found answers to my questions. Bottom line is, the IMDB scraper does not work on by XBMC. Screenshots show a "Settings" option when you "Set Content" to IMDB, but mine does not.

If I try to Scan, it's non-responsive, and if I click "Info" for movie info., I get a keyboard on the screen.

Is there code somewhere that I could copy/download (or something), and use to replace whatever (and wherever) the current scraper code is?

Like I say, I haven't got a clue as to how this all works, so I would greatly appreciate some guidance.

Thanks, guys!

I would suggest that you either buy a (1) usb to xbox usb connector, or buy an extra controller and (2) attach a usb end to it, the colors match one to one, then download the action replay software and driver for the memory card reader. I could not find action replay in any brick and mortor store near me. Make sure you use the action replay driver that is in the driver folder of the action replay install, from when you install the downloaded action replay software, and it should work like a charm. Warning, Vista does not like to let you switch drivers, I gave up and used an XP machine.

1 - I googled for it but did not find the products
2 - Is this one of the "cut wires & solder" mods?

Please point out specific links if possible for the two above since I've looked through tons of such mods and not sure which one to go for.

If you are in an area that has a Fry's electronics store, you can check if they have it in stock. I saw a ton of Action Replays in the San Jose Fry's electronics store when I was in the San Francisco Bay Area last month.

Alternatively, you can purchase something like this (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-2b-77-4-49-en-15-xbox+usb-70-1xz.html) and use it with a usb jump drive or memory card reader. The above store seems to be out of stock currently, but they are also available on ebay. If you decide to go this route, make sure you get the one with the female socket on the usb end.

Hope it helps,
-Topper

Lets see if my Local Fry's has something. Is there any way to get one of these "something like this" items at a local store?

Is there any purpose to the Action Replay after the Soft Mod is done if the primary goal is to just do a SoftMod and then install XBMC. Im not really into gaming?

Well I didn't solder anything, I took a controller, cut the wire in half with a knife, did the same with a USB cable extension, or an old usb mouse, or whatever you have, stripped the wires, attached the usb wires to the controller, plugged controller into PC, installed the drivers for the controller without a memory card inserted as prompted by windows, (had to download the drivers first), then inserted the memory card into the controller, and pointed the driver install to the driver folder created by the action replay install of the downloaded software.

http://www.ShareCow.com/Download.aspx?request=9351a5bd-95ce-484c-a50f-b7a832b8e31b

the above link will get you the drivers and the action replay install