xbmc Pi build questions

[steeb]

Hi all,

before I embarrass myself over at xbmc etc I wondered if I could ask some advice? I do realize that this may be better posted over on another forum but this being the most friendly forum I feel more at home

I am a Windows bod at total heart and practice and don't really get Linux or how to solve issues with it.

I have managed to install OpenElec r12755 from a .img onto my SD card and get that to boot xbmc on my Pi.

That build included NextPVR add-on v 1.2. by default.

After setting up everything as I think is correct the NextPVR LiveTV option is available and I can see the channels (EPG).

But when I select a channel I do not get any video display even though xbmc thinks it is playing it. (i.e. doesn't crash or anything)

I wondered if this was an mpeg issue so bought a license for MPEG2 but that has not made any difference.

As addendum I wondered if it should be possible for me to see the Pi via the Network Browser in Windows? That would make it easier to add/change/access logs etc rather than having to remove the card and put back into card reader? Have I perhaps got some settings wrong in xbmc config that are not allowing me to do this? My Router sees the device fine!

Thank you all, any advice most appreciated.

cheers

steeb

[BrettB]

Hey, Steeb!

I just got a Pi started playing with Raspbmc and the NextPVR addon over the weekend, too. I'm probably about a day ahead of you since I got the MPEG2 license installed yesterday and then got video and audio for my NPVR recordings. Do you get audio? If so, I'm pretty sure that the MPEG2 license isn't being recognized. I've been using Putty to login to a console on the Pi to look at logs, etc. And there you can use the command "vcgencmd codec_enabled MPG2" to verify whether or not the Pi is recognizing the license. I haven't removed the SD card from the Pi since the first time I put it in and booted it up.

- Brett

[steeb]

Hey, Steeb!

I just got a Pi started playing with Raspbmc and the NextPVR addon over the weekend, too. I'm probably about a day ahead of you since I got the MPEG2 license installed yesterday and then got video and audio for my NPVR recordings. Do you get audio? If so, I'm pretty sure that the MPEG2 license isn't being recognized. I've been using Putty to login to a console on the Pi to look at logs, etc. And there you can use the command "vcgencmd codec_enabled MPG2" to verify whether or not the Pi is recognizing the license. I haven't removed the SD card from the Pi since the first time I put it in and booted it up.

- Brett

Hi Brett,

audio is all fine for me. I get audio for playback on music/videos and LiveTV. Just no picture for LiveTV.

Will try Putty.

Anyway I can get the Pi to show on my network and just browse it?

cheers

steeb

[BrettB]

BTW, when you use Putty, select SSH not Telnet. At least, that's what works with Raspbmc.

[steeb]

BTW, when you use Putty, select SSH not Telnet. At least, that's what works with Raspbmc.

Thanks Brett, I worked out SSH and got as far as login what I can't work out is the password!

cheers

steeb

[steeb]

Got it!

Told you I was not a linux boy!

was trying to log in as xbmc not root.....

cheers so far

steeb

[steeb]

Thanks Brett,

vcgencmd codec_enabled MPG2

gives MPEG2=disabled

what could be the cause of this? Edited config.txt for Pi with Programmer's Notepad which I believe is Linux friendly? And put in MPEG key. Any ideas?

cheers

steeb

[steeb]

Thanks Brett,

I have applied for another MPEG2 key from Pi as I suspect I gave the wrong serial number the first time around. What I would like to know is clarification that an MPEG2 license is needed to run LiveTV on a Pi with a NextPVR backend!?

This helps with wiki's explaining to other users etc

cheers

steeb

[steeb]

Really liking my Pi Build.

Problems yes. NextPVR as backend has to be the solution. Not that there was a problem!

We all know how powerful NextPVR is as a PVR.

Amazed by the Pi. Love the look of xbmc (sorry NextPVR afficiandos) Do not like xbmc web interface. NextPVR one is far more informative and useable. (That's one for you UJB!)

Looking forward to how this develops.

cheers from an end user.

[BrettB]

What I would like to know is clarification that an MPEG2 license is needed to run LiveTV on a Pi with a NextPVR backend!?

As I understand it, it depends upon the format of the "files" that you are trying to play. And ".ts" files are just "container" files which can contain video in various formats. All of my recordings with NextPVR here come from either HD clear QAM channels (from an Avermedia card or an HDHR) or from copy-freely channels via a DCR-2650. And, at least with my cable company, the video streams in the .ts files are in MPEG2 format. So for all of my recordings, the MPEG2 license is needed. I believe that Martin uses an HDPVR to capture analog output from an STB in H.264 format. So those .ts files would probably play fine on the Pi without the MPEG2 license.