[kapten79]

Howdy boys and girls

Been lurking around a couple of days and reading my butt off.
Since the posts concerning software minimums are a little bit dated i was wondering: What is the absolute minimum software i need?
Ive installed using ubuntu 7.10 desktop and then apt-get install xbmc and it works. But i dont think i need a complete ubuntu-installation with all the rest off the programs and stuff layin around.
Can i go with the ubuntu 7.10 server dist and the apt-get xbmc and it will install everythin i need? Or do i need a complete desktop enviroment?

Sorry about the spelling, i have no excuse

[rrambo]

I'm running 7.10 server as well... You will have to install x-window-system but no desktop environment.. you will then have to write some scripts to start an x session and xbmc.. I posted mine awhile back, so just search the forums.

[kapten79]

Hey rrambo!
I have limited experience with linux witch makes it complicated following your guide.
You say in your post "base install of 7.10 server with x-window-system, ssh, lirc, envy and xbmc/dependencies".
Is it just as simple as [apt-get install x-window-system] etc on all the software i need ?

[rrambo]

Hey rrambo!
I have limited experience with linux witch makes it complicated following your guide.
You say in your post "base install of 7.10 server with x-window-system, ssh, lirc, envy and xbmc/dependencies".
Is it just as simple as [apt-get install x-window-system] etc on all the software i need ?

Yes, sudo apt-get install for everything except envy.. Google ubuntu envy and download the .deb package from the devs website then follow instructions to run..

[kapten79]

Awesome
Ill take notes while i try it in case anybody wants like a small guide or something...
Maby someone is as lost as me =)

[kapten79]

Son of a bird-scene!
Using ubuntu server 7.10 with minimal software installed didnt help my problem during playback of 720p/x264. Content that plays perfect using winxp+mediaportal, which leads me to believe its a software-problem and not related to my hardware.
My problem looks like this ( but not so noticeable during playback as in screenshots) :

http://www.onlinecenter.nu/?913903080421171832
http://www.onlinecenter.nu/?598680080421172312

Hardware: amd x2 4800+ 2 gig ram and ati x1300
Software installed: ubuntu server 7.10, ssh, lirc, x-window-system, and the latest ati-drivers using envy.

Is there a secret package needed to be able to play 720p/x264 flawlessly ?

[rrambo]

don't know dude.. my setup isn't nearly as powerful as yours.. only a sempron 3000+ and 1gb ram... i can play 720p/x264.. so I'd lean towards the ati card even though it's the cpu doing the heavy load.. my video card is nvidia 6150

[kapten79]

I can play the files... but not flawless. I want flawless playback. Ill try and borrow my friends nvidia-card this weekend and check it out. In case i need a better card, well thats an easy fix. Had my eye on this: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.as...6814122037
ever since i heard ati sucked in xbmc-setups.
Thanx for your help rrambo!

[Halligalli]

Son of a bird-scene!
Using ubuntu server 7.10 with minimal software installed didnt help my problem during playback of 720p/x264. Content that plays perfect using winxp+mediaportal, which leads me to believe its a software-problem and not related to my hardware.
My problem looks like this ( but not so noticeable during playback as in screenshots) :

http://www.onlinecenter.nu/?913903080421171832
http://www.onlinecenter.nu/?598680080421172312

Hardware: amd x2 4800+ 2 gig ram and ati x1300
Software installed: ubuntu server 7.10, ssh, lirc, x-window-system, and the latest ati-drivers using envy.

Is there a secret package needed to be able to play 720p/x264 flawlessly ?

It looks to me like turning on V-blank might fix that issue.

[BLKMGK]

Heh, a Criminal Minds fan! Certainly try the vert-blank. If that doesn't do it try the NVIDIA card and use ENVY to get the very latest drivers - Ubuntu 7.10 uses old drivers that NVIDIA won't support

[kapten79]

Of course im a Criminal Minds fan !
Just one question, do i turn on v-blanc in my xorg.conf or in xbmc or what ?

[kapten79]

Just checked, v-blanc: Always Enabled in xbmc
Dang it.

[topfs2]

The one in menu isn't really working if I got my information straight.
Try altering in nvidia-settings instead. it doesn't look like usual tearing but you might have some look with vsync

GL

[kapten79]

nvidia-settings on an ati-card... doesnt sound right