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[LINUX] HOW-TO make a minimal Ubuntu Jaunty install with XBMC
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This guide will show you how to setup a minimal HTPC using Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope and XBMC.
This system is intended to be connected to a HDTV for your viewing pleasure.


Requirements:
- Medium to advanced knowledge of Ubuntu and ability to work in terminal.
- Enough knowledge to manually edit xorg.conf files to get the proper graphical environment if the automatic config fails to do so.



Installing Ubuntu and setting up XBMC

Installing Ubuntu

1. Download the Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope minimal cd from here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Instal.../MinimalCD
Note: You can use either the 32-bit or 64-bit CD.

2. Burn the ISO to a disk and boot your HTPC from it.

3. Start the installation and follow the instructions.

4. When the installation asks for a username / password, enter xbmc / xbmc.

5. OPTIONAL If you want to do most of the steps remotely with ssh, choose openssh when asked if you want to install more packages.

6. Finish the installation and reboot.


Updating the computer
1. Log in to your new OS with the xbmc user.

2. Add the XBMC repositories to the sources list:
Code:
sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list

3. Add the following to the bottom of the list:
Code:
[color=green]deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/team-xbmc/ppa/ubuntu/ jaunty main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/team-xbmc/ppa/ubuntu/ jaunty main
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/xbmc-addons/ppa/ubuntu/ jaunty main[/color]

4. Add the OpenPGP keys:
Code:
sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 91E7EE5E 318C7509

5. Update the lists:
Code:
sudo apt-get update


Install Sound

1. Install ALSA:
Code:
sudo apt-get install linux-sound-base alsa-base alsa-utils

2. There is a bug in Mini Jaunty where the user's account doesn't get added to the audio group, to fix that:
Code:
sudo usermod -a -G audio xbmc

3. Type:
Code:
sudo alsamixer

4. Use your arrow keys and turn up the volumes for Master and PCM.

5. Un-mute Master and PCM by selecting each one and pressing the M key. (The grey MM at the bottom will change to a green OO when un-muted.)

6. Press the escape key to exit

7. Now save the audio volumes:
Code:
sudo alsactl store 0


Install the graphical environment

NVIDIA Instructions
1. Install the dependencies:
Code:
sudo apt-get install xorg xserver-xorg-dev build-essential gcc linux-headers-$(uname -r)

2. Go to NVIDIA's site and find the link to the correct driver (older cards use older driver packages):
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
Right click on the .run link and copy the link location.

3. On your HTPC, download the driver using the link that you just found, example:
Code:
wget http://us.download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86_64/185.18.36/NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-185.18.36-pkg2.run

4. Start the installation, and follow the instructions:
Code:
sudo sh NVIDIA-*.run --x-module-path=/usr/lib/xorg/modules --x-library-path=/usr/lib
Note: The extra parameters get rid of the Module warnings with the latest NVIDIA driver.

AMD64 Note: If using a 64-bit version of the driver and you also choose to use the NVIDIA Compatibility OpenGL libraries, you may want to add this to the end of the install parameters:
Code:
--compat32-prefix=/usr --compat32-libdir=lib32 --compat32-chroot=


5. When asked if you want to generate a new xorg.conf, say yes.

6. If you want, you can prevent the NVidia logo from displaying on startup.
Code:
sudo vi /etc/X11/xorg.conf
Find the device section, and add the following:
Code:
Option "NoLogo" "True"

ATI Instructions - Note: I have not tested these, they were pulled from here
1. Install the dependencies:
Code:
sudo apt-get install xorg build-essential dpkg-dev debhelper libstdc++5 dkms cdbs fakeroot

2. Go to ATI's site and find the link to the correct driver:
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
Right click on the Download link and copy the link location.

3. On your HTPC, download the driver using the link that you just found, example:
Code:
wget https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/drivers/linux/ati-driver-installer-9-6-x86.x86_64.run

4. Build the package:
Code:
chmod +x ati-driver-installer-9-6-x86.x86_64.run
./ati-driver-installer-9-6-x86.x86_64.run --buildpkg Ubuntu/jaunty

5. Install the binary drivers:
Code:
sudo dpkg -i fglrx-kernel-source_jaunty.deb

6. Install the xorg package:
Code:
sudo dpkg -i xorg-driver-fglrx_jaunty.deb

7. Run the autoconfig to generate a new xorg.conf:
Code:
sudo aticonfig --initial

8. Reboot and you can see if it worked by running:
Code:
fglrxinfo



Install XBMC

1. Start the installation:
Code:
sudo apt-get install xbmc

2. If you want, you can install any of the following addons:
Code:
sudo apt-get install xbmc-skin-*
sudo apt-get install xbmc-eventclients-*
sudo apt-get install xbmc-scripts-*


Make the system log in automatically

1. Make the xbmc user log in to tty1 automatically:
Code:
sudo vi /etc/event.d/tty1
change:
Code:
[color=red]exec /sbin/getty 38400 tty1[/color]
to:
Code:
[color=green]exec /bin/login -f xbmc </dev/tty1 > /dev/tty1 2>&1[/color]

2. Create the .bash_profile file:
Code:
vi ~/.bash_profile
Insert into the new file:
Code:
case "`tty`" in
/dev/tty1) clear && startx &>/dev/null;;
esac

3. Make XBMC start with X:
Code:
vi ~/.xsession
Insert into the new file and save:
Code:
exec xbmc --standalone

Add power management

1. Add power management utilities so XBMC can control the HTPC's power functions:
Code:
sudo apt-get install pm-utils

2. Add the xbmc user to the power utilies groups, thanks to Pvt_Ryan for the commands:
Code:
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.suspend
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.hibernate
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.reboot
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.shutdown
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.reboot-multiple-sessions
sudo polkit-auth --user xbmc --grant org.freedesktop.hal.power-management.shutdown-multiple-sessions


Restart and your computer should automatically log in, startx, and launch XBMC.
Now you just need to configure XBMC to use the proper resolution and calibrate the screen.
Enjoy!




Optional

Install a splash screen
The XBMC splash screens are done by du-duke and can be found at his blog: http://du-duke.blogspot.com
I will be installing Pulsating-Logo as an example, but these instructions should work for any of his splash screens.

1. Install the available splash screens:
Code:
sudo apt-get install usplash-theme-xbmc-*

2. Set the splash screen you want to use:
Code:
sudo update-alternatives --config usplash-artwork.so

3. Configure usplash with your TV's resolution:
Code:
sudo vi /etc/usplash.conf

4. Add at the bottom, use whatever resolution your TV can handle:
Code:
xres=1920
yres=1080

5. Update the initrd image:
Code:
sudo update-initramfs -u

6. Reboot.


If you need sound over HDMI, take a look at nmiller's post:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid...&page=6#58


Sources
http://forum.xbmc.org
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=XBMCbuntu
http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=HOW-TO:_Inst...ep-by-step
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Instal...orySystems
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/USplas...ationHowto
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoundTroubleshooting
http://du-duke.blogspot.com
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/ATI
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#2
removed. See main guide.
Reply
#3
Two suggested updates on the HOWTO:

1. On Ubuntu 8.4, do the "apt-get update" before installing SSH, otherwise apt will complain it cannot find the package.

2. On Ubuntu 8.04, use "apt-get install nvidia-glx-new" if the X dies on startup (this will set up a more current version of Nvidia drivers)

WWell,
Reply
#4
Those are both good suggestions and I have edited the guide, thanks!
Reply
#5
You should probably make mention that pretty much the entire "install graphical interface" section is nvidia specific.
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#6
Noted. I actually made it a new section to avoid confusion.

This guide was mainly made to document the setup and automatic launch of xbmc in an HTPC setting, as stated in the requirements section, I expect the user to know how to setup and configure their own gfx drivers.
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#7
About how much disk space does this need to work? I'd like to install all this on a 2Gb CF card if I can. Right now I'm trying a dry run using Qemu but it would nice to get a second opinion before I splash out on the hardware.

EDIT: OK answered by own question. I installed Ubuntu as described above on a 1.7Gb disk (using ext2 and no swap) and it used 902Mb.

So - 2Gb compact flash card here I come!
______________________

Acer Revo 1600 | SpeedLink SL-6399 | Kodibuntu :nerd:
Reply
#8
gilgongo Wrote:About how much disk space does this need to work? I'd like to install all this on a 2Gb CF card if I can. Right now I'm trying a dry run using Qemu but it would nice to get a second opinion before I splash out on the hardware.

EDIT: OK answered by own question. I installed Ubuntu as described above on a 1.7Gb disk (using ext2 and no swap) and it used 902Mb.

So - 2Gb compact flash card here I come!

Also look at the XBMC LiveCD, I seem to recall one of the options was to install it to USB when it presented a boot screen. Pretty much all the work already done for ya' Nod
Openelec Gotham, MCE remote(s), Intel i3 NUC, DVDs fed from unRAID cataloged by DVD Profiler. HD-DVD encoded with Handbrake to x.264. Yamaha receiver(s)
Reply
#9
Could you add a section on how to set it up with Dual Boot capabilities to (horror! disgust! pain!) XP? Smile
Reply
#10
ashlar Wrote:Could you add a section on how to set it up with Dual Boot capabilities to (horror! disgust! pain!) XP? Smile

This should actually be pretty easy. First, install Windows XP (or Vista for that matter) but don't use the entire disk for the ntfs partition, leave a few gb for ubuntu. Now just boot off the ubuntu alternate cd and follow the instructions above, using the spare space you left when you installed Windows (swap space shouldn't be necessary if you have a reasonable amount of RAM). Ubuntu and grub will see the Wiindows installation and automatically create a boot menu for you. You can change the parameters of that bootmenu by editing /boot/grub/menu.lst, the syntax is pretty easy to understand, just read the comments in the file. That's basically all there is to it.
Reply
#11
just word for installing with intel shared gfx? what binary do i have to take?
-= XBMC Lover © 2006 =-
---------------------------------------
XBMC @ Lenovo Q180, harmony one, Sony Bravia KDL-55W905, Marantz SR5006, MySQL XBMC Database @ Synology DS-409+ (thx Firnsy)
XBMC @ Lenovo Q150 and a Panasonic Plasma for bedrooming ;)
Reply
#12
none. the latest intel drivers are installed when you install X.
Reply
#13
Just a quick question if I'm installing Ubuntu Hardy. Do I select the 64bit version of the alt cd, then run the 32 bit version of hardy?
Advice on Hardware
PC-LUXA2 CPU-AMD Phenom II X6 1100T RAM-12GB Video Card-AMD Radeon HD 6800
OS-Win7 32bit - Kodi - 14.0 Helix SKIN - Aeon MQ 5 Keyboard - DiNovo Mini

-Semper Fi
gyrene2083
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#14
Save yourself headaches - run 32bit
Openelec Gotham, MCE remote(s), Intel i3 NUC, DVDs fed from unRAID cataloged by DVD Profiler. HD-DVD encoded with Handbrake to x.264. Yamaha receiver(s)
Reply
#15
Ok so I followed this setup, and when I startup XBMC just blinks constantly. Now I know this has something to do with the xorg.conf file. I had 8.10 installed but I couldn't see the screen properly, and couldn't configure it properly. When I ran Live off of my USB no problems at all. Showed up perfect. I then tried the windows version and that was flawless as well.

So, I figured I would try to make come back to this and try to get it to work on this for no other reason I suppose than to torture myself and learn. So, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Advice on Hardware
PC-LUXA2 CPU-AMD Phenom II X6 1100T RAM-12GB Video Card-AMD Radeon HD 6800
OS-Win7 32bit - Kodi - 14.0 Helix SKIN - Aeon MQ 5 Keyboard - DiNovo Mini

-Semper Fi
gyrene2083
Reply
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[LINUX] HOW-TO make a minimal Ubuntu Jaunty install with XBMC6