Archive:Mac FAQ

For FAQs specifically about the Apple TV 1 see Apple TV 1 FAQ

This is the Frequently Asked Questions for Mac OS X and Mac hardware. Template:XBMC FAQ

General FAQ

See also: XBMC all platforms FAQ for FAQs that apply to all versions of XBMC.

Requirements Link XBMC v11 runs on Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger) and later on both Intel and PPC Macs, as well as the Apple TV 1 (silver). Apple TV 2 (black) does not run XBMC for Mac, it runs XBMC for iOS. XBMC v12 and nightly builds and up will require Mac OS X 10.6 and only run on Intel Macs. For the Apple TV 1 you will need to use a Linux-based OS to run XBMC v12 and nightly builds.

How to install and/or update XBMC Link Main page: HOW-TO:Install XBMC for Mac Simply download XBMC from http://xbmc.org/downloads/ and copy XBMC.app to your Applications folder to install XBMC Do the same to update XBMC. All your settings and files will be preserved as they are located in a different place in the userdata folder. Be sure to make a backup of the userdata folder when doing updates in case something goes wrong.

XBMC for Mac version Link The current stable version of XBMC for Mac is v11 (Eden). This is the same code that all of the other platforms (Linux, iOS, Windows) are using.

What version/nightly build/beta of XBMC am I running? Link XBMC main menu > System > Lower submenu > System info. Note the build date.

Programs and tools to help with XBMC Link For a list of programs and tools to help with XBMC, such as renaming files, managing media, file sharing, and more, see Supplemental tools/Mac OS X

Remote controls

What remotes can be used with XBMC Link Apple Remote (both white and silver version) How do I bring up the context menu? - Press and hold MENU How do I bring up the OSD during playback? - Press and hold SELECT Logitech Harmony remotes can be used. See #Harmony Any Keyboard such as wired, wireless, bluetooth. This includes "keymotes" such as the Rii or Boxee remote. Web interfaces, including add-on interfaces. XBMC smartphone and tablet remote apps. Other IR remotes can be used with IR receivers such as the Flirc.

Starting XBMC with the Apple Remote Link The Apple Remote can be set to start XBMC instead of Front Row or iTunes. Go to Settings -> System -> Input devices and select "Allow start of XBMC using the remote".

Using a Logitech Harmony remote Link XBMC can use a Logitech Harmony remote using the normal Apple IR receiver that is built into some Macs. Go to Settings -> System -> Input devices and change "Apple remote" to "Universal". On the Logitech Harmony remote, select the Plex profile.

Can't wake a sleeping Mac using the Apple Remote on 10.7 Link See #Remote_wake

iTunes and/or system volume is taking over when using the remote Link

Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) issues

SMB (Windows Sharing) isn't working when sharing files from 10.7 Link Apple changed how their SMB (Windows Sharing) server works in 10.7 that breaks compatibility with some applications such as XBMC. Alternative sharing options such as AFP (Apple File Protocol), FTP, WebDAV, or a few others can be used instead. You can also get Windows Sharing working again by using a tool like SMBUp, which will install an SMB server similar to what Mac OS X 10.6 had.

Userdata folder and logs are hidden on 10.7 Link By default, Mac OS X 10.7 hides the user's Library folder, which is where XBMC's userdata folder and logs are stored. There are a few ways to get around this: While in the Finder, click on the "Go" menu and hold down ⌥ Option, then select Library. You can use programs such as TinkerTool to change the visibility of all or some hidden files/folders. To permanently reveal the ~/Library folder, open up Terminal and run this command: chflags nohidden ~/Library Note: Anytime there is an OS X update (e.g. from version 10.7.3 to 10.7.4) you will have to run this command again as the folder will be hidden again.

Can't wake a sleeping Mac using the Apple Remote on 10.7 Link Apple changed how energy saving settings work on Mac OS X 10.7 and it is no longer possible to wake a sleeping Mac using the Apple Remote.

Troubleshooting

See also: troubleshooting

Getting more help with XBMC for Mac OS X Link XBMC for Mac OS X specific help forum #xbmc or #xbmc-osx IRC chat channel on irc.freenode.org. You might want to try the general channel first, even if it is Mac specific, simply because that channel is more active.

Userdata folder and logs Link See How-to:Submit a proper bug report for bug reporting details and here for instructions on reporting an issue to the forums Userdata folder: /Users/<your_user_name>/Library/Application Support/XBMC/userdata Debug log: /Users/<your_user_name>/Library/Logs/XBMC.log Console log: /Library/Logs/Console/501/console.log CrashReporter: /Users/<your_user_name>/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/CrashReporter.log

I am seeing double or ghost files for some videos Link When Mac OS X touches files that are saved on a non-Mac-formatted drive (HFS+) it will save metadata in what are often called AppleDouble files. They often show up looking like ._filename.ext or .DS_Store. On a native Mac formatted drive (HFS+) the metadata is written in such a way that it does not create these files, which is why you don't see them there. Normally these files appear invisible on some computers, but will still get picked up by some programs such as XBMC. You can prevent Mac OS X from creating these files on a network share by using a program such as TinkerTool or by opening Terminal.app and running the following command: defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores true To remove the files you need to make them visible (again, you can use TinkerTool to make them visible, but remember to re-enable invisible files afterwards to protect certain system files) and drag them to the trash can and delete them.

Issues when turning TV/display on or off Link

Remote issues Link See #Remote controls

Add-ons downloaded from the internet are not in zip format or will not install Link There are two main possibilities for an add-on to not install when you use "Install from zip". One is that it isn't in a proper zip format, the other is that the add-on is for an older version of XBMC that isn't compatible with the version you are using. Very commonly the Safari web browser is being used to download these add-ons, and by default will unzip the files leaving you with a folder that won't work with the "Install from zip" option. You can turn this feature off by going into Safari's preferences, under "General" and unchecking "Open 'safe' files after downloading". If you wish to keep this feature on, you should be able to find the original zip file in the Trash can. Just drag the file out and use it instead of the folder for "Install from zip".