Archive talk:HOW-TO:Install XBMC on Ubuntu/HOW-TO 3

Why was the NVIDIA VDPAU repository added as a method? Are we striving for ease-of-use-for-beginners or as-many-methods-as-possible here? The NVIDIA VDPAU repository may have later versions of the NVIDIA drivers packaged for Karmic, but the later versions still screw up HDMI audio regardless of where they come from.--Pashdown 23:52, 16 December 2009 (UTC)

• Can your clarify what you mean by "screw up HDMI audio"? I used that method to install the NVIDIA drivers and the only issue I have with HDMI audio is the (minor) delay that I mention under Outstanding Issues --Cancan101 00:12, 17 December 2009 (UTC)

• • "You need the Nvidia drivers 185 series. IMPORTANT: the 190 series driver breaks lpcm hdmi output totally or partially"
    • I have 195 series installed and HDMI works fine other than the short delay after resuming video playback before audio is emitted. I believe this is due to the he driver relaseing the audio channel to the TV and the TV taking a moment to reaqurire the audio feed. Otherwise audio works fine. Cancan101 22:17, 19 December 2009 (UTC)

In any case, I'm happy you're discussing this. My feeling is that the XBMCbuntu page should be geared for beginners and should only have one rather than many different methods for doing the same thing for simplicity sake. I am happy to help continue stripping the instructions down so it is as minimal and easy as possible. Another example is installing a window manager to test XBMC, when in fact it can be tested easier once XBMC-live is properly installed, without a window manager.--Pashdown 04:16, 17 December 2009 (UTC)

• • I went ahead and modified the test section today to not require a window manager. I suggest three other major modifications to this page which will make it easier for beginners:

1. Assume the latest release of Ubuntu. Trying to do a one-size-fits all is too much headache and just confuses people.
2. Define the proper order of the steps, no more "I did blah below and this is a forward reference."
3. Refine the steps down to refined, well tested, Ubuntu accepted methods - no compiling or file creation unless absolutely needed.--Pashdown 18:15, 17 December 2009 (UTC)

I agree with you on on many of your points. I actually like a script like: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?p=374815#post374815 ; perhaps a wiki version of this script would be ideal? Cancan101 22:22, 19 December 2009 (UTC)

• Let's get the process settled, and then the script will be a easy step beyond that.--Pashdown 22:04, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Proposed deletions, let me know if you're OK with this--Pashdown 22:04, 22 December 2009 (UTC):

1. Remove NVidia's installer & 3rd party repositories. The main & NVidia-VDPAU are sufficient.
   • Agreed
2. Optional: Setup privileges for XBMC user to allow suspend. This wasn't needed on my last install. XBMC can shutdown and suspend just fine without it. Is this what others are seeing?
   • I have no comment on this. I ran the commands without first testing. I suppose I can create a new user, login as that user, run xbmc and see if xmbc can shutdown.
3. Overscan - Reduce to 1x1 pixel mapping. I don't know of any TV's that DON'T have this option. The crap referenced on "this blog" is just way overboard as far as a fix goes.
   • I agree the blog is overboard. Are you recommending just removing "This did not seem optimal so I read this blog," because that seems fine. Not sure if anything else should be cut.

Cancan101 04:41, 23 December 2009 (UTC)