XBMC for Mac specific FAQ

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Revision as of 00:17, 30 May 2012

Incomplete.png INCOMPLETE:
This page or section is incomplete. Please add information or correct uncertain data which is marked with a ?
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.

XBMC FAQs

Contents


1 General FAQ

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

1.1 Requirements

Shortcut: #requirements
  • 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.

1.2 How to install and/or update XBMC

Shortcuts: #install, #update
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.

1.3 XBMC for Mac version

Shortcuts: #Release_version, #Version
  • 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.

1.4 What version/nightly build/beta of XBMC am I running?

Shortcuts: #Current_build, #XBMC_Version
  • XBMC main menu > System > Lower submenu > System info. Note the build date.

1.5 Programs and tools to help with XBMC

Shortcut: #Tools
  • 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

2 Remote controls

2.1 What remotes can be used with XBMC

Shortcut: #remotes

2.2 Starting XBMC with the Apple Remote

Shortcut: #Apple_remote_start

2.3 Using a Logitech Harmony remote

Shortcut: #Harmony
  • 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.

2.4 Can't wake a sleeping Mac using the Apple Remote on 10.7

Shortcut: #Remote_wake2

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

Shortcuts: #itunes_takeover, #remote_volume

3 Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) issues

3.1 SMB (Windows Sharing) isn't working when sharing files from 10.7

Shortcut: #SMB
  • 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.

3.2 Userdata folder and logs are hidden on 10.7

Shortcuts: #Lion_userdata, #user_library
  • 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.

3.3 Can't wake a sleeping Mac using the Apple Remote on 10.7

Shortcut: #Remote_wake
  • 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.

4 Troubleshooting

See also: troubleshooting

4.1 Getting more help with XBMC for Mac OS X

Shortcuts: #Help, #Forum, #IRC

4.2 Userdata folder and logs

Shortcuts: #Userdata, #Logs, #logs, #debuglog, #xbmc.log
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 

4.3 I am seeing double or ghost files for some videos

Shortcuts: #Appledouble, #AppleDouble, #Ghost_files
  • 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.

4.4 Issues when turning TV/display on or off

Shortcut: #no_display

4.5 Remote issues

Shortcut: #Remote_issues

4.6 Add-ons downloaded from the internet are not in zip format or will not install

Shortcuts: #Add-on_zips, #Old_add-ons
  • 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".
Retrieved from "http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=XBMC_for_Mac_specific_FAQ"
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