XBMC and Our Digital Future

So here is where I’m at. I’m working on getting our digital household up and running. I am getting everything encoded into the proper format and set up for the HTPC. A desk has been added to the living room. Kate’s laptop is to reside upon this desk. We also plan to have my underused Samsung laserjet printer connected to this laptop so anyone can print out what they need. The printer can also be shared so we can print out through our computers on the network. We also have plans of purchasing a low cost Android based tablet, and using a few programs, we can use it as the input interface for the Home Theater PC. We are embracing the digital future.

Now I want to do something a little different. I want to do a small software review, based on my experiences and uses for it. Bear with me, this something I have never done before.

XBMC

XBMC is a media center program, with its roots planted in Microsoft’s XBOX gaming console. The software was only able to be installed after some form of modding and hacking. The creators then ported the program to Windows, OS X, and Linux. A Media Center program is different from a normal video player. XBMC organizes your files, watches your folders, collects data, and plays your files. I will go into detail with each one.

                When you first install XBMC, you need to set up the install. This includes telling the program where your media files are stored. XBMC will then “watch” those folders; for example if you rip more CDs to your Music folder, XBMC will “see” the new files and add them. This a great thing to have in a media center program, as you don’t have to worry about continuously adding single files in the program. Once your files are in the program, it will then “scrape” your files to collect the metadata. It will attach this data to the file within the program. This will give you information such as covers, artwork, summaries, ratings, etc. This makes it easy to see at a glance any information for the movie. From this organization and listings, you can play your files.

One of the great things about XBMC is its ability to install add ons and skins. You can browse and download and install the skin that you want to use. They are all good, but some are better for certain applications. I chose Neon, and the individual options to be used for the Home Theater. All this is set up on my desktop for now, but it will all be translated to the Home Theater. It is easy to use and navigate froma  distance. I also installed the add on that should help me configure my Windows Media Center remotes to be used with XBMC. I hope to make this our main media center application. 

Overall, I give it a 9/10. Why? For everything it does great, it lacks a few things. For one, no Netflix or Hulu integration. I am hoping that the remote customization will help create custom macros to launch Netflix and Hulu Desktop. Below are a few screenshots from my installation as it sits for now. 

I have a lot of work to do with it, mostly with getting all the correct information and files all together. I will let you in on the process, every step of the way. So long, fairwell.

Let's Hope This Works...

The Bedroom Odyssey

Captain’s Log: Wednesday, November 9, 2011.

Alright, so here is what’s happening in my world. Yesterday, I managed to cut myself twice on glass at work. It hurt like a mother fucker. But I’m better now. They are getting glued shut after being cleaned out before work. But on a better note, I have been cleaning my room. Not just picking up my clothes and shoving things away, I mean a REAL clean. I have been throwing away things and working on organizing my desk and stuff. This is all in preparation for my furniture and room décor purchases. I am purchasing a dresser from IKEA, with which I have the goal of moving all the folded clothes from the inside of my closet. I am also purchasing some nice wooden clothes hangers to replace the plastic ones that I am currently using. This is for looks, but also because the wooden ones are sturdier and they won’t be ruined when my coats are hanging on them. I plan on getting some covered storage boxes to place on the shelves in the closet. I plan on putting a lot of stuff in here, but I want it to look nice and not look like shit. I am also considering building a new bed frame for myself, platform style. This would allow me to get rid of my box spring, but I also like the look and style. What do you think? I’m redoing my room, and it looks as though we will be living here for a while. I also am going to finish my bathroom here soon in the near future. I need to purchase a matching rug, black paint, and a possibly a new showerhead because I went to adjust the direction of mine, and it came off. Soooo I am looking into replacing it soon. It still works, but I haven’t decided on if I am going to replace just the showerhead, or all the fixtures. I think that all these little improvements will make me happier in the long run. When the new furniture is purchased, I will be rearranging my room. I think my desk is going to go into the corner by the window, which my bed currently occupies. My bed will be moved to the wall between my door and closet, but not sure how it will be placed. I am leaning towards having it extend out into my room, off centered towards the closet, and relocating the wall shelf to be lower for a night stand replacement. I think the best spot for the dresser is going to be against the wall adjacent to the closet. I will be removing my current night stand, as it just isn’t working out as I had hoped. This leaves me a large amount of room available along the wall that houses the window. I am thinking about in the near future [after Christmas] of adding a futon/love seat to my room. This will allow me a place to relax and read, and a place to sit when painting and drawing. The one issue I need to resolve is where to keep my books. I like the look of having a long single shelf about 12 inches below the ceiling along the one wall. That would leave the books within reach, but give me the storage I need and room to bring other books into my life. I think I have bored you enough about my room’s future for now.

So I started my book. I had finished the covers, and I officially have one print in it! I have a few more that I need to cut down, and punch in and add. I am making this a “sample” book. I am printing on different paper, different sizes compared to the cover, cutting vs. tearing edges, velum sheets, etc. I am using this as a sample to hopefully show clients in the future that would like a photo book made. And I feel that some might like the idea of the book being custom and handmade, and not worrying about getting lost or mistakes. Once I am finished, or getting more finished in it, I will post some pictures.

And now, I must conclude this post as I need to get ready for work and eat some lunch. Have a good day, and I will be returning soon, with some surprises.