Installing XBMC on an Ubuntu-based Media Centre PC – Part 2

In the previous installment of this article, we covered the hardware aspect of building a media centre PC using a Microserver and a variety of peripherals. In this second part, we will delve into the software installation process and explore how to set up XBMC on our Ubuntu-based Media Centre PC.

As mentioned earlier, I decided to go with XBMCbuntu, an all-in-one install with an Ubuntu Linux operating system and the XBMC software pre-installed. This made sense for my use case as I only needed this server for a single purpose. To begin the installation process, I used a USB memory stick to download the XBMCbuntu image and boot it on the Microserver.

Upon booting up the Microserver, the XBMC boot screen appeared, offering me the choice of trying or installing XBMC. Since my mind was already made up, I opted for the install option. The installation process was quite straightforward and involved a series of standard install screens asking for information on my language and location.

Once these screens were completed, the install process spent some time copying files and then prompted me to remove the USB stick and reboot. After the reboot, the XBMC system came up first time and was ready to use. In total, the installation process took about two hours from start to finish, including the time it took to copy the files.

One of the highlights of using XBMCbuntu is that it comes with a pre-installed Ubuntu Linux operating system. This means that I can easily upgrade or modify the system as needed, without having to worry about compatibility issues. Additionally, the XBMC software itself is highly customizable and offers a wide range of features such as media playback, video and music streaming, and more.

One thing to note is that during the installation process, I encountered an issue with the VGA connector. As I had decided to fit the VGA connector to connect the Microserver to my TV, I realized that the software installation time clashed with “kids watching TV time”. However, this was a minor setback and I was able to resolve the issue by using a different monitor.

In conclusion, installing XBMC on an Ubuntu-based Media Centre PC is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. The end result is a highly customizable media centre system that offers a wide range of features and functionality. In the next part of this article, we will explore how to set up and configure XBMC for optimal performance.