Unix Server Tech Knowledge Base

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====== Use xfce4 for Kodi ======

I wanted a minimal install of xfce4 on an old NUC so I could run [[https://kodi.tv/|Kodi]] on it. This is an alternative to using the excellent [[https://libreelec.tv/|LibreElec]] (a "just enough OS for Kodi" appliance), as I also wanted a web browser for YouTube and PBS.

===== Initial Install =====

To do this, I did a [[unix:desktops:xfce:mininstall|]] and added Firefox and Chrome. I also wanted remote control of the desktop via VNC, so I installed x11vnc, and also set the //slim// login manager to auto-login my user.

I don't need the latest and greatest of Kodi, so I'll use the package maintainers version on my distribution (Devuan in this case).

<code bash>apt install -y kodi x11vnc</code>

===== Set auto login =====
Now, edit /etc/slim.conf. Change auto_login to yes and default_user to the username you want automatically logged in (in this case, username //acme//). The focus_password stanza was left in for context; you do not change it.

<code conf>
# default user, leave blank to not pre-load the username.
default_user        acme

# Focus the password field on start when default_user is set
# Set to "yes" to enable this feature
#focus_password      no

# Automatically login the default user (without entering
# the password. Set to "yes" to enable this feature
auto_login          yes
</code>

===== Remote VNC Connection =====

If you want the ability to remotely log in to the desktop (not just kodi's web interface), x11vnc is a good package for that. **NOTE**: this will significantly affect video playback on lower end machines, but only while you are actually connected.

  - Log into the user account kodi will be run as (the auto-login above, if you set that)
  - Add a startup option
    - Applications Menu
    - Settings | Session and Startup
    - Go to //Applications Autostart// tab
    - Uncheck Screensaver, if desired. This does nothing for this kind of machine
    - Click the Add button to add a new option
    - Name: VNC Server
    - Description: Local VNC Server for remote control
    - Command: x11vnc -rfbport 5900 -display :0 -forever
    - Trigger: on login (default)
    - Click Ok
  - restart the computer (to test)
  - Make a vnc connection to the server on port 5900, ie <code bash>/usr/bin/vncviewer kodi:5900</code>

**Name** and **Description** can be whatever you want; I just put in some decent defaults.

You should connect to the server and see the UI. Again, **Caution**, when you have an active connection, there will be stuttering on video playback on older hardware.

===== Autostart Kodi =====

Autostarting kodi can be accomplished the same was as the x11vnc above. Just change the command to **kodi**

===== Importing configuration =====

See [[software:kodi:replicate|]] for instructions for copying the configuration from an old installation to the new server.

===== Screen Resolution =====

If your output device is an older TV, there may be problems with screen resolution. Not just when in kodi, but when in the UI itself. Fixing this is a black art, but I have put some notes (not solutions) in [[unix:desktops:quickref|]]

===== Expansion =====

The only reason not to use [[https://libreelec.tv/|LibreELEC]] is if you want your media player to be a multi function machine. In my case, I wanted to watch YouTube and PBS, both of which are problematic under Kodi.

I first installed a couple of web browsers. While Firefox seamlessly integrates with Linux, Chromium offers an alternative. I then created //URL Links// on my Desktop for the sites I frequented, allowing me to use the Minix Neo remote I integrated with Kodi. Turns out, the pointer works acceptably to start one of the links, and several of the keys work with the video playback, so I was happy.