Before we get into the details on how to install OSMC and Kodi on a raspberry pi device, we need to know what the terms OSMC and Kodi mean and what is a raspberry pi?
What are OSMC and Kodi?
OSMC which is an abbreviation for Open Source Media Center is an open free source based on Linux and Kodi that lets users play back media files from local networks linked to its storage and/or the internet. It was built by people for people to use easily. The Kodi software application just like OSMC is also an open-source media player that is free. It is available on various platforms, it brings all media files on a device to one location and allows it to be shared with multiple other devices making it one of the most sought home entertainment and streaming tools today. It allows you to view the media on one device on another device linked to it wirelessly or on the internet.
What is a raspberry pi?
Raspberry pi is an inexpensive, low-energy computer with the capability to accomplish a great variety of impressive feats. It is a mini computer about the size of a your palm that connects to a screen of your choice and makes use of all standard hardware. It allows individuals of all ages and professions to explore the world of computers on a budget and how learn programming languages like python etc.
HOW TO INSTALL OSMC AND KODI ON YOUR RASPBERRY PI 800 S4
Firstly, we have to take notice that Kodi will not work normally on raspberry pi immediately, like every software application, it requires an open source to function and OSMC is one of the various open source that will enable Kodi to function. This means that before we can use Kodi on a raspberry pi device, we have to install OSMC first.
These is the instructions on how to get OSMC and Kodi installed on raspberry pi;
- You will need the following items, a compatible raspberry pi device, a reliable source of electricity, an HDMI cable, an SD card(size will rely on the raspberry pi device being used), a computer that can read SD cards, an internet cable and a protective case for your pi.
- Insert the SD card into the computer, download the program that installs OSMC, run the OSMC installer program, install OSMC on the SD card inserted on the computer,
- Remove the SD card from the computer and insert it into your pi device, make sure the internet and HDMI cables are all connected, then plug in the source of electricity.
- The OSMC will load automatically, wait till it’s done.
- After a short previewing of the Kodi menu, the welcome page appears.
- You will be required to enter your preferred choices such as language, time zone, your name, theme, and the option to sign up.
- Once you are finished with the welcome page, the Kodi page will pop up (there are some OSMC options on this page too)
Now to start using Kodi, you need to add files to Kodi as the menu is empty after installation.
- You can make use of an external drive or USB that contains the files you want to transfer into your raspberry pi device.
- You can play the files directly from the external drive or USB or if you want them to be stored on your raspberry pi you need to copy the files to your pi device as you cannot save them directly.
- You can also use a network share, file transfer, web interface, and SSH to add files to Kodi.
What do OSMC and Kodi offer users of raspberry pi?
- Allows its users to share media files across multiple devices creating a streaming hub.
- Brings all media files to one central place so it’s easily accessible.
- Provides streaming services and live TV recording capabilities.
- You can utilize your phone to control the system in place of remotes.
- It allows multiple types of media files to function.
- It mas multiple additional packages to attend to any need you might choose e.g. YouTube, Spotify, Crackle (Spotify and crackle are not directly available on Kodi but can be downloaded from third-party sites but can be run by Kodi)
- Can be used on most the raspberry pi devices except raspberry pi 4.
Conclusion;
Kodi is a software application that requires OSMC to run on raspberry pi. It is very popular due to the range of media functions, its ability to share media files with other devices, and mostly the various add-ons it provides users of the raspberry pi. The add-ons on Kodi make it a one-of-a-kind application as it provides users various options, unlike its competitors. It is the top option for all raspberry pi users.
