Guide to Flashing ROMs & installing XBMC

[Guest]

Tired of repeating when asked so made this guide:

Guide to Flashing ROMs for Square M8 box & installing XBMC:

#########################################


Flashing ROMs

* put it, ROM's zip file, on sd card, root location is easier to find
* put a pin or nail or matchstick inside A/V hole & click & hold, power on, release when RECOVERY MODE loads

* factory reset
* install ROM's zip

# Recovery mode navigation is by up & down keys on remote control + OK to execute
# Find your ROM's zip file on your SD-Card by choosing: Install from External

Some problems reportedly don't occur if flashing via button inside A/V hole instead of using apps to go into recovery

#########################################

If Play Store shows only a white Screen and load-boot animation:
Just wait 5 to 10 minutes

if still no show:
in Settings: Apps: Play Store
force stop and delete cache and settings and restart

#########################################

Installing XBMC

Whatever ROM installed: if you like for xbmc:

uninstall previous xbmc if any (1.7 doesn't come with one fortunately) with

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.infolife.uninstaller&hl=en

or similar

here's the famous Oman xbmc, put it on sd-card & install

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?12919-xbmc-which-can-Play-4k-rmvb-h265-video-on-amlogic-s802-platform

if problems occur:

to see all options set xbmc menu level in system settings to: advanced
+
if no picture but audio or
if video is cropped:
DISABLE ALL hardware acceleration to OFF, except enabling Libstagefright

NEW 1.8 Finless ROM by Bob WORKS With ALL ACCELERATORS ON TOO.


#########################################

Display Settings

The xbmc should only have libstagefright enabled as hw acceleration. Then in the ROMs app: SettingsMBox there are two options in display:

* One reduces screen size, I reduce mine to 92%.
* The other also in display section gives various 1080/720 & various Hz options to test and assign.

#########################################

XBMC Buffering

xml file creation for buffering xbmc videos:

make this small xml file in notepad and put it where i mentioned, use Total Commander app (sticky thread here) to copy it to system area:

for stopping xbmc from:

* crashing itself
* rebooting Android

periodically.

Create a text file in a notepad called:

advancedsettings.xml

consisting of:

<advancedsettings>
<network>
<!--- The three settings will go in this space, between the two network tags. --->
<buffermode>1</buffermode>
<cachemembuffersize>0</cachemembuffersize>
<readbufferfactor>4.0</readbufferfactor>
</network>
</advancedsettings>

Note: in Total Commander's root location on M8 box, the required memory area sought here is not "File system root" (sysfiles) but:
SD Card (it's not actually the physical sd-card but internal memory)

then inside SD Card put it in folder:
Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata

SD Card (2) and if applicable SD Card (3) are external physical devices like actual sd-card or usb-stick etc. in Total Commander.
and putting it in: SD CARD path's folder below:

Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata

Note: in Total Commander to copy a file or folder:
* Select it by clicking on it's icon to it's left (Not by clicking it's name: which runs the file or goes inside if a folder)
* At bottom click on the big arrow icon to copy (or move) it to other pane where we are already inside destination folder

Then:
* Restart XBMC
Or reboot Android

#########################################

Total Commander

Total Commander app to copy to system area, change system files, network transfer etc.:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander

guide:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14486-Best-File-Manager-Best-Complete-Network-Devices-Access-Easiest-SysFiles-Manipulation

#########################################

XBMC Repositories

All the repositories are in one zip:

http://superrepo.org/get-started/add-the-super-repo-directory-as-source/

* download and put the all-in-one-repo repositories zip file on sd-card

* choose install via zip via:
system: settings: Add-ons: Install from zip file

then navigate to it via right pane:
Root filesystem: (scroll down) Storage: external_storage: sdcard1
then where you put it

* Install downloaded all-in-one-repo zip by just clicking on it,
give xbmc 1 minute
& done

* Now you can install video addons on mass via:
Video: Video Add-ons: (scroll down to bottom) Get More ...



Top hits below, no need to install repos 1-by-1 from below link if done above all-in-one-repo zip method:

http://superrepo.org/

http://addons.xbmchub.com/category/video/

#########################################

[no_spam_for_me]

For those who what's to know a little bit more about the video cache setting at advancedsettings.xml

http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=HOW-TO:Modify_the_video_cache

[Guest]

ROMs & Other Links:

Bob's 1.8 ROM (read enclosed zipped instructions) for Square M8:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?15529-NEW-Finless-1-8-for-EM8-Square-Box

Bob's 1.7 ROM (read enclosed zipped instructions) for Square M8:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14437-NEW-Finless-1-7-for-EM8-Square-Box

1.8 Beta for Square M8, based on Franken-ROM:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14730-BETA-TEST-ROM-1-8b-to-test

advancedsettings.xml for buffering xbmc:

http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=advancedsettings.xml

720 resolution xbmc by acemax:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14775-Acemax-720p-Fixed-XBMC-13-1-APK-Download-Link

Linux XBMC (wipes Android!) for Square M8:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?15208-Linux-XBMC-for-square-box-%28beta%29-Gotham-13-1

S802 Xbox support installer:
http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14395-S802-Xbox-support-installer

S802 Remote IME Keyboard re-installer:
http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.p...d-re-installer

[Marton4]

On this site:

http://androidtvnews.com/xbmc-for-android-tv/

i red adding the following to the xml file for always using hw acc.:

<video>
<stagefright>
<!-- -1 is default, 0 is never used this codec, 1 is always use this codec, bypassing blacklist -->
<useavccodec>1</useavccodec>
<usevc1codec>1</usevc1codec>
<usevpxcodec>1</usevpxcodec>
<usemp4codec>1</usemp4codec>
<usempeg2codec>1</usempeg2codec>
<useswrenderer>false</useswrenderer>
</stagefright>
</video>

Helpfull?

[marty17]

Thank You washere, any chance of adding a tut for ripping a ROM that came preinstalled on your M8, incase you wish to back-up first?

[Guest]

You can note down the shipped stock ROM VERSION detail in settings: about aNdroid, then if sending baCk can dowNload it & factory reset and flash in recovery mode. Just flashiNg any old ROM & factory reset should be fine before sending back as these come rooted And are a hopeless design.

You can try the update software app if it's there to backup ROM, might work or not, don't know, probably not.

Abdul is trying to make a TWRP which does a nandroid baCkup.

Thank You washere, any chance of adding a tut for ripping a ROM that came preinstalled on your M8, incase you wish to back-up first?

[Guest]

You can add that to the xml (not replace it with) and test and Compare.
Add libstagefright which is missiNg too. Mine is working fine.

On this site:

http://androidtvnews.com/xbmc-for-android-tv/

i red adding the following to the xml file for always using hw acc.:

<video>
<stagefright>
<!-- -1 is default, 0 is never used this codec, 1 is always use this codec, bypassing blacklist -->
<useavccodec>1</useavccodec>
<usevc1codec>1</usevc1codec>
<usevpxcodec>1</usevpxcodec>
<usemp4codec>1</usemp4codec>
<usempeg2codec>1</usempeg2codec>
<useswrenderer>false</useswrenderer>
</stagefright>
</video>

Helpfull?

[Marton4]

Is Amlogic only supported by AMCODEC for hw acc? Or does Libstagefright support Amlogic now? Thought that was not the case.

update:
Found the answer:
Just amcodec is for hardware accel.
amlcodec=amcodec?
But other media player App may use libstagefright.so.
Enable libstagefright and mediacodec will be fine,just leave it to be default.

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?12919-xbmc-which-can-Play-4k-rmvb-h265-video-on-amlogic-s802-platform/page2

Washere, do you have more content in the xml file than:

<advancedsettings> <network> <!--- The three settings will go in this space, between the two network tags. ---> <buffermode>1</buffermode> <cachemembuffersize>0</cachemembuffersize> <readbufferfactor>4.0</readbufferfactor> </network> </advancedsettings>

[Guest]

I only use Libstagefright and never had a problem. But my box is apparently not ENY. Others had success like me or usiNg other options enabled too. So experiment.

AmLogic used not to support Mediacodec or Libstagefright. But the square M8 box Chipset actually can use them now.

Ned I believe the new Quad Core Amlogic M8 does support Mediacodec and Libstagefright

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=194529&pid=1734000#pid1734000

[Guest]

Most Important of All:

After booting up: Give the M8 Box at least 5 to 10 Minutes to settle down.

No point tracing problems otherwise.

[Guest]

Video Streaming Problems

Connection & Router:

As for streaming problems mentioned elsewhere:

As we can see from feedbacks many of us do not have the streaming hiccups problems some report with xbmc which renders it useless.

The solution is the only remaining factor: outside the box.

Part 1)
Test:

* compare a movie in xbmc with WiFi & Ethernet (cable) both connected
* repeat same movie source with WiFi enabled only
* repeat with Ethernet enabled only
* if possible try with different router box or friends' home, etc.
* play a movie from SD Card or locally with WiFi & Ethernet disconnected

Note problems and differences and if there are any differences (except last case) that has shown the problem is elsewhere.

Part 2)
Router Settings:

Log into Router admin (Advanced):

* Fine tune it ( different for each )
* If mode is trigger only, change to always on
* Test same movie with various settings

The reason why some have problems but most using various ROMs do not with xbmc performance: not meaning minor bugs but major rendering xbmc unusable as with a minority, has possibly in some problem cases but not all nothing to do with Mm8 box (no need for a hammer) or the F/W & xbmc settings' most of the time in those cases.

[Guest]

Washere, do you have more content in the xml file than:

<advancedsettings> 
<network> 
<!--- The three settings will go in this space, between the two network tags. --->
<buffermode>1</buffermode> 
<cachemembuffersize>0</cachemembuffersize> 
<readbufferfactor>4.0</readbufferfactor> 
</network> 
</advancedsettings>

Nope, that's it & working fine.

[tampametal]

Tired of repeating when asked so made this guide:

Guide to Flashing ROMs for Square M8 box & installing XBMC:

#########################################


Flashing ROMs

* put it, ROM's zip file, on sd card
* put a pin or nail or matchstick inside A/V hole & click & hold, power on, release when RECOVERY MODE loads
* factory reset
* install ROM's zip

some problems reportedly don't occur if flashing via button inside A/V hole instead of using apps to go into recovery

#########################################

Installing XBMC

Whatever ROM installed: if you like for xbmc:

uninstall previous xbmc if any (1.7 doesn't come with one fortunately) with

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.infolife.uninstaller&hl=en

or similar

here's the famous Oman xbmc, put it on sd-card & install

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?12919-xbmc-which-can-Play-4k-rmvb-h265-video-on-amlogic-s802-platform

if problems occur:

to see all options set xbmc menu level in system settings to: advanced
+
if no picture but audio or
if video is cropped:
DISABLE ALL hardware acceleration to OFF, except enabling Libstagefright


#########################################

Display Settings

The xbmc should only have libstagefright enabled as hw acceleration. Then in the ROMs app: SettingsMBox there are two options in display:

* One reduces screen size, I reduce mine to 92%.
* The other also in display section gives various 1080/720 & various Hz options to test and assign.

#########################################

XBMC Buffering

xml file creation for buffering xbmc videos:

make this small xml file in notepad and put it where i mentioned, use Total Commander app (sticky thread here) to copy it to system area:

for stopping xbmc from:

* crashing itself
* rebooting Android

periodically.

Create a text file in a notepad called:

advancedsettings.xml

consisting of:

<advancedsettings>
<network>
<!--- The three settings will go in this space, between the two network tags. --->
<buffermode>1</buffermode>
<cachemembuffersize>0</cachemembuffersize>
<readbufferfactor>4.0</readbufferfactor>
</network>
</advancedsettings>

Note: in Total Commander's root location on M8 box, the required memory area sought here is not "File system root" (sysfiles) but:
SD Card (it's not actually the physical sd-card but internal memory)

then inside SD Card put it in folder:
Android/data/org.xbmc.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata

SD Card (2) and if applicable SD Card (3) are external physical devices like actual sd-card or usb-stick etc. in Total Commander.
and putting it in: SD CARD path's folder below:


Note: in Total Commander to copy a file or folder:
* Select it by clicking on it's icon to it's left (Not by clicking it's name: which runs the file or goes inside if a folder)
* At bottom click on the big arrow icon to copy (or move) it to other pane where we are already inside destination folder

Then:
* Restart XBMC
Or reboot Android

#########################################

Total Commander

Total Commander app to copy to system area, change system files, network transfer etc.:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander

guide:

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14486-Best-File-Manager-Best-Complete-Network-Devices-Access-Easiest-SysFiles-Manipulation

#########################################

XBMC Repositories

All the repositories are in one zip:

http://superrepo.org/get-started/add-the-super-repo-directory-as-source/

* download and put the all-in-one-repo repositories zip file on sd-card

* choose install via zip via:
system: settings: Add-ons: Install from zip file

then navigate to it via right pane:
Root filesystem: (scroll down) Storage: external_storage: sdcard1
then where you put it

* Install downloaded all-in-one-repo zip by just clicking on it,
give xbmc 1 minute
& done

* Now you can install video addons on mass via:
Video: Video Add-ons: (scroll down to bottom) Get More ...



Top hits below, no need to install repos 1-by-1 from below link if done above all-in-one-repo zip method:

http://superrepo.org/

http://addons.xbmchub.com/category/video/

#########################################

Quick question... Why are files in my Minix Xbmc hidden? Tired using es file manager and stock file browser? Did Minix do that or something I'm missing?

Appreciate all the work you did on this!

[Guest]

Quick question... Why are files in my Minix Xbmc hidden? Tired using es file manager and stock file browser? Did Minix do that or something I'm missing?

Appreciate all the work you did on this!

Never used minix xbmc so don't know. Total Commander can be set to easily show & manipulate system & hidden files:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?14486-Best-File-Manager-Best-Complete-Network-Devices-Access-Easiest-SysFiles-Manipulation

[no_spam_for_me]

Quick question... Why are files in my Minix Xbmc hidden? Tired using es file manager and stock file browser? Did Minix do that or something I'm missing?

Appreciate all the work you did on this!

I don't really know what you mean, but if you use the MINIX XBMC, they use another app-name (hk.minix.xbmc) so you have to use
android/data/hk.minix.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata

The leading dot before the file-/folder-name identifies it at Linux as hidden (e.g. .xbmc)

For those who want to "sideload" the file via ADB you have to use:
/storage/emulated/legacy/android/data/hk.minix.xbmc/files/.xbmc/userdata