XBMC, or Kodi as it will be named in the future, is an opensource media hub that can be installed on a variety of operating systems such
as Linux, OSX, Windows, iOS and Android. The platform allows users to play and
access networked digital media files on computers, handheld mobile devices, and
televisions that utilize a set top box with network connectivity.
In addition to providing users with an all-in-one media
player for all of their digital content, the XMBC community of open source
programmers have created a plethora of ‘add-ons’ which expand on the
functionality of the platform. XMBC ‘add-ons’ range from direct video feeds
from websites such as Al Jazeera and CBS News to picture hosting services like
500px and flickr. It seems as if the capabilities of the XMBC platform are
limited only to the imagination of the community of open source programmers.
player for all of their digital content, the XMBC community of open source
programmers have created a plethora of ‘add-ons’ which expand on the
functionality of the platform. XMBC ‘add-ons’ range from direct video feeds
from websites such as Al Jazeera and CBS News to picture hosting services like
500px and flickr. It seems as if the capabilities of the XMBC platform are
limited only to the imagination of the community of open source programmers.
Standing alone, XBMC may appear to be an attractive option
to those who wish to sever ties with cable TV providers. With its ability to
tap into networked media drives, cord cutters may view XBMC as a viable option.
Adventurous users looking to completely cut the cord with cable TV will soon
find ‘add-ons’ which provide access to pirated media. This is where the use of
XBMC and many of its programmable features wade into murky waters. Cord cutters
must use their own discretion when selecting and loading XBMC ‘add-ons.’
to those who wish to sever ties with cable TV providers. With its ability to
tap into networked media drives, cord cutters may view XBMC as a viable option.
Adventurous users looking to completely cut the cord with cable TV will soon
find ‘add-ons’ which provide access to pirated media. This is where the use of
XBMC and many of its programmable features wade into murky waters. Cord cutters
must use their own discretion when selecting and loading XBMC ‘add-ons.’
Like all media piracy fights, content providers face a daunting challenge when
facing the world of open source XBMC developers. It is a daily battle for
content providers as they attempt to shutter unauthorized access to their
content. It is this fight where consumers must ask themselves challenging
questions.
On one hand many consumers are looking for a way to trim
expenses by cutting cable TV from their budget, however, doing so could lead many viewers toward accessing pirated content. Another facet of pirated content
not previously addressed here is that much of the video content is of lower
quality in terms of the actual signal. Programs that were originally broadcast
in 1080p HD become scaled down to accommodate the bitrates available to pirate
broadcasters.
expenses by cutting cable TV from their budget, however, doing so could lead many viewers toward accessing pirated content. Another facet of pirated content
not previously addressed here is that much of the video content is of lower
quality in terms of the actual signal. Programs that were originally broadcast
in 1080p HD become scaled down to accommodate the bitrates available to pirate
broadcasters.
Those that have spent considerable sums in upgrading their
home entertainment systems may come away unimpressed with the picture quality
of pirated content. Aside from the likely lack of picture quality, consumers
must further ask themselves if all of this is ‘OK’. XBMC.org itself warns users
on its own site with the following disclaimer regarding the platform:
home entertainment systems may come away unimpressed with the picture quality
of pirated content. Aside from the likely lack of picture quality, consumers
must further ask themselves if all of this is ‘OK’. XBMC.org itself warns users
on its own site with the following disclaimer regarding the platform:
“Disclaimer: XBMC does not provide and media files
itself. You either must own all audio and video files through a legal way or
you can use the add-ons that can be found in the XBMC.org official repository.
We will not assist or be held responsible for any way you obtain your media
files.”
itself. You either must own all audio and video files through a legal way or
you can use the add-ons that can be found in the XBMC.org official repository.
We will not assist or be held responsible for any way you obtain your media
files.”
So the question remains, is XBMC right for you? If you are
looking for a solid platform with a customizable interface, which can deliver
all of your digitally stored multimedia to your TV and other devices, then yes
XBMC is a solid option. If you are looking to become a “cord cutter” but also
want instant access to all of your favorite TV shows and movies, XBMC may not
be for you as most current broadcast content available through pirated access
and accessing that content is questionable behavior at best.
looking for a solid platform with a customizable interface, which can deliver
all of your digitally stored multimedia to your TV and other devices, then yes
XBMC is a solid option. If you are looking to become a “cord cutter” but also
want instant access to all of your favorite TV shows and movies, XBMC may not
be for you as most current broadcast content available through pirated access
and accessing that content is questionable behavior at best.
The decision lies with each individual user. XBMC is a
powerful tool but like all tools it doesn’t always get used for its intended
purpose.
powerful tool but like all tools it doesn’t always get used for its intended
purpose.