XBMC

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What is XBMC

An extremely capable open-source media hub favored by multimedia enthusiasts for its ability to play anything and stream thousands of video channels.

XBMC is a popular multimedia software application that has just reached version thirteen, adding and refining dozens of new features through the support and input of a large user community. At its core, the application locates and plays video, music, and pictures from a user's computer, but the program has the potential to extend far further. Plugins extend playback capabilities and enable users to customize every facet of the program. Streaming capabilities provide countless video streams from the length and breadth of the internet, meaning viewers can sit back and listen to a favorite radio station or catch up on a TV show. There are even downloadable DVR addons to record those shows. Weather channels, song lyric applications, the list of tools focused upon entertainment are comprehensive. Despite the large list of channels and entertainment applications built into XBMC, with many more available to download, the program is stable, easy to use, and built as a streamlined operating experience centered on intuitive operation.

The large icons that front the user interface are graphically attractive and colorful. Better than this, there's the option to download and install replacement skins, alternate interface designs that replace the default version with fun themes and dynamic transitions. The program then becomes an exciting entertainment center fit for use on a home computer or as part of an HTPC, a user-built Home Theater Personal Computer capable of being plugged in to a regular flat-screen HDTV in the living room. In fact, many pieces of hardware are now on the market with this express intent, set up and preinstalled with XMBC to bring new life to a boring living room multimedia setup.

Free to download and use, supported by a knowledgeable community, XBMC continues to develop apace, with the latest version bringing improvements to network streaming, adding new features specifically for HTPC users, support for more video and audio formats, and much more. Navigation by computer mouse or television remote are equally intuitive and fun, while customization flexibility will please the tinkerers among the huge user base.

Pros

• Free
• Stable and powerful multimedia player
• Easy access to thousands of multimedia streams
• Navigation is intuitive
• Options to Download dynamic new skins
• Plugins and addons that extend performance

Cons

• Needs a powerful computer to access all features
• Some computer experience required when adding new streams
• Documentation could be better.
• Resource hungry