Operation Manual

instructions from Chapter 1, “Meet the Raspberry Pi”, it’s not necessary to do so.
If you already have an SD card you use with the Pi, be aware that installing Rasbmc on it will delete the contents of the card. Back up any files you
want to keep, or if you want to be able to switch between the two distributions, buy a second SD card specifically for Rasbmc use.
When the Rasbmc installer has finished, insert the SD card into the Pi and re-connect the power supply—but make sure the
Ethernet cable is connected as well, because Rasbmc needs to download some data from the Internet when it first loads. The
initial load of Rasbmc can take 10 or 15 minutes to complete as it downloads updates and partitions the SD card, but
subsequent loads are significantly faster. Don’t panic if the first boot hangs at the Formatting Partitions stage—an elongated
pause here is normal.
When loaded, Rasbmc automatically starts the Xbmc service (see Figure 7-2). This provides a custom user interface specifically
designed for living-room use. Everything is accessible through the keyboard or mouse, with large and easily readable text and
categorised menus to make it easier to find things. You can also purchase infrared remote controls, which come with a receiver
that plugs into the Pi’s USB port and a transmitter that allows for a true home theatre experience with no bulky keyboard or
trailing wires.
Figure 7-2: The Xbmc home screen, loaded by Rasbmc
Streaming Internet Media
By default, Xbmc is configured to play only files it can find on the Raspberry Pi itself. If you choose Add-ons from beneath the
Video menu, you’ll be able to add some impressive Internet streaming capabilities to the device, including access to various TV
channels and Internet-only streaming services. After clicking Add-ons, choose Get More to access the full list of compatible
plug-ins (see Figure 7-3).
Figure 7-3: Adding new video add-ons in Rasbmc