Ubuntu/Debian as multimedia station independent of XBMC

For a while, I've been interested in the idea of using a Ubuntu/Debian based setup as a small multipurpose server that doubles as a multimedia center. I've followed a few of the threads on here about playing media with Ubuntu/Linaro/Debian, but it sounds like no one has quite been able to get it working, outside of using a complete XBMC/OpenElec configuration. The utility I want from Udoo is not just a small server, but the integration of the Arduino- I want to pull sensor data and run things like LEDS (ie ambilight).

I was hoping to re-open this discussion, it's something I'd be willing to take a stab at it, but I wanted to hear if anyone had gotten close or if the experts had any ideas.

XBMC and OpenElec can both be built on top of Ubuntu, but I get the feeling that there's a bigger problem keeping the Ubuntu Udoo image from being usable for multimedia. I find out-of-the-box totem doesn't work for most video, and VLC works only when it is tweaked a bit. Even then, though, I can't play it full screen without crashing and I don't get any HDMI sound out. I've been playing with recompiling the kernel, but I haven't seen any obvious modules that would account for the limited multimedia capablity.

So my question is, what are the major differences that makes OpenElec so smooth that are missing in the Ubuntu distribution? Is it graphical acceleration?

Anyone had any luck?

 

Even with the official and new android image, Kodi / MxPlayer / SPMC are not usable. The playstore won't let me install Netflix

So, +1 to your question, waiting an answer

 

Hi,

I am facing exactly the same problem.
I choosed UdooBuntu because I wanna run some servers, and unbuntu seems to have strongest support. I would say I am quite experienced user, but not for linux...it is first time for me.. Basically I choosed Udoo because it has Arduino Due onboard.
My target is very common, media center + a bit of home automation.
Home automation gonna be just fine with Due onboard.
But multimedia center seems to be nightmare with Udoobuntu, I even do not need video, just mp3 and internet radio controlled via web interface / android app on cell phone.
Unfortunatelly no success yet, 5 days testing, debuging so far.
What I have tried:
- XBMC from Lubuntu Soft. center - system crash during app startup, black screen = hard reset
- Amarok from LSC - app crash during startup
- VLC from LSC - app crash when ever is opened ani file mp3, url, video
- MPD server seems to be running correctly, however Sonata, GMPC or any other android app keep disconnecting
- Rhythmbox from LSC - web plugin seems to be not compatibe, is obsolete

That's all I have tried so far and no joy.
Could any one recommend anything what is working in UdooBuntu 12.04 LTS? Or some guideline how to success with any app mentioned above.

Thank you in advance. Regards Miro

 

Bump

 

i'm waiting with you. even if i get direct rendering from the gpu it doesn't have usable performaces..

 

I think that we can wait for a long time.
I myself wanted to make a sort of home automatisation.
Therefor I bought a UDoo Quad, Camera and UDOO 15inch Screen.

But there is no support whatoever.
When I ask for a refund, the will investigate....

In this for you will find items over XMBC, works, but not on there screens.
Idem dito with OpenElec.

Looking for a (chinese) adaptor to make a HDMI screen. Sorry nothing ....

I want to test EVERY hour a media software system. I have time.
VPeter put a lot of energy and effort, but so it seems, no support from UDOO team itself
http://www.udoo.org/forum/threads/xbmc-lvds-7.2240/

 

I know that you try to turn me over to something else then XBMC or OpenElec.
Nice try.
I'm not the only one that has to work wit this. So please, take it serieus.

I want to make a deal: I change my no-touch panel with a panel with touch.
In this stadium I can Iinstall Android, wich workt, and then KODI for android.

How does that sounds?

IVan

 

@mlckovsky hi there, could you please provide the log of your errors?