How to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi 3
The Raspberry Pi model 3, 1.2GHz quad core, 1 GB RAM version is out and we have decided to test Kodi on it. We have Kodi running on multiple PCs and Pis in the office. Although Kodi works on the previous model of the Pi, it can be laggy at times.
What does it take to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi 3?
The first things you need, is of course the hardware. Here is a list:
- Raspberry Pi 3
- Raspberry Pi 3 Case (Optional)
- 2.5 A Micro USB Power Supply
- 8 GB (minimum) micro SD card.
- A way of connecting a micro SD card to your PC.
- HDMI cable
- A TV or monitor.
- Keyboard/mouse.
- Internet through ethernet or WiFi
For this project, we decided to invest in a USB wireless media remote. We bought it on eBay for a modest price of £9.49 and next day delivery. These remotes were also available for a lot cheaper but we did not want to wait for the long delivery time.
This time, we decided to use Openelec as opposed to OSMC for Kodi.
- Download the latest version of Openelec.
Go to http://openelec.tv/get-openelec to get the latest stable image for the Pi 2/3.
- Uncompress the downloaded file to reveal the .img file
- Connect the SD card to your PC
- Using Win32Imager, write the .img file to the SD card and wait for the process to finish
- Insert SD card into the Pi. Connect to the TV through HDMI, connect keyboard/mouse/wireless remote.
- Connect the power supply and watch the setup scroll through 🙂
- Once the Kodi interface appears, follow the usual Kodi configuration wizard.
Our first impression of Kodi on the Pi3 is that the interface feels so much faster and smoother. To test the capacity, we installed a few add-ons on it and here is a work-through of how to do it.
The wireless remote worked straight away and no configuration was needed.
We are going to show the steps for installing the an add-on.
Please note that the tutorial is for educational purposes only. Streaming paid content without a subscription is illegal. We are not responsible for any misuse of information provided here.
Go to SYSTEM->File manager
->Add Source
Click on ->None
In the path, type the path to your favorite and legal add-on repository and and click Done.
Select the bottom text input box under the “Enter a name for the media Source” field and type in a name of your choise. Click Done.
Click OK on the next screen.
Return to main screen.
Go to SYSTEM->Settings->Add-ons
Select “Install from zip file”
Select the name you gave it earlier
-> xbmc-repos ->
-> english
-> repository.tknorris.release-1.0.2.zip
Wait for the installation to finish and go back to SYSTEM->settings->Add-ons->Install from repository-> tknorris Release Repository
-> Video add-ons
Click on “1Channel” and wait for installation to finish.
Now head to the main screen->Video->Add-ons->1Channel
Browse to movies or tv shows and enjoy!
Please feel free to comment on our post 🙂
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About The Author
behindthesciences
We are two engineers who work in the Electronic and Telecommunication industry. We regularly blog in our spare time.
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