FIX IT!: Icefilms, Hulu, aZwatch

The Hulu addon is up and running again and should be stable going forward.

The aZwatch addon is still the best way to watch live TV in XBMC (save for the SportsDevil addon, which is a fantastic addon for watching live sports).  Unfortunately it has not been working as the website it connects to keeps changing.  The developer is working on getting it up again, but says he will wait until the aZwatch website becomes stable.  It may be some time until it works again.

The Icefilms addon will go deliver a script error from time to time.  This is because something just isn't working the way it should.  Example:  This afternoon IceFilms was working and now it seems that the website the addon pulls from is down.  That means if you try and access a show it will likely hang for a while and deliver a script error.  If you are having a problem with IceFilms and you like to stay in the know, it's often best to check this thread to see if others are having a similar problem:  http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=87703&page=431.

If you notice that something isn't working, go ahead and post it in the comments of this blog and I will post when the issue becomes resolved.  Discussing issues and resolving them via the comments section will also be useful for others that subscribe if they are experiencing the same problem.

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Still waiting for that "Just What is XBMC Post" that I promised so that you can share such information with others that deserve to be enlightened?  So am I...so I will soon tickle the keyboard and pump out something that is hopefully not only informational but also mildly enjoyable to read.

FIX IT!: New Known XBMC Issues and Updates

****NEW****

The Hulu addon is broken because Hulu.com has changed its website.  The developer for the Hulu addon is the best and will have a solution as soon as possible.  Those with the Hulu addon installed should see it automatically update once a fix has been submitted.  Update (11/17/11):  Hulu may be working, but the Hulu developer is expecting it to go down again.

****UPDATES****

Pandora is working again with a new install.  Apple TV 2 users:  Comment on here if you need me to guide you through this as it's a more involved process for you as Pandora is a bit tricky to install.  Non-Apple TV users should go to (from the main menu) System>Addons>Enabled Addons>Music Addons>Pandora>Uninstall.  Then download this Pandora zip file to a place you know how to browse to:  http://www.mediafire.com/?mr2kky348i4qzvq.  To install the new zip file you just downloaded go to System>Addons>Install from zip file, browse to the file you downloaded and select it.  The new version should now show up in the Music menu (if you have to log in again, follow the similar instructions in the ESPN paragraph below).  

The Seeon.TV addon has been updated and is now called aZwatch.   This is your best bet for watching live TV like the Disney Channel or NBC, etc. on XBMC.  If you had the Seeon.TV addon already installed, it should auto update to aZwatch the next time you log in to XBMC.  

If the LiveStreams addon gets updated with the live streams from Azwatch, I'll update you.  Right now, LiveStreams does not seem to be in active continued development.  However, there are still some fine streams like HGTV in 720p working in the LiveStreams addon.  

ESPN (formerly known as ESPN3): I have solved the riddle.  First, go to www.espn3.com  to make sure your Internet Service Provider partners with ESPN for ESPN3 (if you can play videos at that site, then you have ESPN3 access).  If you have the ESPN addon installed on your XBMC setup --from your main menu go to Videos>Addons>ESPN and press "C" on your keyboard or hold "Menu" on your Apple Remote.  Select "Addon Settings".  Go to the Login Tab and navigate down and select "New User Files".  Then press OK and try to enter the ESPN addon. You should be able to watch replay ESPN broadcasts and anything that is playing live on ESPN3.   

****UPCOMING****

Look for my next post that will cover what the heck XBMC is for those looking to do an install themselves.  

Inaugural Post and XBMC Update

Hello friends and cord cutters! If you're reading this, it's likely because I've guided you through a media center install/setup with XBMC (www.xbmc.org) either in person or over the internet (or I've done so for a friend of yours). I've decided to begin a blog that will specifically deal with known issues/problems/bugs for media center setups I've helped you install so you can stay in-the-know. Additionally, I hope to guide you and others you might share my blog with towards saving money on the cost of cable while increasing your access to media. By re-purposing old  PCs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_theater_PC) and/or purchasing low cost media streamers like Roku, Google TV, Apple TV 2 and pairing them with free media center software like XBMC, Plex, Hulu Desktop, Boxee, and MediaPortal it's easier than ever to ditch the cable companies and still access the shows you and your family enjoy. Thanks for being a part of my inaugural post and hopefully you'll invite others to participate.

1st XBMC Known issues post:

Pandora's website has changed so it is likely the Pandora addon in XBMC is not working for you. There is a fix, so let me know if you want me to guide you through it or visit you and fix it.

The Weather section in your home menu is likely not working. The data source is Weather.com and they have changed their website (specifically, the API) so it is broken until the XBMC developers can figure out how to make it work again for XBMC. Stay tuned. I know I really find it useful having access to the weather on my TV.

The Seeon.TV addon and many channels within the LiveStreams addon that depend on Seeon.TV are down and will likely be down for a while. The streams are changing server hosts, so a fix will likely come but there is no timetable.

The FreeCable addon is currently in constant development, so expect certain channels to present a script error/not work.

ESPN3: I'm still trying to figure out why it isn't working for those of you with an Internet Service Provider that gives you access to ESPN3. I'll update when I figure it out.

If something isn't working for you or you have a question/advice about XBMC, Boxee, Plex, and/or Hulu Desktop, or anything else regarding a Home Theatre PC/Media Center; feel free to reply and we'll troubleshoot/discuss it together.