RASPBERRY Pi 2

[yuri2]

My OpenElec/Kodi micro SD card got corrupted again, so I took the opportunity to install OSMC.

Initially I used the OSMC stock UI but found it slow and confusing. So I moved back to Confluence which I am familiar with.

OSMC's Kodi runs about the same as OpenElec/Kodi. Didn't notice any significant difference.

However I had problems switching off OSMC Kodi - the Exit or Power Off options did not work and I had to switch off the Pi 2. Tried 3 times and same problem. Luckily the micro SD card did not get corrupted.

Maybe, you could try another SD card.
According to instructions, use SDFormatter, do a full format.
Then load the NOOOBS.

I tried it with another card (also a Sandisk class 10) , and it works pretty well.

Haven't had corrupt issues yet...fingers-crossed.

 

[jchoong]

Thanks. I don't run NOOBS and do use SDFormatter before every new install. I install OpenElec, OSMC, etc directly onto the SD cards. I have tried a few brands and found Samsung to be the most reliable. Maybe I have been too careless in switching off the Pi2 too early before it has completed its shutdown.

 

[ArcticCheetah]

Did you overclock the PI? Sufficient Power?
Those stuff can cause sdcard data corruption.
If you do have to pull the plug, log in via ssh and type sync to flush all pending data to disk before pulling the power.

 

[jchoong]

No, I don't overclock and I have a Raspberry 2A power supply.

Yes, I could have SSH instead of yanking off the power plug; just impatient, I guess. But I do wait for the green blinking light to stop before switching it off. Anyway, no big deal to reformat the SD card and reinstall with OpenElec or OSMC.

 

[n660075]

Most likely your neighbour is using the same channel as you and his wifi is super powerful. If you have an android phone, install wifi analyser on the phone to look at the spectrum and change the frequency of the wifi on the router to a quieter one. If you don't have android phone, can also use trial and error method, change the router's wifi to another channels to see if it is better. You need only a few Mbps for 1080p video.

Morning Bro Gregory,
I tried to download 2 different Wifi analyser on my samsung tab. Both showing the correct channel that i am locked on. But both showing different singal strength of other channels. Their recommended channels are also different. I tried to change channels but seemd results still the same. Is the edimax dongle a better one for the RPI 2? Otherwise, i may try jchoong method of Homeplug.
Over the weekend, i tried to watch a 45min 720p clip at 1am, but it
keeps buffering after a while. It at least buffer 5 times throughout the 45mins. I then paused it for it to buffer and i saw it keeps on buffering until 10mb(and it stops). I then put it to zero cache and try but it still needs to buffer after a while. Its quite annoying to keep on getting the buffering.

 

[n660075]

Homeplugs are relatively cheap and easy to use. I run a set of Aztech homeplugs for a Lan connection (and avoid the cable from router to Pi 2).

Morning bro jchoong, I have never used a Homeplug before and I am new to it. I went to look up homeplugs but realised that Aztech recommend plugging directly on to wall plug directly. My constraint is that I will have to plug onto a multi plug(one of those 4 across type). May I know if it will work?
Lastly, is there any way for me to check how much speed I am getting on my Wifi dongle when it is running on the RPI 2?

 

[gregory_choo]

Morning Bro Gregory,
I tried to download 2 different Wifi analyser on my samsung tab. Both showing the correct channel that i am locked on. But both showing different singal strength of other channels. Their recommended channels are also different. I tried to change channels but seemd results still the same. Is the edimax dongle a better one for the RPI 2? Otherwise, i may try jchoong method of Homeplug.
Over the weekend, i tried to watch a 45min 720p clip at 1am, but it
keeps buffering after a while. It at least buffer 5 times throughout the 45mins. I then paused it for it to buffer and i saw it keeps on buffering until 10mb(and it stops). I then put it to zero cache and try but it still needs to buffer after a while. Its quite annoying to keep on getting the buffering.

can you put your samsung tab next to rpi2, run wifi analyser, do a screen capture and post it here?

The many many causes for buffering. source is one of the most common causes. What addon you used when you did the test?

 

[n660075]

can you put your samsung tab next to rpi2, run wifi analyser, do a screen capture and post it here?

The many many causes for buffering. source is one of the most common causes. What addon you used when you did the test?

I will run the analyser when i get home tonight.
My apologies in advance for being a beginner but not sure what addons you are referring to.
But for hardware, I have the Adafruit Wifi dongle and Microsoft All-In-One keyboard.
For software, I have the TVADDONS(installed via config wizard for Linux), Xunitiy, SuperRepo.
I was running Genesis>TV Shows> (last 2 clips of Season 2, HD via source VK) over the weekend. Thanks.

 

[jchoong]

Morning bro jchoong, I have never used a Homeplug before and I am new to it. I went to look up homeplugs but realised that Aztech recommend plugging directly on to wall plug directly. My constraint is that I will have to plug onto a multi plug(one of those 4 across type). May I know if it will work?
Lastly, is there any way for me to check how much speed I am getting on my Wifi dongle when it is running on the RPI 2?

Next to my router, I have a empty wall socket which I plug in 1 homeplug; the 2nd homeplug that is near to the Pi 2 is attached to a power extension (4 sockets type; I put the homeplug on the 1st socket). Its not per recommendation (ideal) but it has worked for me. The homeplugs solved my buffering problems that were encountered when I was on wifi.

You can use Ookla Speedtest on Android. Just search for Speedtest. It is not that accurate but is good enough as an indicator.

 

[gregory_choo]

I will run the analyser when i get home tonight.
My apologies in advance for being a beginner but not sure what addons you are referring to.
But for hardware, I have the Adafruit Wifi dongle and Microsoft All-In-One keyboard.
For software, I have the TVADDONS(installed via config wizard for Linux), Xunitiy, SuperRepo.
I was running Genesis>TV Shows> S.H.I.E.L.D(last 2 clips of Season 2, HD via source VK) over the weekend. Thanks.

I tested VK, no good too. If I choose Gvideo or MovReel, then the streaming is very good.

 

[n660075]

Next to my router, I have a empty wall socket which I plug in 1 homeplug; the 2nd homeplug that is near to the Pi 2 is attached to a power extension (4 sockets type; I put the homeplug on the 1st socket). Its not per recommendation (ideal) but it has worked for me. The homeplugs solved my buffering problems that were encountered when I was on wifi.

You can use Ookla Speedtest on Android. Just search for Speedtest. It is not that accurate but is good enough as an indicator.

Noted above. I am seeking Bro Gregory's advice prior deciding on the Homeplug. Will leave Homeplug as my last resort.
I will try out the Ookla Speedtest tonight.

 

[n660075]

I tested VK, no good too. If I choose Gvideo or MovReel, then the streaming is very good.

Ok. Thanks for testing out. I will try out the Gvideo and MovReel when I get home tonight and let you know my results. Otherwise, I may just try out Homeplug.

Just to add, I have Kodi installed on my iPhone 6 too.
Compared to my RPI 2, my streaming on iPhone has never had any issues. Its buffer is always very ahead whenever, whatever clips I played.
I tried to change my RPI 2 IP Address same as my iPhone 6, but it just wouldn't work.

 

[gregory_choo]

Ok. Thanks for testing out. I will try out the Gvideo and MovReel when I get home tonight and let you know my results. Otherwise, I may just try out Homeplug.

Just to add, I have Kodi installed on my iPhone 6 too.
Compared to my RPI 2, my streaming on iPhone has never had any issues. Its buffer is always very ahead whenever, whatever clips I played.
I tried to change my RPI 2 IP Address same as my iPhone 6, but it just wouldn't work.

The other way is to go to confi page of genesis and enable autoplay function, it will help you to choose working source. Remember to turn off "forced SD" option (on by default) if you want to watch movie in HD.

For IP address, it is better to leave it automatic.

 

[jchoong]

Guys, again please leave out names of movies or tv programs in your posts.

 

[n660075]

can you put your samsung tab next to rpi2, run wifi analyser, do a screen capture and post it here?

The many many causes for buffering. source is one of the most common causes. What addon you used when you did the test?

Bro Gregory, I know it sounds stupid, but I am unable to attached my screenshot due I don't know how to do it. Maybe you can PM me your email and I email you instead?
I tried a kids movie last evening on HD with MovReel, it buffered once and streamed all the way till end(about 1.5hrs).
Later in the night about 11pm, I was watching 2 x 45mins clips. Both I choose MovReel and 1st clip had some buffering issues for 4 times. 2nd clip did not have any stoppage at all(buffering is always way ahead of what it was showing).
I guess like what you said, it all depends on the source. Thanks.

 

[n660075]

The other way is to go to confi page of genesis and enable autoplay function, it will help you to choose working source. Remember to turn off "forced SD" option (on by default) if you want to watch movie in HD.

For IP address, it is better to leave it automatic.

Noted. I will give above a try. Meantime, is there a way to activate "autoplay" for all the addons too?

 

[n660075]

Guys, I have given up using the Wifi and bought a Homeplug.
Jchoong, may I know what color signal did you get for your Homeplug when u use your 4 across socket?
I am getting "red" all the way.

 

[yuri2]

No, I don't overclock and I have a Raspberry 2A power supply.

Yes, I could have SSH instead of yanking off the power plug; just impatient, I guess. But I do wait for the green blinking light to stop before switching it off. Anyway, no big deal to reformat the SD card and reinstall with OpenElec or OSMC.

I've been using the Sandisk shipped with the Pi.
So far, I tried to cut off the power supply on several occasions abruptly while the movie is playing.
Then power it back and nothing's broken. It just work as normal.

Perhaps you should try another SD card.

 

[item2sell]

I got myself a RPi2.

I used openelec 5.0.8.

I have enable the airplay service on the settings.

I am using iPhone 4s and ios 7.1.2.
On the iphone, I can see and select airplay kodi.
Then I open up my photo but they did not get show up on tv

Did I missed out any step?

Btw I am using huawei Bbom as the router.
So my RPi2 and iphone are connected to huawei.

Also my laptop (win 7) and sony tv are also connected to huawei. My laptop can playto sony tv. But cannot detect RPi2

 

[item2sell]

Update: I got this working.

I create a personal hotspot on the phone, and raspberry pi connect directly to my hotspot.

Able to do photo, videos.

Great!