Function Junction: Adding Scripts

One of Xbox media center's most powerful features is its scriptability. Using Python, users have the ability to extend Xbmc's functionality to enormous limits. In the form of plugins, these scripts add abilities to interact with online content, local content, or your own library of content in new ways. I'll show you how you can add these yourself with little efort and maximized functionality!!

Read more for a glimpse at the extra functionality that Xbmc scripts can provide.

One of the first plugins to pop up was the Quicktime Trailer script. It added the ability to browse Apple's amazing library of movie trailers right on your television! Who wants to watch movie previews on your computer when you can watch them on your Tv in all their glory. This was a perfect extension of Xbmc. Over time many more plugins have been released to stream in online content. Yahoo's Launch.com's music videos and Gamestop's game reviews are just some of the stuff you can view using add on scripts.

Ok... so how do you get them on your Xbmc!?

Your first stop is Xbmcscripts.com, they host almost all the available Xbmc plugin scripts available. For the longest time there wasn't a single place to easily browse new scripts and download upgraded ones. Thanks to them now we can.

Download a script and unarchive it with whatever compression tool was used to distribute it. Next, look for the README file! I can't stress this enough because each script has its own specificities in how it works. There are usually instructions in how and what settings you need to set in the script. Once you have done that, upload it to your Xbox using the normal FTP method.

But where!? Toss it into the "Scripts" directory in your Xbmc install. Done.

Now, bearing you set up the script right, settings, login information, etc, your script should be setup and ready to go. Now access the submenu from the home screen, (the button on the far right), and click Scripts. This will take you to the actual scripts folder on the Xbmc install. Browse to your script and launch it. If there are multiple files, your best bet is the one named as close to the name of the plugin as possible. Boo Ya! Instant Content!

Now you have ways to access all kinds of extra online content.

Some of the better scripts out there that I like are:

• Quicktime Browser
• Bloglines RSS Reader
• GameTrailers Browser
• GameSpotPlus
• iFilmBrowser
• xPodder
• Flickr

Now that you have a few scripts installed and ready to use, wouldn't it be nice to not have to use a file browser to launch them? Well you don't have to! That's what the Sub-Menu is for. Next I'll show you how to add your scripts to it, so you can launch them simply and elegantly.