Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you already have an SD card you use with the Pi, be aware that installing Rasbmc on it will
delete the contents of the card. Back up any iles you want to keep, or if you want to be able
to switch between the two distributions, buy a second SD card speciically for Rasbmc use.
WARNING
When the Rasbmc installer has inished, insert the SD card into the Pi and re-connect the
power supply—but make sure the Ethernet cable is connected as well, because Rasbmc needs
to download some data from the Internet when it irst loads. he initial load of Rasbmc can
take 10 or 15 minutes to complete as it downloads updates and partitions the SD card, but
subsequent loads are signiicantly faster. Don't panic if the irst boot hangs at the Formatting
Partitions stage—an elongated pause here is normal.
When loaded, Rasbmc automatically starts the Xbmc service (see Figure 7-2). his provides a
custom user interface speciically designed for living-room use. Everything is accessible
through the keyboard or mouse, with large and easily readable text and categorised menus to
make it easier to ind things. You can also purchase infrared remote controls, which come
with a receiver that plugs into the Pi's USB port and a transmitter that allows for a true home
theatre experience with no bulky keyboard or trailing wires.
Figure 7-2:
he Xbmc home
screen, loaded
by Rasbmc
