If you’re an HTPC advocate, and also like using XBMC, then you’ll probably want to read on about this little gem I found in the xbmc.org add-ons.
PseudoTV is by far the most worthwhile add-on I’ve used thus far.
Quick break down on what it does:
As shown in its name, it provides a TV like experience; channel guide and all. PseudoTV takes all of the media (tv shows, movies, music vids, etc.; all video of any kind) that has been imported into the library for XBMC and then creates channels specific to the type of video. All the channels are completely customizable from using presets to choosing exactly what a channel plays to even creating a custom playlist and having that cycle through all the videos in the playlist. Also worth noting is that it will support up to 200 individual/custom channels.
The only issue I’ve noticed with having close to 50 would be the time it takes to setup all the channels upon loading the add-on and perhaps the CPU power it needs to use while keeping the time into the show or movie in sync with “real time”. It needs to sync the times to achieve the same experience you would have by switching from channel to channel on normal cable TV and not have the show/movie start over every time.
It provides the user with a ‘real’ TV like experience, with a positive ‘catch’ of no commercials and always playing the tv shows and movies that you love.
I’ve had positive experiences with it minus one small inconvenience. Being that every so often while loading it will crash the first time. After loading a second time it works just fine, not sure what bug is causing the first crash and not the second but it is only a minor inconvenience.
To get a copy of this add-on, simply go to the ‘add-on’ menu within XBMC and go to the xbmc.org downloads section. In there you will see sub-categories, choose ‘program-addons’ and then find ‘pseudoTV’. Should be good to go after that.
-Cam