Last year at FOSDEM, KODI.tv was approached about their usage of analytics software on their websites that gives visitor data to big companies with servers located in countries with data protection laws that are less strict than what EU citizens are accustomed to. Team Kodi has always had a firm stance against user tracking in their software, so it felt incosistent that KODI.tv did not extend the same level of prudence to their websites.
At first, KODI considered removing analytics altogether. But it quickly became clear that this would be problematic for their Wiki maintainers: Without any insight into what pages are viewed most, it is next to impossible to prioritize the pages to update adequately. They were very happy to come across GoatCounter, which solved their problems nicely: It has a strong dedication to privacy and data protection, but still gives the data KODI.tv need to maintain the Wiki. Shortly after, KODI.tv announce that GoatCounter has joined the ranks of their sponsors!
It is still a very young project, but from KODI experience it is a great alternative for site owners looking for a privacy-focused hosted analytics solution. Smaller non-commercial sites below 100k pageviews/month enjoy free hosting.
LibreELEC 9.2.6 (Leia) has arrived based upon Kodi v18.9.
Changes since 9.2.4:
Kodi 18.9
Kodi 19 Matrix:
We have currently no plans yet to create an official Alpha release of LE10 with the Alpha version of Kodi 19. Due the drawn out release cycle of Kodi and the experiences from the past few years we are waiting a bit longer to avoid major problems. Nightly builds could be downloaded like usual, that includes the latest unstable development snapshot of LE10/Kodi19.
Change for Raspberry 4:
With LE 9.2 and later you need to add “hdmi_enable_4kp60=1“ to your config.txt if you want to use 4k output at the RPi4. Before you needed “hdmi_enable_4k=1“ that is now deprecated.
If you experience problems, please open an thread at our forum. You can also open an ticket at our Github issue tracker.
Upgrading
On first boot the Kodi media database will be upgraded. Depending on your hardware and media collection size this could take several minutes. Please be patient.
So… drum roll…hot on the heels of 19.x “Matrix” Alpha 2, and after a quick detour for an unexpected 18.9 “Leia” release, we bring you the stunningly-named 19.x “Matrix” Alpha 3. This will hopefully be the last of our alpha releases, before we move into beta and onto formal release (but no promises, obviously).
Usual caveats: while we’re approaching beta, this is still an alpha, and some things will be broken. That is, basically, the whole point of releasing it, after all: find the problems, and fix them before final release.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the major feature changes since the last release, although there have also been many more improvements and “behind the curtains” fixes:
Music Library
Small fixes to album duration for music in unusual folder layouts, and triggering rescraping of a single artist or album.
Music Videos
Fetch related album and artist info (including art, bio, review etc) from the music library where appropriate
Display all music videos for an artist, not just the ones related to an album when navigating by artist
Searching from the info dialog for an artist now includes all of related library albums as well as any videos
Possibility to use .nfo files so that the artist list can now show all performers from music videos, not just the main artist
Info dialogs will display data from the music library where there’s a corresponding artist and/or album
Fix the same director search for music videos
Playback
Correct the colour mapping of HLG HDR playback in SDR mode on Windows 10
Add HLG HDR playback as HDR10 on Windows 10 (as Windows does not support passthrough of HLG)
Added support for more OpenGL bicubic scalers
Skin/Look-and-Feel
[Estuary] Add chapter info from music videos to OSD
[Estuary] Improve the next item in playlist info for music videos by adding artist/album details if available
[Estuary] Improve the Now Playing info for music videos when not in full-screen video by adding artist/album details if available
[Estuary] Optional poster for music videos
Behaviour changes to DialogAddonInfo buttons (e.g. contextual focus defaults to install, update, configure, etc.)
Add PVR.TimeShiftSeekbar infolabel to expose seekbar outside of the SeekBar dialog
Games
Implement integer scaling support to improve the viewing quality of Pixel Art games
Information Providers/Scrapers
New default Python metadata scrapers for movies and TV shows (replacing old XML scrapers)
API/JSON-RPC
Add ability to apply a new subtitle URI to the player, e.g. URL, local file, etc.
Updates to allow VideoLibrary.Clean by directory
Improvements and fixes around PVR handling via the API
PVR
Remember last opened (vs current last played) TV/Radio group across restarts
If you’re willing to help find some bugs, you can get Alpha 3 from here. Again, though, please: expect some breakage, and don’t use this as your daily installation unless you know how to get things working again. If you do make the move and install it, however, please share your experience so we can really get going on those bugs.
As usual, you can see changes since Alpha 2 here, or browse the merged PRs here.
Mutter, mutter… “18.8 will be the last”, they said… “all efforts will go into 19.x now”, they said… famous last words…
Okay, one more roll of the “Leia” die, although this one is really driven by circumstances beyond our control. Technical changes by Cloudflare caused significant issues with HTTP access to any site using them – metadata sources, for example – and we need to put in a quick workaround before everyone gets too upset; while 19.x “Matrix” is close, it’s not close enough to leave these issues unaddressed. So, as we’re building that new code, we thought that we might as well fix a couple of other regressions while we’re here.
With no further fanfare, then, here’s what you’ve got in this release:
Work around third-party changes to HTTP2 and SSL/encryption that impacted internet access from Kodi by scrapers, streaming addons, etc.
Fix memory leaks in TexturePacker
Fix event server unable to send raw key strikes
Fix issues around directory navigation and incorrectly-set start directories
Fix MediaCodec OES/EGL rendering
The full changelog can be found in our GitHub milestone or you can read the merged PRs here. If you want to read back on the full history of v18 itself, or of previous versions, you can find the corresponding articles in the relevant blog posts.
Application deployment on different platforms – especially curated “app stores” – varies due to circumstances outside of our control. It may thus take a few more days to appear everywhere, so just hang on until it gets to you.
Low price Windows 10 Pro license with exclusive coupon
If you are looking for the best prices for Windows 10, Whokeys offer should undoubtedly interest you. It is a reputable seller and with very aggressive offers. The offer is for a global OEM license, meaning valid worldwide. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and indicates PC manufacturers. These licenses, in other words, were created by Microsoft specifically for companies like Acer, Dell, Asus, HP, and so on. Once you have placed the license in the cart, by entering the DM20 coupon code you can get an additional 20% discount and have the Windows 10 Pro key license for only 13,45 euro / 14,05 USD. An unbeatable price!
More offers from WHOKEYS and our coupon
The offers are not limited only to Windows 10 Pro Key but also on other software. We’ve selected the best in the list below:
To answer it briefly, yes it is totally legal. Microsoft themselves informs us, with a page dedicated to the topic on their official website. In summary, even though Microsoft’s licenses are dedicated to companies that make PCs, a consumer can buy one legally (and it’s even legal to sell it) if they’re building a new PC. Indeed, specifies the Microsoft page, even a technician who prepares the computer for his customer can do it. “A system builder is anyone who assembles, reassembles or installs software on a new or used computer. This product does not violate any copyright, trademark or other type of right ”.
How to apply the coupon
Add the license you want and then proceed to check-out. You may need to create an account which is always useful in case of assistance.
2. Below the product’s name, there is a Promotion Code box, enter the code DM20 for 20% off. Next click on “Apply”. Now the new price should be like this:
3. That’s it! Just select the payment method and in a few minutes, you will receive an email with the license code. In some cases, the email may arrive in your SPAM folder so make sure to check it out too since sometimes that kind of email gets recognized as such. You can also see the license from your user account panel, after some minutes in order for WHOkeys to verify the payment went correctly. And they have live support for any kind of issues 24/7.
https://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WHOkeys-Autumn-SALE-Windows-10-PRO-OEM-KEY-ONLY-13.png342800Dimitrologyhttps://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/WEBSITE-LOGO-2020-SMALL.pngDimitrology2020-10-21 17:32:052020-10-22 09:28:10WHOkeys Autumn SALE: Windows 10 PRO OEM KEY ONLY $14 / €13!
It’s been more than a month since our last “preview” release, so it’s time we boxed up something new for everyone.
The usual drill applies: this is an alpha, some things will be broken, your home is at risk if something goes wrong, it might run off with your partner, don’t blame us if it eats your kittens. Otherwise, though, all should be fine.
Latest changes:
Playback
Music: Display album duration in info dialog. Album duration can be used in smart playlists in the same way as for songs
Music: Read tags and and album art from music files served from an http(s) server
Music: Fix list view of files containing multiple streams
Feature: Audio decoder addons can now pass more information on Kodi (album, year, notes …)
Audio decoder addons can now pass more information to Kodi (album, year, notes …)
Subtitles
ASS: Fixed timestamp overlapping overlays
Skin/Look-and-Feel
Improvements to both music and video library artwork
Better “out the box” behaviour, optionally use all image files found in media folders
Artwork levels – max, basic, custom, none
GUI settings for custom configuration of whitelists (replacing awkward editing of advancedsettings.xml)
Redesigned SeekBar that will auto-hide when video playback is paused
Platform Specifics
Apple TV
Fix Kodi crash on start after a manual install with dpkg -i command (jailbroken devices only)
Fix TopShelf feature after a manual install with dpkg -i command (jailbroken devices only except Unc0verTV devices, needs investigation)
Fix missing thumbs on TopShelf items
Python/Addons
Fix scripts/plugins not being notified of abortRequest intents on app close
Deprecate xbmc.translatepath in favour of xbmcvfs.translatepath towards convergence with the binary addon API
Broken/deprecated add-ons are now highlighted in the add-on list, and you’re now prompted when you try to activate one
Fix: Prevent VFS addon changes (update, disable and uninstall) if in use
Fix: VFS addon problem, where Kodi needed a restart before showing a newly-installed version
Binary addon system revised to ensure higher security in data exchange between addon and Kodi (only inputstream missing)
Revised binary add-on system documentation for outside developers (only inputstream missing)
Internal binary add-on settings dialogs cleaned up, plus updated help text (audioencoder.kodi.builtin.aac, audioencoder.kodi.builtin.wma, screensaver.xbmc.builtin.dim)
If you’re bold, brave (and possibly a wearing a red shirt), you can get Alpha 2 from here. Again, though, please – and adopting a more serious note – expect some breakage, and don’t use this as your daily installation unless you know how to get things working again. If you do make the move and install it, however, please do share your experiences back with us so we can really get going on those bugs.
As usual – well, it is open source – you can see what’s changed between v18 and this version here, and changes since Alpha 1 here.
In recent months, millions of businesses across the world have had to radically alter the way in which they work in order to run smoothly and safely. For many companies, this means a large number of their employees have started working from home.
Fortunately, working from home has proven to have numerous benefits, from eliminating tiresome commutes to boosting productivity and morale in the workplace. However, it is also important to remember that not everyone is equipped for office work at their home, especially in regards to technology. After all, many people have set up their ‘offices in dining rooms and bedrooms during this time. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of useful technologies you can purchase to make working from that much easier!
Since you are working from home, you may be required to carry out your usual day-to-day activities on your home computer or laptop. As this was previously used for leisure purposes only, it may not have the same capabilities or storage as your workplace tech. As a result, load times for documents may be slower and you may struggle to access certain files. One thing you can do in order to combat this is to purchase an external hard drive. An external hard drive can:
Backup documents
Store a range of files
Improve the speed of your pc/laptop
There are a range of external hard drives on offer, so it is important that you consider all the options available for purchasing. Check out this online guide that helps you find the best external hard drive for Mac equipment.
Working from home can easily result in getting distracted – whether that is due to working in proximity to your sofa and TV, or family members who may also be working from home – therefore it is also important that you invest in a set of noise-cancelling headphones to minimise distractions. They are also particularly useful during online meetings via zoom or Google meets.
Another useful piece of technology to incorporate into your home office is a webcam. When we cannot have meetings in person, video conferences are the next best thing as you can see the person you are talking to and connect on a deeper level. However, some webcams, especially those on older devices don’t offer the best quality. Therefore, you may benefit from purchasing a new webcam device to use for meetings.
When working from home, you also need to ensure your computer/laptop hosts the necessary software required for you to do your job. Office 365 is a good starting point, providing you with access to word documents, presentations and spreadsheets with the click of a button. You may also want to ensure you have access to cloud storage apps, cloud storage apps which mean you can safely access important files wherever you are.
https://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Work-From-Home-Tips-and-Tricks.jpg8711270Dimitrologyhttps://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/WEBSITE-LOGO-2020-SMALL.pngDimitrology2020-10-06 08:44:182020-10-06 08:45:08Working From Home: Tools and Tricks
This is just a quick blog post to tell you about a presentation that might be of interest. Glenn Guy (Aussie Addons) is giving a presentation on Meetup this Thursday, 24th September, at 18:00 AEST (07:00 UTC) for the Sydney Video Technology group. It’s featuring some pretty big names in the Video VOD world.
It came about because the host – Jeremy, the Associate Director of Video Delivery at Optus Sports – made contact on Twitter wondering how the Optus Sport addon was playing back SSAI when their Android app couldn’t yet. Matt Huismann (another contributor) explained that Glenn had added X-discontinuity support for live streams into Inputstream Adaptive, and that IA and Kodi was doing all the work. We put him in contact with Glenn – and now Glenn is doing a presentation about it.
He will be mainly talking about Kodi + Inputstream Adaptive + Disney addon (how he added features to IA to accomplish that)
TVZion app has been shut down by the developer and the application is no longer working. Also if you visit the official website for the streaming application you will ve redirected to a Pastebin post. In the post the developer of the TVZion application with a brief message sents his goodbye to his community. The link to the Pastebin post can be found here: https://pastebin.com/raw/eCRtjyum
Hi everyone.
Looking at the recent events, to protect the moderators, I have decided to shut down the app.
ZC members, thank you for your continued support all this time and I am truly sorry if I have let you down.
But we need to protect the moderators that have provided this community so much support selflessly for absolutely nothing in return and at least as the developer it is now my duty to return the favor and ensure their well being.
It has been such a pleasure to have you all as a community but it is time for me say good bye.
What has happened
Following the recent news that several moderators of the team behind TVZion app have been reportedly served with cease-and-desist notices by the global anti-piracy coalition Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the developer has now decided to terminate the application. Just a few days ago, the same developer insisted that he was unaware of all that had happened to the moderators of the application and that TVZion was gonna continue as normal. But looking back, it all seems that this was not the truth.
The cease-and-desist notice that the moderators received stated that “Within ten (10) days of the Effective Date [REDACTED] shall transfer the domains Zionapp.live, Tvzion.me, Tvzionapk.com, and Tvzion.io, and all trademarks related to the Infringing Service, to the Rightsholders at no cost, and shall execute whatever documents and take whatever actions are necessary to effect the transfer”. And guess what, it has been exactly 10 days and the app is no longer working as well as the official website has been also taken down.
Taking it a step further
TVZion was one of the best alternatives of Terrarium app that was also shut down in the past. But the developer of TVZion has taken a step further creating a paid subscription called “TVZion Club” offering better streaming experience and unlimited access to practically …everything. That didn’t pass unnoticed by the big studios and the rest is now history.
For someone that is a member of this community this is no news. Streaming apps come and go and as always, for one app that is taken down, more follow.
What TVZion shut down means for a user
From a user prespective there is no reason to be worried. Usually in these cases no users are prosecuted. And in being honest, there must be millions of users just for this app. That practically makes it impossible for anyone to prosecute a simple user. But as always with third party applications and streaming applications we always suggest that users use a VPN in order to protect themselves. You should always protect your online identity, especially when you decide to stream certain content. And my personal suggestion is to never pay for such applications. You should never give your information by paying for a grey area service.
For more developments about TVZion and streaming applications in general we will continue to inform with newer posts.
https://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/tvzion-kodi-959x675.jpg675959Dimitrologyhttps://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/WEBSITE-LOGO-2020-SMALL.pngDimitrology2020-09-14 06:35:592020-09-14 06:43:19TVZion App Has Been Shut Down, Are Users In Risk?
The Nubia Red Magic 5S is finally shipping to everyone at $579.00 / €579.00. Comes with a sexy RGB light panel (on the back), pressure-sensitive zones (300Hz touch-sensing), and a built-in cooling fan for maximum performance. The Red Magic 5S by Nubia is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 CPU.
Display
The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and the size is 6.65 inches. That is an AMOLED capacitive touchscreen that gives a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with an insane refresh rate of 144Hz, making it the phone with the fastest screen in the world! Under the display, we find also the fingerprint sensor.
Build
The Red Magic 5S is a big boy as expected. The dimensions of the gaming smartphone are 168.6 mm x 78 mm x 9.8 mm and the weight is 218 grams. Having a big body has also its benefits. In fact, the device comes with a Li-Po 4500 mAh battery and fast charging 55W that can boost the device to 56% in just 15 min and a full charge at 100% in only 40 min. This charger though is optional since the included is a 18W charger.
Memory
The gaming smartphone does not support any external memory support as the inbuilt support comes in 8 GB, 12 GB and even 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM partnered with 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage options. So you get the best performance possible with super fast speed.
Software
The device is powered by the latest Android 10 and Redmagic 3.0. And with the Game Space 2.1, you can take full control of the performance. You can boost CPU, GPU performance, all maxed out, or leave it in the auto setting.
Camera
The 5S comes with a triple-camera setup on the rear. We find a SONY 64 MP (wide), an 8 MP (ultrawide), and a 2 MP (macro). On the front, there is an 8 MP (wide) camera for the beloved selfies.
Colors
It is available in two colors such as Sonic Silver and Pulse (Blue and Red). Both look great!
Nubia Red Magic 5S Full Specs
Body: 168.6×78.0x9.8mm, 218g; Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame.
And as always with the Red Magic gaming phones, you can select from a vast list of optional accessoires that can enhance your gaming experience even more.
https://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Nubia-Red-Magic-5S.jpg483801Dimitrologyhttps://dimitrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/WEBSITE-LOGO-2020-SMALL.pngDimitrology2020-09-01 23:37:242020-09-02 14:18:44Nubia Red Magic 5S with 144Hz display and active cooling fan is now available
