Necessary Preparations Before Installation
Prerequisites
Before diving into the installation, there are a few important preliminary steps to ensure a smooth process. Taking care of these details beforehand will prevent potential roadblocks and allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of Live Hub.
A crucial element is ensuring you have Kodi 17 Krypton properly installed. If you are new to Kodi, you will first need to download and install this version of the software. You can find the necessary installation files on the official Kodi website or through trusted sources. Verify that your version is indeed Krypton. This guide is specifically designed for that version, and the interface and steps may differ slightly for other iterations of Kodi.
While Kodi itself is generally safe to use, when dealing with third-party addons, especially those providing streams from the internet, it’s highly recommended to consider using a Virtual Private Network, often referred to as a VPN. A VPN is a crucial tool for protecting your online privacy and security. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it more difficult for others to track your online activity. This is particularly important when streaming content from various sources, as it adds an extra layer of protection against potential security risks. Furthermore, a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access content that might be unavailable in your region. Many VPN providers offer dedicated Kodi applications that are easy to set up and use. Researching and choosing a reliable VPN is a proactive measure that contributes to a safer and more secure streaming experience.
Getting Kodi Ready for Addon Installation
Enabling Unknown Sources
One of the first crucial steps in preparing Kodi for third-party addons is enabling a specific setting. This setting is essential to grant Kodi the permission to install addons from sources that are not officially recognized by the Kodi development team.
The setting you need to adjust is “Unknown Sources.” Here’s how to do it:
First, launch Kodi and navigate to the “Settings” section. This is typically represented by a gear or cog icon on the main menu.
Inside the settings, you’ll find various categories. Look for “System Settings”.
Within System Settings, locate the “Add-ons” tab. This section is where you manage and configure the add-ons installed in Kodi.
In the Add-ons menu, you will find the “Unknown Sources” option. This setting is usually disabled by default, meaning Kodi will only install add-ons from its official repository. You need to change this.
Select the “Unknown Sources” option to toggle it to “On”.
Kodi will then display a warning message. This message serves to inform you about the potential risks associated with installing addons from unknown sources. While it’s essential to be cautious, it’s often safe to proceed with installation from trusted sources and well-known repositories, which is the general practice.
Confirm that you understand the risk and proceed. With this setting enabled, Kodi is now ready to install add-ons from various repositories and zip files.
Installing the Live Hub Addon: Recommended Method
Using a Repository
The most efficient and recommended method for installing Live Hub involves using a repository. Repositories are like organized libraries that contain a collection of add-ons. The primary advantage of using a repository is its ease of maintenance. When a new version of an add-on becomes available, the repository will automatically update it.
Let’s get started. The first task is to identify and select a reliable repository that contains the Live Hub addon. Different repositories may contain this addon, so the first step is identifying one. For the sake of this guide, we will assume the Diamond Build Repo contains the Live Hub Addon, though other repositories may also contain the Live Hub addon.
Adding the Repository Source
The initial step is to add the source to Kodi. Here’s a breakdown:
Go to Kodi’s settings, then the “File manager”.
Select “Add source”. This action will open a window where you can specify the source details.
In the file manager source window, you will see a field to enter the media source’s URL. Carefully type in the URL of the repository. (e.g., `http://diamondbuild.net/repo/`). Please make sure the address is correct before you proceed to avoid problems.
Below the URL field, you’ll be prompted to name the source. This is a friendly name that will help you identify the source later. Use a name that is recognizable, such as “Diamond Repo” or the name of the repository you’re using.
Confirm your entries by selecting “OK”. The URL and name you provided will then be saved.
Installing the Repository
Now, you will move on to installing the repository itself.
Head back to the Kodi home screen.
Select “Add-ons”.
Click on the box icon, which is typically located in the top-left corner of the screen. This icon represents the “Add-on browser” or “package installer.”
Select “Install from zip file”. Kodi will then open the file manager.
Select the repository source you added earlier, (e.g., “Diamond Repo”).
From the list, select the repository’s zip file. For instance, it might be named “repository.diamond-wizard.zip.”
After selecting the zip file, Kodi will begin the installation process.
Wait patiently for the repository to install. A notification will typically appear in the top-right corner to confirm successful installation.
Installing Live Hub from the Repository
With the repository successfully installed, now you can install the Live Hub addon.
Select “Install from repository.”
Find and select the repository you installed (e.g., “Diamond Build Repo”).
Navigate to “Video add-ons”.
Find “Live Hub” in the list and select it.
Click the “Install” option. Kodi will begin downloading and installing the Live Hub addon.
Allow the addon to install fully. A notification in the top-right corner will confirm when it’s completed.
Alternative: Installing the Live Hub Addon using a Zip File
In cases where a repository is unavailable or if you encounter any issues, installing Live Hub directly from a zip file provides an alternative route to get the addon installed. It is important to note, however, that you may need to manually update the addon in the future.
To do this, you first need to find the Live Hub zip file. This involves a bit of research. The zip file may be hosted on various Kodi addon websites and forums. It’s important to download from a trusted source to prevent any security risks.
Installing from a Zip File
Once you have successfully located and downloaded the Live Hub zip file, you can move on to the installation process.
Navigate back to Kodi’s settings menu and choose “Add-ons.”
Click on the box icon located on the top-left corner.
Select “Install from zip file.”
Navigate the file browser to the location where you saved the zip file.
Select the Live Hub zip file. Kodi will then begin the installation process.
Wait for the installation to complete. A notification will confirm when the Live Hub add-on has been installed.
Using Live Hub: Exploration and Navigation
With Live Hub successfully installed, you’re ready to explore and start streaming live TV.
Return to the Kodi home screen.
Select “Add-ons,” then go to “Video add-ons”.
Locate and select “Live Hub” to open it.
The interface of Live Hub should appear. The specific layout and options may vary slightly depending on the version, but generally, you’ll find channels organized by category or genre. You may also find a search function.
Browse through the channel listings to find your preferred channels. Select a channel to start streaming.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Installation or streaming issues can sometimes occur when working with third-party addons. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
If you encounter the “Add-on could not be installed” error, ensure you have enabled “Unknown Sources” in Kodi settings. Also, verify that the zip file or repository URL is correct.
Repository installation can fail if the URL is incorrect or the server is down. Double-check the URL and try again.
Buffering and streaming issues can often be related to internet speed or server load. Try restarting your internet connection, switching to a different channel, or using a VPN to improve your streaming experience.
If channels aren’t working, the add-on may be outdated. Make sure to update the Live Hub add-on. Also, try clearing Kodi’s cache to refresh the addon.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. It provides instructions for installing the Live Hub add-on on Kodi. I am not responsible for the content streamed through this or any other add-on. Streaming content may be subject to copyright laws and other regulations, which vary by jurisdiction. It is the user’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws. I do not endorse or condone the illegal streaming of copyrighted content. Before streaming any content, users should research and understand the legal implications of streaming content in their location.
Conclusion
You’ve now successfully navigated the steps to install the Live Hub addon on Kodi 17 Krypton. By enabling unknown sources, and by choosing either the repository method or the zip file method, you have transformed your Kodi setup to stream live TV. Explore the addon’s features, discover the channels, and enjoy the diverse content it offers. Remember to be cautious when streaming, check your connection, and keep your add-on up to date. The Kodi experience is ever-evolving, so stay informed about updates to ensure you’re always getting the best functionality. If you encounter any issues, refer back to the troubleshooting tips.
I hope this guide has been helpful. Happy Streaming!
