This is a guide that describes how to install a HTPC from scratch that runs Showtime.

Prerequisites¶

Installation procedure¶

• Get Ubuntu 12.04 and install it.

• Log in with the user created during install. After logging in Ubuntu will soon ask you to install a bunch of updates and might also ask about install/upgrade restricted drivers. Do this (unless you have a good reason not to do). Typically if you have an nVidia graphics card you want to do this. System restart might be required.

• Start Firefox and browse to https://www.lonelycoder.com/showtime/download. Locate the downloadable for Ubuntu 12.04 (choose 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on which version of Ubuntu you installed). Click on the .deb file and Firefox will ask if it's ok to open Ubuntu Software Center. Do so and press the 'install' button to the upper right once the details for Showtime appears.

• Now go to System Settings -> User Accounts -> enable Automatic Login (note that you need to Unlock in order to do this)

• Log out (from the session menu on the top right of the desktop)

• Click on the session icon next to the display username as showed in this picture:

• Change session to "Showtime Mediacenter"

• Login and you should enter Showtime in full screen mode.

Running Showtime¶

The system will now boot straight into Showtime following a power on.

Suspend¶

Showtime has a power icon up to the top right. Press it to suspend the system.

Power off¶

To power off the system go into Settings (the cog icon to the upper right) -> General Settings and press the Power off button.

Log out¶

To return to the Ubuntu login screen, go into Settings (the cog icon to the upper right) -> General Settings and press the Logout button.