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Freeview 1.2 Kodi Update: Issues And Solutions

Alex Johnson
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Freeview 1.2 Kodi Update: Issues And Solutions

Experiencing problems with Freeview 1.2 on Kodi? You're not alone! This article dives into the recent issues encountered by users, particularly those using CoreELEC, and offers potential solutions and workarounds. Let's explore the reported problems and how to address them for a smoother viewing experience.

Understanding the Freeview 1.2 Update Problems on Kodi

The Freeview 1.2 update has brought about some challenges for Kodi users, especially those running CoreELEC. One user has highlighted several issues across different Kodi versions, specifically Omega 21 and Piers 22. The main concerns revolve around the plugin's functionality with SimpleIPTV PVR and the input stream changes affecting playback.

SimpleIPTV PVR Compatibility in Omega 21

In Kodi Omega 21, Freeview functionality is reportedly limited to SimpleIPTV PVR due to inherent plugin issues. This means that users relying on other PVR clients might face difficulties accessing Freeview content. This limitation can be frustrating for users who prefer alternative PVR solutions or need specific features offered by other clients. The core issue seems to stem from the plugin's interaction with the newer Kodi version, suggesting a need for compatibility updates.

Issues in Piers 22: Stream Looping and Time Shifting

The situation appears more critical in Kodi Piers 22, where even SimpleIPTV PVR is experiencing problems. Users have reported that streams are playing in time loops, constantly shifting and disrupting the viewing experience. This makes it nearly impossible to watch content normally, as the stream's timeline becomes erratic. The root cause seems to involve how the plugin handles the stream, potentially related to buffering or playback synchronization. This issue significantly impacts the usability of Freeview within Piers 22, highlighting an urgent need for a fix.

Decoding the Error: Invalid Escape Sequence '\d'

Digging into the logs, an error message "invalid escape sequence '\d'" has been identified in both Omega and Piers. This error points to a potential syntax issue within the plugin's code, specifically in the main.py file. The error occurs in a line related to setting retrieval, suggesting that the plugin is having trouble parsing or accessing configuration files. While this might seem like a minor syntax issue, it can lead to more significant problems in the plugin's operation, such as settings not loading correctly or the plugin failing to initialize. Addressing this error is crucial for the stability and proper functioning of Freeview.

 error <general>: /storage/.kodi/addons/plugin.video.freeview.sk/main.py:103: SyntaxWarning: invalid escape sequence '\d'
 psettings = [settingToListItem(os.path.join(pprofile,f)) for f in ppfiles if re.search("^instance-settings-\d+.xml{{content}}quot;, f)] #TODO os.path.isfile?

This error message indicates a syntax issue in the Python code of the Freeview plugin. Specifically, the regular expression "^instance-settings-\d+.xml{{content}}quot; contains an invalid escape sequence. In Python regular expressions, \d is used to match a digit, but the backslash needs to be properly escaped. This syntax warning suggests that the plugin may not be correctly identifying and loading instance settings files, which could lead to unexpected behavior or settings not being applied correctly.

Input Stream Changes and Widevine Update

Significant changes to the input stream handling in Kodi Piers have been noted, necessitating a Widevine update. Widevine is a digital rights management (DRM) technology crucial for playing protected content. If Widevine is outdated or not functioning correctly, Freeview might fail to play streams. The user observed that disabling inputstream.adaptive caused Freeview to stop working, indicating a strong dependency on this input stream add-on. Updating Widevine seemed to resolve some issues, but the core Freeview problems persisted, suggesting that further adjustments are needed within the plugin itself.

Deprecation Notice: DRM Configuration

Another warning message highlights deprecated properties related to DRM configuration within inputstream.adaptive. This means that Kodi is moving away from certain methods of handling DRM settings and adopting new ones. The deprecated properties include inputstream.adaptive.license_type, inputstream.adaptive.license_key, and others. Users and developers are encouraged to migrate to the new properties, such as inputstream.adaptive.drm_legacy and inputstream.adaptive.drm, to ensure future compatibility. This deprecation notice underscores the importance of keeping up with Kodi's evolving DRM standards to avoid playback issues.

warning <inputstream.adaptive>: <<<<<<<<< DEPRECATION NOTICE >>>>>>>>>
 DEPRECATED PROPERTIES HAS BEEN USED TO SET THE DRM CONFIGURATION.
 THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES WILL BE REMOVED FROM FUTURE KODI VERSIONS:
 - inputstream.adaptive.license_type
 - inputstream.adaptive.license_key
 - inputstream.adaptive.license_data
 - inputstream.adaptive.license_flags
 - inputstream.adaptive.server_certificate
 - inputstream.adaptive.pre_init_data
 YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MIGRATING TO THE NEW PROPERTIES:
 - inputstream.adaptive.drm_legacy
 - inputstream.adaptive.drm
 FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE READ THE WIKI PAGE: https://github.com/xbmc/inputstream.adaptive/wiki/Integration-DRM

This deprecation notice is crucial for developers and advanced users who configure DRM settings for their Kodi installations. The message indicates that the way DRM configurations are set is changing, and the older methods will be removed in future versions of Kodi. This is a significant change because DRM is essential for playing many types of protected content, such as streaming services. The notice advises users to migrate to the new properties to ensure continued compatibility and proper playback of DRM-protected content.

Troubleshooting Freeview 1.2 on Kodi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Faced with these issues, what can you do? Here’s a structured approach to troubleshooting Freeview 1.2 problems on Kodi:

  1. Check Kodi Logs: The first step in diagnosing any Kodi issue is to examine the logs. They often contain error messages or warnings that pinpoint the problem's source. Look for errors related to the Freeview plugin, input stream, or Widevine. The logs can provide valuable clues about what's going wrong and help you narrow down the possible causes.

  2. Update Widevine: Ensure that your Widevine DRM component is up to date. Outdated Widevine versions can cause playback failures for protected content. You can usually update Widevine through Kodi's add-on settings or system settings. Keeping Widevine current is crucial for compatibility with streaming services that use DRM.

  3. Update inputstream.adaptive: Since Freeview relies on inputstream.adaptive, make sure this add-on is also updated to the latest version. An outdated inputstream.adaptive can lead to playback issues, especially with DRM-protected streams. Check for updates in Kodi's add-on repository.

  4. Review Plugin Settings: Go into the Freeview plugin settings and verify that everything is configured correctly. Check your account details, channel lists, and any other relevant settings. Incorrect settings can often be the cause of playback problems or missing content. Make sure that all the settings align with your requirements and setup.

  5. Reinstall the Freeview Plugin: Sometimes, a fresh installation can resolve issues caused by corrupted files or settings. Uninstall the Freeview plugin from Kodi, then reinstall it from the official repository. This process can help ensure that you have a clean and working version of the plugin.

  6. Check for Conflicting Add-ons: Some add-ons can conflict with each other, leading to unexpected behavior. Try disabling other add-ons temporarily to see if they are interfering with Freeview. If disabling certain add-ons resolves the issue, you may need to find alternatives or adjust their settings to avoid conflicts.

  7. Consider Kodi Version Compatibility: Freeview might have compatibility issues with certain Kodi versions. If you're using a nightly build or a very recent version, it might not be fully supported. Try using a stable Kodi release to see if the problem persists. Compatibility issues are common, especially with new Kodi versions, so it's essential to consider this factor.

  8. Seek Community Support: If you've tried the above steps and are still facing issues, reach out to the Kodi community forums or relevant online groups. Other users might have encountered similar problems and found solutions. The Kodi community is a valuable resource for troubleshooting and getting assistance.

Addressing the Invalid Escape Sequence Error

The "invalid escape sequence '\d'" error requires a code-level fix. Here’s how it can be addressed:

  1. Locate the main.py File: Navigate to the Freeview plugin directory within your Kodi installation. The path is typically /storage/.kodi/addons/plugin.video.freeview.sk/. You'll need file manager access to your Kodi system to do this.

  2. Edit the File: Open the main.py file in a text editor. Be cautious when editing plugin files, as incorrect changes can cause the plugin to malfunction. It's a good practice to back up the file before making any changes.

  3. Correct the Regular Expression: Find line 103, which contains the problematic regular expression. The issue is with the escape sequence \d. To fix it, you can either escape the backslash itself or use a raw string. Change the line to:

    psettings = [settingToListItem(os.path.join(pprofile, f)) for f in ppfiles if re.search(r"^instance-settings-\d+.xml{{content}}quot;, f)]

    or

    psettings = [settingToListItem(os.path.join(pprofile, f)) for f in ppfiles if re.search("^instance-settings-\\d+.xml{{content}}quot;, f)]

    The r"..." denotes a raw string, which treats backslashes as literal characters. Alternatively, \\d escapes the backslash, so it's correctly interpreted in the regular expression.

  4. Save the File: Save the modified main.py file and restart Kodi. This will apply the changes you've made to the plugin.

  5. Test the Plugin: Verify that the error message is gone and the plugin functions correctly. Check if the settings are loading properly and if the streams play without issues.

Staying Informed and Seeking Further Assistance

Keeping your Kodi setup running smoothly requires staying informed about updates, potential issues, and solutions. Regularly check the Kodi forums and the Freeview plugin's support channels for announcements and discussions. If you encounter persistent problems, don't hesitate to seek help from the community or the plugin developers. By staying proactive and engaged, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.

Conclusion

The Freeview 1.2 update on Kodi has presented some challenges, but by understanding the issues and following a systematic troubleshooting approach, you can overcome these obstacles. From addressing the invalid escape sequence error to ensuring compatibility with input stream changes and DRM configurations, each step contributes to a more stable and enjoyable Kodi experience. Remember to stay informed, keep your components updated, and seek help from the community when needed. Happy viewing!

For more information on Kodi and related topics, visit the official Kodi website.

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