Introduction
The world of home entertainment is constantly evolving, and at the forefront of this evolution stands Kodi, a versatile and powerful media player that transforms your device into a complete entertainment hub. Its open-source nature and extensive library of add-ons are what truly set it apart, allowing users to customize their viewing experience with an incredible degree of freedom. This article delves into the process of installing a popular add-on, SALTS (Stream All the Sources), on Kodi 17 Krypton, providing a clear and concise guide for users who wish to expand their streaming capabilities.
Kodi’s ability to integrate with various media sources is a major draw for users worldwide. You can stream content from your local drives, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, or even the internet, all within a single, user-friendly interface. While Kodi itself provides a basic set of features, the real magic lies in its add-ons. These add-ons are essentially plugins that extend Kodi’s functionality, enabling you to access a vast array of content, including movies, TV shows, live TV, and more.
SALTS, or Stream All the Sources, is a well-regarded add-on within the Kodi ecosystem. It offers a streamlined interface for finding and streaming a wide variety of movies and TV shows from numerous online sources. Its popularity stems from its ability to aggregate links from various providers, making it easy to discover and watch your favorite content. This guide will walk you through the process of successfully installing SALTS on Kodi 17 Krypton.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, it’s crucial to understand a few prerequisites. First and foremost, you need to have Kodi 17 Krypton installed on your chosen device. This version is a specific iteration of Kodi, and the installation steps described in this article are tailored to it. If you’re using a different version, the interface may vary slightly, and the installation process might differ. Second, you’ll need an active and stable internet connection. Since SALTS streams content from the internet, a reliable connection is essential for a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
Finally, while not strictly required, consider the potential benefits of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing an extra layer of privacy and security. Furthermore, a VPN can sometimes help bypass geo-restrictions that might prevent you from accessing certain content in your region. The use of a VPN is a personal choice, but it is worth considering.
Enabling Unknown Sources
The process of installing add-ons from third-party sources requires a slight adjustment to Kodi’s settings. By default, Kodi restricts the installation of add-ons from sources outside its official repository. This measure is designed to protect users from potentially malicious add-ons. However, SALTS is not available in the official repository, so you’ll need to enable “Unknown Sources” to proceed.
Let’s get started with enabling unknown sources. From the Kodi home screen, navigate to the settings menu. This is typically represented by a gear icon, often found near the top left or top right of the screen. Select the “System Settings” or “System” option. The specific wording might vary slightly depending on your Kodi skin, but the icon remains consistent. Within the system settings, locate the “Add-ons” section. This is where you’ll find the options related to managing and configuring your add-ons. Look for a toggle switch labeled “Unknown sources.” It’s likely set to “Off” by default. Click or select this toggle to switch it to the “On” position. When you activate this setting, a warning message might appear, alerting you to the potential risks of installing add-ons from unknown sources. Review the warning carefully. While this warning is essential, enabling “Unknown sources” is a necessary step to install add-ons like SALTS. Proceed with enabling the setting.
Adding the Source for the Repository
Next, you will need to add a source to Kodi where the repository for the SALTS add-on resides. You will not directly install the SALTS add-on file initially. Instead, you will add the source and then install the repository from that source. This is a common method for installing third-party add-ons.
Return to Kodi’s home screen, the main menu you see when you launch the program. Select the “Settings” option again (the gear icon). Within the settings menu, select “File Manager.” This is where you’ll manage the sources for your media and add-ons. In the file manager, you’ll see a list of existing sources. Select “Add source.” This action opens a window where you’ll provide the details for your new source. In the “Enter the paths or browse for the media locations” field, enter the URL for the repository source. *It’s crucial to use a working URL to avoid any problems. The URL for the repository often changes, so search for a current and reliable source to ensure you can install the SALTS add-on.* For example, you might find a URL such as `http://fusion.tvaddons.co` online; however, be sure to verify this. Once you have entered the URL, select “OK.” Now, provide a name for this source in the “Enter a name for this media source” field. A descriptive name, such as “Fusion” or “Addons,” will help you identify the source later. Select “OK” to save your changes.
Installing the Repository from the Source
The next step is to install the repository from the source you just added. This repository will contain the SALTS add-on. Go back to the Kodi home screen. On the left-hand side (or the right, depending on the skin), you’ll see a menu. Select “Add-ons” from this menu. The “Add-ons” section is where you manage and install new add-ons. From within the Add-ons menu, find the “Package installer” icon. It looks like an open box. It’s usually located in the top-left corner. Select the package installer icon. Then select “Install from zip file.” A file browser will appear, allowing you to navigate your system. Select the source you added in the previous step, such as “Fusion” or whatever name you gave it. Once selected, a list of files will appear. In this list, look for the repository zip file. The exact name of the zip file may vary slightly based on the repository, but it will generally start with “repository.” For example, it might be “repository.xbmc.xxx.zip.” Select the zip file. Kodi will begin installing the repository. Wait for the “Add-on installed” notification to appear in the top-right corner of the screen. This notification confirms that the repository has been successfully installed.
Installing SALTS Add-on
With the repository installed, you can now install the SALTS add-on itself. In the Add-ons menu (which you’re likely already in), select the package installer icon. The package installer icon is the same one you used previously to install the repository. This will open a menu that allows you to install add-ons from various locations. Select “Install from repository.” Now, select the repository that you previously installed (e.g., “TVADDONS.co Repository”). You’ll see a list of categories within the repository. Select “Video add-ons,” as SALTS is a video add-on. Scroll through the list of video add-ons and select “SALTS.” Selecting SALTS will open a page describing the add-on. On this page, select “Install.” Kodi will download and install SALTS. Wait for the installation to complete. After installation is complete, you should see an “Open” button. Select this to launch the SALTS add-on.
Configuring SALTS
Once SALTS is installed, it’s recommended to configure it for the best viewing experience. Configuration is a personalized process, but several options are generally recommended. Within the SALTS add-on, find the settings menu. This can usually be accessed by right-clicking the add-on, long-pressing on it with a remote, or looking for a gear icon within the add-on’s interface. In the settings, explore the “Playback” options. Here, you can choose your preferred stream quality. You can configure features like auto-play, which starts a stream automatically after selecting a source. You can also find settings for “Providers”. Provider settings allow you to customize which sources are used to find streams. You may choose to disable providers that are not reliable. Exercise caution when changing any advanced settings. Sometimes modifying settings can hinder the proper functioning of the add-on.
Using SALTS
Using SALTS is relatively simple. After launching the add-on, you’ll be presented with a user-friendly interface. Browse movies and TV shows by various categories, such as genre, popularity, or a specific search. Once you’ve chosen a movie or TV show, the add-on will search for available streams. When it presents the available streams, select the one you want to watch.
Troubleshooting
Even after careful installation, you might encounter problems. Common issues include the add-on not working, buffering issues, no streams being available, or an outdated repository. If the add-on isn’t working correctly, try checking for updates within the add-on’s settings. Sometimes, an add-on just needs to be updated to resolve the issue. If the add-on is not working, try restarting Kodi. Sometimes this will fix the problem. Check the add-on’s settings for any potential problems. If the issue persists, check the SALTS forums or other support resources to find a solution.
Disclaimer & Legal Considerations
As a final note, the installation steps outlined in this article are intended to provide guidance. The availability of content through any add-on, including SALTS, depends on the availability of sources. Remember that you are responsible for your actions and should be aware of copyright laws and local regulations. The purpose of this guide is purely for informational purposes. Kodi add-ons provide many functions, and users are free to select what they want to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing SALTS on Kodi 17 Krypton offers access to a vast library of content. By following the outlined steps, you can add SALTS to your Kodi setup and begin enjoying a wide range of movies and TV shows. This guide offers a detailed look at installing SALTS, but remember that there are many other add-ons to explore. Explore Kodi, and expand your entertainment options.
