Prerequites:

Windows 11 (may work on other versions, untested) Kodi 20 (Nexus) or Kodi 21 (Omega) (preferred)

Install Private Kodi Repository

Installing a private Addon Repository simplifies installing Kodi TTS and its dependents. You only need to install the Repository Addon once. It will inform you of any updates.

  • To install the repository, first Download the repository addon .zip file.
  • Next, from Kodi, in Kodi, go to Settings -> Add-ons -> Add-on browser -> Install from zip file.
  • You may get a warning about installing software from strangers. Follow the instructions to enable installing addons from a .zip file.

Installing Kodi TTS

Note: The first time that Kodi TTS runs on Windows, a Dialog will request Administator privilege to set several permissions:

  1. Permission to enable two simple powershell scripts to call the Voicing API. Only the current user will have the permission.
  2. Permission to add variables to the User’s environment.

After the repository has installed, install Kodi TTS from that repository by navigating to Settings -> Add-ons -> Add-on browser -> Install from repository

  • Choose Kodi TTS repository
  • Choose Services
  • Choose Kodi Screen Reader
  • Kodi will inform you that several other addons will be installed, including an addon pydevd that is not available. Press Enter to start the installation.
  • The installation will take up to a minute as it downloads addons and installs them

Kodi TTS First Run

When Kodi TTS runs for the first time it performs several setup tasks:

  • On Windows, several scripts are run to give permission for scripts to run and to update environment variables. A dialog will prompt the user to allow Admin privilege for a powershell script.
  • Next, several windows will quickly flash by and dissapear
  • Kodi should begin voicing its progress. A notification will be read before each step, each taking about five seconds to read. Not all announcements may be read.
  • The installation/modification of a basic keymap named service.kodi.tts.keyboard.xml will be announced.
  • Next, it will announce that Hint Text is enabled.
  • Finally, TTS announces that the Configuration Dialog will be displayed.

Configuration Dialog

Link to Configuration Dialog

Keyboard Shortcuts

Link to Keyboard Shortcuts