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OSMC’s August 2024 update made Kodi 21.1 “Omega” its standard Kodi version, pairing an upstream stability release with OSMC-specific fixes for playback, display compatibility, 3D video, remote controls and maintenance. It was a useful update for supported Vero and Raspberry Pi users—not a major redesign. Kodi 21.1 has since been superseded in OSMC by later Kodi 21.x releases, so it is best understood as a milestone, not the version to seek out today.
OSMC and Kodi: what each part does
OSMC is a free, open-source media-center operating system based on Debian Linux. Kodi provides the media-center interface and playback framework; OSMC packages it with device images, its own update system, My OSMC configuration tools, skin and repositories, plus hardware integration for supported devices. It is therefore more than Kodi installed on a generic Linux system: OSMC is a curated, appliance-style distribution built around Kodi.
That distinction helps explain the August 2024 release. Kodi 21.1 was the upstream software update, while several of the changes users would notice came from OSMC’s integration and device-specific work.
What Kodi 21.1 itself changed
Kodi 21.1 was the first point release in the Kodi 21 “Omega” series. Kodi described it as a maintenance release consolidating fixes after Kodi 21.0, rather than a major feature update. It could be installed over an existing Kodi 21.0 setup. The upstream release announcement does not present 21.1 as a visual overhaul or a new media-center platform. Kodi’s 21.1 release notes are the best source for the upstream changes.
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OSMC announced its Kodi 21.1 update on August 25, 2024; Kodi published its own 21.1 release announcement on September 10. OSMC’s update retained devices that had been supported on Kodi 20 and added its own changes for the operating system, skin and supported hardware. OSMC’s August 2024 announcement lists those additions.
What OSMC added or improved
| Area | Change | Who is most likely to care |
|---|---|---|
| Playback | OSMC fixed playback of some VC-1 content on Vero 4K, Vero 4K+ and Vero V. | Vero owners with affected VC-1 files. The fix is for some material, not a guarantee that every VC-1 playback issue is resolved. |
| Display compatibility | Custom EDID support and 2560 × 1440 at 60 Hz output were added on Vero 4K, Vero 4K+ and Vero V. Vero V also gained full-range video output. | People with particular monitors or complicated HDMI chains, and Vero V users whose display supports full-range output. |
| Stereoscopic 3D | Full side-by-side (SBS) and top-and-bottom (TAB) support was added on Vero 4K, Vero 4K+ and Vero V. | People with compatible stereoscopic 3D files and displays. This does not mean every 3D format or workflow is supported. |
| Interface and remotes | OSMC improved remote keymap messages, updated its skin for Kodi 21 and added support for Kodi 21’s new view-type selection dialog. | Users of OSMC’s remote and skin. These are polish and compatibility improvements, not a wholesale redesign. |
| Wireless | The Vero V Wi-Fi driver was updated. | Vero V users; OSMC did not publish a specific throughput gain, so none should be assumed. |
| Maintenance | OSMC fixed backing up user data to an SMB share through My OSMC, corrected a space in the log-upload URL and updated translations. | Users backing up to a network share, submitting logs or using translated interfaces. |
EDID is the display-capability information exchanged between a playback device and a television, projector or monitor. Custom EDID can help when an AV receiver, HDMI switch or unusual display chain reports capabilities incorrectly. It is a compatibility tool, not an automatic picture-quality upgrade. Likewise, 1440p60 is useful only when the entire display chain accepts that mode.
Full SBS stores the left- and right-eye images side by side at full resolution; TAB arranges them top and bottom. Those additions matter to people with compatible 3D content and equipment, but should not be read as universal support for every stereoscopic format.
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Which devices received Kodi 21 at the time?
For the Kodi 21 rollout, OSMC named Vero 4K, Vero 4K+, Vero V, Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 400 among the supported devices. That describes the 2024 rollout, not every device OSMC supports now or every image currently available.
For a new installation, check OSMC’s supported-devices page and download page for the exact model and image. Do not assume Raspberry Pi 5 support: OSMC’s support information listed it as planned, not supported. The current download page covers other Pi families, Vero devices and first-generation Apple TV, but availability can vary by model.
There is also an important Vero distinction. OSMC announced that further updates for Vero 4K and Vero 4K+ would end after the October 2024 update. Those devices do not stop working, and older images remain available, but owners should not confuse continued operation with continued software support. OSMC’s support announcement explains the change.
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- powful cputhe cpu of the raspberry pi 4 model b adopts the latest arm cortex-a72 architecture, which is also used in high-performance smartphones, and has evolved into a real pc.the operating clock has been changed from pi3's 1.2ghz to 1.5ghz, and the speed has become a different dimension with the updated architecture.
- video output/gputhe on-board gpu of the raspberry pi 4 supports 4kp@60 and newly supports h.265 decoding, opengl es 3.0, etc.as for the video output, two micro hdmis with smaller connectors are installed, and the raspberry pi 4 also supports dual screen output.
- usb 3.0with a new soc, the speed of the raspberry pi 4 around i/o has been improved, and finally usb 3.0 is supported.usb boot is faster and more convenient.
- network&bluetoothgigabit ethernet (wired lan) has also been significantly speeded up from 300mbps of pi 3b + to 1000mbps (logical value).in addition, bluetooth supported version has been upgraded to 5.0, and the transfer speed of pi 4 has been doubled.
- power input connectorthe power input connector of the raspberry pi 4 has been changed to usb type c. it is easier to use than micro usb and can supply a larger current reliably.the power requirement of raspberry pi 4 model b is 5v 3.0a, which is higher than the previous model.
How to update safely
The normal stable route for OSMC users was the graphical updater, not a development repository:
- Let any pending OSMC system updates finish first. OSMC’s Kodi 21 testing guidance advised users to update the existing system before moving to Kodi 21.
- Back up Kodi user data and important configuration. Note the third-party add-ons, repositories and skins you rely on.
- Open My OSMC, then go to Updater (the label may appear as Updates on some interfaces). Check for updates manually, or use the update notification if automatic updates are enabled.
- Install the offered stable update. Keep the device powered and do not interrupt package installation. Reboot if prompted.
- After restart, check Kodi’s system-information screen to confirm the installed version.
On Vero V, OSMC’s quick-start guide likewise points users to My OSMC → Updates. The exact menus and available update depend on the device and the release offered at the time. In 2026, users should take the current stable update offered for their supported device; there is no reason to seek out the old 21.1 package specifically.
The OSMC testing forum documented a staging-repository command for people testing development builds:
Rank #4
- Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM: Model SC1112 featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz. Enhanced Connectivity: Includes dual 4K micro HDMI ports, USB-C power input, and high-speed USB 3.0 ports. PCIe Expansion Support: FPC connector enables M.2 NVMe SSDs when using compatible adapters. Fast Storage Options: Works with microSD cards for booting, or optional NVMe storage for advanced projects. Built for Projects & Learning: Ideal for programming, home labs, DIY electronics, automation, and Linux-based development.
echo 'deb http://apt.osmc.tv bullseye-devel main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/osmc-devel.listThis is historical testing guidance, not a normal stable upgrade instruction. Do not add that old development repository to a production system to try to obtain Kodi 21.1. Use My OSMC or the current OSMC installer and device-specific recovery information instead.
What to check before and after a major Kodi transition
The move from Kodi 20 to 21 was a major-version transition; that is where compatibility risks are more likely to matter than the point-release number. Kodi may disable non-official add-ons by default during a major-version change, and third-party add-ons, repositories or skins may need compatible updates. This is a general migration risk, not evidence that Kodi 21.1 broke every add-on.
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- Unofficial add-ons: Check their legitimate repository for Kodi 21 compatibility before relying on them.
- Third-party skins: Temporarily use the default OSMC or Kodi skin if the interface misbehaves; do not restore an old skin until you confirm it supports the installed Kodi version.
- Shared libraries: If several Kodi devices use a shared database, plan the transition so the devices and database remain compatible. Back up the library database first, especially for unusual setups.
- HDMI and display settings: If the picture changes, check resolution, refresh rate, HDR and audio passthrough. Reboot the player and HDMI equipment, then change one setting at a time.
- Power and storage: On Raspberry Pi, use stable power and reliable storage. Do not assume an update will make older hardware suitable for demanding skins or high-bitrate files.
Who was most likely to benefit?
- Vero owners: The most tangible additions were display negotiation options, 3D SBS/TAB support, selected VC-1 playback fixes and closer OSMC remote/skin integration. The exact benefit depends on model and setup.
- Raspberry Pi users: Kodi 21 brought the Omega software generation to supported Pi models. Playback still depends on the Pi model, media codec, storage, power and HDMI equipment; the update does not turn an older Pi into Vero V hardware.
- Projector, receiver or HDMI-switch users: Custom EDID may help resolve capability-reporting problems in a complex display chain. It is a targeted troubleshooting option, not something every user needs to change.
- 3D library owners: Full SBS/TAB support is relevant if both files and display support those modes. It does not establish support for every 3D format.
- Basic local-library users: If your existing setup works and you do not use the affected formats or hardware features, the main value is the accumulated Kodi and OSMC maintenance work, not a new headline feature.
- Users dependent on unofficial add-ons: Check compatibility and make backups before a major Kodi transition. The add-on ecosystem may lag behind Kodi itself.
OSMC on existing hardware or a Vero V?
If you already own a compatible Raspberry Pi and are comfortable supplying the board, power supply, storage, case, HDMI cable and remote or keyboard, installing OSMC may be the economical and flexible route. OSMC lists Raspberry Pi 1/Zero, Pi 2/3/3+/Zero 2 W and Pi 4/400 families on its download page; verify the exact model before choosing an image. Raspberry Pi 5 is not listed as supported in OSMC’s support information.
Vero V is the purpose-built alternative: a ready-to-use OSMC appliance with 4 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, and support for 4K HDR and AV1 among its published specifications. OSMC states a five-year software-update commitment and a one-year international hardware warranty. Its product page showed £149 in August 2026 research materials; price, stock, taxes and import costs can change, so confirm them with OSMC before purchase. See OSMC’s Vero V product information.
Vero V is most sensible for someone who values an integrated box, included remote and OSMC-specific hardware support. It is not an automatic upgrade for every Pi owner, nor the right choice for someone seeking a general-purpose desktop Linux computer, Raspberry Pi 5, or maximum hardware component choice. A general-purpose computer running Kodi may offer more flexibility, while another Kodi-focused operating system may suit different hardware or maintenance preferences.
Where OSMC stands now
Kodi 21.1 was an important OSMC release in August 2024, but later OSMC updates moved to Kodi 21.2 in March 2025 and Kodi 21.3 in November 2025. OSMC’s May 2026 update still used Kodi 21.3 while Kodi 22 was approaching. The 21.2 announcement, the 21.3 announcement and the May 2026 update establish that timeline.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a current OSMC installation, use the stable updater and check the current support and download pages for your exact hardware. The 21.1 story is most useful for understanding what Omega-era OSMC added: targeted compatibility and maintenance improvements around Kodi’s stability-focused point release, rather than a universal performance boost or redesign.
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