Linux

13999 readers

92 users here now

Welcome to c/linux!

Welcome to our thriving Linux community! Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're excited to have you here. Explore, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for open-source software and the endless possibilities it offers. Together, let's dive into the world of Linux and embrace the power of freedom, customization, and innovation. Enjoy your stay and feel free to join the vibrant discussions that await you!

Rules:

Stay on topic: Posts and discussions should be related to Linux, open source software, and related technologies.
Be respectful: Treat fellow community members with respect and courtesy.
Quality over quantity: Share informative and thought-provoking content.
No spam or self-promotion: Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming.
No NSFW adult content
Follow general lemmy guidelines.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

MigratingtoLemmy@lemmy.world

Ok, how do you make a good linux media center pc? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 11 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago) by bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.world

18 comments fedilink hide all child comments

My main concern is replacing the remote, because bluetooth on linux is quite awful.

Im guessing run kodi is the other solution? I want the SO to be able to use it as easily as the smart tv, which is of course riddled with ads and downloading random shit on my network that I hate (20 gigs to Disney + in a month. I dont have any subs. Wtf is it downloading? I blocked it now ofc)

For reference, trying to axe the smart tv and use my atari vcs with mint on it to fulfill those needs. It should have the power and I want to keep the sleek look and not have an actual pc in the room.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] showmeyourkizinti@startrek.website 2 points 9 hours ago

I've been using a linux box auto-starting Kodi which is controlled by an MCE remote for about 10-15 years now. Both my partner (who is tech negative, seriously everyday they yell at their work laptop) and 5 year old kid at the time had no trouble with it. I personally love it. With the add-ons and such I've basically turned it in to a Home Entertainment Center. I've download Lutris and with a little tweaking I'm emulating a ton of old games and I've installed the Kodi add-on that lets me integrate Lutris to I don't have to leave the Kodi environment and bale to desktop is which is great. I've also got an add on in Kodi to open Steam in big picture straight from a button on my Kodi favorites. So I can go from playing Slay the Spire on Steam to watch an episode of Scrubs to playing Mario Kart Double Dash in Dolphin, all with out seeing the desktop.
On the other hand I haven't invested in one of those fancy remotes that lets me power on the PC so before I sit down I got turn on the PC which means the PC sits on a shelf in the living room. But to be honest we often leave it on for days on end, which I suspect racks up the power bills a bit, but lets me just turn on the TV and go. I also haven't invested in a HDMI - CEC set up so I have to have two remotes one for powering on the TV and a second for everything else. And getting Linux to recognize my 3.1 soundbar is a forking nightmare it still only see it as a stereo soundbar but hey it still sound good.
Over all I really love the Kodi HTPC set up for the heft of added home gaming stuff,but if you're looking for something more low profile I have a Raspberry PI running OpenElec stuck to the back of my bedroom TV with double-sided tape. OpenElec is a branch of the Kodi main steam for small PCs. The bonus on this is that the Pi's have built in CEC so you will only need the one remote.