Apologies if this is the wrong instance for this.

Is there a best option for HTPC streaming solutions besides throwing linux on an old desktop?

Plugging in a desktop for streaming doesn’t work too well for wall mounted televisions.

My options are mini pcs or a 3rd party streaming stick.

Even a raspi stick running osmc should do the trick.

These 3rd party sticks online are extremely tempting for power and features but I’m concerned about embedded malware.

Best option would be to wipe it and load osmc or rasparian to ensure its clean.

Anyone have experience with this?

Care to share your setup?

DQ06 ATV Mini TV Stick Android12 Allwinner H618 Quad Core Cortex A53 Support 8K Video 4K Wifi6 BT Voice Remote Smart TV Box https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNgjsEq

Runner up:

$12.90 | Orange Pi Zero 2 W 1GB RAM DDR4 Mini PC Allwinner H618 Orange Pi Zero 2W WiFi Bluetooth SBC Single Board Computer Zero2W https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0VHp1g

  • bobbytables@feddit.deEnglish
    72·
    2 years ago

    It might be the unpopular option but I love my AppleTV. I used several sticks, a FireTV and a raspi before.

    On the AppleTV with Swiftfin for jellyfin and VLC as a fall back all my local streaming needs are met. The hardware is great and the price is - well, let’s say it’s okay (but quite far above you limit I think). And most of all: it blew all of the other option out of the water in terms of convenience and user experience.

    So if you have the money I recommend giving it a try.

    • Landless2029@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      2 years ago

      Yeah my issue is I have fire sticks and I want to transition away from it. Instead of purchasing another mainstream device I was hoping there would a lemmy approved alternative.

    • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
      2·
      2 years ago

      How’s the performance?

      It’s a bit pricey to this crowd (me included), but if it solves the problem well, then it’s a good value I’d say.

      Are you running a media player client on it (Jellyfin/Kodi/Plex)?

      Does your TV remote control it (via the hdmi connection)?

      Thanks!

      • Dr. Wesker@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
        1·
        2 years ago

        My use case is fairly particular, since I only have one TV in my travel trailer, and I use it while boondocking – meaning networking is mobile data only. The path of least resistance is often just to store all media locally. Unless I’m in an area with a solid 5G signal.

        Kodi works a charm on it.

        However, I also use it for light computing, and even light gaming, so I typically just boot into a tiling windows manager and use MPV to watch videos.

        I can’t comment on remotes. I paired it with a keyboard trackpad combo, again, given the use case of it being a multi-use travel trailer PC.

        EDIT: Before I used this, I used a Pi 4b, and it constantly got bogged down. This is infinitely zippier and more capable.

    • Landless2029@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      23·
      2 years ago

      That product is about 10x the price. At that point I can pickup an old mini PC and mount it behind the tv.

      • Dr. Wesker@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
        31·
        2 years ago

        1 in 4 households spend more than $75 a month on streaming services. That device will last you much longer than 2-3 months.

  • Kokesh@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Mi tv stick is brilliant. But doesn’t play h265 and is quite slow. I usually start it at least 2 minutes before I fire up Jellyfin.