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

    • Landless2029@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      0·
      9 months 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.

      • Bobby Turkalino@lemmy.yachtsEnglish
        0·
        9 months ago

        I recently switched from fire stick to Roku and overall, it’s been a great move. The remote is my only gripe. Hate squishy rubber buttons.

        I understand your desire to not use a mainstream device, but personally, the last thing I want to do after a 10 hr work day of software debugging is sit down to watch TV, see some error messages, and find myself in a terminal troubleshooting network issues or whatever. I just want to watch TV.

        • Landless2029@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          0·
          9 months ago

          I’m aware. I can do it right now with the fire sticks. But they run the crap, loaded with ADs, Kodi crashes and it’s amazon branded. I’ve been looking for replacements. Currently looking at ONN from walmart for a cheap solution or a orange pi 3 for a nicer small solution. After that I’d do a tiny pc.

          • Proxima_Centauri11@lemmy.worldEnglish
            0·
            9 months ago

            I just got an ONN, debloated it using ADB, changed launcher, used a button remapper app to remap the brand buttons, and it’s so clean now :D

              • Proxima_Centauri11@lemmy.worldEnglish
                0·
                9 months ago

                That’s actually the guide I used! The only difference is when I tried to connect to adb normally, it wouldn’t recognize the device, so I had to use adb over WiFi (Make sure your computer and ONN are on the same local network, then type “adb connect ONNIPADDRESS” (replacing ONNIPADDRESS with the ONN box IP address which you can find in Network Settings on the streaming box).

              • Auli@lemmy.caEnglish
                0·
                9 months ago

                But couldn’t you do this with the fire sticks you already have?