I want to try to set up a Raspberry Pi I have as a smart TV box and I was hoping I could find some advice.

My main requirements are:

  • can run Moonlight
  • can be controlled from a Bluetooth game controller (that should also work in Moonlight)

What would be nice:

  • can run VLC or Plex or something
  • can support AirPlay
  • can be used for some actual streaming services like Netflix

Any suggestions?

  • smileyhead@discuss.tchncs.de
    ·
    2 months ago

    I have Raspberry Pi 4B set up as TV box and for my own media like Kodi or Jellyfin, barely handles 4K but works. And I like how I can sync files or remote control seamlessly because it's standard Linux not Android.

    For mainstream streaming I really discourage form even trying, it's a mess. If you plan to run any type of DRM media you already are on the lost position and might as well buy cheap Android TV stick for ~30$, because there would be no freedom gain with RPi, just big annoyence.

    TLDR:
    Linux for own media.
    Android for renting.
    Raspberry Pi for Linux.
    Cheap TV stick/box for Android.

  • Eugenia@lemmy.ml
    ·
    2 months ago

    There are many multimedia solutions for ARM (e.g. libreelec, kodi, plex, jellyfin etc etc), however, these work best for non-big-streaming sites. The moment you're after a really good youtube experience, or netflix/disney+/etc, then things start break down for various reasons.

    Personally, I'd just install the default Raspbian OS (maybe even just DietPi), making sure that their Firefox or Chromium supports drm websites, and then I'd connect the Pi to the TV, and then I'd use a keyboard + touchpad, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-PC-connected/dp/B014EUQOGK/ This allows you to use the machine exactly the way you need it to, without bad surprises and incompatibilities. Not the way you want it to, but more like the way you need it to.

    Also, please note that if you're having a Pi with only 1 GB of RAM, it won't be enough for what you're having in mind. I have a 3B+ with 1 GB of RAM, and my Emby server (music only!) constantly needs more than 1 GB of RAM, resulting in the Pi to swap, which means that it wears out the microSD a lot.

    Finally, if all else fails get an AppleTV, or a Chromecast with AndroidTV, or a Roku if you're in the US, but I think the desktop/browser solution can be workable. Not pretty, but most workable for DRM streaming services.

  • funkycarrot@discuss.tchncs.de
    ·
    2 months ago

    First had Kodi on a RPI, but I got fed up with Kodi, partly because there are too many moving parts and partly because there's no great way to watch YouTube.

    Then found Flexlauncher, which has already been suggested by someone else. Slapped Debian on the RPI and then realized that getting smooth HD YouTube video playback is impossible outside of Kodi, because of hardware (?) limitations.

    At this point I decided that enough is enough and just got out the old laptop in the household no one uses anymore, same Debian + Flexlauncher combo with Stremio and Freetube. Set Debian to do auto login and start Flexlauncher automatically. Works great, but controlling with Keyboard only (and using the laptop trackpad when nothing works) gets a bit annoying. Looks like an airmouse is the way to go.

  • utopiah@lemmy.ml
    ·
    2 months ago

    I did that for years, using LibreElec with Kodi, but moved instead few months ago to "just" minidlna on the RPi, headless, then VLC on the video projector, streaming straight for the RPi.