I’ve got an old desktop PC hooked up to our TV running Linux Mint Debian Edition. Attach a wireless keyboard and track pad to it such as this and you’ve got an easy to use streaming device that you can also download to. And you can install Ublock Origin for ad free streaming.
If you want something more portable, you may be able to get your hands on a Walmart onn. TV Box 4K (2021) and install Lineage OS on it, which is a heavily deGoogled Android fork that would allow you to stream more similarly to devices running Google TV.
I did exactly this (also Mint Debian on an old laptop) and added KDE Connect so I can use my phone as a remote control. Not perfect but it works for now.
If you want something more portable, you may be able to get your hands on a Walmart onn. TV Box 4K (2021) and install Lineage OS on it
I got a couple of those after the LTT video about them, but still haven’t gotten around to rooting them/setting them up. Now, because I procrastinated so long, I can use LineageOS instead of the rooted stock ROM (I think?) that was being used at the time.
Of course there is, but the K400 just does its job very well. You can get all kinds of Bluetooth and RF remotes. I have a generic one also meant for HTPCs (Rii brand) and it literally requires line of sight within 3 meters to work at all. The K400 is recommended for a reason.
That’s basically what I’ve been doing for years now. I’ve got a 'smart" tv (I don’t give it net) hooked to a pc in the living room.
It does everything the tv could have done and then some, but better, and without ads. In my opinion it’s the only way to go with the way the ad infested internet is nowadays.
I’ve got an old desktop PC hooked up to our TV running Linux Mint Debian Edition. Attach a wireless keyboard and track pad to it such as this and you’ve got an easy to use streaming device that you can also download to. And you can install Ublock Origin for ad free streaming.
If you want something more portable, you may be able to get your hands on a Walmart onn. TV Box 4K (2021) and install Lineage OS on it, which is a heavily deGoogled Android fork that would allow you to stream more similarly to devices running Google TV.
I did exactly this (also Mint Debian on an old laptop) and added KDE Connect so I can use my phone as a remote control. Not perfect but it works for now.
I got a couple of those after the LTT video about them, but still haven’t gotten around to rooting them/setting them up. Now, because I procrastinated so long, I can use LineageOS instead of the rooted stock ROM (I think?) that was being used at the time.
Thanks, kind Internet stranger!
There really is no alternative to that Logitech keyboard is there (I opened that link wondering if it was something else but nope …)
Of course there is, but the K400 just does its job very well. You can get all kinds of Bluetooth and RF remotes. I have a generic one also meant for HTPCs (Rii brand) and it literally requires line of sight within 3 meters to work at all. The K400 is recommended for a reason.
That’s basically what I’ve been doing for years now. I’ve got a 'smart" tv (I don’t give it net) hooked to a pc in the living room.
It does everything the tv could have done and then some, but better, and without ads. In my opinion it’s the only way to go with the way the ad infested internet is nowadays.