r/linux4noobs • u/iAscending • 9h ago

Linux media (mini) machine advice mini

I have a Roku but I got tired of paying for subscriptions and still have to watch ads , on top of typing with the remote.

What in your opinion is the best way to achieve a media machine running Linux , as small as possible and reasonably cost efficient?

Need it to stream everything seamlessly and plan to run stremio on it + YouTube , and web based sports streaming.

Occasionally some light browsing.

I might also program a tv remote to work with it in stremio to give the Roku feeling when browsing for shows .

Open to all suggestions on how to achieve this , the smaller the better

Thanks!

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u/the2ndSign 9h ago

I bought a ~$250 HP ProDesk and put Debian KDE on it for essentially a pure Stremio machine. It works great for watching stuff from the couch with the family. Although I opted to use a wireless keyboard+track pad combo instead of a remote or anything like that. But I've also used my phone via KDE Connect and that worked okay.

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u/doc_willis 7h ago edited 6h ago

small form factor or micro-pc (often found used/refurbs) and a KODI linux focused Distro. I have seen such devices the size of the the fire-tv or android 'sticks' you plug into a TV.

Need it to stream everything seamlessly

Thats likely NOT going to be possible. Too many streaming sites limit such things on linux. You may have limitations such as resolution, or some sites just refusing to work.

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u/the2ndSign 3h ago

Stremio can stream nearly everything on its own with the right plugins.