Before I buy another Roku, are there any options for a streaming box/stick that run FOSS? A foss derivitive of android TV would be nice if that exists, ideally preloaded on an inexpensive and compact piece of hardware.

  • Moobythegoldensock@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Firestick can run FOSS apps. You first turn off unknown sources blocking, and then use Downloader to sideload FOSS apps like Kodi.

    Another option is you can buy a thin client with an HDMI port for like $100, velcro it to the back of your TV, and install a light linux distro on it. Or you could try doing it with a raspberry pi, or similar low powered device.

    • peregus@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I agree, but the thin client doesn’t allow you to view Netflix in 4K (maybe not even 1080p) and I guess Prime video too and others. Unfortunately Microsoft Edge is needed :( …or is there any news about this? I’ve settled for a Lenovo M720 (tiny PC) with Windows.

      • Moobythegoldensock@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        That’s the tradeoff for FOSS, though. Official Netflix apps and Edge are not FOSS, and Netflix in general does not seem willing to let FOSS browsers/apps stream in 4k.

        The thing is that OP seems to want FOSS apps but stream from commercial companies, and there is a bit of tension between the two goals.

    • LinkOpensChest.wav@lemmy.one
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      1 year ago

      So if I get a Firestick, I can connect it to a machine running Linux and sideload apps like that? (Sorry if it’s a dumb question, I’ve never used a Firestick but I’ve been contemplating ways to mirror content from a Linux PC to my smart TV)

  • rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
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    1 year ago

    LibreELEC or something running Kodi is FOSS. (and works quite well) You can look at their website for hardware recommendations.

  • Tschuuuls@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    The old version of the ONN 4k streaming box has lineage support :D
    Apart from binary blobs this should be as foss as it gets.

  • Trojan Ham@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    If like add another question - how about in a RPi too? I believe there is a LineageOS android TV out there. For anything have any experience with it?

  • mlfh@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    If you can find a cheap used micro-form-factor pc with hdmi output (eg thinkcentre m93p), that’s a great sustainable way to go. Stick debian on it, get a cheap tiny bluetooth keyboard/trackpad, stream via web browser. Bonus if it’s got a dvd player, for the ultimate utilitarian foss htpc.