I’d like to switch from a smart TV to an HTPC, but trying to navigate a standard desktop enviroment regularly with no desk is a royal pain. Is it realistically possible to set up an HTPC that won’t require this for regular use? I expect it’d have to be controlled with a game controller, given that there is probably better (or the same) support compared to using a remote, but thats just a guess.
In particular, I’d like to be able to use a few of the larger streaming services, my own video files, and YouTube. Are there apps with controller (or remote) support for these? I’d also like to be able to browse the web when needed, or better yet, be able to cast to the TV from a phone.
For reference of my own skill level, I’m not tech illiterate by any means, I’ve worked in low-level IT jobs, but when people start talking about recompiling software or that, I tend to start getting lost.
Edit: After extensive testing, it isn’t viable. Almost nothing has support for non-mouse control, so I’ll have to just get a Roku or something.
Mythtv, Kodi… there are GUI’s designed for this task.
I am using Kodi on an Androidtv box as a frontend, and a bluetooth mini keyboard/remote. Most times it is just start/stop/pause/ffwd, and sometimes text input - every two weeks or so.
Am I missing something? Kodi doesn’t seem to have any support for any streaming services, nor any good way to launch the relevant apps from the home screen?