System: laptop with HDD(no money for ssd) and power issues + old non-smart TV + router under TV OS: Fedora server
Idea: Since the old laptop is close enough to the router for Ethernet, I’m using it as a home server. Then I had the idea to also use it as a smart TV like device since it’s right under the TV. I figured an HDD wouldn’t be a huge issue for streaming from jellyfin or the internet.
Server side stuff I’ve found lots of great information on but I’m struggling with the roku-like/smart TV setup:
- how do I disable the laptops display on boot?
- using waydroid + cage to run full screen android application when tv is connected?
- can the TV remote be mapped to Linux inputs?
Last month I did something that I wish I had done years ago. I bought a Beelink SER mini PC, loaded it up with Linux, and plugged it into my “dumb” TV. For input I bought one of those little wireless keyboard/trackpad things that are the size of a TV remote.
Now I can watch streaming services and YouTube on Firefox with ublock origin, I can watch foreign shows from dodgy streaming websites, and I can watch my locally downloaded stuff with VLC. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. It’s the perfect setup for me personally.
For the TV remote you might want to check out a Flirc USB receiver. I bought one a long time ago for use with a Raspberry Pi and had no issues with configuring it or using it with a basic remote. I initially set it up with a Windows machine and haven’t had to touch it since, but they offer software for Win/Mac/Linux. Could probably construct a cheaper DIY solution with a basic IR receiver and some scripting but it’s a not an overly pricey turn-key solution if you don’t want to go that route.
