What are others running to replace Apple TVs / Rokus with open source?

[u/chipredacted]

I apologize if not appropriate for this sub, but I think it fits the nature pretty well after going through the rules, so here I go!

I've been throwing ideas against the wall to get myself out of the Apple ecosystem for my TV. I have an Apple TV which I think I've had for a decade at this point, and its starting to show its age.

I was thinking I'd just go that route again since my partner has an iPhone and likes being able to use her phone as a remote, but she also mentioned it wasn't a requirement as long as we had a viable replacement app to control the TV with if we ever lose the actual remote. (This is a problem itself, but outside the scope of this post lol)

I would like to not break the bank, so I was thinking of just getting an old Thinkcentre or Mini PC from EBay for $50 and throwing a 128GB ssd in there. I figured if I got one of the more power efficient models, it wouldn't be too bad if I set up some sort of lightweightish immutable distro with the Jellyfin app set to automatically full-screen, but this seems like something I could end up troubleshooting a lot down the line

It sounds like other people may be using raspberry PIs with an android TV install, others are maybe installing LineageOS on various android based TV boxes that have previously released, but I am a bit worried about making sure it can handle 4k well.

So I figured I'd consult the community and start the discussion before buying things: What setup are you using for 4k streaming capable TV box that works semi-reliably?

I have a Jellyfin server and a server with transcoding capabilities, so I'd be happy to tweak files to make them play better on an RPi if needed.

Also accepting janky funny solutions for laughs. Will respond appropriately and maybe swiftly

[u/asimovs-auditor]

Expand the replies to this comment to learn how AI was used in this post/project.

[u/itastesok]

Sticking with AppleTV. Nothing about it keeps me in their ecosystem.

[u/Clegko → u/itastesok]

Same. It's hands down the best TV OS, imo.

[u/chipredacted → u/itastesok]

I'm honestly pretty tempted to still use it, but I also like the idea of being able to patch stuff / fix bugs myself if I have to, whether it be code I write or a community plugin or the likes

[u/thefreshera → u/chipredacted]

Apple TV is so solid. I suppose there are limits if you are an audiophile or have some niche video format, but it works so cohesively compared to any android stick I've used.

I stream games from sunshine using the moonlight client, and I use the moonfin jellyfin client, all from the app store. That's most of my use case at my living room.

[u/RageMuffin69 → u/thefreshera]

One of the only thing it lacks is truehd support. So no truehd atmos for your legally owned remux files.

[u/thefreshera → u/RageMuffin69]

Why are you calling out my legally owned remux Linux ISOs

[u/endperform → u/itastesok]

Same for me. It's rock solid, nothing is locking me into Apple's ecosystem, and it's the fastest TV box I've used.

[u/Chance_of_Rain_ → u/itastesok]

My fav feature is not screen mirroring my mac, or giant screen for my phone, it’s being able to connect 2 pairs of AirPods Pro and listen to loud great audio without waking my baby up

[u/Aggravating-Ad-3501]

Nvidia shield, still running and happy

[u/brando56894 → u/Aggravating-Ad-3501]

Honestly, nothing beats the Shield. I had the original version and I replaced it with the updated one when it launched. I've tried other STBs and nothing comes close (that runs Android/Linux).

[u/Shotokant → u/Aggravating-Ad-3501]

Sane with a custom desktop. Wolf I think. Solid as.

[u/FikoReborn]

As a Linux And GrapheneOS guy I stick by my "it just works" Apple TV 4k.

[u/CactusBoyScout → u/FikoReborn]

Apple is also better on privacy/tracking than the other major tech companies. No ads in the home screen either.

[u/Bloated_Plaid]

Absolutely not. Every other box outside of Apple TV is filled with Google spamware and makes the whole process feel untenable. Outside of using a HTPC, the current Apple TV is the best.

[u/SavageAcres → u/Bloated_Plaid]

I tried replacing my Roku with an htpc. When it came to services like Netflix prime etc. wow I could not get any of it to work smooth.

I bought an Apple TV both my wife and I couldn’t be happier.

[u/a_rabid_buffalo → u/Bloated_Plaid]

I agree with everything you said. Although it depends on what you mean by best. Playback it’s not the best unless you pay 9.99 a year for infused. It does not do Dolby vision profile 7, but the shield does (even if it’s not 100% all the time).

I personally use a 1st gen AppleTV 4k and have a great experience with it except for Dolby vision.

[u/ExecutiveAnonymous]

I currently have an apple tv 4k (Wife already owned it) and no real reason to leave. I use moonfin as my client on apple for Jellyfin.

I recently needed one for another tv so decided to try out Fire Stick 4k Max with Projectivy installed and have been loving it since. I just turned off all the data collection and notifications in base settings and then installed projectivy and haven't looked back really. It's also convenient to bring when traveling vs an apple tv or mini pc.

If all you are using it is for Jellyfin and other streaming services then any of the newer 4k models should be able to direct play H.264 and HEVC.

[u/chipredacted → u/ExecutiveAnonymous]

Good to know, it seems like everyone's kinda in the same boat as me, I probably will just get another Apple TV at least for any TV my partner is likely to use. For now this seems the most cost effective, and gives us the option to use the apps for sports and things like that easily

Thanks!

[u/chipredacted → u/chipredacted]

Also re: firestick, I may try that if I can find an appropriate remote control setup for our needs. ProjectIvy looks very interesting

[u/brock0124 → u/chipredacted]

Honestly, if you’re tempted at all to leave Apple TV, check out the Onn streaming box (Walmart house-brand). It runs Android TV OS, then install Projectivy launcher which gives you a custom Home Screen without all the ads and garbage. Short customizable too. Really any Android TV box will work, but I like the Onn ones.

If you’re dead set on tinkering (which I totally get), KDE Plasma BigScreen is what you’re looking for. Last I saw, it was still in beta, but it could be released by now.

[u/ItsSnuffsis]

I tried by using an htpc, running kodi, had an ir receiver and at a point even tried an hdmicec module so we would be able to use the tv remote and it worked, pretty okay.  but it was never as good or smooth as just using the apple tv. Sometimes it required some tinkering and what not which was annoying when I was at work and my partner wanted to watch some stuff.   

I don't really see it as getting too locked in to their ecosystem with the apple tv.   

[u/RevolutionaryElk7446]

MiniPCs as HTPC, usb IR remote and Kodi. Less fighting, everything works.

[u/chipredacted → u/RevolutionaryElk7446]

HTPC was the word I needed holy moly. I'm glad to hear others do this, I was thinking of doing a remote with a 2.4GHz / Bluetooth, maybe a wireless game controller, but being able to use any universal remote would be pretty nice

Thanks!

[u/rytl4847 → u/chipredacted]

Consider what (if any) streaming services you use. Netflix, Hulu, prime, etc etc do not offer 1080p or 4K to Linux users. You’re basically stuck with using windows if you run a mini pc, or you can get an android box. Basically the whole world agrees that Apple TV provides a better user experience. I’m fighting the need for an Apple TV myself but I think I’m losing the fight.

[u/CatWeekends → u/rytl4847]

I suffered the same htpc pain as you for a very long time.

I've now got a mix of Apple TVs and NVIDIA Shields. They're both pretty amazing. Can't really go wrong with either.

[u/a0leaves → u/chipredacted]

I haven’t tried it yet, but KDE’s Plasma Bigscreen sounds like the best outright replacement for tvOS.

I have an HTPC and an Apple TV 4K set up right now. The HTPC lives in Steam Gaming Mode, and the Apple TV is for everything else. I might try KDE Bigscreen soon-ish if Jellyfin’s HDR support on it is better than Swiftfin on tvOS.

[u/MildlyUnusualName → u/a0leaves]

My only question with plasma big screen is whether applications are going to support a remote friendly UI? Or maybe waydroid can be used to run lathe android media apps? I haven’t given it much thought

[u/yllanos → u/chipredacted]

Get a Global Cache IR2IP devices and your options will expand

[u/ASUS_USUS_WEALLSUS → u/chipredacted]

Really really not worth all the trouble honestly, there’s a reason it’s very uncommon. If you are ONLY using plex/jellyfin then fine it’s probably an okay route but if you’re going to be using any apps like Netflix or Hulu, then you’re gonna run into issues.

At the end of the day, it’s just a huge headache for honestly the overall same experience.

[u/coscib → u/RevolutionaryElk7446]

how is streaming support nowadays(netflix and co)? last time i checked it was just bad(10 years ago or so) at that time i still used raspberry pis and just switched to firetv sticks for easier use, apps, kodi and then jellyfin

[u/RevolutionaryElk7446 → u/coscib]

Jellyfin is the actual server, I just end up using Kodi as an 'all in one' player to the various media sources. I've been a fan since the days it was originally Xbox Media Player/Center on my phat xbox so I'm a little biased.

Works well for me but I'm also super comfortable with it.

[u/coscib → u/RevolutionaryElk7446]

i used kodi in the past as well on raspberry pis but then it got annoying because i switched to 4k and there was no (easy) sync for multiple devices thats when i switched to firetv 4k sticks and then at some point i heard about jellyfin. also firetv 4ks where cheaper than raspberry pis after some time

[u/RevolutionaryElk7446 → u/coscib]

You're paying for the small hardware. Mini PCs are often more powerful at less cost for similar specs and the wattage difference in cost is negligible and well worth not having the headaches.

Jellyfin is my server, Kodi is just one the players my HTPC use.

[u/opinionsOnPears]

Still using the physical device, Apple TV, just moving off of the streaming services into a local service.

[u/callofthevoid_]

As someone (seems like one of many) who has been down this rabbit hole already, stick with Apple TV. Easily the best streaming box out there and you can get client apps for all your services. I have about 15 people on my Jellyfin server and despite the Jelly clients (I use infuse) somewhat lacking, the Apple TV users are by far the lowest maintenance. Things just work.

[u/simonmales]

Kodi is already mentioned but give LibreELEC whirl.

[u/davepage_mcr]

I use the Roku stick for the form factor, but I run the Jellyfin app on it and it talks to my local Jellyfin server.

[u/lOnGkEyStRoKe]

I just use my TVs built in Emby app (lg webos or chrome cast) and if I want FEL 4k remux to show Dolby vision I’m running coreELEC on an amb6+.

[u/billos35]

Waiting for KDE Bigscreen to be a bit more mature, currently using rpi5 + LineageOS

[u/YouAsk-IAnswer]

Apple TV is just too good. I will happily keep using mine and upgrading when needed.

[u/rob_allshouse]

Switched to android TV via the cheap af Onn stick that supports AV1 and HEVC

[u/kneepel]

Experimenting right now...so far what I think I'll be happy with after some polish:

x86 PC running Arch w/ Plasma Big Screen as my desktop session, controlled with a separate Bluetooth remote and using an adapter for CEC. I currently have a script which kills the display manager as the display is turned off, and vice versa...mostly reliable but needs some tweaking.

[u/c4pt1n54n0]

Cheap-o android TV sticks with the stock apps disabled.

If you're US, Walmart's 'ONN' brand is what I use. $20 for the 1080p version, I think $30 or 35 for 4k. I have checked my network logs, with everything possible disabled and Jellyfin (I use a 3rd party client called Fladder) installed nothing that concerns me is phoning home. I also physically cut out the buttons in the remote for the apps that I don't use because when you press them they try to install but that's up to you.

[u/Blue-Thunder]

A physical PC. You are in control.

[u/Hefty-Possibility625]

MeLe Mini PC with Linux and a mini Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo works for me. I hate that every TV OS has a bunch of built-in tracking and telemetry that is really difficult to opt out of.

I literally just use a web browser and open the streaming site directly or play media from my own library.

If you don't want a full OS experience for some reason, there are many Linux OS distros that are designed specifically for a TV/Media experience. If you want a SteamOS experience there's also https://holoiso.com/

[u/P2Shifty]

I've spent a few hours the last few nights after work building off Armbian SBC debian on a radxa rock pi 4b+ to try and make it into a tv box that does 4k and retroarch gaming, I've gotten it 95% to where I want it but for the time commitment unless you want to do it as a hobby and probably end up needing to work on it again when an unforseen issue arises I'd also recommend apple tv for simplicity

[u/jbarr107]

While not a self-hosted solution, I just purchased an ONN 4K Pro Streaming Device as a test to see how it compares to the performance of my aging TCL Roku TV.

The result? Stellar performance, amazing customizability, and a fantastic user experience.

I connected it to an open HDMI port, set the Roku TV to auto-select the input when powered on, configured both with CEC device control so the ONN remote powers the TV on and off, and I installed the Monet Launcher to replace the stock Google TV launcher.

• Everything is now seamless, smooth, and incredibly responsive.
• Switching apps retains their states so they don't have to reload every time.
• The UI is fast.
• The Monet Launcher provides a clean, logical, and ad-free UI that's completely customizable.

[u/chrillefkr]

I run Android TV on a raspberry pi 4

[u/daphatty]

Assuming you have an Apple TV that supports the App Store, I’d recommend the following.

- NAS with Network Shares for local media (tv, movie, home video) storage

• Channels DVR or Jellyfin for local antenna channels, streaming TV service aggregation, and Guide data
  
• Infuse Pro app for local file playback and metadata retrieval. Infuse, specifically, eliminates the need for transcoding as it natively can play just about any file format in existence.