Apologies if this is the wrong instance for this.
Is there a best option for HTPC streaming solutions besides throwing Linux on an old desktop? Plugging in a desktop for streaming doesn't work too well for wall mounted televisions. My options are mini PCs or a 3rd party streaming stick. Even a RasPi stick running OSMC should do the trick.
These 3rd party sticks online are extremely tempting for power and features but I'm concerned about embedded malware. Best option would be to wipe it and load OSMCor raspbian to ensure its clean. Anyone have experience with this?
Care to share your setup?
$14.41 | DQ06 ATV Mini TV Stick Android12 Allwinner H618 Quad Core Cortex A53 Support 8K Video 4K Wifi6 BT Voice Remote Smart TV Box | Link
Runner up: $12.90 | Orange Pi Zero 2 W 1GB RAM DDR4 Mini PC Allwinner H618 Orange Pi Zero 2W WiFi Bluetooth SBC Single Board Computer Zero2W | Link
Update: My ideal solution would be $20-$50 for a replacement to several fire sticks in my home. For a solution around $100 I'd just go with a old refurbished mini pc from ebay/amazon and throw full Linux on it.
Setting up Kodi via the linux OSMC distro or even Android TV both work. Might stream games with steam link. Eventually going to setup jellyfin in my home
Current Plan: Get a mini pc and mount it behind / near my television. Ideally I would prefer just a stick for a cleaner / cheaper solution.
$100 MiniPC - HP EliteDesk 800 65W G2 Business Mini PC Desktop Computer/Intel Quad-Core i5-6500T up to 3.1GHz/ 8GB DDR4 RAM/ 256GB SSD/WiFi/Bluetooth/USB 3.0/ Windows 10 Professional OS(Renewed) | Amazon
Photo of mini pc mounted behind a TV.
Update2:
Finally researched about the Orange Pi (rasp alternative) and the darn thing comes with full hdmi! Orange Pi 3B Full HDMI and SD / eMMC / M2 (sata3) slots!
Orange Pi 3B 4GB RAM Rockchip RK3566 Mini PC Quad-Core 64-bit WiFi+BLE Gigabit Run Android Linux OpenHarmony OS SBC Single Board https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805733558464.html
I have installed linux on a €20 tv box because i needed a print server; it turned in a 2 month adventure that only ended when i cnocked the emmc off the board and started booting from sd card( and due to how unknown the hardware is, there is very little support); I'd consider it mostly a side project to do if you are willing to risk losing the stick and just like to toy with this stuff; not something to do out of actual need.
Boy do i miss cheap sbcs.
Ps. Dont bother with the stock os; when i booted the box for the fist time with his original os i saw a spike in my pi hole's blocked domains; yikes...
Yeah for $25 I'm tempted to get it as a side project.
I'd hook it up to my guest wifi that I use for IoT and see if I can start research on sideloading an OS. The thing has USB and SD card slots. Who knows if I can get it to boot off of the external media to a custom OS.
That would be a massive win.
Just as a quick tip, check the armbian csc forum for the type of processor, or even better, if someone has already attempted to do mod your device; they are pretty nice folks. in general i suggest to get a box with an rk3328 or an rk3318( essentially a binned 3328) since you cant brick them and worst of all cases; you can do what i did and cnock the emmc off and still have a working box
Nice resource! Thanks