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
But couldn't you do this with the fire sticks you already have?
The fire sticks I currently own are a few generations old. I have to unplug and replug two of them in to even use them. Initially I was hoping for a new $20-$40 device I wouldn't have to spend several hours tinkering with to get it to play nicely. (Time is money after all)
But after the assistance from the other lemmings I've decided to try and work with the fire sticks I currently have just for the experience.
Once that fails I would purchase an ONN to replace my fire sticks and setup linux on a mini pc for my living room. Mini PC is already in place. Just need to learn more Linux. I might distro hop around.