I have been rather unhappy with my smart TV’s functionality as I feel it isn’t smart for me but smart for the manufacturers. I just can’t use it how I want to. I would love to overwrite the existing OS from Android to Linux. I’ve recently converted from Windows and loving Mint.
I haven’t read too much regarding Linux smart tvs as my searches mostly come up with raspberry Pi and overwriting an Android box. I don’t want to connect anything and just want my tv to boot up in Linux when it’s turned on, and get some of my apps going. Is there a way to do this?
For reference I have a Sony Bravia with Android installed on it.
I love Raspberry Pis, I have about 6 of them running around the house right now, but for TV work I prefer a beefier computer like the newer N100/N150 fanless models.
I checked them and they seem pricier than R-Pi, though it might worth because x64. I found an Intel N97 model named GMKtec G5 and actually it seems great, much more power consumption than R-Pi though.
They do draw more power than a Pi-5 even, but they are still practical in fanless mode and interfaces are significantly smoother and quicker. Of course, if all you care about is the streaming video you can get a PiZero to do that for you.
Currently we don’t need any until this current setup breaks or become obsolete thanks to TCL or Google (also old netbook does the job for Jellyfin), but when the time comes I’m actually more interested in this whole living room PC setup, of course will need to find a compatible remote controller.
I use VNC on my phone… it’s not as “clickable” as a traditional remote, but then I hate that form of TV browsing anyway. That’s one of the strengths of using a real PC: more direct and powerful search capabilities. We have a couple of others setup (Family room, one bedroom) which use touchpad keyboards as remotes.