I’d like to switch from a smart TV to an HTPC, but trying to navigate a standard desktop enviroment regularly with no desk is a royal pain. Is it realistically possible to set up an HTPC that won’t require this for regular use? I expect it’d have to be controlled with a game controller, given that there is probably better (or the same) support compared to using a remote, but thats just a guess.
In particular, I’d like to be able to use a few of the larger streaming services, my own video files, and YouTube. Are there apps with controller (or remote) support for these? I’d also like to be able to browse the web when needed, or better yet, be able to cast to the TV from a phone.
For reference of my own skill level, I’m not tech illiterate by any means, I’ve worked in low-level IT jobs, but when people start talking about recompiling software or that, I tend to start getting lost.
Edit: After extensive testing, it isn’t viable. Almost nothing has support for non-mouse control, so I’ll have to just get a Roku or something.
If you have any experience with using Kodi with streaming services? I’m seeing a lot of recommendations for it, but testing it out, I didn’t really see a good way to integrate it with things like Netflix or YouTube - not even a good way to launch the Windows apps for them.
I’m pretty sure those are possible. YT only works with a user logged in IIRC.
I use it mainly for local files, or for our local-channel’s ‘catchup’ streaming service.