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.
I just use an Nvidia Shield Pro. Runs all the streaming stuff, plus Jellyfin client. Use Jellyfin server on the PC.
You can still stream games and the desktop to it (sunshine on pc and moonlight on the shield), but they’ll need mouse keyboard controller etc to be useful.
Get an air mouse remote. Theyre like 20 bucks on amazon and you just point the remote at the screen to control the mouse cursor. Mine also has media controls on one side and a full keyboard on the other, and only one set of buttons works at a tim3 based on which side is pointing up so you dont have accidental button presses. It makes it way more functional if you want to do even casual web browsing and the media controls are great for htpc apps. You can also use in browser streaming services this way too though. Honestly one of my favourite peripheral devices that ive ever bought, and super cheap and works way better than i wouldve thought for the price.
Gamepad support for kodi is pretty sweet, if you got any of those to spare.
I use Kodi, and then install Kore as the remote.
Plus Xmouse as a second remote.
This enables HTPC usage from a phone.
I use one of those $20 keypad controller things. Works really nice. Its wireless. You can tuck it away somewhere and you get full keyboard and mouse functions on a small controller.
I also use an air mouse with keyboard Like this
I run a linux HTPC that runs Kodi so once it’s configured, you can just use the arrow buttons to navigate, not just the air mouse.
If you can get a UI set up, like Kodi or something, I liked using my Flirc receiver on my htpc. You can use any IR remote, and completely map the buttons to functions. It was sweet.
