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Firestick can run FOSS apps. You first turn off unknown sources blocking, and then use Downloader to sideload FOSS apps like Kodi.
Another option is you can buy a thin client with an HDMI port for like $100, velcro it to the back of your TV, and install a light linux distro on it. Or you could try doing it with a raspberry pi, or similar low powered device.
So if I get a Firestick, I can connect it to a machine running Linux and sideload apps like that? (Sorry if it's a dumb question, I've never used a Firestick but I've been contemplating ways to mirror content from a Linux PC to my smart TV)
No, you turn off apps from unknown sources, then you download Downloader. You can then use Downloader to download apps from any internet url. You can do this all from the Firestick’s home screen.
Here is a sample tutorial:
https://www.firesticktricks.com/sideload-apps-on-firestick.html
Thanks, I will look into it. I appreciate the link. Cheers!
I agree, but the thin client doesn't allow you to view Netflix in 4K (maybe not even 1080p) and I guess Prime video too and others. Unfortunately Microsoft Edge is needed :( ...or is there any news about this? I've settled for a Lenovo M720 (tiny PC) with Windows.
That’s the tradeoff for FOSS, though. Official Netflix apps and Edge are not FOSS, and Netflix in general does not seem willing to let FOSS browsers/apps stream in 4k.
The thing is that OP seems to want FOSS apps but stream from commercial companies, and there is a bit of tension between the two goals.
This is the way if you want a fully FOSS device. I'm not aware of anything "turnkey" on the market atm.
If like add another question - how about in a RPi too? I believe there is a LineageOS android TV out there. For anything have any experience with it?
Jellyfin seems to be what you are looking for.
i suggest a raspberry pi or similar single-board computer with either LibreELEC (good for local/NAS files or jellyfin) or a build of androidTV installed
If you can find a cheap used micro-form-factor pc with hdmi output (eg thinkcentre m93p), that's a great sustainable way to go. Stick debian on it, get a cheap tiny bluetooth keyboard/trackpad, stream via web browser. Bonus if it's got a dvd player, for the ultimate utilitarian foss htpc.
LibreELEC or something running Kodi is FOSS. (and works quite well) You can look at their website for hardware recommendations.
Just commenting as I've been looking as well at getting a box to run plex client since my TV can't handle subtitles, and my plex server doesn't allow burning of subtitles. Interested to see if there's some good options.
That was one of my gripes with Plex as I watch a lot of international content. Or just can't hear over the sound of my kids 🤣
Moved to jellyfin backend, with Kodi frontends + official jellyfin addon, all via network shares.
So the Kodi frontends(TVs) directly read the files over NFS/SMB and I don't have to worry about encoding or have to worry about subtitles. Honestly it's the best player I've found (imho of course)
And any other device gets the encoded stream from jellyfin (mobiles/non local devices).
The old version of the ONN 4k streaming box has lineage support :D
Apart from binary blobs this should be as foss as it gets.
Any Android box. Install NewPipe and VLC and other such stuff. I hear Xiaomi are popular, although at this point I don't know if there's any brand I would trust. So I'd prefer to make my own with a Rasp Pi or something. Same idea.