(I cross posted this on Plex too)

I’m looking to create an easy solution that is child/wife friendly. I’m hoping to get a set up going without internet. I however would like it to run like a Chromecast with plex.

I was thinking of a

Dell Optiplex 3020M Mini PC USFF, running windows 10

An external hard drive with content.

From here is where I have gaps. Could I set up a plex server offline on the device, with plex media player and use an Flirc remote with pre-programmed buttons?

Essentially, I’m trying to create the experience of watching Netflix on a Chromecast but with plex and a pc remote control of some sort (with pre-programmed buttons that load up content so kid and wife only have to press one or two buttons to get to their shows)

Thanks!

  • Platform27@lemmy.ml
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    11 months ago

    You might have better luck with Jellyfin, than Plex. Plex uses online authentication tools, which is used for not just user, but server management. In contrast, Jellyfin can be ran completely locally.

    Now one thing to note is that neither solution will properly detect your media files properly. You’d need to manually input file details. Usually these servers would do a quick online search, to detect that your movie is what it is. You could import this data, but you’d need an internet connection to acquire it. If you do not mind all that busy work, then you should be fine.

    Now the remote… honestly, no idea. I’m pretty sure Android TV has a button remapper app, which might help… Do modern Chromecasts use Android TV? I haven’t used them since their second generation. Best do some research yourself, or wait for another reply.

    • RBG@discuss.tchncs.de
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      11 months ago

      Seconded, Jellyfin runs completely offline which I know from the practical test when my internet provider had lots of issues for a few days. Could not access anything online but locally Jellyfin was fine.

    • LoganNineFingers@lemmy.caOP
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      11 months ago

      It would only be one device. I essentially want an all in one solution. Computer+content drive would be the equipment, use remote to watch tv.

      I would take the drive home with me and update it periodically with other shows.

  • CCMan1701A@startrek.website
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    11 months ago

    To simplify my setup using Google TV, I installed a custom launcher and set that as the default one. This removed the horrible home screen and now I just see Jellyfin when the TV turns on. From there, it’s a Netflix like experience. Also, the TV remote is able to control the volume of the AVR, so it’s a single remote experience. I tried the button remapping route, but abandoned that. The custom launcher is the way to go.

    A long time ago I used to use a PC with a remote and Kodi and it was nice, but you’ll still need two remotes to get it all working.

  • Sailing7@lemmy.ml
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    11 months ago

    Never thought about the idea of an remote for a pc. Nice idea! Definitly more free than the usual options like shield, fire tv and so on.

    I guess the way you suggested would be really nice :D

  • Krafting@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Jellyfin on a debian box (more resiliant en no forced updates bs)

    Then maybe setup the Arr suite, so they can request any movie on Jellyseerr and it will get downloaded automagically and added to the Jellyfin library

    And they just interract with the Jellyfin chromecast player

  • eluvatar@programming.dev
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    11 months ago

    I use a Chromecast with Google TV, but any Google TV device would work. Run Plex on my computer and it just works.

  • Possibly linux@lemmy.zip
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    11 months ago

    Are you in the US? If you are you could pickup a onn TV box. It requires a google account but you can install the Jellyfin app.