As I was doing further testing, realized this OS is probably not ready for the masses. Testing is looking good, and very promising. However, I was doing my initial testing over cat5, a keyboard, and mouse. No adapters or awkward components were tested yet. Video played fine through a few streaming services (add ons) while checking things out.
And that’s what stage this OS is in. Testing.
Looks promising and hopefully some snags will be fixed soon. Again, to the developers, thank you for your dedication. You guys are awesome!
As previously noted/anticipated, switched to a “dumb” computer monitor for the majority of my TV viewing time. The challenge was local news, and without a tuner card, seemed nearly impossible. XBMC (now kodi) offers several add-on’s, one named “Local Now” (you may be familiar with it).
Local Now, offers local newscasts from ocean to ocean in the US, plus more. And it’s great that it runs on xbmc/kodi, because it removes the need to set up a networked antenna, utilizing a networked tuner card. Or to be logged into an account.
Great commercial/advertising skipping, at times, also.
So what are we dealing with here (from an old backup, custom built computer)?
A few (personal) requirements, as previously mentioned, on my media centers/devices. 1) As thin of a (base) system as possible. 2) Primary and ONLY function as a media frontend. 3) Hard wired (wireless is always an option with adapter). 4) Absolutely no signups OR sign ins required.
The SBC presented some major challenges. A media frontend was possible, but with lots of bloat…lots of load time, and very heavy OS (for this purpose). The only option was to load the (media center) software on top of one of two quite heavy (full) operating systems (tying accounts to other accounts, and doing too much unnecessary “external” networking).
Remember those two PCs I mentioned earlier? Both seeing little use? Well, I decided the best option was to go with a trusty x86_generic image, and throw it on my old custom build. And although it’s a behemoth in physical size, it’ running a very light system and is extremely fast/efficient. The moment xbmc (frontend) was transferred from game console to PC was awesome! Who would have thought the tech would be around and be relevant, still useful?
So if you have an old PC, laptop, or netbook with an HDMI out on it. It may be a better option than spending money on a smaller form factor SBC. They are getting very pricey, and support is beginning to become very limited.
Remote control worked at boot, and I was watching euronews in no time! (Along with other shows/movies I missed)
So, it’s been a very long time since I’ve used protection. There are a ton viruses going around, and there are many known methods used through manipulative tactics, to entrap individuals. Not to mention, the growing popularity of the “backdoor”. It’s been a REAL long time since I’ve had any legitimate reason to be concerned about viruses.
However, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So I recently started using another vpn, thinking about migrating back over to Linux for the majority of my computer activities. The thoughts about security/protection also came to mind pertaining to streaming services and smart devices. Would it possibly be safer, in the future, to buy monitors (not smart TV) + SBC (w/ kodi) for entertainment needs? Audio may be an issue that needs attention.
….anyways, in a few minutes it’s Friday (they call it lent), and tonight made homemade Crab Rangoon. Will reheat tomorrow. (Recipe may be on its way, once I tweak it a bit)
At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.
Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.
