this post was submitted on 04 Apr 2024
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Is there some open-source replacement for Roku? All I really use it for is a portal to my streaming services that’s easy to navigate with a remote. I’ve noticed my Roku become increasingly more overrun with ads ever since I started using it 4-5 years ago to my dismay, and it’s obviously not stopping any time soon. I’m vaguely aware of Plex but I have no clue where to start with setting it up or if it would even meet my needs
These days a lot of utilities have 3 components - hardware, software and backend hosting e.g. Ring door bell - you need all three to be able to DIY it. So DIY options are so complex that only highly motivated technical folks can do it. There need to be open source glue (OSG?) to make it simple, only then we can hope to reduce enshittification.
I can put together a diy ring with shit I have on my desk in about five minutes. It won't be pretty, but a printed case would solve that. Cost would be ~10$+battery and microsd card.
And while I'm more capable than average here, I'm not much more capable than average.
I am not sure how you are thinking of building it. I am thinking you would need a server hosted somewhere that can send a doorbell or video to your phone? It needs security, server to phone push ... it gets complicated.
Why would you need any software, server or phone for a simple door bell?
Ring and a bunch of these devices are convenience machines. The doorbell itself at minimum has a microcontroller, camera and mic with WiFi access, the server controls the doorbell, stores footage and makes live feeds available over the Internet for when you are away from home, a phone app lets you see who is at the door and let them in even when you're not home.
For anyone interested, a self-hosted home assistant will get you 80% of the way there, depending on how paranoid you are you can also set up POE cams and frigate.
Or just have a pot someone can bang really loud that works too.
Thank you. So it's not just a doorbell, rather a remote controlled surveillance and communication system. That is a bit more complicated than a bell at the door.
Doorbell send video to server on my desktop. Or wherever, I'll trade server space with a friend or something.
Id probably use an esp32 board so: The software to view it live is already written. The software to automatically send it is, I think, already written; just need to configure desktop. The motion trigger is already written.
Whilst the 5 minutes are total bullshit (having been a software dev for decades I was torn between laughing and crying at a variant of the good old "this should take 5 minutes") the point is entirelly valid:
That said, it's definitelly not "5 minutes" and the combination of skills needed to do the various parts (microcontroller programming, server programming, electronics, 3D printing) is not at all common, hence why Amazon is selling their Ring doorbells which were designed by an actual team of people rather than solo individuals.
I mean, the code is written, most of that 5 minutes is soldering.
You can use a USB cable, I wanted to replicate ring functionality (aside from snitching), so i chose battery (also on my desk), but I already have the tools to draw from mains. Special module is cheaper, I guess. Plus I'm not using it to charge my phone right now.
And yeah I'd probably fuck up the configuration first try, so I concede on five minutes. But also, if your door is covered (mine is) you don't even need waterproof.
My criticism of the "5 minutes" comes from decades of professional experience.
That said, I totally agree with you that it's definitelly doable for a capable hobbyist and I would even say it fits the definition of a "fun project".
Yeah. I still say the hardware and the upload (of the program) I could handle in about 3 if I planned it right.
Less if I soldered during upload and didn't break anything, but that feels like a really stupid idea.
But I would absolutely fuck it up server-side at least once.
Not open source, but I use the Google TV chromecast in "apps only" mode.
Its very minimal but you still get a single picture of whatever show is being promoted that week. No other intrusive adds have been added {yet}.
Even better, install "Projectivity launcher" on your Chromecast.
I have it configured to only show the buttons for the 4 apps I use. Not a single advertisement on the main screen, and all is clean and fast.
Raspberry Pi and Kodi?
You can even install Kodi on a chinese Android TV box that you can get for $20 from AliExpress. (Just download the APK for the latest Kodi from their site as the Google Play version is pretty old).
You do need to sail the high seas to put together a collection or get some kind of piraty Add-On with On-Demand functionality and getting a VPN is recommended for both.
I think you can install all the normal streaming apps on Kodi as well. It definitely takes more know-how than using something like a Roku or smart TV, but FOSS be like that sometimes.
Start with a VPN, then sail the high seas.
That’s not really what I asked- I already have the streaming services through which to watch content, I just want a better “shell” from which to access them that isn’t Roku
All my experience with Plex and the like is nautical, and relies on local stuff, so I'm afraid I can't help with what's best for streaming. Apologies for misunderstanding.