MythTV, Kodi, Plex, OSMC, and DVBLink tested
Computer technology and consumer electronics are growing closer and closer, so it is no surprise that, in addition to the traditional multimedia computer programs, software suites now convert computers into home theater centers when combined with an HDMI-compatible TV or projector and a powerful sound system.
Media lovers can do more than just look at pictures and watch movies, they can listen to music, stream content from the web, and scroll through various TV offerings. The recording and editing functions leave little to be desired, but conventional DVD players, digital video recorders, and hi-fi systems might run into difficulties.
The large selection of home theater software for Linux begs the question: Which media center is suitable for me? To help make the choice easier, I compared five leading commercial, free media center solutions that cover almost every need: MythTV [1], Kodi [2], Plex Media Server [3], OSMC [4], and DVBLink [5] (Table 1).
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.