Linux for HTPC

[pasisti]

Hi all,

 

I'm considering getting a new HTPC in the autumn. I would so love to take on Linux (Ubuntu, most likely), both for the experience and to save the Win 10 license fees.

 

Right now, the ONLY thing keeping me from that is Netflix 4k and surround sound issues. Are there some other limitations I should be considering here? I have a dedicated gaming PC, so the only uses for this HTPC would be:

 

- Netflix (and sometimes other streaming services)

- Spotify

- Playing video files directly from my NAS via file explorer (so no Plex etc)

 

The video and sound go straight to my AV receiver, which takes them to a 4k TV and the speakers (5.1, maybe 7.1 in the future). The issue with Netflix is that 4k video and surround sound are only available in the Win 10 app, so the browser interface will limit me to 1080p and stereo sound, which would be a bummer. The video files on my NAS include surround sound streams (DTS/Atmos/etc), which I would like to enjoy in the future as well. Are there any compatibility issues there?

 

Any thoughts?

[Sauron]

4 hours ago, pasisti said:

The video files on my NAS include surround sound streams (DTS/Atmos/etc), which I would like to enjoy in the future as well. Are there any compatibility issues there?

No, those work just fine. I would recommend a raspberry pi 4 running kodi, it's fast enough to play 4k media.