Media Center

[austin.payne]

I am building a media center pc for a church I go to. I plan on using Linux lite because of price, usability, stability, and security. The idea I have is to install vlc, and google chrome on top of Linux Lite, and use HDMI to connect it to a tv. Then us a wireless mouse and keyboard so that it can be controlled from some distance away. I will be using vlc to play disks or any other files on the local computer, and google chrome to stream off of youtube, netflix, etc. Would this set up work? If not, what other software should I use?

[shaggytwodope]

It would most certainly work. What comes to mind tho is using a mouse at great distance. If the keyboard works for you tho, and you're good on the shortcuts you'll be more then fine. There are options to use some media center type stuff, but this complicates a simple process of playing videos in vlc. I would suggest making playlists and such to make playing stuff back easier. As far as using chrome at a distance I've no idea lol.

But glad to see you chose LinuxLite for this, if you run into troubles don't be shy asking for aid.

[UltraCookie]

Should work. Only the disk playing could cause problems. VLC on Linux can't play copy protected DVDs. If I remember correctly you need  'libdvdcss' to play those.

install libdvdread4:

Code:

sudo apt-get install libdvdread4

and run this command to install libdvdcss:

Code:

sudo sh /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh

[Valtam]

Should work. Only the disk playing could cause problems. VLC on Linux can't play copy protected DVDs. If I remember correctly you need  'libdvdcss' to play those.

install libdvdread4:

Code:

sudo apt-get install libdvdread4

and run this command to install libdvdcss:

Code:

sudo sh /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh

Already done on LL

[UltraCookie]

Already done on LL

Oh I did not know that ^.^

[austin.payne]

This actually helps me a lot. I use a fedora laptop, and I have had problems playing dvds in vlc. So that must be the problem.

[torreydale]

@Austin,

I did IT support for a church.  If you're using YouTube as playback for certain ministries, to avoid ads (some could be awkward to have run in front of a church audience), and potential buffering issues with live streaming, I would recommend downloading what you need to playback in advance.  There's a plugin/add-on/extension for Chrome and Firefox called "Video DownloadHelper" which could help out in that regard.

[austin.payne]

The problem is I will not be the one operating it. So I need to make it idiot proof, which is why I chose linux lite over fedora. I think I will install adblock though in order to stop some of those ads.

[torreydale]

I understand.  I just hate to see someone plan a message with a video in mind, and go to the video link during their presentation, only to find out the video has been removed.  On the other hand, if the video hasn't been removed, that doesn't make the presenter immune to networking issues.  In addition to that, the suggested YouTube videos at the end of the video or to the right of the video, again, might distract from the message of the actual video you want to show.  I've seen it happen, and it's better all around to have it downloaded upfront. 

It might be worth a short Video DownloadHelper tutorial to the individual(s) running this.  If they can handle Linux Lite as a new user, some acclimation to a downloading tool wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

[austin.payne]

I might just think about making that a suggestion even before I do the build. Since we use youtube for a lot of stuff anyway.