Having spent considerable time using Google TV, I’ve come to realize that many smart TVs offer little more than a collection of streaming applications, irrelevant content suggestions, and a laggy interface. Although the hardware is often satisfactory, the software frequently feels sluggish and overly restrictive. Refusing to accept this limitation, I’ve discovered a selection of open-source applications that have transformed my smart TV experience into something truly beneficial. These applications empower me to manage my own media server, stream live TV on my own terms, and seamlessly share files, among other features. If any of this piques your interest, I recommend exploring these seven open-source applications.
1. What
Kodi stands out with its 10-foot interface, making it easy to navigate using a remote control. Rather than providing pre-loaded content, it allows you to organize and access your own media library, including videos, music, and photos. Furthermore, its impressive add-on system enables users to expand Kodi’s functionality significantly.
Compatible with nearly all major audio and video formats, Kodi can stream media from USB drives, SD cards, or network servers. Designed for network playback, it efficiently streams content, whether from local sources or the internet. Once you direct Kodi to your media folders, it automatically scans and organizes them, creating an appealing library with cover art, descriptions, and fan images.
The add-ons available for Kodi allow you to connect to various online services. You can install add-ons to enjoy YouTube, access podcasts, check weather updates, enable live TV with PVR features, or even transform your setup into a retro gaming arcade.
2. Jellyfin
In a similar vein to Kodi, Jellyfin serves as an open-source media server and client solution, but with enhanced features. This community-driven platform is designed as a free alternative to Plex and Emby, allowing users to set up a server on a PC, NAS, or even an Android device to store movies, TV shows, music, and photos. The Jellyfin Android TV application connects to this server to stream content, offering a polished interface reminiscent of premium streaming services.
With Jellyfin, you can easily browse and play content organized by movies, TV series, music libraries, and photos, all enhanced with cover artwork, descriptions, and available subtitles, mimicking the feel of a commercial streaming platform. If your Jellyfin server is set up with a TV tuner or compatible IPTV source, you can even watch live TV along with recorded shows directly through the app.
3. NextPVR
NextPVR is an ideal solution for those who wish to retain the traditional TV viewing experience while cutting the cord. This personal video recorder functions as a free and open alternative to conventional DVRs like TiVo.
Setting up a NextPVR server on a Windows, Linux, or macOS computer with TV tuner access (be it from an antenna, cable tuner, or compatible network tuner) enables your Android TV to stream live channels via its dedicated app. This app also facilitates viewing program guides and recording schedules.
NextPVR boasts an assortment of features typical of conventional TV systems, including an on-screen TV guide for current and upcoming programming. Its remote-friendly interface resembles traditional cable or satellite guides, ensuring ease of use for all family members. You can schedule one-time or recurring show recordings and enjoy them later on your TV at your convenience.
4. LocalSend
LocalSend is an innovative open-source application designed for efficient file transfers across your local network. Comparable to AirDrop or Nearby Share, it is cross-platform and focuses on privacy.
With LocalSend installed on your TV, you can wirelessly send or receive files from your phone, PC, or any other device with LocalSend. It’s particularly useful for transferring videos, APK files, photos, and documents directly to your TV.
The app ensures fast and secure transfers, utilizing HTTPS encryption. It is supported on a variety of platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling any connected device on the same Wi-Fi network to share files effortlessly with your TV.
5. DTVFree Web Browser
DTVFree is a web browser meticulously crafted for Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV. Its design accommodates remote control navigation and enhances the browsing experience compared to desktop-style browsers, which can be cumbersome on TV interfaces. With DTVFree, you can view websites, read articles, stream content, and conduct quick searches directly from your TV.
This browser features a user-friendly TV interface compatible with your remote’s D-pad. It includes a virtual cursor for precise navigation on websites that require clicking or scrolling. Additionally, it supports voice search through the built-in Android TV voice assistant, simplifying entry for lengthy search queries.
6. TVHeadend
TVHeadend is another powerful open-source TV streaming server and DVR solution that parallels NextPVR. This application runs on a dedicated machine (such as a Linux PC, NAS, or Raspberry Pi), accepting input from antenna tuners, satellite receivers, or IPTV streams to supply channels across your home network.
Your TV can access TVHeadend through compatible apps like Kodi, TiviMate, or Live Channels to watch live TV while enjoying full DVR capabilities. Essentially, it acts as a personal cable backend, delivering channels to any TV or device throughout your home.
Once set up, TVHeadend allows for browsing and streaming live channels, accessing an electronic program guide (EPG), and managing recordings similar to a commercial DVR. Timeshifting features enable pausing or rewinding live television, and recorded content is stored for playback on any connected TV interface.
One of the standout features of TVHeadend is its ability to consolidate multiple input sources. By merging antenna channels, satellite feeds, and IPTV streams into a single channel list, it presents a clean and organized view, complete with channel logos and guide data.
7. VLC
Chances are you’re already familiar with VLC as a media player on your PC or smartphone, but did you know it can also be installed on your TV? Renowned for its support of nearly every video and audio format, the Android TV version provides the same versatility.
VLC accommodates a broad array of formats and codecs, including MKV, MP4, AVI, and high-bitrate 4K videos. It also manages subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and even DVD or Blu-ray folders. The TV interface is clean and user-friendly, featuring distinct sections for video, audio, and storage browsing.
Moreover, VLC can access media from network shares via SMB or NFS, DLNA/UPnP servers, or direct streaming URLs. You can easily use an IPTV link or retrieve files from a NAS without needing additional applications. VLC also remembers where you left off in playback and offers controls for speed adjustment, background audio playback, and an equalizer, while providing many additional features for a comprehensive media playback experience.
Utilizing open-source applications not only grants you greater control over your data but also allows you to customize your media experience according to your preferences. If you’re interested in further enhancing your setup, consider self-hosting some of these applications. For those who find commercial TV interfaces cluttered with ads, Projectivy Launcher may offer a refreshing alternative.
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