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Turning PC into a media player?

Turning PC into a media player?

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DavidGamezTV
Member
56
02-02-2026, 06:44 AM
#1
I've bought a new computer and I'm considering converting my old one into a home theater. Is there any operating system available that could add a media player with a menu interface?
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DavidGamezTV
02-02-2026, 06:44 AM #1

I've bought a new computer and I'm considering converting my old one into a home theater. Is there any operating system available that could add a media player with a menu interface?

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irvinIRS
Member
64
02-09-2026, 01:40 AM
#2
Kodi could be an alternative choice. Depending on your requirements, you might prefer SteamOS—especially if you're interested in game streaming. With some Linux knowledge, you can also run Kodi as a standalone application alongside it.
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irvinIRS
02-09-2026, 01:40 AM #2

Kodi could be an alternative choice. Depending on your requirements, you might prefer SteamOS—especially if you're interested in game streaming. With some Linux knowledge, you can also run Kodi as a standalone application alongside it.

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dhu666
Member
147
02-18-2026, 03:16 AM
#3
I was planning to mention this. Strongly suggest trying Kodi. It works on both Linux and Windows systems.
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dhu666
02-18-2026, 03:16 AM #3

I was planning to mention this. Strongly suggest trying Kodi. It works on both Linux and Windows systems.

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nightfall8000
Member
141
02-19-2026, 02:59 AM
#4
Can you also surf the web with kodi?
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nightfall8000
02-19-2026, 02:59 AM #4

Can you also surf the web with kodi?

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DecimalBox
Member
126
02-21-2026, 02:53 PM
#5
It appears Kodi might be challenging for him. A brief search suggests limited choices—either desktop browsers or text-only interfaces. Not great for using the media PC with a TV. SteamOS seems like a better fit. It should function (provided your PC specs are decent), and it includes a browser. Once installed, you can activate Big Picture Mode to see how it operates.
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DecimalBox
02-21-2026, 02:53 PM #5

It appears Kodi might be challenging for him. A brief search suggests limited choices—either desktop browsers or text-only interfaces. Not great for using the media PC with a TV. SteamOS seems like a better fit. It should function (provided your PC specs are decent), and it includes a browser. Once installed, you can activate Big Picture Mode to see how it operates.

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DerpyMudkip
Member
132
02-24-2026, 02:46 AM
#6
I'm sure no one will support the idea, but in principle you can just keep windows and use the Media Center (I think you can make windows go into media center at boot, but don't quote me on that). Then you can return to normal desktop for browsing and whatever is not home theater related.
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DerpyMudkip
02-24-2026, 02:46 AM #6

I'm sure no one will support the idea, but in principle you can just keep windows and use the Media Center (I think you can make windows go into media center at boot, but don't quote me on that). Then you can return to normal desktop for browsing and whatever is not home theater related.

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irock13198
Junior Member
47
02-26-2026, 02:42 PM
#7
That's great, since initially I assumed it would launch Kodi. I also plan to treat it like a regular PC.
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irock13198
02-26-2026, 02:42 PM #7

That's great, since initially I assumed it would launch Kodi. I also plan to treat it like a regular PC.