Yes I know about kodi but I have a few issues with that for one it has a pretty outdated ui but this is not a deal breaker for me but it also doesn’t allow the opening of other applications like Netflix or jellyfin etc, you have to install a compatible plugin.
Are there any gnu/Linux desktop environments that are optimised for a home theatre time situation to be used with a remote or game controller? At the moment I will probably just use gnome or kde but it doesn’t work well at all with remote or game controller.
Honestly, none that are all that great. I tried Kodi in various forms, LibreElec, OSMC, MythTV, Steam Big Picture, and KDE TV (or whatever its called), but you’re just never going to get a great experience with stuff like Netflix and YouTube on Linux.
In the end, I bought myself an Nvidia Shield, switched out the launcher for one without ads, installed Smart Tube Next for ad-free YouTube, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve got my apps for Nebula and Dropout. I’ve got Kodi and Jellyfin for my home library. It has barely any power consumption, it boots fast, it runs a huge variety of emulators, the included remote works great (plus there’s a remote app for your phone that controls the entire system), and the wife acceptance factor is exceptional.
I’m really big on self-hosting and building all my own stuff; I use lots of repurposed hardware salvaged from companies I and my friends work at and I try to avoid off the shelf products. But I’m genuinely kicking myself for not buying a Shield sooner. It really is the best TV solution for a self hoster.
I have one as well (own launcher aa well) but the perennial “when in heck will they update it” becomes an issue. It is getting old now. I use Kodi and YT Next mostly but supplemnt that with some local Australia FTA TV apps (ABC and SBS). I mean where else can we get such awesome TV as “Black As”