Choosing the right Linux distro for your Smart TV can greatly enhance media playback, user interface, and overall performance. This guide will help you find the ideal distro to transform your TV experience.
Comprehensive codec support ensures smooth playback of various video and audio formats, crucial for an optimal viewing experience.
Efficient use of resources allows the distro to run smoothly on TV hardware, providing seamless navigation and playback.
User-friendly installation processes make it easy to set up the distro on your Smart TV, saving time and effort.
Robust network support ensures stable streaming and connectivity, essential for accessing online content and services.
Our top picks for smart tv, ranked by overall experience.
Best for Kodi
LibreELEC is a lightweight, open-source Linux distribution focused on running the Kodi media center. It's optimized for performance and simplicity, making it ideal for Smart TVs.
User-Friendly Media Center
OSMC is a free and open-source media center built on Linux, offering an intuitive interface and a wide range of features, perfect for Smart TV setups.
Minimalist Media Center
OpenELEC is a streamlined distro designed to run Kodi with minimal setup. It emphasizes quick boot times and a hassle-free experience.
Versatile Media Center
GeeXboX is a free Linux distribution providing a full-featured media center solution, capable of handling a wide range of multimedia formats and devices.
Best for Streaming
Plex Media Server allows you to organize your media and stream it to any device, including Smart TVs, providing a seamless streaming experience.
DVR and Media Center
Mythbuntu is an Ubuntu-based distro tailored for creating digital video recorders and media centers, offering a robust feature set for Smart TVs.
Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.
Not all Linux distros are optimized for Smart TVs. Specialized distros like LibreELEC and OSMC are tailored for media playback and better suit the hardware and interface of a Smart TV.
Installation typically involves creating a bootable USB drive with the Linux distro and connecting it to the Smart TV. Follow the distro's specific installation instructions for best results.
Yes, performance varies based on how optimized the distro is for media playback and resource management. Distros like LibreELEC are known for their performance efficiency.
Most of these distros support 4K video playback, provided your Smart TV hardware is capable. Check the specific distro and hardware support for 4K capabilities.
Running apps like Netflix may require additional setup or plugins, as these distros primarily focus on local media playback. Consider compatibility and available apps before choosing a distro.
Plex Media Server is often recommended for streaming, offering robust media management and cross-device compatibility, making it ideal for Smart TVs.
Compare any two distros side-by-side.
