YouTube only media player PC

[Timothy Bucktu]

I have a Windows 10 mini PC under the TV that I just use for Youtube. I only use the mouse for clicking videos that I want to watch, and occasionally use the on-screen keyboard if I want to type something. Works great - perfectly happy with the setup.
But it needs a rebuild, and I'm wondering if there's a lightweight Linux OS with only FireFox needed that I could use instead? Like a dedicated YouTube player OS if you see what I mean?

Any recommendations?

[vladcjelli]

Would chromeOS do the job?

https://chromeenterprise.google/os/chromeosflex/?s...

[CorradoTDI]

Would a Roku 4k stick be a better solution - just using the app?

[Timothy Bucktu]

vladcjelli said:

Would chromeOS do the job?

https://chromeenterprise.google/os/chromeosflex/?s...

Interesting...I'll give that a go tomorrow!

CorradoTDI said:

Would a Roku 4k stick be a better solution - just using the app?

Maybe, but I just prefer a browser based player and using a mouse...it's just what I'm used to and prefer.

[ARHarh]

If your mini pc happily runs win 10 it will run just about any Linux distro. just pick one you like the look of. They all tend to come with Firefox.

If you are new to Linux try Linux mint you will then have the least issues dealing with the CLI.

[wyson]

CorradoTDI said:

Would a Roku 4k stick be a better solution - just using the app?

No, thats difficult for the pr0n.

OP must have a specific use case for not getting a streaming stick if its just youtube he’s after, because that is supported by pretty much all of them.

I use the Roku 4k stick and the Roku phone app if I want to type, usually for passwords. 99% of the time the remote and voice dictation are fine for normal searches on the Youtube app.

[Somebody]

Amazon Firestick? A linux IPTV box and install a "tube" app which cuts out the ads?

[Shaoxter]

wyson said:

CorradoTDI said:

Would a Roku 4k stick be a better solution - just using the app?

No, thats difficult for the pr0n.

OP must have a specific use case for not getting a streaming stick if its just youtube he’s after, because that is supported by pretty much all of them.

I use the Roku 4k stick and the Roku phone app if I want to type, usually for passwords. 99% of the time the remote and voice dictation are fine for normal searches on the Youtube app.

TBF it could also be because of using the browser's adblocker to block the YT ads.
But if that's the case then YT Premium can be had for £2 a month + one off VPN cost.

I don't remember the last time I typed to search for something unless it was some DIY guide which I would be watching on my phone anyway. I just let the algo do its job

[wyson]

Where / how can you get it for £2 a month?

[Shaoxter]

wyson said:

Where / how can you get it for £2 a month?

Thread here
My Youtube account is residing in Ukraine currently

[C69]

Timothy Bucktu said:

I'm wondering if there's a lightweight Linux OS with only FireFox needed that I could use instead? Like a dedicated YouTube player OS if you see what I mean?

How much RAM does the mini PC have? It might be the case that you don't need an especially lightweight Linux distro.

Also, there are dedicated YouTube apps available for Linux that are reckoned to use less system resources than running it via a web browser. They can also incorporate ad blockers.