Stuck on building Linux HTPC for Plex

Plex Players Desktop Players
1

Hi !
Trying to create HTPC by using old PC junk parts
Got relatively old mb (integrated graphics, IGFX) + GTX1060Ti , Plex server in local LAN and some spare time in holidays

Goal is to build machine, that:

  • Will start plex-htpc after boot at full screen
  • Use TV remote (optional, but would be nice)
  • Use linux

So far, progress is :

  • PC is built.
  • When installing Ubuntu 24 desktop, could not get plex-htpc to run in full screen mode. No matter what I did, it started in a window. The lack of documentation is surprising. The lack of settings in app is confusing. Stuck
  • When installing Ubuntu 24 server, after adding plex-htpc snap, Nvidia drivers and accompanying packages (xauth xorg xinit xserver-xorg-core xserver-xorg xserver-common alsa-utils) cannot force plex-htpc to use nvidia GPU, it truying to use my no-grephics terminial @ IGFX (?) “/usr/bin/xinit: unable to connect to X server: Connection refused”

Question: Is it possible to start

  • fullscreen mode after boot at Ubuntu desktop
  • or force to use NVIDIA GPU at Ubuntu-server
    and how to achieve this?
2

For your HTPC I would go w/ LibreElec (Linux) and the Plex plugin for Kodi. It will boot right in to plex if set properly and you can use CEC off your HDMI cable from your TV/Receiver for remote control.

3

Thanks for the advice!
Unfortunately, it seems like this is the only solution available

Honestly, reason for switching to Plex is ugliness of KODI and don’t want to see this monstrosity again

I ended up buying a $30 TV box and the problem is solved :smiley:
Old PC junk will wait for next project
Thanks!

4

You could use a minimal window manager. Back when Plex Media Player was a thing I used to run my Plex client on top of Arch Linux and Openbox. It worked perfectly. After automatic login, Plex Media Player was launched and I was able to control it via my Xbox IR remote (with a Flirc USB dongle)

This also works with Plex HTPC and Ubuntu server

5

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