Knowledge Base

Previously, I have used Chromecast and the Play Store release of the Jellyfin android client. This arrangement depends on the Internet connectivity, and of course a previously-established Chromecast.

On a whim, I set up the GNU/Linux desktop client of Jellyfin on my htpc, and was very pleased with the performance of video playback. The web browser on that device seems to struggle with seamless playback from the Jellyfin web page. I initially thought this native client was just an Electron app, but it appears otherwise!

And, if I sign in to this desktop app with the same user account as on my mobile device, I can use the mobile device to connect to this client and control it! Menu navigation happens on the mobile device, and when I select play on a media selection, it runs it on the big tv. This type of remote control is really nice! Now I don't have to rely on Chromecast, or dig out my living room keyboard which could be anywhere (but the living room, apparently): I can just use a mobile device, not really with any screen casting tech, but then Chromecast wasn't either.

Jellyfin is a great piece of FLOSS tech. I know I had investigated kodi but Jellyfin fit my use case way better.