Looking for the simplest means of playing videos from a USB storage device on a non-smart TV

Having already configured a VLC-powered Google TV configuration with USB hard drives for a relative without the router or download speed needed for reliable streaming, I'm now trying to configure a similar setup for another relative with a non-smart TV and an even slower download speed.

The only requirements for such a device would be the ability to be controlled entirely with a remote, a USB-A or USB-C port compatible with USB hubs and media storage devices, and the reliable playback of videos of assorted codecs and file extensions. As Roku, FireTV, and Android/Google TV streaming sticks tend to be plastered with ads as a means of promoting content within their ecosystems, an alternative HDMI device that minimizes the number of button presses between turning on the TV and and reaching the navigation menu for videos on attached USB storage devices would be preferred.

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Raspberry Pi and Steam Link if you have an ok computer to stream from
- +1 on that.
  But...by the time you put together the bill of quantities for the Pi, Case, Power brick, Active cooling, remote.... The 1080p Firestick becomes cheaper. The Firesticks advert filled UI can be wrangled using a custom launcher.
  
  Yeah, true. I got my 4 a couple of weeks ago and all the bits and pieces came to about $100 from Amazon with some sales.
  
  Definitely true; while it would have been more fun setting up something like a Pi4 with Plasma Bigscreen to avoid content ecosystems, it seems that choosing between a Google TV or Fire TV stick or a USB-supporting BluRay player will be a more economical option. Haven't delved much into custom launchers before, but it seems that might be a good solution for the sort of minimalistic UI I'm looking for.
  
  I did go with a Pi option for the main TV, for the secondary one picked a discounted Firestick + wolflauncher using this tutorial https://troypoint.com/wolf-launcher/
  The Pi does a lot more 💪 besides media playback for the TV while it's on , but the Firestick was $19.99 at some sale 🤷
- If you are gonna stream anyway I recommend a Plex/Jellyfin server.
  Steam link or VLC is probably gonna be annoying to use and poor quality wise.
  If OP actually wants a very simple way of playing a film from an actual USB drive, I would use a PI with VLC.
  
  Eh. I can stream 4k 60fps games through Steamlink and have used it for movies too. It works perfectly.
  Plus, you get a computer out of it too and can game.

50 comments