Ubuntu HTPC UI

[Mohandevir]

Is there a way to install an htpc UI on top of Ubuntu to make it run Steam and Kodi?

What I have in mind is something similar to what is doing Lakka Linux. My PC is hooked up to my HDTV and I use a TV-like usb remote control to scroll through my apps.

I tried the steam plugin inside Kodi but Unity still has to run in the background and it's not what I'm looking for. Not mentionning the tearing issues that I get with this setup. When I try the Kodi DE directly (not loading unity), I have keyboards and Steam Controllers input problems.

I don't want to start Steam BPM automatically because I have to log into my account and since it's a family pc and my wife has basic skills with computers... :)

I really need a hub (a better Alienware Alpha Hivemind of sort) that will let me launch Kodi or Steam. Traditional DE with a TV remote control are... inadequate?

Is there a "Lakka UI" DE package or something similar that I don't know of?

http://www.lakka.tv/

Thank you.

[Mohandevir]

In fact, Ubuntu TV might have been fine but is it still developped? Feels like it's been droped a long time ago (2012-2013).

[ripper81]

I use Kubuntu on my htpc. I had to tweak the Plasma Desktop to work well with my tv. After i replaced the normal applauncer with the fullscreen launcher option it is pretty solid for my needs.

[x_wing]

Long time ago I tested MythTV and worked fine on Ubuntu (anyway, it was more than 6 years ago :S). Take a look to the project, maybe it's what you're looking for.

[Mohandevir]

Originally posted by ripper81:

I use Kubuntu on my htpc. I had to tweak the Plasma Desktop to work well with my tv. After i replaced the normal applauncer with the fullscreen launcher option it is pretty solid for my needs.

By the screenshots, probably what I'm looking for. Going to give it a shot. I need something that can be browsed with the arrow keys and run with enter.

Thank you both for your answers.

[retro_Ed]

If you have a Steam Controller you should make better desktop settings for SC and use your pc with desktop mode. Little dpi tuning and browser scaling and you good to go.
(+ ....Onboard keyboard)

SC needs Steam to work so make "dummy" account for all users and and autostart Steam in silent mode.

[Spanky]

Another option would be to make a stream from pc to tv. it would set the ui more correctly and allow for controls from pc to work better. You'll have the access and control from your pc, but will need a new streaming device and or home network that would not cost anymore than regular use. Maybe check out the desktop pc called HP Pavilion Wave Desktop 600 a010t cto. Perfect for streaming. It might even allow for dual monitors.

[Sherman]

lol

[Zyro]

Aren't there distributions for that?
EasyVDR includes Kodi as well as Steam, but it's VDR centric (which is why I'm running it :) ).
I'm not sure it's available in English, though.

[Cybertao]

I set up an HTPC running Kodi in a base install without a graphics environment, just X and a systemd script to start the X server/Kodi at boot. It runs great considering I'm using an old HP desktop with an Athlon 3800+ (single core, 2.4GHz) and handles 1080p. I use Fedora, but you could use Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, whatever. Most distributions have a minimal install option.
I experimented doing the same with Steam for streaming (basically making a Steamlink - games and big picture mode aren't going to run on the built in chipset). It was mostly successful, controller support was patchy which I got frustrated trying to sort.
At the time I had Steam load after exiting from Kodi, something I otherwise don't have a reason to do on a box dedicated to Kodi.

[Mohandevir]

Thank you all. In fact KDE with the application dashboard plugin is doing an awesome job. Just needed to re-assign the home button of my remote control to activate the menu and I'm done. I have to say that KDE looks great too.