this post was submitted on 04 Apr 2024
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Is there some open-source replacement for Roku? All I really use it for is a portal to my streaming services that’s easy to navigate with a remote. I’ve noticed my Roku become increasingly more overrun with ads ever since I started using it 4-5 years ago to my dismay, and it’s obviously not stopping any time soon. I’m vaguely aware of Plex but I have no clue where to start with setting it up or if it would even meet my needs
These days a lot of utilities have 3 components - hardware, software and backend hosting e.g. Ring door bell - you need all three to be able to DIY it. So DIY options are so complex that only highly motivated technical folks can do it. There need to be open source glue (OSG?) to make it simple, only then we can hope to reduce enshittification.
I can put together a diy ring with shit I have on my desk in about five minutes. It won't be pretty, but a printed case would solve that. Cost would be ~10$+battery and microsd card.
And while I'm more capable than average here, I'm not much more capable than average.
I am not sure how you are thinking of building it. I am thinking you would need a server hosted somewhere that can send a doorbell or video to your phone? It needs security, server to phone push ... it gets complicated.
Doorbell send video to server on my desktop. Or wherever, I'll trade server space with a friend or something.
Id probably use an esp32 board so: The software to view it live is already written. The software to automatically send it is, I think, already written; just need to configure desktop. The motion trigger is already written.
Why would you need any software, server or phone for a simple door bell?
Ring and a bunch of these devices are convenience machines. The doorbell itself at minimum has a microcontroller, camera and mic with WiFi access, the server controls the doorbell, stores footage and makes live feeds available over the Internet for when you are away from home, a phone app lets you see who is at the door and let them in even when you're not home.
For anyone interested, a self-hosted home assistant will get you 80% of the way there, depending on how paranoid you are you can also set up POE cams and frigate.
Or just have a pot someone can bang really loud that works too.
Thank you. So it's not just a doorbell, rather a remote controlled surveillance and communication system. That is a bit more complicated than a bell at the door.