My main concern is replacing the remote, because bluetooth on linux is quite awful.
Im guessing run kodi is the other solution? I want the SO to be able to use it as easily as the smart tv, which is of course riddled with ads and downloading random shit on my network that I hate (20 gigs to Disney + in a month. I dont have any subs. Wtf is it downloading? I blocked it now ofc)
For reference, trying to axe the smart tv and use my atari vcs with mint on it to fulfill those needs. It should have the power and I want to keep the sleek look and not have an actual pc in the room.
Kore on a cheap Android tablet is more HTPC-like than a controller, though.
true, but the handheld trackball would be better on battery life, only needing new batteries maybe once every 40 hours or so. in practical terms, that means likely a half year or so of daily usage for a media PC.