Latest news on smart home automation, home server, Ubuntu/Linux, home theater, and operating system updates, releases, and upgrades.
Few months back, we launched smarthomebeginner.com as a separate resource site for beginners and enthusiasts new to home automation topics and news. However, over the last few weeks I realized that htpcbeginner.com and smarthomebeginner.com are more similar than not. Therefore, after much thought, it makes logical sense to bring htpcBeginner … read more
Here at htpcBeginner, we’re huge Plex fans. Ever since discovering Plex, my journey into cord cutting began. Though it’s best known as a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix or Spotify, Plex far surpasses mere media server software. Rather, it’s an entire home theatre PC (HTPC) experiance. Enhancements include DVR and live TV … read more
The Raspberry Pi is an very cheap piece of hardware. A Raspberry Pi is often used as a media server and player, and can even play retro video games. However, the lack of an on-board microphone and few connections limit the Pi. Despite these challenges, the Raspberry Pi is now … read more
Open-source software is loved by hobbyists and hackers everywhere. One of the most most popular is Kodi. Although Kodi is one of the most widely used home theatre PC (HTPC) applications, many aren’t happy with the installation options. In spite of how great Kodi is, the lack of a 64-bit … read more
Some might fondly remember their first home theatre PC (HTPC) application as Xbox Media Center, or XBMC. Truly, this was the first HTPC application for the masses. XBMC was available on the original Xbox. The developers opted to port it to several other devices. This was because of the incredible … read more
Plex ranks as one of our favorite media server software options here at htpcBeginner. It’s intuitive to set up while boasting a bevy of features for home theatre buffs. Now, Plex furthers its foray into the media center space with its Winamp-esque music player. With Plexamp released, there’s a Plex … read more
With its forthcoming Disney streaming service, as well as ESPN-branded sports streaming offering, Disney continues to dominate. Now, the hugely popular company further changes the entertainment industry. In a massive deal worth over $52 billion in stock, a Disney Fox merger lets Disney buy 21st Century Fox. [Read: 5 Best … read more
The Nvidia Shield TV is an excellent device. It’s arguably the top Plex client device and Kodi box available. It’s a capable game streaming gadget, and retro gaming arcade. Plus, with its smart home components, the Shield TV may act as a smart home hub. Until recently, the Shield TV … read more
Amazon’s Fire TV devices rank among the best available streaming units. However, until recently, it was limited to the United States. But a Nov. 2017 announcement revealed the Fire TV Basic Edition. This forthcoming Fire TV device benefits from a worldwide release. But there it’s different from the U.S. Fire … read more