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Windows Media Center Alternatives for Linux

Looking for Windows Media Center alternatives? We've curated 9 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need Linux options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Kodi

Kodi

Open Source

Kodi is a powerful, free, and open-source media player software designed to transform your device into a comprehensive home theater PC. It provides a stunning interface optimized for large screens, allowing you to manage and play virtually all popular types of digital media.

Key Features

  • Excellent media organization and library management.
  • Supports a vast range of media formats.
  • Highly customizable through skins and add-ons.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent media organization and library management. compared to Windows Media Center
Plex

Plex

Freemium

Plex is a comprehensive media server software that organizes your personal media libraries (movies, TV shows, music, photos) and streams them to virtually any device. It combines a powerful server backend with user-friendly client applications, making it easy to access your entertainment wherever you are, both online and offline.

Key Features

  • Centralized and organized media library with rich metadata.
  • Wide array of client applications for almost all devices.
  • Excellent remote streaming capabilities.

vs Windows Media Center

Centralized and organized media library with rich metadata. compared to Windows Media Center
Universal Media Server

Universal Media Server (UMS) is a free UPnP and DLNA media server that allows you to stream your media files to various devices on your network. It's a powerful tool for accessing your movies, music, and pictures on smart TVs, game consoles, and other DLNA-compatible devices without needing to copy files.

Key Features

  • Excellent device compatibility via DLNA/UPnP.
  • Powerful real-time media transcoding support.
  • Supports a vast array of media formats.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent device compatibility via DLNA/UPnP. compared to Windows Media Center
Emby

Emby

Freemium

Emby is a powerful, open-source media server that revolutionizes how you access and enjoy your personal media collection. It organizes your movies, TV shows, music, and photos into a visually stunning and easily navigable interface, streaming them seamlessly to practically any device, anywhere.

Key Features

  • Excellent media organization and metadata fetching.
  • Robust and efficient media transcoding.
  • Wide compatibility with various devices.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent media organization and metadata fetching. compared to Windows Media Center
MythTV

MythTV

Open Source

MythTV is a free and open-source digital video recorder (DVR) software designed to transform a Linux-based computer into a complete home media center. It allows users to watch, record, and play live television, manage their video library, listen to music, and more.

Key Features

  • Free and open source
  • Highly configurable
  • Powerful DVR capabilities

vs Windows Media Center

Free and open source compared to Windows Media Center
PS3 Media Server

PS3 Media Server

Open Source

PS3 Media Server is a discontinued, yet highly functional, UPnP/DLNA media server designed initially for the PlayStation 3 but compatible with a wide range of rendering devices. It allows users to stream and transcode various media formats from their computer to network-connected devices.

Key Features

  • Powerful real-time transcoding for wide format compatibility.
  • Free and open-source with no licensing costs.
  • Broad compatibility with DLNA-compliant devices.

vs Windows Media Center

Powerful real-time transcoding for wide format compatibility. compared to Windows Media Center
OpenELEC

OpenELEC

Open Source

OpenELEC is a small, fast booting embedded operating system built specifically to turn your computer into a Kodi (XBMC) media center. It focuses on simplicity and minimal configuration for a plug-and-play home theatre experience.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast boot times.
  • Highly optimized for Kodi, resulting in smooth performance.
  • Simple installation and minimal configuration.

vs Windows Media Center

Extremely fast boot times. compared to Windows Media Center
Serviio

Serviio

Freemium

Serviio is a robust freeware media server application empowering users to seamlessly stream their digital media collection across their home network. It supports a wide range of devices including DLNA-compliant TVs, game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and mobile devices, making accessing your music, movies, and photos easy and convenient.

Key Features

  • Wide compatibility with DLNA devices
  • Excellent media format support and on-the-fly transcoding
  • Effective automatic metadata retrieval

vs Windows Media Center

Wide compatibility with DLNA devices compared to Windows Media Center
MiniDLNA

MiniDLNA

Open Source

MiniDLNA, now ReadyMedia, is a lightweight and simple media server designed for full compliance with DLNA/UPnP-AV clients. It allows streaming multimedia content stored on your network to compatible devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices.

Key Features

  • Extremely lightweight and low resource usage.
  • Excellent compatibility with DLNA/UPnP-AV client devices.
  • Simple to setup and configure through a text file.

vs Windows Media Center

Extremely lightweight and low resource usage. compared to Windows Media Center

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