Some cable TV providers offer to turn your devices into Smart... but the truth is you don't need an external company for that. Simply getting a Raspberry Pi, pairing it with the right accessories, and connecting it to your TV via HDMI (or RCA if you want a retro experience) is more than enough. Today we share a basic guide to create a multimedia center with Raspberry Pi, including several accessory recommendations that will come in handy.
The HTPC concept isn't particularly new, but in recent years we've encountered different variants. Some users prioritize storage, turning their HTPCs into media hubs filled with movies and songs shared on a local network. Others want to multiply connectivity options, configuring different sources at the same time. And then there are those who want the most silent and compact system possible. That can be a very interesting challenge, because most computers use active cooling, and the ITX format carries a significant price premium. However, the HTPC equation was blown out of the water thanks to a single development: the Raspberry Pi.
A Multimedia Center with Raspberry Pi: Easy and Cheap
Low power consumption, wireless connectivity, passive cooling, zero noise, and ultra-compact size. The idea of a multimedia center with Raspberry Pi ticks all the boxes, but where do we start? Fortunately, getting accessories for the Raspberry Pi isn't difficult these days, and the software is free. The first component on our list is the most obvious...
Raspberry Pi
There's no multimedia center without a mini computer, so the first step is to buy a Raspberry Pi, unless you already have one gathering dust in a drawer. From a technical standpoint, any model should work, but I recommend going straight to the top of the mountain and looking for the 3 B+ model, which offers superior performance, WiFi ac, PoE support, updated Bluetooth protocol, and slightly lower power consumption than its predecessor.
Storage
The potential of any multimedia center with Raspberry Pi reaches its maximum once we set up streaming, but sooner or later we'll want to store music and movies on the mini computer. For compatibility reasons, I suggest the microSD card with the operating system be no larger than 32 GB, and if you need more storage, all you have to do is plug a USB drive into one of the Raspberry Pi's USB ports. Between card and drive, you won't spend more than 30 euros.
Power, Case, and Cooling
Part of the charm of any multimedia center with Raspberry Pi lies in its ability to run 24/7 without user intervention. However, to achieve that you need to add a couple of things to the setup. First, a good power supply, with 3 amps or more. Second, a cooling kit with aluminum and/or copper heatsinks that stick onto the Raspberry Pi. And third, a case. Our guide to Raspberry Pi cases presents several options, but today we're sticking with the Aukru 3-in-1 kit. Everything we've mentioned here, for just 13 euros. Unbeatable.
A Remote Control
The initial software setup will likely require the classic keyboard/mouse combo, but once that's done, the best (and most comfortable) option is to install a remote control compatible with the Raspberry Pi. Two alternatives here: on one hand, the Neuftech remote, with an extendable infrared sensor. On the other, the Rii Mini i8 wireless keyboard, which includes a touchpad and basic QWERTY keys.
An HDMI Cable
No science here. To get by, you can always borrow a cable from another device. Just make sure you don't overpay (the AmazonBasics cable is at the limit of what I'd pay) and that it's long enough for your case.
Software!
The easiest way to install all the media playback software on the Raspberry Pi is using NOOBS. Format the microSD card as FAT32, download NOOBS from the official site, copy the contents of the zip to the card, connect it to the Raspberry Pi, let it boot, and choose LibreELEC (a dedicated environment for Kodi) as the operating system to install. Another very appealing software is OSMC, with a minimalist and very easy-to-use interface. From there, you'll want to add addons to your new multimedia center (that includes Netflix). If you decided to follow the LibreELEC/Kodi route, you can check out our guide to repositories, but I also recommend watching this video (in English, though easy to follow):
And that's it! Your multimedia center with Raspberry Pi is ready. What's more, once you've mastered it completely, you'll surely think about cutting the cable service and joining the legion of "cord-cutters". Good luck!
https://old.neoteo.com/retropie-guia-de-instalacion/
