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Plasma Bigscreen – 10-foot interface for KDE plasma (plasma-bigscreen.org)

673 points by PaulHoule · 132 days ago · 230 comments on HN

Article summary

Plasma Bigscreen is an open-source TV interface for Linux, designed for TVs, HTPCs, and set-top boxes. It offers a TV-friendly interface, multiple input methods, and customizable settings. The project aims to provide a fully open and privacy-respecting platform. Plasma Bigscreen can be installed as a standard desktop environment on Linux distributions.

Main themes

  • Linux desktop environments
  • TV interface and HTPC
  • User experience and usability
  • Customizability and simplicity
  • Open-source software and community development
  • Desktop environment comparison

What commenters say

  • Some users find KDE's flexibility and customizability to be a major advantage, while others see it as overwhelming and cluttered.
  • The default screenshot tool in KDE is criticized for being confusing and overly complex.
  • Gnome's approach to usability and simplicity is seen as a potential model for Linux to become a more popular desktop option.
  • Others argue that Gnome's simplicity comes at the cost of removing useful features, such as desktop icons and system tray icons.
  • The trade-off between simplicity and customizability is a point of contention among users.
  • Some users believe that Linux needs a more streamlined and user-friendly approach to become a viable desktop option.
  • Others argue that the diversity of desktop environments and window managers is a strength of Linux, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their needs.