Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Tvheadend VS OpenELEC

Compare Tvheadend VS OpenELEC and see what are their differences

Tvheadend logo Tvheadend

Redmine

OpenELEC logo OpenELEC

OpenELEC, which stands for Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center, is a Linux operating system that makes the host computer a Kodi media center. The software was the winner of the Swiss Opensource Award in 2014.
  • Tvheadend Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-16
  • OpenELEC Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-01-29

Tvheadend features and specs

  • Open Source
    Tvheadend is open-source software, meaning its source code is freely available for users to inspect, modify, and distribute, promoting transparency and community-driven development.
  • Versatile Support
    It supports a wide range of network interfaces, including DVB, ATSC, IPTV, and SAT>IP, providing flexibility in how users can access and record live TV content.
  • Web-based Management
    The web-based user interface makes it easy to manage Tvheadend settings, configure channels, and schedule recordings, enhancing user accessibility and convenience.
  • Multi-user Environment
    Tvheadend can handle multiple users and stream to various devices simultaneously, which is ideal for households with multiple viewers with different needs.
  • EPG (Electronic Program Guide) Support
    It supports multiple EPG sources for obtaining program listings, allowing for advanced scheduling and better viewing experiences.

Possible disadvantages of Tvheadend

  • Complex Setup for Beginners
    The initial configuration might be complex for users who are not familiar with networking or server setup, potentially requiring a steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Limited Official Documentation
    While there are community resources available, the official documentation may be lacking in details, making it difficult for new users to troubleshoot problems effectively.
  • Reliance on Community Support
    As open-source software, much of the support comes from the community which can be inconsistent and may not always meet user needs promptly.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Users might experience compatibility issues with specific hardware tuners or software setups, requiring additional research or workarounds.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running Tvheadend, especially with multiple streams or recordings, can be resource-intensive, demanding significant CPU and memory use on the host device.

OpenELEC features and specs

  • Lightweight
    OpenELEC is a lightweight operating system that is designed to run Kodi on minimal hardware, making it ideal for older devices.
  • Ease of Use
    OpenELEC provides a simple user interface and straightforward installation process, which is appealing to users looking for an out-of-the-box media center solution.
  • Dedicated Media Center OS
    Being dedicated solely to running Kodi, OpenELEC offers optimized performance and a streamlined system for media playback.
  • Cost-Effective
    OpenELEC is open-source and free to use, which is beneficial for users looking for a cost-effective media center setup.
  • Strong Community Support
    OpenELEC has a robust community of users and developers who provide support, share knowledge, and contribute to its development.

Possible disadvantages of OpenELEC

  • Limited Functionality
    As a minimalistic operating system, OpenELEC may not support additional services or applications beyond its primary function as a media center.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    OpenELEC may have limited compatibility with certain hardware components or peripherals, which could require users to ensure compatibility beforehand.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    Compared to some other media center solutions or operating systems, OpenELEC may receive updates less frequently, potentially affecting access to new features or security patches.
  • Limited Customization
    Due to its focus on simplicity and ease of use, OpenELEC offers fewer customization options compared to other more flexible operating systems.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    Some users have reported stability issues, particularly when using newer versions or hardware, which may impact overall user experience.

Tvheadend videos

Tvheadend Live TV on Android TV

More videos:

  • Review - Raspberry Pi TVheadend Server
  • Review - Raspberry Pi TVheadend & Kodi Server #1

OpenELEC videos

My HTPC Is Now Running OpenELEC

More videos:

  • Review - OpenELEC Installation Guide 2019

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Tvheadend and OpenELEC)
Video
55 55%
45% 45
Media Player
58 58%
42% 42
Video Recording
100 100%
0% 0
Watch Movies Online
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Tvheadend and OpenELEC. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Tvheadend should be more popular than OpenELEC. It has been mentiond 16 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Tvheadend mentions (16)

  • Configuring Tvheadend for ATSC in North America
    Here's how I configured Tvheadend for ATSC (North America). - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Diappearing Autorecs
    I posted this yesterday on the tvheadend.org board, but it's silent so far. I thought I'd try here:. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • MythTV 33 Released – open-source All-in-one DVR
    Fwiw, Xbox One Digital TV Tuners and some RTL-SDRs (with an extra decoder chip) are able to pick up DVB-T2 and are usually £10~20 on eBay. https://tvheadend.org/ can be useful for interfacing with the tuners over USB and exposing web streams. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • DVR/Live TV in the UK?
    If your USB tuner works with Linux, you can use it with TVHeadend, and connect it to Jellyfin via the official plugin. I use it here and it works fairly well. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Getting freeview TV live via internet directly
    They're expensive for what they are, though. If you're techy minded you can make your own using something like a Raspberry Pi, some USB TV tuners and TVHeadend. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

OpenELEC mentions (2)

  • Does Kodi support HDR passthrough using an x86 processor or an nvidia/AMD dGPU on Linux now?
    Its all good. I use to run Kodi on a HTPC that I built with openelec and it was pretty stable. I am not sure if it is available anymore (openelec.tv) it was a linux distro. I switched to NVidia shield due to the accessibility to Netflix and Amazon and I have not looked back. Oh an its cheaper than a HTPC I think... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Got Jellyfin a few days ago and LOVE the web version, but bad Roku app is a dealbreaker. Before I can it, are there any work arounds you guys have found?
    I know there are various customized distros for the RasPi, such as OpenElec, but as a staunch Linux and FLOSS advocate I still don't think that's what most people are searching for when they look for a streaming device these days. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Tvheadend and OpenELEC, you can also consider the following products

DVB Dream - DVB Dream is DVB player with many nice and unique features (more below), it supports standards...

LibreELEC - LibreELEC is ‘Just enough OS’ for Kodi, a Linux distribution built to run Kodi on current and...

DVBViewer - DVBViewer allows you to experience Digital TV on your PC.

GeeXboX - Dec 3, 2017 - . Author: Tomtom 1 Comment. Hi,.

ProgDVB - ProgDVB - the universal and very power software for watching digital TV and listening to radio...

Kodi - Kodi is an award winning free and open source media player that got its start on the Xbox console.