Open source home theater and media center software

20.3kstars
6.5kforks
Last commit: 1d ago
Repo age: 15y old
Kodi screenshot

Kodi is a free and open source home theater and media center application for playing and managing digital media. It is designed for a 10-foot, remote-friendly experience on TVs while also working well as a desktop media player.

Key Features

  • Library management with media scanning, artwork, metadata, and collections
  • Playback for a wide range of audio and video formats
  • Network playback and streaming over common network protocols
  • Add-on system for extending functionality (including official add-ons)
  • Powerful theming and skinning engine for customizable UI
  • Cross-platform support across major desktop and mobile operating systems

Use Cases

  • Living-room HTPC media center for local and NAS-hosted libraries
  • Unified playback app for video, music, photos, playlists, and slideshows
  • Extensible media hub using add-ons and custom skins for tailored setups

Limitations and Considerations

  • Add-on availability, quality, and maintenance can vary across the ecosystem
  • Performance and hardware decoding capabilities depend on the platform and device

Kodi is a mature, community-driven media center focused on a polished TV experience and broad format support. Its add-on and skinning ecosystem makes it suitable for both simple playback and highly customized home theater setups.

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