OpenELEC (Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center) is an open source and minimalistic Linux distribution primarily designed to be booted from CompactFlash or other flash-based memory cards or solid-state drives, and used on embedded systems.
Supported hardware platforms
With a full install of approximately 80-125 MB, OpenELEC’s hardware requirements are minimal and it can be deployed on Atom, Intel, ION, Fusion, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi ARM, ARCTIC_MC, as well as generic 32-bit and 64-bit hardware platforms.
Build from scratch around XBMC (Kodi)
It is a small, fast and completely free Linux-based operating system built from scratch around the powerful XBMC open source software and engineered to allow users to transform any computer or portable device into a modern media center in less than 15 minutes.
File sharing is supported out-of-the-box, as well as external storage devices. Being so accessible, users will be able to easily configure various system settings through the XBMC interface.
About XBMC (Kodi)
XBMC is a well known media center application that turns a standard PC into a flexible and modern Home Theater PC (HTPC) in no time. It allows users to manage their entire multimedia library by categorizing music, photos, TV shows and movies.
It features support for recording live shows (PVR), support for teletext and TV guide when watching live television, automatic download of thumbnails, banners, fanart, and movie information. Additionally, XBMC also allows users to manage their favorite TV shows by organizing them into episodes and series, create filters to display or hide certain multimedia content, view entire collections of photos, and much more.
Bottom line
OpenELEC is an acclaimed Linux distribution that does one thing and it does it extremely well. We feel obliged to recommend this distribution of Linux to anyone who wants to transform their dusty devices or computers (see above or the official homepage of the project for supported platforms) into a powerful, all-in-one media center.
