1 min read

Plasma Bigscreen: KDE Open-Source 10-Foot TV Interface for Linux Reaches Public Release

Canopy DevTools

Plasma Bigscreen is a free, open-source television interface for Linux built on KDE Plasma, Wayland, PipeWire, and Flatpak — designed for HTPCs, set-top boxes, and any TV-connected Linux device. The project, developed by KDE community volunteers, provides a full 10-foot UI including a settings app, home overlay sidebar, app launcher, and support for apps like Steam, Kodi, Jellyfin, and YouTube via VacuumTube. Plasma Bigscreen positions itself as a privacy-respecting alternative to proprietary smart TV platforms and Android TV, offering manufacturers an open base layer for custom TV products.

Key Takeaways

  • Built on Wayland, PipeWire, KDE Plasma 6, KDE Frameworks, Flatpak, NetworkManager, and D-Bus — installs as a regular desktop environment on supported Linux distributions
  • 10-foot UI is fully navigable by TV remote or game controller; home overlay sidebar provides app search, settings, window switching, and homescreen access from any app
  • 78 HN points and 20 comments (March 6, 2026); targets HTPC, set-top box, and smart TV OEM markets as an open-source alternative to Android TV and Tizen

Original source: KDE / Plasma Bigscreen