The whole TV streaming space is just super depressing. Even though I try to self host as much as I can, nothing I’ve found comes close to the experience of Android TV even with the ads (though you can replace the launcher to fix that problem).

The downside of an android tv box/stock is that Google maintains your OS. An update may break your functionality. For me some issue with a firmware update stopped Kodi from launching properly. It’s not without workarounds - I’m running a flow with the Automate app that clears cache on launch to resolve the issue. But it can be a pain in the ass and require tinkering.

On the other hand there’s not much I’ve not been able to sort out remotely for family using scrcpy via Tailscale, support capability is good.

If you are not 100% pirating your content I would not suggest a linux setup.

If most of your content is self-provided (through whatever means) then a mini-PC may offer a decent experience (subject to certain limitations even there compared to hosting on one PC and streaming to a dedicated streaming device of decent quality which together cost significantly more).

Most commercial streaming services due to DRM will not work with a min-PC, at least not above 720p resolution and only through a browser interface which is not the greatest to try and navigate with a remote control. So if a significant amount of content is watched via streaming services I could not recommend a mini-PC by itself as a solution.

IMO with the info you’ve given I say get a decent streaming box. Some you can replace the Android default launcher on to remove ads or otherwise root (though beware these methods have been patched more and more so someone saying they did so successfully in 2024 does not mean you’ll succeed with the 2025/26 model). There’s also options like Apple TV, not $60 (twice that) but it comes with no ads by default and is pretty overpowered with a smooth experience if you already have an iPhone (you can use the phone as a remote). If you don’t have an iPhone or other apple devices it’s a toss up, ATV 4K is still a very nice device but you might want to go with the Android side of things.

I can attest that having full control over a mini PC feels great compared to Android TV, if you have rather niche media consumption habits. Someone in my family had below their TV a laptop hooked up to an external drive full of local media, a DVD drive, and a crappy Android TV box only ever used to play YouTube videos. Replaced it all with an old SFF PC, put GNOME with 175% scaling on it, with a mini wireless keyboard to control it.

But as others have commented, a Linux setup falls apart as soon as you want to watch the mainstream streaming services.

I’m pretty sure they have jellyfin apps on Android tv. I have a cheap projector that is running, I believe, Android tv and I use jellyfin on it.

For context: I personally use a 2015 Intel MacBook running Linux connected to my tv, and use a small wireless keyboard and trackball to control it from the couch. I’m actually planning on checking out KDE Connect after seeing it on https://hexbear.net/post/7662659

I’ve been researching some simpler options for my own parents since they use Roku which is somewhat limited and has ads. But a mini PC would be too complex for them. They need something with a simple remote and automatic updates. I think an Android box would make sense for their use case. I plan on installing something like SmartTube, PipePipe, or Tubular on it.

If your dad thinks he would like to do something like web browsing, email checking, or gaming on the tv, a mini PC is probably gonna do it better than Android TV.