Looking for the simplest means of playing videos from a USB storage device on a non-smart TV
Having already configured a VLC-powered Google TV configuration with USB hard drives for a relative without the router or download speed needed for reliable streaming, I'm now trying to configure a similar setup for another relative with a non-smart TV and an even slower download speed.
The only requirements for such a device would be the ability to be controlled entirely with a remote, a USB-A or USB-C port compatible with USB hubs and media storage devices, and the reliable playback of videos of assorted codecs and file extensions. As Roku, FireTV, and Android/Google TV streaming sticks tend to be plastered with ads as a means of promoting content within their ecosystems, an alternative HDMI device that minimizes the number of button presses between turning on the TV and and reaching the navigation menu for videos on attached USB storage devices would be preferred.
What about a Raspberry Pi or other SFF PC flashed with libreelec to run Kodi.
It would have to be a raspberry pi as SFF PCs don't support CEC, OP would have to use a usb dongle.
Looks like an Intel NUC supports CEC. That would be a more powerful option I suppose.