How to access your home media server from the desktop without a browser tab
If opening a web browser and typing in an address to view your home media server feels cumbersome, try installing this app. Jellium Desktop is an unofficial desktop client that connects to a Jellyfin server to play videos. It allows you to stream media through a dedicated application instead of a web-based interface.
How playback works inside the app
The app operates by combining CEF (Chromium Embedded Framework) and mpv. CEF handles embedding web content within the app, while mpv is responsible for video playback. This setup lets you access your media server without opening or closing browser tabs. However, this project is an unofficial initiative and not an official Jellyfin client.
Installation methods by platform
It supports three operating systems: Linux, macOS, and Windows. On Linux, it is distributed as an AppImage, AUR package, or Flatpak. For macOS and Windows, binaries are provided for Apple Silicon and Intel, as well as x64 and arm64 architectures, respectively. If the app does not launch after installation on macOS, you must remove the quarantine attribute by entering the command sudo xattr -cr /Applications/Jellium\ Desktop.app in the terminal. This step is required due to macOS security policies.
Build tools for developers
Developers manage the project using the command runner just. You can build the app with just build and run it with just run. Commands for testing and linting, just test and just lint, are also available. The tool supports creating platform-specific packages, including AppImage and Flatpak for Linux, and DMG files for macOS.
Checklist before using an unofficial client
Since this repository is not an official Jellyfin client, it is not covered by official support. Consequently, you should not expect support through official channels if bugs occur or features change. macOS users should be aware that they need to perform additional security setting removal steps after installation. It is advisable to check your media server environment and operating system version, and to understand the nature of unofficial clients before using them. The README does not explicitly mention specific license information or long-term maintenance plans.
