I’ve used Kodi on other Android based devices and enjoyed it - only now am I looking for a complete FOSS solution, and it looks like the RPi + Kodi or Kodi based OS will prob be the way to go. Ty for the tip!
Kodi.TV for the win!
https://kodi.tv/download/raspberry-pi/
Built one for my dad about ten years back. It did glitch out every few years and need reformatting, but it worked, and he was the ultimate Boomer normie
Discussion
TV USB power is usually very dirty, as well as limited to 2.5W. A huge electrolytic capacitor between 5v and ground might solve the problem for a Pi Zero, but I used a Pi 2 and an external power supply.
I imagine TV USB power is really unstable for something like this too - just less convenient because of +1 more outlet to engineer. That was my concern of TV USB power being 2.5w and generally underpowered/unstable. Might have to play around with that aspect - external power will probably be the more sensible solution, just more hassle lol.