Desktop Applications

Access SeaFin from your computer with dedicated desktop applications or web browsers. This guide covers all desktop options and optimization.

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Desktop Access Options

Web Browser (Recommended)

Best for: Most users, easiest setup, always up-to-date

Supported Browsers:

• Chrome (strongly recommended) - Best compatibility and performance
• Firefox - Good alternative
• Edge (Windows) - Built-in Windows option
• Safari (Mac) - ⚠️ Not recommended - Poor compatibility with SeaFin

Access: Simply go to fin.hub22.uk

Jellyfin Media Player

Best for: Dedicated media experience, better performance

Jellyfin Media Player (Optional):

Features:

• Native application - Better performance than browser
• Fullscreen interface - Media center experience
• Hardware acceleration - Better video decoding
• Keyboard shortcuts - Media-focused controls

Jellyfin Theater

Best for: Home theater PC setups, TV-connected computers

Jellyfin Theater (Advanced option):

Features:

• TV-optimized interface - Big screen friendly
• Remote control support - Media center remotes
• Kiosk mode - Full-screen dedicated experience

Platform-Specific Setup

Windows Setup

Web Browser Method:

1. Open Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
2. Navigate to https://fin.hub22.uk
3. Login with credentials
4. Bookmark for easy access

Jellyfin Media Player (if recommended):

1. Download from Jellyfin.org
2. Install the Windows application
3. Launch and add server: https://fin.hub22.uk
4. Login with your SeaFin credentials

Windows Setup Notes:

• May need to allow through Windows Defender
• Run installer as administrator if needed

Mac Setup

Web Browser Method:

1. Open Chrome (strongly recommended) or avoid Safari
2. Go to https://fin.hub22.uk
3. Login normally
4. Add to Dock for quick access

Jellyfin Media Player (if available):

1. Download Mac version from Jellyfin website
2. Install the .dmg package
3. Add server: https://fin.hub22.uk
4. Login with credentials

Mac Setup Notes:

• May need to allow in Security & Privacy settings
• Drag to Applications folder for system-wide access

Linux Setup

Web Browser Method:

1. Open Firefox, Chrome, or other browser
2. Navigate to https://fin.hub22.uk
3. Login with credentials

Jellyfin Media Player (if available):

1. Install via package manager:
   • Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install jellyfin-media-player
   • Fedora: sudo dnf install jellyfin-media-player
   • Arch: sudo pacman -S jellyfin-media-player
2. Launch and configure server
3. Linux Installation:
   • Package availability varies by distribution
   • May need to enable additional repositories

Desktop Interface Features

Web Browser Interface

Web Interface Features:

Advantages:

• Always up-to-date - No manual updates needed
• Full feature set - All SeaFin capabilities
• Cross-platform - Works on any OS
• No installation - Just bookmark and use

Navigation:

• Mouse and keyboard - Point and click interface
• Keyboard shortcuts - Space for play/pause, arrows for seek
• Right-click menus - Context-sensitive options
• Scroll wheel - Volume control (may vary)

Desktop App Interface

Desktop App Advantages:

Advantages:

• Better performance - Native video decoding
• Hardware acceleration - GPU-assisted playback
• Fullscreen mode - Immersive viewing experience
• Media keys - Keyboard media controls work

Features:

• Library browsing - Optimized for desktop viewing
• Playlist support - Create and manage playlists
• Advanced settings - More configuration options

Desktop Optimization

Hardware Acceleration

Hardware Acceleration Options:

Benefits:

• Smoother playback - Less CPU usage
• Better quality - GPU-assisted video processing
• 4K support - Handle high-resolution content
• Battery savings - On laptops

Setup:

• Enable in settings - Look for hardware acceleration option
• Update graphics drivers - Ensure compatibility
• Check GPU support - Verify codec compatibility

Display Settings

Multiple Monitors:

• Full-screen playback - Choose which monitor
• Extended desktop - Browse on one, watch on another
• Display scaling - Adjust for high-DPI displays
• Multi-monitor support - Choose display for fullscreen

4K/High-DPI Displays:

• Interface scaling - Readable text and buttons
• Video scaling - Proper 4K content display
• Performance considerations - Higher resource usage

Audio Configuration

Desktop Audio Options:

Audio Output:

• System default - Use OS audio settings
• Specific devices - Choose speakers, headphones
• HDMI audio - For TV-connected computers
• USB audio - External DACs, interfaces

Audio Formats:

• Stereo - Standard 2-channel audio
• 5.1/7.1 Surround - Multi-channel audio systems
• High-resolution audio - If supported
• Audio passthrough - Direct to receiver/soundbar

Keyboard Shortcuts

Web Browser Shortcuts

Web Interface Shortcuts:

Playback Controls:

• Spacebar - Play/pause
• Left/Right arrows - Seek backward/forward
• Up/Down arrows - Volume up/down
• F - Toggle fullscreen
• M - Mute/unmute

Navigation:

• / - Open search
• Escape - Exit fullscreen/back
• Tab - Navigate interface elements

Desktop App Shortcuts

Desktop App Shortcuts:

Media Controls:

• Media keys - Play/pause, next/previous
• Volume keys - System volume control
• Custom shortcuts - App-specific controls

Performance Optimization

System Requirements

System Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• CPU: Dual-core processor
• RAM: 4GB minimum
• GPU: Integrated graphics sufficient for 1080p
• Network: 10+ Mbps for HD content

Recommended for 4K:

• CPU: Quad-core or better
• RAM: 8GB or more
• GPU: Dedicated graphics card
• Network: 25+ Mbps stable connection

Browser Performance

Chrome Optimization:

• Hardware acceleration - Enable in settings
• Close unused tabs - Free up memory
• Disable extensions - While streaming
• Enable hardware acceleration in Chrome settings

Firefox Optimization:

• Enable hardware acceleration
• Adjust cache settings
• Disable add-ons during streaming

Network Optimization

Wired vs Wireless:

• Ethernet connection - Best for 4K streaming
• 5GHz WiFi - Better than 2.4GHz
• Close bandwidth-heavy apps - Downloads, cloud sync

Quality Settings:

• Auto quality - Let system adjust
• Manual selection - Choose based on capability
• Monitor performance - Adjust if buffering occurs

Troubleshooting Desktop Issues

Browser-Specific Problems

Chrome Issues:

1. Clear cache and cookies - Reset browser state
2. Disable extensions - Test with clean browser
3. Update browser - Latest version
4. Try incognito mode - Rule out extension conflicts

Firefox Issues:

• Clear cache - Fresh start
• Disable add-ons - Test compatibility
• Check security settings - May block content

Safari Issues (Mac):

• ⚠️ Safari is not recommended for SeaFin due to poor compatibility
• Use Chrome instead - Download from chrome.google.com
• If you must use Safari: Check privacy settings, clear website data, but expect issues

Desktop App Issues

Common Desktop App Issues:

Installation Problems:

• Run as administrator - Windows permission issues
• Check antivirus - May block installation
• Download from official source - Avoid malware

Performance Issues:

• Update graphics drivers - Better hardware support
• Close other applications - Free up resources
• Check system resources - CPU/memory usage

Video Playback Issues

Stuttering/Choppy Video:

1. Lower quality setting - Reduce bandwidth requirements
2. Enable hardware acceleration - If available
3. Close other applications - Free up system resources
4. Check network connection - Speed test

No Video/Black Screen:

• Try different browser - Compatibility issue
• Update video drivers - Graphics card support
• Disable hardware acceleration - If causing issues
• Try duplicate content - Different source

Advanced Desktop Features

Advanced Desktop Features

Playlist Management:

• Create playlists - Custom content collections
• Import/export - Share playlists
• Smart playlists - Auto-generated based on criteria

Library Management:

• Advanced search - Complex queries
• Metadata editing - If permissions allow
• Custom views - Personalized library layouts

External Tools Integration:

• Media center remotes - IR remote control
• Voice control - If system supports
• Automation - Scripts and shortcuts

Multi-User Desktop Setup

Multi-User Desktop Features

Shared Computer:

• Separate browser profiles - Individual settings
• User switching - Quick account changes
• Privacy mode - Don't save login credentials

Family Computer:

• Parental controls - OS-level restrictions
• User accounts - Separate OS users
• Content filtering - Age-appropriate access

Next Steps

Your desktop is now set up for SeaFin! Next:

1. Learn the interface → - Master desktop navigation
2. Optimize streaming → - Best desktop experience
3. Set up other devices → - Mobile and TV access
4. Customize settings → - Personal preferences

Desktop Quick Reference

Web access: fin.hub22.uk
Best browser: Chrome (strongly recommended) - Avoid Safari
Keyboard shortcuts: Spacebar (play/pause), F (fullscreen)
Recommended quality: 8-10 Mbps (HD), Original (4K)
Hardware acceleration: Enable for better performance
Report issues: rqst.fin.hub22.uk

Multiple monitors: Drag video to preferred screen
Downloads: Use browser's download manager for offline content
Bookmarks: Save SeaFin URL for quick access
Extensions: Ad blockers may interfere with playback

Enjoy SeaFin on your desktop! 💻🎬