halcyon-video/halcyon-video

What it solves

Halcyon Video transforms static, grid-based media libraries into an immersive, walkable 3D video store. It replaces traditional menus with a nostalgic physical environment where users can browse aisles, inspect rental cases, and interact with a virtual clerk to manage their digital media collections.

How it works

The application connects to existing media servers (Jellyfin, Plex, Emby) or streaming services to populate a 3D environment. It maps libraries to aisles and genres to sections, generating physical representations of media (VHS, DVD, or box sets) based on the catalog. Users can navigate the store using a keyboard, gamepad, remote, or VR headset. A virtual clerk provides recommendations based on actual watch history and catalog data rather than generated text. For playback, it supports a built-in browser player, hand-off to mpv for HTPC setups, or external links for streaming services.

Who it’s for

Media enthusiasts and home server hobbyists who want a more tactile, nostalgic, and immersive way to browse and launch their movie and TV show collections.

Highlights

• Multi-Server Integration: Syncs with Jellyfin, Plex, Emby, and RomM (for games).
• Customizable Aesthetics: Includes a Brand Editor and Emblem Studio to change store names, colors, and logos, along with various era-specific fit-outs and lighting.
• Interactive Elements: Features a virtual clerk for recommendations and a checkout ritual where rentals are bagged and taken to a virtual living room.
• Flexible Deployment: Supports WebXR for VR, a 2.5D mode for low-power devices like Raspberry Pi, and Remote Play via WebRTC for streaming the 3D view to other screens.