660: Boots and Breakups

In this episode of Linux Unplugged, the hosts dive into two major developments in the open source world: Ubuntu's proposed changes to GRUB for Ubuntu 26.10 and the impending end of the beloved open source project Ersatz TV. The GRUB changes aim to reduce the attack surface by removing support for file systems like Btrfs, ZFS, and HFS+, as well as image formats and encrypted boot partitions—features that many users rely on for flexibility and enterprise compliance. While the security rationale is sound, the hosts express concern over the impact on user freedom and the potential for backlash, especially from those using advanced boot configurations. On the other hand, the farewell to Ersatz TV—lauded for enabling personalized, live TV channels from Jellyfin and Plex—brings emotional weight, prompting a search for alternatives. The hosts spotlight Tunar, a newer, more polished tool with a better UI and support for filler content, and even introduce Dispatcher, a powerful aggregator that unifies multiple TV sources into a single guide. The episode ends with a heartfelt reflection on the joy of self-hosting and the deep personal satisfaction of building one’s own media ecosystem. The community response is strong, with listeners sharing boosts, hardware giveaways, and thoughtful commentary on privacy and digital sovereignty.