What is Halcyon Video?

Halcyon Video is a self-hosted web application that renders your personal media library (from Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby) as a fully navigable 3D video rental store reminiscent of the 1990s. You walk down aisles, pick up VHS or DVD cases, flip them to read synopses and technical details, and check out at a counter staffed by an animated clerk. The store can also stock titles from streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.) and a games department via RomM. It runs in any modern browser with WebGL, supports gamepad/TV remote/phone controls, offers a first-person walk mode with WebXR headset support, and includes a low-power 2.5D HTML/CSS mode. Deployment options include Docker, Docker Compose, and local launchers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The project is free and open-source under GPL-3.0 with no paid tiers.

Should you self-host Halcyon Video?

Halcyon Video scores 54/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #26 of 54 in Media Streaming. It has 947 GitHub stars.

It shipped 10 stable releases in the past year. The latest, v0.30.0, came out on 28 October 2026. New versions land roughly every 5 days.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is GPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in Typescript.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Invidious (81/100, 25 799 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Halcyon Video vs Invidious side by side.

Features

2.5D low-power mode
3D video store browsing
Attract mode tour
Customizable store appearance
Emblem Studio
Emby Integration
First-person walk mode
Jellyfin Integration
Jellyseerr/Overseerr requests
Plex Integration
Remote Play via WebRTC
RomM games department
Steam IntegrationRequires Halcyon Steam Companion on gaming computer
Streaming service discoveryLink-out only; requires own subscription
VHS/DVD case inspection

FAQ

What is not shipped yet?

A published desktop bundle and the Apple TV client remain on the roadmap. The source tree contains the Tauri shell and tvOS groundwork, but neither is presented as a finished download.

Does Emby work?

Yes. Choose Emby at the opening-day terminal or Connection Center, enter your server address, and select your member card or sign in with your Emby server username and password.

Does Plex work?

Yes. Choose Plex at the terminal, enter the short code at plex.tv/link, and select a server. Shelves, playback, collections, resume points, and watch history work through the Plex provider.

Can I make it look like the store I remember?

Yes. Era, shelving, media format, facade, lighting, signage, fixtures, brand, and case art are independent layers. The public project ships only its original fictional identity; private reference-derived art stays in local user assets.

Can I use only streaming subscriptions?

Yes. Select the services at opening day and the store stocks their aisles from the bundled snapshot. A media server is needed only for personal files and in-app playback.

Do I need a gaming PC?

No. The renderer scales to the hardware and idles on a held frame. Low-end devices can use 2.5D mode, while Remote Play lets a stronger machine render for a phone or television.