Zerk Play - Custom Emby Frontend

[florinp93 8]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on called Zerk Play. It’s a custom Windows desktop front-end for Emby designed specifically for those who want a "lean-back" experience on a big screen without the overhead of a full browser.

What makes it different?

• Native Direct Play: Powered by media_kit / mpv on Windows, so it handles almost any codec natively without forcing your server to transcode.

• *Built-in seerr Integration: Seamlessly browse and request content via Overseerr/Jellyseerr directly within the app. If you don't have it, you can request it in one click.

• Couch-Friendly UI: Designed for fast browsing and high-visibility artwork.

• Dynamic Recommendations: Includes "Because you watched" and "Trending" rows pulled from your Emby history and *seerr instance.

Features:

• Full Search (Library + Requests)

• Skip Intro & Autoplay support

• Multi-language UI (English & Romanian + more to come)

• Built-in Auto-updater

I'm currently focused on the Windows build, but an Android TV version is high on the roadmap and with other versions being considered!

Check out the repo for screenshots and the latest release: GitHub

[florinp93 8]

Changed

- D-pad navigation is currently disabled due to ongoing changes for the upcoming Android TV build.

[1.0.1] - 2026-04-07

Fixes

- Windows playback smoothness: set mpv properties `video-sync=display-resample`, `gpu-api=d3d11`, `interpolation=yes`, and `hwdec=d3d11va` .
- Player input: mouse wheel volume works anywhere over the player surface (including over overlays/controls).
- Player overlays: subtitles are non-interactive so pointer signals can pass through.
- Next Up: The Next Up UI does not show the currently playing episode anymore.
- Feedback: adds a top-right “Feedback” button (hidden on the player) that opens the Discord link, with a settings toggle to disable it.
- First-time setup: exposes app preferences (language/playback defaults/feedback toggle) on the setup screen so users can set them before login.


Check out the repo for screenshots and the latest release:  GitHub

Zerk Play v1.0.1.exe

Edited April 7 by florinp93

[MediaIntelNUC 37]

Tried this out, looking forward to the Android TV version!

N.

[Mahinepua 86]

Does it support refresh rate switching?

Edited Friday at 08:27 PM by Mahinepua

[florinp93 8]

Just now, Mahinepua said:

Does it support refresh rate switching?

Not at the moment, but I can look into implementing this. Mind if I ask what use case you have the requires it?

[Mahinepua 86]

It’s the single most important feature for smooth playback to sync frame to refresh rate.

Can mpv settings be customised by users? 

[florinp93 8]

11 minutes ago, Mahinepua said:

It’s the single most important feature for smooth playback to sync frame to refresh rate.

Can mpv settings be customised by users? 

Not in the live version, but the next release will include customizations for mpv in settings. I will look into enabling the refresh rate switching with that update. Currently I'm handling the Android TV port, so the next Windows update should be in 2-3 weeks time if everything goes well. Keep an eye on the github or discord for this. 

[Mahinepua 86]

That’s sounds great! Look forward to seeing it.

If users can edit mpv.conf with their own settings you’ll be ahead of the emby app.

[Mahinepua 86]

Just had a quick play with the app, here's some feedback.

Home screen is only a full screen window and not full screen so the task bar is shown, app should have a permanent full screen option.

Audio is only PCM no passthrough option (so no atmos support) but if you allow a mpv.conf file users can set to however they prefer.

The collections screen real estate is massive, need the same cover view as movies and tv.

Filters, there is no way on movie or tv views to filter by date added or date episode added. Refer the emby options.

Keyboard mapping possible and list of supported keys so a remote can be used.

Smooth scrolling would be nice.

Apart from that its pretty damn good, nice work, even multiple versions of movies are supported.

Could definitely see myself using it to replace the emby app at some point.

Have you done a version for Jellyfin?

Edited yesterday at 12:17 AM by Mahinepua

[Mahinepua 86]

FYI video-sync=display-resample` & `interpolation=yes causes high CPU usage depending on the users current refresh rate.

Changing refresh automatically to match framerate is much better, and dont revert back upon exiting playing.

The top of the spotlight on the homepage also disappeared, scaling issue?