Linux-based Digital Audio Player with Ogg

asv108 writes "MP3 Newswire has a story about a new Linux based home player that supports OGG vorbis among other features. The MPST Digital Jukebox is currently under beta test, interested parties can aquire a beta version of the product for the cost of the parts. The Hardware breakdown for the device has a host of options including: wireless support, expanded storage, and a larger LCD display."

Comments

Why not get an iMac?

[mmusn]

They cost around $1000 (the CRT-based one), have a slot-loading CD drive, and come with a nice color screen. I think the Graphite one looks pretty good--nicer than a big, black box. And iTunes is very convenient for both capturing and playing back MP3s. If you want a remote control, there are a couple of companies offering USB remote controls. And, of course, it has network interfaces, USB, and FireWire.

Of course, this dedicated box may be a little cheaper, but then it also isn't quite as versatile.

Re:The problem with ogg

[Robo210]

For those running windows:
http://www.dbpoweramp.com - look for the converter and the extra ogg codec.

Re:If it had samba/nfs/streaming HTTP then maybe..

[Anonymous Coward]

The Empeg provides several of those functions (except ripping on the device itself), and I picked up the 10 gig version for 200$ :)

Sign the hardware support for Ogg Vorbis petition

[tangent3]

This is a petition which has just reached over 1000 signatures, and will be sent to portable audio player companies asking them to support Ogg Vorbis in their upcoming players. Please support the petition and sign. Thanks. http://www.petitiononline.com/vorb123/petition.htm l

Re:Why?

[PygmySurfer]

I also have to wonder how noisy it is, considering that most PCs have at least two fans.

It's amazing what one can find by actually READING the website:

The MPST Digital Jukebox is basically a Linux CD/MP3/OGG ripper and player (and real-soon-now) burner made for a non-Linux user's home entertainment system. The box is mostly remote and LCD controlled and the GUI is ran through a VNC client (or a touch-screen) such that the user never sees the Linux Desktop or shell interface. The Jukebox is actually a Via C3 home built system designed to run silent and cool. It does not require cooling fans and makes very little hard disk noise.

Give the Guy a Break

[Jack Hughes]

Of course it's ugly. Of course you could build one your self. Of course it looks like a PC.

Because that's all it is. This is just one geek who's put together the hardware and software himself, made from old PC bits + a small LCD screen.

He isn't some big company selling at a profit. in fact he says

"...testers can purchase the Digital Jukebox from me at cost (+shipping) or I'm happy to help anyone build one themselves. The software is free. See the Hardware page for cost breakdown information."

Re:It's a good gift

[piranha(jpl)]

Or for the geek that appreciates higher quality audio.

• Vorbis audio is higher quality than MP3 at equivilant bitrates
• I can hear artifacts in MP3s encoded at 128kbps (haven't tried Ogg Vorbis @ 128kbps)
• Fraunhofer's (et al.) patent(s) on MP3 technology put a significant hurdle in front of free and commercial software writers, as well as developers of portable digital audio hardware, such as this device.
• Xiphophoros's Vorbis libraries are licensed BSD-style, and the rest is licensed under the GPL.
• If you don't like the licenses, the standard itself is 100% open, and you can create proprietary implementations that don't credit Xiph.

Ogg Vorbis is superior, save it's not as wide-spread as MP3. And it's free in both of the cliche senses. I'd recommend reading the FAQ.

Would you say Linux and BSD geeks just think that they are nonconformist when they don't use Windows?

Re:Just like the Compaq PJB100

[juuri]

I'm not sure why this was modded up as it is full of missinformation.

There are a couple of SDKs for the PJB including an open one which you can find either on sourceforge or freshmeat. The openPJB project is quite old and has been out for a while.

Also using a program called :PJBExploder: which has been out for at least 6 months one can play songs through your PC with the PJB or download your music files off the player to a computer. It will also allow you to push up non mp3 files.

It will only plays mp3s however, but so what? The PJB design is an old one.

Check the yahoo PJB group, there are quite a few 3rd party user created programs out there.