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Echostar DishPVR 721 GPL Software Released

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the make-it-open dept.

Faw writes "It was mentioned before that Echostar was releasing a Linux based PVR. It has been out for a month now, and the modifications to the kernel and other software are here. The cool thing is the site is running on the same receiver. Someone is already hacking it. Wonder how long until the receiver get slashdotted."

3 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. File Format... by SealBeater · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Almost forgot, what's the file format for the archived video? Is it straight MPEG or something propriatary? Can I install NFS or somesuch on it? Sorry, it's just a day for questions apparently.

    SealBeater

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  2. GPL violation? by ortholattice · · Score: 4, Interesting
    From the "DishPVR 721 Source Code" page: "Do not replace or add any software to the DishPVR 721 with items compiled from these source trees. Doing so will void all warranties and cause the unit to fail."

    Well, if replacing a piece of software recompiled from the source tree causes the unit to fail, that means the binary must not correspond to the source. Thus the GPL'ed source must have had further, secret modifications that are not being released. Isn't that a violation of the GPL?

  3. Starband by GigsVT · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Echostar/Starband still will not release client specs to allow Linux computers to directly connect to starband satellite modems with normal speeds.

    You can connect the Linux box to the satellite modem, but it operates at around 64kbits up/down, with the windows client installed, it gets more like 768 down 64 up. Many people have requested the specs to write a driver for Linux, but they were told that the specs would not be given out to support the development of any sort of open source driver.

    Don't get the idea that Echostar is Linux friendly. Starband proves that.

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