Intel's Linux Based Home Media Gateway

An anonymous reader writes "This article at LinuxDevices.com takes a look at a new 'home media gateway' design that was unveiled today by Intel at the Intel Developer Forum in San Jose, CA. The device is expected to be manufactured by multiple consumer electronics manufacturers in Asia, and will enable the distribution of PC digital media to TVs and stereos throughout the home. The gadget is based on one of Intel's new XScale processors running a customized version of Linux, provides support for JPEG, MP3, and WMA digital content, utilizes 802.11b wireless networking, and supports NTSC/PAL/S-video TV connections and AC-97 stereo connection. The home media adapter is a key component of Intel's 'Extended Wireless PC Initiative', which is part of Intel's greater Digital Home initiative."

Comments

Re:$79.00

[Enry]

That's the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost. That is, the parts. Not including packaging, profit, making back the engineering $, sales, support, and the cost to actually make the thing.

Expect it to be in the $150-$200 range. Still sounds like a good price for what it provides.

DRM issues - Research before posting, please!

[BenEnglishAtHome]

From the FAQ at the Intel developer's site for this thing:

How will audio, imaging and video content be protected using the digital media adapter?

Protection of digital media content is a concern of Intel and many other industry leaders. Although several viable solutions exist today, a singe standard has yet to emerge that will satisfy the needs of all content owners. Intel is actively working with the Copy Protection Technical Working Group and other industry bodies to get comercial content protected when it is created. In the interim, Intel believes that the first phase of Digital Home will focus on personal content.

Emphasis added.

In other words, they're hedging their bets by going to market with a product/product spec/development framework that might not be all that the content providers want while still saying they're a bunch of cooperative guys.

How should we read this? How about - "Buy it when it comes out, because as soon as the CPTWG people get their act together, the next generation will be crippled"?

Re:OT: 1U MP3/Internet Radio Streamer?

[Anonymous Coward]

http://www.slimdevices.com/

Re:WMA on Linux?

[David F.]

Is this a first?

Nope, the Empeg and Rio Receiver (which both run Linux) can play WMA files.