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Group Outlines Specs For Linux-based Set-top boxes

Posted by Hemos on from the power-your-multimedia-world dept.

Shadowhawk writes "According to Silicon Strategies, a group called "TV Linux Alliance" is creating a spec for digital set-top boxes using Linux. The specifications, dubbed version 0.8, defines the functions for RF tuners and other components in Linux-based set-top boxes. It also outlines the application programming interfaces (APIs) for those devices, according to officials from the alliance."

12 of 92 comments (clear)

  1. Re:wow, real informative by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    www.tvlinuxalliance.com.

    The standard can be yours for only $2000 (each version).

    So much for free software and (mis)using linux name.

  2. Re:wow, real informative by xean · · Score: 2, Informative

    There should have at least been a link to the Alliance's web site in the News Article which can be found here

    But again - there isn't much info there either unless you're a 'member'...

  3. Here's the article by SexyKellyOsbourne · · Score: 4, Informative

    HOUSTON, Tex.--The TV Linux Alliance here today announced the availability of its initial specifications for use in developing digital set-top boxes, based on the Linux operating system.

    The specifications, dubbed version 0.6, defines the functions for RF tuners and other components in Linux-based set-top boxes. It also outlines the application programming interfaces (APIs) for those devices, according to officials from the alliance. The TV Linux Alliance is a consortium that hopes to define a proprietary Linux environment for digital set-top boxes.

    The specification also simplifies the implementation of middleware and device drivers for the Linux operating environment. It also paves the way for support of industry-standard content specifications, such as DVB-MHP, Palladium, and CableLabs OCAP, said Dennis Thompson, chairman for the Austin-based alliance.

    "This specification is a long awaited solution that will accelerate the availability of new content and services, though it may include some porting and integration challenges," he said in a statement.

    The TV Linux Alliance consists of ACTV, Apple, ATI, Broadcom, Concurrent Computer, Conexant, Convergence Integrated Media, iSurfTV, Liberate, Lineo, MontaVista, Motorola, Pace Micro, ReplayTV, STMicroelectronics, Sun Microsystems, TiVo, Trintech, WebTV, and Worldgate.

    1. Re:Here's the article by BigSven · · Score: 2, Informative

      Convergence Integrated Media is dead, long live Convergence ;-) The company changed its name but we are still there and we are still into Open Source as you can see at www.linuxtv.org and www.directfb.org.

  4. Re:wow, real informative by Robot+Monkey · · Score: 5, Informative

    From The TV Linux Alliance website:

    "TV Linux Alliance specifications are available for licensing. Organizations who wish to adopt the specification as a full-blown licensor may do so by executing the Adopter's Agreement. Adopters may incorporate the TV Linux Alliance Specification in their commercial products."

    In other words, to get the specs, you gotta join their club. And to join their club, you gotta pay $2000 buckaroos.

  5. But will it be better? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    The Pace/Liberate boxes that the uk cable cos use are complete shit! It takes about 5 seconds to change the channel sometimes, and sickening color schemes to boot! Not to mention that it crashes on you when you least expect it. If the linux boxes are better, than Im all for it. Linux could be in nearly every home...

  6. The Specifications are available here by Troy+H+Parker · · Score: 4, Informative

    the Specifications are available here: http://tvlinuxalliance.org/specifications/index.ph p

    1. Re:The Specifications are available here by Paul+Bristow · · Score: 4, Informative

      No they're not! The license agreement to sign and send back so you can get access to the specifications is there. Open Source it is not.

      --
      - Paul
  7. The Dreambox by Zloopy · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is better:

    The Dreambox 7000S, Dream Multimedia:

    - 250 MHz IBM PowerPC Processor (350 Mips)

    - Linux open source (most parts under the terms of GPL, accordingly
    expandable)- Supports Linux Standard API (Direct-FB, Linux-FB, LIRC)

    - 1 x DVB Common-Interface Slot

    - 2 x Smartcard-Reader

    - Integrated Compact Flash Interface Slot

    - MPEG2 Hardware decoding (fully DVB compliant)

    - Support for MPEG4 decoding

    - Common available NIMs (DVB-S, DVB-T, DVB-C)

    - 100 MBit full duplex Ethernet Interface

    - USB Port Keyboard, Pointing Devices, WebCams and other devices

    - V.24/RS232 Interface

    - Big-size LCD-Display

    - Up to 64 MByte of RAM

    - integrated IDE UDMA66 Master/Slave Interface

    - Support for internal HDD in any capacity

    1. Re:The Dreambox by RVley · · Score: 2, Informative

      It's not delayed, it will be out next week (according to www.electricblue.nl) for 499 Euros.

      Soon there will also be cable (DVB-C) and DVB-T versions. This 7000 can also hold a harddisk. The cheapo-model will not be able to hold a HDD.

      Think it'll be a very nice box, but we have to see how stable everything will be ofcourse.

      --
      --- Woohooo!
  8. $2000 to license the specs... by gotih · · Score: 3, Informative

    can closed specs produce open software? the specs will cost $2000 to license.

    --

    fear is the mind killer
  9. VDR *is* a GPL STB/PVR by Paul+Bristow · · Score: 5, Informative

    This site has the terrific and very active VDR project. It has full DVB support, full PVR support, and plugins for DVD playback, DivX, MPEG-4, MP3, LCD displays and more... If you want GPL Digital TV this is the place to go. Sign up to the mailing lists and contribute to this fantastic example of open source working well.

    --
    - Paul