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Group Outlines Specs For Linux-based Set-top boxes
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."
The standard can be yours for only $2000 (each version).
So much for free software and (mis)using linux name.
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.
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.
the Specifications are available here: http://tvlinuxalliance.org/specifications/index.ph p
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
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