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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."

4 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 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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