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How Close is the Open Entertainment Center?

Posted by Cliff on from the ideas-to-think-about-hardware-to-build dept.

why-not-now asks: "Recently there's been a lot of talk about open source/free software that enables your PC to act as a DVR, all-purpose media player, DVD player, CD player, MP3 player, etc... not to mention the ability to play all sorts of video games (if you know where to look). The idea of the set top MAME console is nice, but with a little TV/Audio out, a little know how and the right software, are we currently able to put together a free version of the big convergence media center others are trying to do?"

2 of 329 comments (clear)

  1. Linux+GPL Software+TV = Powerful by m0tion · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Yes, it is happening. www.mythtv.org

  2. Xbox by chesterguy · · Score: 0, Redundant

    This has GOT to be old news: Well, my modded Xbox plays Divx, Xvid, mp3s, CDs, DVD movies, display pictures can stream media from my PC, plays MAME (I am sure I missed something) and play Xbox games. Thats close enough for me. Most or all of the software is free. It did not cost me a lot for what it does and the picture on the TV is excellent and the interface is simple. (I am tired of those ATI cards, wires from my PC to my TV and squinting at the Windows interface). I still have to record TV on my VCR, thats OK. Xbox is filling just about every hackers previous expectation of what it could do and then some.