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The XBox as the Home Entertainment Media Hub
bigcitymike writes "Well it might be vaporware, but it appears Dreamix is trying to turn the Xbox into a PVR with a TV guide like scheduler. They also state PC as well as Mac/Linux support down the road. " Project Dreamix will turn the Microsoft Xbox into the ultimate home entertainment center."
I presume it requires a mod-chip installed." The xbox media player really goes a long way towards this goal already. MSFT may not be the friendliest of companies, but for $200, the x-box makes a helluva stereo component.
You can bet that if Dreamix can introduce Mac/Linux support for the XBox that microsoft will find a way to break that support--either through software or lawyers
.The Rise and Fall of Online Community
The people that tried to turn the Gameboy into a PDA.
For when it gets slashdotted...
Overview
Project Dreamix will turn the Microsoft Xbox into the ultimate home entertainment center. Right now we are in the alpha phase of course, but below is what we plan to complete before Beta release: -
* PVR Features (Scheduled recording, fast forward, rewind, pause Live TV)
* Video Playback (Based on Linux MPlayer - all popular file formats)
* Audio/Music Playback (Based on Linux MPlayer - all popular file formats)
* Image Viewer (Slideshow + Photo album)
* Setup Menu (All configuration will be done with the Xbox controller and/or DVD Remote with the use of a graphical keypad)
Although Dreamix will be based on Debian Xbox-Linux, all necessary libraries will be included in the distribution of the CD image and will auto-excecute upon being inserted into the Xbox DVD drive. This will allow for a friendly install by the average user.
Note: There will be a need to purchase a hardware add-on for video input since the Xbox gaming console does not currently have video inputs etc.
Why Dreamix?
"For a very long time, I had been developing software called VWare, 2 years ago the project was going well but found myself losing interest, and not having enough time. Now with the Xbox supplying the hardware power needed to take my old VWare project into a new realm, the Dreamix team had the idea, why not Personal Video Recording on Xbox? Ill be honest, I can not stand Tivos, ReplayTVs,Dish Network, DirecTV TV guide systems, menus and what not. I am a very picky person who wants my entertainment and system to give me a feel of power, worth my money. I have spent too many years watching the industry do things wrong and only 'hoping' more would be added. They are slowly getting there but I am personally tired of waiting and the impatient person I am, I am going to do it myself." - Lenn0x
You think that I'm crazy, you should see this guy!
We are all geeks. It's about time we started sticking together.
--sdem
That hideous thing barely fits in my living room! Not that it lives there, of course - my trusty GC sits next to the TV.
XBox as a media hub? That's MS's stated goal. And they're being thwomped by everyone worldwide (although they compete with Nintendo in the US and Europe, they're outsold by PS1 in Japan).
A little more Karma Whoring
Their beta signup form.
You think that I'm crazy, you should see this guy!
MSFT wants to make the XBox the home hub, but this company is trying to beat them to it, via a hack. I can't see that lasting very long. And I won't begrudge Microsoft either - hobbyist, free projects are one thing, but when you try to profit off of it, that's completely different.
The best thing about a boolean is even if you are wrong, you are only off by a bit.
Easybuy2000, the exclusive distributor of the MAtrix no-solder modchip got busted a few days ago. That will be a major stumbling block for people trying to mod their Xboxen.
I assume that also besides a modchip, you'll also need some sort of nonexistant video capture hardware. Last I checked, the xbox didn't come with S-VIDEO inputs...
Wouldn't a TiVO or Replay TV be much cheaper than this? Not just adding in hardware costs, but all the time required to get all this working. It seems to me that the XBox just wasn't designed for this kind of usage.
--sdem
Note: There will be a need to purchase a hardware add-on for video input since the Xbox gaming console does not currently have video inputs etc.
Where is one supposed to get this add-on?
Just think, all that untapped market of people playing games at their desks...
A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
I know some of the people who are working on the Dreamix, one person is doing the graphics (they look awesome) and another is doing some of the coding (he's a little prodigy). You dont need a mod chip, they're going to be selling a piece of hardware (less than $100) that connects to the box via ethernet. Cable plugs into the small box, is encoded into mpeg2 in real time, and send to the xbox. The software will be free to download and burn. Because the hardware is ethernet-based, it could be used for a PC.. but there just isnt software. Also, they're using linux and under the GPL microsoft can't toucht them, especialy since the software is free.
I don't know about this... One of the reasons for buying a PVR is the simplicity; tell it to record your shows, then pay it no attention 'til you want to watch.
What happens when I come back one night, sit down and get ready to watch the episode of Enterprise I missed... When I discover I forgot to put the Dreamix boot CD back in, and instead turned it off after playing MLB Slugfest last night?
I suppose it might be a good way to recycle the Xbox after one's moved on to newer and better consoles, but I think I'd prefer a dedicated PVR box.
This is just another stupid idea, next please.
Probably to take the money from dupes. Take a look here. It's their customer support forum. They disappeared off the face of the earth on the 15th. They stopped answering phones and email even to major wholesalers.
Now there is a legitimate use for mod-chips, it should in theory be impossible to shut down mod-chip vendors. But that is theoty...
FRA: STFU GTFO
Even after the $250 lifetime you're still price competative. Looks like we're getting into the free razor, sell the blades business model.
What planet are you living on? 60 hour Tivos are still $350 - $50 rebate everywhere short of the uber-rare sales where you can find them for $300.
It's not Linux based.
All the bleeding heart idiots with nothing better to do than complain about something left their 24-hour witch-hunt vigil outside my mansion in order to attend.
I celebrated the peace and quiet by downloading another batch of lolita cumshots, to which I wanked myself silly.
It's great being a rockstar. Not only does CmdrTaco think I'm a god, but I can get away with abusing children and everything.
I hope I cum before they get old
I'd imagine anyone into this enough to want one of these takes their electronics rather seriously and wouldn't actually use it. I know I wouldn't use it as quality wise it isn't on par with what I'd have (nor what I'd want if I didn't already have it).
Though there's certainly a coolness factor on par with see-through Case windows that have never been seen by anyone but the case owner.
Their site says their backordered. Easybuy was the EXCLUSIVE distributor. Everyone else bought from them.
What is the obsession with the Xbox? Yes, it's cheap but:
1.) DRM enabled, requieres a mod chip. MS can change it at their whim. They'll be trying to hit a moving target technologically (& legally maybe - DMCA???).
2.) Small disk.
3.) Ugly as hell. I don't want that brick in my living room.
4.) I don't feel like supporting MS until they change their anti-consumer ways.
The idea is great and I can't wait until they release a Linux/Mac version. Will it require a Radeon AIW or something?
70 Billion Mops Needed to Clean Up Company
I don't know why nobody but me sees it, but DVD players are quickly becoming the key component of a "media hub". I mean we've got a shitty cheap Apex, which we cracked for PAL and region free-ness. It's got logos on it for mp3, jpeg, dts, dolby digital, it plays cds and of course dvds. That's a lot of stuff. If someone made a divx playing pvr dvd player that would be the be all end all to home entertainment. All you would need would be digital cable or sattelite, a television with digital in and out, a reciever, speakers, and one of those. Maybe a VCR or a cassette deck or turntable. That's it! Console gaming is a nice thing too, but hey. If you throw like an xbox/ps2 emulator in the box you are the winner. And as other people have stated the XboX just doesn't have the technical capabilities to be this device without some serious additions. And considering price of xbox and add-ons and the limited hard drive space, I think I'm going to get working on this right away!
The GeekNights podcast is going strong. Listen!
This makes sense how? Who would install a mod chip, install a new hard drive, and install video capture hardware, then get some arcane software setup rubbish right, just to boost the ego and, perhaps, bank accounts of a couple of delusional kids?
But I really don't want to be limited by the limited hardware. In two years' time, how are you going to upgrade the box ?
I'm working on a similar project myself (A href="http://davedina.apestaart.org/">The Dave/Dina Project), which is a distribution (based on Red Hat) to turn a PC into a media hub. It works, it's in our living room, it has 200 GB of storage space (the 550 albums it has encoded to Ogg to date take about 35 GB of those), it records video (we record about 15 shows each week, all through a web interface), it plays emulator games and even Doom, it shows photos, and s on.
It isn't the prettiest thing in the world (WE NEED ARTISTS !), but it's open, you can swap out components, tinker with it, and help us improve it.
I don't want to be tied to any hardware at all, especially not Microsoft's. How long before a cease-and-desist order is issued ?
For all of these features, the xBox is a pretty small and handy way to do all this. Just try and build a PC about the same size for 400 dollars w/ a remote, etc. that's why this is pretty cool
This is my digital signature. 10011011001
There is already a cool media player for the PS2 called the Qcast tuner. I beta tested this program and could do everthing but record TV. I have a all-in-wonder in my linux media server that takes care of that. The server software they wrote works on Linux/Mac/Win. It can play MPEG-1,2,4 and DivX 3.11-5 video. Also plays MP-3 and Ogg audio (no WMA, what a pity). Works with Cat 5 and 802.11 a,b,g. It also plays audio through the S/PDIF port on the PS2. It rocks
Science is the Real TRUTH!
Ignoring the fact that the XBox was created by our dear friends at MS, let's look at this a little more objectively... AFAIK, to run homebrew code your XBox needs a modchip. Unless the Dreamix guys have shelled out for the Official Xbox Dev Kit and whatever licenses they need, Dreamix will require a modchip to run. End of story. ... Not that this is the end of the world of course. There are loads of vendors of modchips, both online and indie game shops. Getting your Xbox modded is neither expensive or difficult... even if you want to get someone else to do the honors for you.
One of the perks of getting your box modded (not forgetting you can play all your *ahem* backups!) is that you can install a bigger hard drive. A modded Xbox can support anything upto 137Gb (after that, extra space is ignored and the device is treated as 137Gb unit).
As far as video input goes, the idea of having media piped in through the 10/100 ethernet socket isn't such a bad idea. The QCast tuner for the PS2 uses a similar idea: where media, from your pc, is streamed to the PS2, which then displays it on screen. So with that in mind, I guess it's possible. The other option would be to use a USB based video capture device, and I believe there are some already on the market. The controller ports on the XBox are just USB ports with a proprietry molding. An adapter cable is available for about 10GBP that will do the business for you.
As far as cost goes, sure getting a Tivo would probably work out cheaper (and better!) unless you already had a modded Xbox. Being techies, I guess we've all got some old hard drives kicking around and new 80Gb is pretty cheap. So for the price of the video capture unit, whatever guise that comes in, I think it's a pretty good idea IMHO. Count me in! ;-)
Every XBox you buy is helping Microsoft partially recover their losses incurred by manufacturing and development. Did it not occur to you that you are paying Microsoft money for the privilege of using an XBox? Or do you just shoplift them from Best Buy?
--sdem
Unless you have been sleeping under a rock for the last 12 months, you would certainly know that there are DVD players of comparable quality to the Xbox, at half the price. Also, they don't require a mod-chip to play Divx, MP3, SVCD and VCD in addition to DVD.They also have less moving parts (the Xbox has two fans and a hard disk, in addition to the DVD mechanics) and is therefore more reliable and dissipates less.
Also, the DVD players available today are all multi-region enable-able through the remote. Some will even remove Macrovision with a remote hack. For the Xbox, you will need a modchip to achieve the same.
Oh, and the DVD player comes with a remote, unlike the Xbox.
Sigged!
You don't get out much do you?
The Xbox has been out for what, 2 or 3 years? The PSX (most sucessful console EVER) has been out for almost 10 years.
If I recall, the PSX has sold around 80 million units worldwide. That's more than the Xbox, PS2, and Gamecube combined.
It's not that they are that stupid.
It's just that a crack addict has a better chance
of passing on the pipe than many gamerz do of
saying no to Xbox if there is a chance that there
might be some cool games to play on it.
What they don't understand is that if Xbox if ever
did become ubiquitious, they would raise prices,
and have control. Another chance for embrace
and extend.
I have never heard a more fatuous arguement, than
"MS loses money on every xbox they sell."
It's like a bunch of mice are gleefully telling
each other" and they put the cheese out for free"
SNAP.
After reading a few of your posts you really do come off as a "l33t3r than thou" liberal asshole. The fact is if you can't buy a tivo in those countries then you probably can't afford a $200 xbox, $150 hard drive, $40 mod chip, $50 usb tv adapter, and whatever else you need to make this poor kludge of a real product work. Just try and stop being a pretentious asshole for about 2 minutes ok?
Buying XBox hardware doesn't support Microsoft; it hurts Microsoft. They sell the hardware at a loss. Buying XBox *software* supports Microsoft.
if( /. == xbox_advertising_arena){
deleteBookmark("/.");
}
Can someone please explain to me how this is any sort of news whatsoever? I would venture to guess Im not the only one who has been using my already paid for home network and computers for video on demand, and all other 'features' of this so called media center.
What about networking, will it see my mounted SMB shares so I can access them form any location on my network. Does it have a remote, or do I have to sit in front of the tv with a MS joystick to use it? As far as I can see, hooking this up to my network, would be a giant step back to 1998.
Will it be a true media center and allow me to access a secure server by placing my public and accepted keys anywhere into it? Or is this just 'media' in terms of sit on your ass couch-potato stuff?
overall, nice concept ,far from novel, and way to expensive.
the xbox makes more noise than all my other stereo components (and my fridge and traffic outside) combined.
http://www.objectivists.org.au/2002/PoorSweden.htm
It's good to see you Slashdot hypocrites supporting Microsoft. Keep up the good work!
Doesn't Microsoft own WebTV and some sort of PVR company? Don't you think this is there eventual plan for the XBox? A gaming console is mostly marketable to males aged 10-40 (or so), but a unit with the functionality of all of these things would be marketable to... well... everybody. And surfing the web may actually be reasonable on HDTV. (Did you ever use WebTV? It was awful on TV resolutions).
All circuits busy.
I applaud them for supporting the underdog. Worldwide current generation console shipments:
Playstation = 50 million
Nintendo = 16 million
Xbox = 8-11 million by June
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-980966.html
"oohhh... I didn't know Schopenhauer was a philosopher!"
This is kinda off-topic but I have to ask.... I have been hearing rumor that MS is looking in buying or becoming a controlling intrest in Pepsi. Presumably for the marketing/brand recognition and market demographics of Pepsi in conjunction with the Xbox and related MS projects in the works. Has anyone heard anything like this? Any truth to this or is it just BS
Sigh... I get soooo tired of all people that thinks that the whole world is USA. Now, please tell me how I am gonna get a TiVO or Replay TV here in Sweden. Please do that.
Thank you!
PS. Not that I am planning to buy an xbox or anything, I will not support MS if I can avoid it (yes, you DO support MS if you buy one of those machines, even if they lose money selling them)
Do I sense a subtle reference to the Linux-based "Indrema" home entertainment system, that was just a, well, Dream?
D00D SKr00 aLL u fAgZ WiND0Wz are The GAY u aLL sUx0r!!!!!
Infinium Labs Announces Plans For High Performance Game Console
New Gaming Console To Take Game Performance To Highest Level -
Bundled With More Games Than Any Competitor
Longboat Key, Florida - January 20, 2003 - A Tampa Bay area technology company, Infinium Labs Corporation, will develop and market a new game console that will outperform the XBOX, Sony Playstation II, and GameCube.
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The Infinium Labs game console features a high tech design and offers ease of use for the variety of game players worldwide. The on-demand delivery system will appeal to hard-core gamers as well as casual users. The unique design architecture allows for delivery of a large number of games and the ability to participate in online massive multiplayer gaming. Key features include:
Fastest console on the market
Broadest selection of preloaded games
Cross Platform capabilities
State of the art design and architecture
Advanced accessories and wireless capabilities
Online connectivity for multi player gaming
Seamless upgrades and patch management
A multi tiered subscription service that meets the needs of casual, moderate and hard-core game players
Demo games before purchasing or subscribing
Games on demand
Game Rentals
The advanced system provides game developers and publishers a secure and efficient software distribution system. Infinium Labs intends for game developers and publishers to reap greater profits using this new game delivery system.
Infinium Labs has engineered its prototypes and expects to unveil the new gaming console in March of 2003. The company intends to launch the game console to the U.S. consumer market by November 2003.
Infinium Labs has chosen Florida as its corporate headquarters. Florida has emerged as a leader in support of technology companies with its eFlorida initiative. Offices will also open soon in Silicon Valley and St. Louis, Missouri.
About Infinium Labs
Infinium Labs Corporationwas formed in October 2002 as a global entertainment/gaming company. Infinium Labs' mission is to market a gaming console and delivery system that will be the performance leader in the game playing entertainment industry. The company will market a robust game console that will appeal to a wide audience with its ease of use, quality assurance and robust delivery system. For more information, contact Steve Chilton at 877-485-5962 or visit www.infiniumlabs.com.
Microsoft may act like it is a shocker, but they know what they are doing. They are willing to take a loss on an XBox in order to sit at the gateway between you and everything you do entertainment-wise; not just playing games, but when you browse the net via TV, what TV shows you watch, what entertainment (like pay-per-view movies) you download, what movies you rent and view. The XBox is the enabling technology behind all of this.
Already doing this for the PS2: BroadQ
Hmm.. hasn't another company tried this before? Or at least, something like it? Granted, 3DO was trying to do both hardware and software and include every whizbang feature into it, but still, seems eerily similar.
Personally, I don't think the Xbox will be the centerpiece of an entertainment center. Why? Because by the time it gets to that stage, various aspects would have change:
In the end, 3DO ended up backpeddling and dropped hardware and went completely to software. Their idea was too big and too early. With Dreamix and the MS-Xbox, I think a powerful central home entertainment setup is a good idea, but ultimately, MS will most likely crush it either through legal proceedings or through the buy-then-shutdown methodologies.
I'll stick with my Tivo2, which can record 193 hours and my PS2 which I hope will soon be joined with it's relative, the PS3 when it arrives.
Winged Power Photography
Some stats from http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten.htm
Hardware Sales Chart
I dunno, I thought the Xbox was meant to be competing against the PS2, not the PSone... :)
Seriously, though, the Xbox is not just getting their rear ends kicked, they are getting it minced and handed to them in a bucket.
MS should seriously consider, just why they are in this market...
Winged Power Photography
I think they lose more if people buy them, as opposed to keeping the unsold XBoxes stuck in the supply chain as "shelfware".
I guess it depends if you believe the story about each unit costing M$ more than the wholesale price. If true, you would want M$ to sell as many as possible. If they lose money on each individual unit, there is no such thing as "making it up on volume". The CueCat people pushed this concept to its logical conclusion and made vast amounts of money disappear.
On the other hand, if M$ is slowly-but-surely recovering something more than the direct production cost, then you would want as few sales as possible in the hopes of triggering a total write-off of the entire program.
No matter how you look at it, a non-gaming XBox produces little or no revenue for M$.
Long were the days of pain I have spent within its walls, and
long were the nights of aloneness; and who can depart from his
pain and his aloneness without regret?
-- Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet"
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