Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Prisimq MediaServer Support For Linux

Posted by Hemos on from the cool-device dept.

martinde writes "The Prismiq Media Player is a networked set top box that can play MP3s, streaming media, browse the web, and do other cool stuff. It runs Debian on the dedicated hardware client, but in the past it has required a Windows server on the backend. It looks like now there is beta support for Linux in the backend. Anyone tried this device, with or without Linux?" This is a device that I've been playing with/testing - our sister (Yes, Virginia, they are owned by OSDN) site Thinkgeek sells them. Pretty cool device - reminds me of a XBox Media Player in terms of function, but with less soldering, and a keyboard. I'll be trying the Linux backend server - that would solve one of my major complaints, which is that the media server currently is Windows-only.

9 of 142 comments (clear)

  1. Wi Fi option by bigjnsa500 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I *thought* that 802.11a/g wasn't available in Linux as of this time. If this machine runs Debian, where's the drivers? And where can I download them?

    --
    This is a test. This is a test of the emergency sig system. This has been only a test.
  2. No on-box display? by Dr.+Blue · · Score: 4, Interesting


    The biggest problem I see with this (or with using an X-box for similar things) is the lack of any display or controls on the box itself. I don't want to have to turn on the TV to listen to music, and I don't really want to have to search for a remote either. Why can't people put a very simple user interface on the front of the box??? Something as simple as the iPod interface would be great and very functional.

    1. Re:No on-box display? by smartin · · Score: 3, Interesting

      I agree, my main stereo system is not in the same room as my tv. I'm currently using an old rio receiver to do the job but would like to have something better. A ps2 or xbox (running linux) seem like an attractive solution but i need to be able to control it without a tv.

      One option is to have the box run a web server and control it from a laptop or maybe a small handheld device such as ipaq or palm pilot, or maybe even one of those lcd screen remote controls. All of which of course adds to the cost and complexity of the system.

      --
      The difference between Canada and the USA is that in Canada healthcare is a right and gun ownership is a privilege.
    2. Re:No on-box display? by whyde · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Why doesn't any device which serves up AUDIO use an AUDIO-based navigation system... it could be as dumb as a simple voice synthesizer telling you what you are scrolling through, instead of an expensive LCD.

  3. Will it play back my ripped DVDs? by rabbar · · Score: 2, Interesting

    With a wireless 802.11g card and the ability to play back a ripped DVD it would make a great video jukebox.

  4. Not quite what I'm looking for by selderrr · · Score: 3, Interesting

    to many features that I wont use. For my movies, I got a DVD player. For IM, I rather use my computer since reading text from TV is too painfull for my eyes. For mp3s, I want something that fits my home stereo equipment and connects to my iTunes library (AAC + playlists).

    This brings me to the related question : why is there so little hardware available that plugs into my home stereo (a Marantz system in our living room, pretty decent and it used to cost me half a leg so I'd rather not replace/extend it with a computer that takes up to much space and would just sit there doing nothing in a hidden corner) and in my airport network ? All I really want is a stereo tower box that is stylish, fits my stereo and performs the features of my iPod (okay, forget parachute) without having to haul my iMac to the living room. the iTrip is one way to go, but I would prefer something that goes wirelessly straight to my music library.

    Could it be that too many hardware vendors are tied to much to the recording industry, which still considers mp3 pretty much illegal ?

    --
    When will I end this grieving ? When will my future begin ?
  5. Re:And? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Checkout "Audiotron"
    http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audiotron /producthome.asp

    Its music only, but it doesnt require a TV. Internally, i think its based on WindowsCE, but it uses SMB so any Samba server (including linux) can drive it. Its very slick.

  6. [GameShark|BroadQ] Media Player by christooley · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Run Linux, Windows, Mac, whatever on the backend, use your PS2 on the front end. Even use the handy DVD remote. Available from BroadQ or shortly from GameShark it has all the functionality I can glean from the Prismi?q box without yet another piece of hardware.

  7. QCast Tuner works FB on PS2 by theoldmoose · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If you already have a PS2, just stick a network interface on it ($30), and get the QCast Tuner software ($50) from BroadQ.

    Their server runs on Java, and will work on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.

    Turns the PS2 into a nice multimedia platform.