More Cringley on Linux Embedded Hardware Hacking
enrico_suave writes "I , Cringley on Linux hardware hacking (the good kind). Some neat points on what enterprising individuals are doing with Hauppauge MediaMVP streaming content settop box/client thingie." The story is mostly about Micro ISPs, including a few choice digs on Slashdot readers.
I must say, I am impressed by the Hauppauge device. It has really good functionality and a not-too-bad price tag. These exploits are really pretty interesting, and I am surprised that it took so long for them to become mainstream. I figure that it is only a matter of time before people start building specialized devices like the Hauppauge. Overall, this is one of those nifty hacks that I love.
Effort is the thing. XBox needs a HW hack, Tivo needs a subscription. MediaMVP needs little effort, and a PC makes a better Tivo anyways (web admin rocks). And I can fit a pantload more storage in a tower than I can in a Tivo or an XBox.
The BusyBox Hall of Shame lists this device as one of several that is violating the GPL in using BusyBox, and presumably other packages too. Anyone know if Hauppauge is actually doing anything about it?