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Playing with Sony's Linux-Based Networked Media Player
ZorinLynx writes "A while back, Sony released the NSP-1, a 'Network Storage Player.' It is intended to be a source of video for signage, such as plasma displays in banks, airports, and so on. I got a chance to play with one today. It's Red Hat Linux-based, which seems unusual for Sony! Though pricey at $1995, it's an interesting use of Linux, and could probably be hacked into a nice set-top video jukebox. It has a nice small form factor, as well as ethernet, USB, and video output in various formats, and a PCMCIA slot for removable media."
Doesn't Honda make the Civic?
I'm with you on this being a useless review.
$2000 AND I have to hack it to do something useful?
Does it give me super powers or something? Because I can think of roughly a kabillion devices that I don't have to hack in order to actually use them that cost WAY less. And I can MythTV those if I really want a media player that badly.
Mod me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine!
Wow, This is more of a page from someones personal diary.
/this/ get on the front page anyways..
'Dear Diary, I saw NSP-1 today in the halls today. I'm so in love.' XXOOXX
So why not replace the Headline with...
"Sony's NSP-1 Device runs Redhat Linux"
Would be so much simpler and straight to the point. It isnt even for normal use, its to run large plasma screen billboards. (Think Statium's big screen, only higher quaility). I could see something like this to say, run a home entertainment system.. but this? Eh, intersting one liner at best.
How did
I doubt it is marketed towards you or any hard core Linux user. I don't think it is only about hardware. Actually, the hardware is kind of irrelevant, though it needs some to do its job. From the description, it looks to be already set up for easy web-based remote administration. Then there's the support.
A Linux geek could set up remote administration and remote scripting, but if this thing is set up like I think it is, said geek probably wouldn't get it done under that cost and still have it be easy for a non-Linux person to use.
The weblog entry does look like they didn't get a manual or didn't bother to read it.
I prefer to set password for setup, which prevents intruders to change booting options. If the intruder can not boot from an external device then it is almmost impossible for him/her to log in.
If he has physical access then he can probably remove the cover and short the CMOS reset jumper.
Next time at least take some pictures.
Newsfollow.com
Ignoring the fact that most businesses would MUCH rather pay for a legal, supported device than a legally quesitonable hack without a warantee, this is not some simple slide show machine.
The page says that it can show up to five layers of content, dynamically changed if you want, with a soundtrack. It can show video, images, and even Macromedia Flash files.
Looking at the specs, it looks like if you could just get live video INTO the thing, you could do all the effects for your local nightly news with it and then some. This box is much more than you (or any hobbiest) could make out of a modded XBox.
Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
Sony loves linux. Why? Because Microsoft hates linux, and Sony loves to support anything that Microsoft hates.
Even before the XBox. When PS2 dev tools were released it was all Linux-based. If you wanted to develop for the PS2 on Windows, you had to either go with 3rd party tools or according to Sony "If you're a big dumb idiot, then you can use Cygwin. But you shouldn't." Then, just for kicks, they released PS2 Linux.
Unfortunately, Sony's linux dev tools weren't up to snuff, but I doubt they'll make the same mistake with the PS3. Remember that IBM has a hand in this now, and a vested interest in making this Cell fly with more than just game developers.
Cell is a good place for Linux. Don't get me wrong, they're definitely going to milk the Us vs Them theme against Microsoft for all the money it's worth.
That's just business.
Hotswap it just after the drive has been unlocked. :)