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."

Comments

Re:Overall, a fun hack.

[Anonymous Coward]

Doesn't Honda make the Civic?

This is /. Front page material?

[Anonymous Coward]

Wow, This is more of a page from someones personal diary.

'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 /this/ get on the front page anyways..

Re:Linux...

[Jeff DeMaagd]

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.

Re:$1995??

[MBCook]

Did you bother to read the specs for the thing on Sony's site?

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.