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Open Source Set-Top-Box Adds YouTube Support
mrspin writes "Media streaming boxes such as the AppleTV, XBox 360, PS3, and products from Netgear do a varying job of bridging the gap between the PC and television as well as, in some cases, delivering Internet content directly into the living room. But all are closed systems. The result of which is that users are left trying to hack these devices against the wishes of manufacturers or have to make-do with whatever official features are implemented. Bucking this trend, Neuros is taking a wholly different approach, and has open-sourced the firmware for its Neuros OSD media center, meaning that anybody is free to write add-ons that extend the device's functionality. This week the company announced that thanks to the open-source community, the device now lets users browse, search and view the entire YouTube catalog."
An individual who is not that connected to the internet might think Youtube is an application...or is it?
You see, we are used to hearing support for "platforms" or software. Maybe I am wrong on this...!
...no... Neuros is _hardware_ whereas MythTV is _software_ Granted, Neuros has and uses software, and with external storage could perform functions similar to MythTV. But it is much much broader than MythTV.
If this device doesn't have a cablecard slot or any other way of descrambling encrypted digital channels, I don't know how it qualifies as a "set top box" except in the fact it can sit on top of a CRT television. Using this logic, the clock radio on top of my TV is a "set top box" as well.
so in other words, you need a complete PC AND this box. sounds like a worse combo as the software is windows only.
Why dont they stop the silly special software crap and simply make the dang things play from a SMB share and call it done? Why the stupid streaming crap or silly VNC tricks like the Hauppage Media MVP?
I am so tired of this media appliances that require "special" software or use the stupid Upnp protocols that simply suck to high heaven.
Is SMB that fricking hard?
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
AMEN!
Lack of SMB is the only thing keeping me from switching from XBMC to something that supports HD.
If Neuros only supported HD then I'd keep an eye on this latest development for some kind of SMB support...but without HD it has no chance of competing with XBMC.
Hah....you had my hopes up...bastard. True, a modded xbox does only support the old SMB.
How is this insightful? Did you even spend 10 seconds looking at the article or the device?
No, the product is Linux based, as in:
(see http://www.neurosaudio.com/osd/osd.asp [neurosaudio.com])Here's the awesome thing about open source. You want it to play from an SMB share? Go ahead and write it or ask someone to! I know, I know. Linux is obviously "silly special software crap" to you. Fair enough.
And... guess what? Someone did.
http://wiki.neurostechnology.com/index.php/OSD_PrNow, why would you not want it to only play from SMB shares? Other people may want to be able to plug in their iPods, or FAT32-flash cards, or whatever. Personally, having to dump all my holiday photos to a remote server in some other room to have a slideshow is annoying for me; I'd much rather just plug in my camera or its memory card.
Indeed, other people may want to hook up to youtube without requiring other specialized hardware in the house.
OK. You're tired of open source linux, because that's "silly special software". Fair enough. You're tired of any custom firmware in general. If I'm to take you at your word, you're tired of media PC's, ApplesTVs, iPods, MP-3 players, TV's (they have firmware too), PVR's, modern stereos. Sorry about "special software". Again, if you're really being sincere, I suggest you try an old TV from the 1970's; it might not have any software in it. Add an 8-track player and a sweet 60's solid-state amp, and you'll have no "silly special software" to worry about.
As for UPnP protocols, I can cheerfully agree with you there.
For you? I'd have to say yes, based on the above.
Now, to other readers (and sorry, perhaps I should have ignored the guy, but when someone was modding him insightful and others were replying in the same tone... well, it made the discussion worse than useless)... He was saying stuff that was flatly false and being applauded for it.
Back to the general concept: does this device actually make sense? A $249 embedded Linux device with some nice features that is upgradeable and open-sourced (on the software side)?
Maybe. It probably doesn't make sense if you have a MythTV device hooked up. Or a Tivo/really good PVR. Or, as others have mentioned, an XBMC (Xbox Media Center). Or are HD.
Personally, I'm intrigued, but a potential deal breaker for me is the presumed lack of upscaling in the device. It's doubtful it has the spare cpu capacity to process that in software. Apart from that, with the network connectivity, and extendability, it's tempting.
I just have to admit I'm a bit dismayed. We all talk about Open Source here and slam MS (often rightly so). When a company comes out that is Open Source and is doing something rather unique and interesting -- not just letting its users hack the hardware, but inviting them to, guys like this jump up and down about "silly special software" and get modded insightful.
-Holmwood