Do you really believe that or are you just making it up?
Say you have a flashlight with a 6V bulb in it. You put in 4 D cells at 1.5V each. In series this gives you the required 6V. Have a look at any piece of battery-powered gear if you want evidence.
The New Scientist article doesn't seem to know what it's talking about.
It mentions SDI which is *uncompressed* digital video. Then it goes on to mention 10 Mbits/sec which can *only* be compressed video.
I imagine what they really mean is that it is outputting compressed 10 Mbits/sec digital video in DVB-ASI format which is electrically equivalent to SDI (but the "protocol" is different).
Have a look at my other comment. It's not very hard to pick off the compressed MPEG2 stream, or the uncompressed digital video. The reason it's not more common is that building a converter to go from a byte-wide MPEG2 stream to anything your PC will like (say, 100M Ethernet, SCSI etc.) is non-trivial and out of the reach of the average person who wants to get the data from their DVD.
Disc read electronics | v Decryption (CSS - heh) | | (Compressed MPEG2 format) v MPEG2 decoder | | (Uncompressed digital video) v NTSC encoder | | (Analog video with macrovision) v Output to TV
The macrovision signal corruption is inserted by the NTSC encoder, which converts digital video to analog. Thus there are two places where you can pick up pristine digital video - the compressed MPEG2 stream and the uncompressed digital video.
This article seems to be a bit confused as to which digital signal is being output. It mentions SDI which is uncompressed video, but then talks about 10 Mbits/s which is certainly compressed.
The modification mentioned in the article isn't terribly challenging or exciting. The compressed MPEG2 stream is carried on the DVD's circuit board by (usually) 12 wires (8 data + 4 control) just waiting to be picked off by anyone competent in high-end electronics. The uncompressed video is even easier to get at. The major part needed is a high-speed parallel-to-serial converter. SMPTE-259M refers to uncompressed SDI and DVB-ASI refers to compressed MPEG2.
Dude, if you want an easy in-car MP3 player use a Netwinder from Rebel.com. 12V, 15W max so you can just plug it right into your cigarette lighter socket. It's got built in audio I/O so you can use it as an MP3 player out of the box. Of course, it costs about $1500 too much, so you have to get a free one (like I did) to make it worthwile.
(a) I'm actually thinking of 98 here, not NT. Sorry if I confused the issue by saying "Windows" instead of "Windows 98." I don't know much about NT's security model or default permissions. I do know that 98's sucks ass.
(b) Again there are many variants of Outlook and Outlook Express. Hey, some may even say "don't execute this file because it has a virus." My point is some will auto-execute an attached.VBS if it shows in the preview pane. There's no excuse for that.
I don't know what group you're talking about when you say "you guys." Did I mention Linux in my post? Did I say "this won't happen on a real OS like Linux?" No, I didn't. In fact, I am currently using Win98 as my main desktop OS.
The only thing worse than a Linux zealot is a Microsoft apologist.
It seems that those of us forced to use Windows (either for work or because of specific applications) have to change almost all of Microsoft's defaults to the opposite setting:
- Display full path in title bar - Don't hide extensions for known file types - Show file attributes in detail view - Allow all uppercase names - Show hidden files
I wouldn't go as far as to say it has NOTHING to do with the OS. Microsoft has to be partly to blame for having as defaults:
(a) a security model that allows a user program (Outlook) to delete or modify any files it likes including system files and other user's files.
(b) not making it obvious to potentially clueless users that executing code attached to an email could have detrimental effects. Some versions of Outlook Express will even execute the attached VBS if it opens in the preview pane! Also, the default in Windows is to hide the file extension, so LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs shows up as LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT on many systems. People have been told not to run any.VBS files but the virus doesn't show up as a.VBS to most of them.
I'll agree that a truly competent admin is the most important element of any virus protection or security setup.
Well, I have a Vortex 2 right now and don't feel like changing it. However, if I had to buy a new soundcard at this poing, knowing what I do now, it would definately NOT be an Aureal card.
Let's look at the actual source and binaries included (i.e. excluding Makefiles and text notes):
>vortex.c driver source file This is basically a reworked AudioPCI ES1371 driver. Have a look at it. It's little more than a kernal interface to the files listed below.
>asp30.o object file containing Au8830 core >asp10.o object file containing Au8810 core >asp20.o object file containing Au8820 core These are the actual guts of the driver that do all the work. And they don't come with source. This is a big downside as far as I'm concerned. One of the major reasons I wanted open-source drivers is so that I can hack in support for an S/PDIF input.
The asp30.o file contains the text string "EnableSpdifIn" so presumably the code's done. The Xitel storm platinum (the card I have) is Aureal's reference design so they've obviously tested the S/PDIF input already. If I had the source I'd probably have S/PDIF input going in a few hours.
Oh well, I bought a used AudioPCI because it *does* have open source drivers *now*. I'm going to hold out a little while longer for Aureal and see if they do finally get their act together, otherwise I'll have a Vortex 2 card for sale cheap:)
No, the drivers come with a binary-only object file for interfacing with the card, as well as a kernal interface layer for which they provide the source.
In fact, the interface layer is basically a reworked AudioPCI driver.
It also looks like the binary-only object is very similar to their Windows code...
The phrase "yeahright" also comes up a bunch of times.
Re:New year's anticlimactic
on
Apocalypse Not
·
· Score: 1
Yeah. I heard about a house party someone was having, and just before midnight everyone was watching coverage of some new year's party on TV and counting down. 5...4...3... and then one of the people turned the main switch off on the breaker panel. hehe.
It depends on what you mean by support, though. Of course if you call Microsoft "support" and are willing to pay $195 (here in ca) per incident, they'll "support" you.
Don't try to tell me that they'll "support" 98 and NT by releasing all of their applications for the next four years in 98/NT versions as well.
Well, for good quality sound, I'd like to plug my Xitel storm platinum (it's based on the Aureal reference design, so the other Vortex 2 cards should be similar).
They did a really decent job on the analog section as far as I can tell, plus s/pdif output if your amp has that capability.
HOWEVER, don't buy this card yet! Linux drivers are supposed to be coming any day now. If the drivers do show up, this is one choice card!
I remember those days, with my C64 and 1200 baud modem. I even had an 80 column terminal prog for the 64 - I think it was called novaterm or something like that. I think the 64 had something like 320 pixels across a "high-res" screen so Novaterm drew its own 3-pixel wide characters.
Ahh yes, but they also provide their modified kernels, along with the toolchain set and some misc commands at www.tivo.com/linux. No need to buy a CD. I don't know if they've always had this page.
This is important. It seems the patent applies to an arbitrarily selected window. From GnrcMan's comment above:
The window may be arbitrarily selected. For example, the decade could begin with the 1950's and end with the 2040's, or it could begin with the 1980's and end with the 2070's.)
This Global 2000 OS certainly sounds like it would have an arbitrary window. Wonder if there's more information on this OS somewhere?
HDL stands for Hardware Description Language. It's most commonly used to design digital ICs. Everything from very simple logic functions to graphics processors gets designed with some sort of HDL. It's essentially a type of programming language, except instead of executable code, a hardware design is produced.
Two of the more common ones are VHDL and Verilog. If you're really interested, there's a VHDL FAQ you can read. The VHDL acronym is interesting: the V stands for VHSIC, which in turn stands for Very High Speed Integrated Circuits.
And to think, I emailed them about this just last Saturday. Their reply:
Hello,
There are plans to support other operating systems besides Windows 9x and Windows NT. Currently, we are working on WDM drivers, but plans are already underway on working with different companies on Linux and BeOS drivers.
4Front Technologies are working on drivers for the Vortex 1 and 2 chipsets under Linux through their OpenSound package. We are also working with other groups on supplying more open-source Linux drivers, which we hope to have available towards the end of 1999. We have also been in contact with Be on getting support for the Vortex chipsets, and hopefully will follow through on that shortly.
There are definite plans for these drivers, however, and there are no guarantees.
There is no planned support for Windows 3.x, OS/2, or the Macintosh OS at this time.
Regards,
Aureal Customer Support Services
MB
Ok then. Aside from obviously being somewhat of a form letter, it does at least appear that Aureal is serious about this. It's quite a change from a few months ago, when I emailed them and they said basically if you want Linux drivers, look at the opensound group and they might have a beta version later on, and if you want any specs, get lost.
I'm guessing they've been getting pestered quite a bit about this. Now, if I could only get digital-in on my card (a Vortex 2 based Xitel Storm Platinum), I'd be in heaven! I know there's an I2S input on the pin expansion header that the platinum has, maybe with open source drivers we can hack on digital input.
Slashdot Mirror
Do you really believe that or are you just making it up?
Say you have a flashlight with a 6V bulb in it. You put in 4 D cells at 1.5V each. In series this gives you the required 6V. Have a look at any piece of battery-powered gear if you want evidence.
The New Scientist article doesn't seem to know what it's talking about.
It mentions SDI which is *uncompressed* digital video. Then it goes on to mention 10 Mbits/sec which can *only* be compressed video.
I imagine what they really mean is that it is outputting compressed 10 Mbits/sec digital video in DVB-ASI format which is electrically equivalent to SDI (but the "protocol" is different).
If you're really interested in doing this, here's a DVB-ASI receiver for the PCI bus. Combine this with the HOTlink parallel-to-serial converter that goes in your DVD player, and voila, compressed video comes out of the DVD and into your PC.
Disc read electronics
|
v
Decryption (CSS - heh)
|
| (Compressed MPEG2 format)
v
MPEG2 decoder
|
| (Uncompressed digital video)
v
NTSC encoder
|
| (Analog video with macrovision)
v
Output to TV
The macrovision signal corruption is inserted by the NTSC encoder, which converts digital video to analog. Thus there are two places where you can pick up pristine digital video - the compressed MPEG2 stream and the uncompressed digital video.
This article seems to be a bit confused as to which digital signal is being output. It mentions SDI which is uncompressed video, but then talks about 10 Mbits/s which is certainly compressed.
The modification mentioned in the article isn't terribly challenging or exciting. The compressed MPEG2 stream is carried on the DVD's circuit board by (usually) 12 wires (8 data + 4 control) just waiting to be picked off by anyone competent in high-end electronics. The uncompressed video is even easier to get at. The major part needed is a high-speed parallel-to-serial converter. SMPTE-259M refers to uncompressed SDI and DVB-ASI refers to compressed MPEG2.
It's using a MIPS processor from Quantum Effect Devices (www.qedinc.com). Note that despite their name they have nothing to do with quantum computing.
Hello Mr. Anonymous.
.VBS if it shows in the preview pane. There's no excuse for that.
(a) I'm actually thinking of 98 here, not NT. Sorry if I confused the issue by saying "Windows" instead of "Windows 98." I don't know much about NT's security model or default permissions. I do know that 98's sucks ass.
(b) Again there are many variants of Outlook and Outlook Express. Hey, some may even say "don't execute this file because it has a virus." My point is some will auto-execute an attached
I don't know what group you're talking about when you say "you guys." Did I mention Linux in my post? Did I say "this won't happen on a real OS like Linux?" No, I didn't. In fact, I am currently using Win98 as my main desktop OS.
The only thing worse than a Linux zealot is a Microsoft apologist.
Yeah.
It seems that those of us forced to use Windows (either for work or because of specific applications) have to change almost all of Microsoft's defaults to the opposite setting:
- Display full path in title bar
- Don't hide extensions for known file types
- Show file attributes in detail view
- Allow all uppercase names
- Show hidden files
etc.
Hi Mr. Suave.
.VBS files but the virus doesn't show up as a .VBS to most of them.
I wouldn't go as far as to say it has NOTHING to do with the OS. Microsoft has to be partly to blame for having as defaults:
(a) a security model that allows a user program (Outlook) to delete or modify any files it likes including system files and other user's files.
(b) not making it obvious to potentially clueless users that executing code attached to an email could have detrimental effects. Some versions of Outlook Express will even execute the attached VBS if it opens in the preview pane! Also, the default in Windows is to hide the file extension, so LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs shows up as LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT on many systems. People have been told not to run any
I'll agree that a truly competent admin is the most important element of any virus protection or security setup.
That's why Network Solutions has "999 999 9999" as my phone number :)
Or this.
I couldn't even get to the stock quote option. It must be slashdotted.
The only problem with this is some yahoo will go in and change the password, and then it's useless from then on.
Well, I have a Vortex 2 right now and don't feel like changing it. However, if I had to buy a new soundcard at this poing, knowing what I do now, it would definately NOT be an Aureal card.
Not fully anyway, and not the parts that matter.
:)
Let's look at the actual source and binaries included (i.e. excluding Makefiles and text notes):
>vortex.c driver source file
This is basically a reworked AudioPCI ES1371 driver. Have a look at it. It's little more than a kernal interface to the files listed below.
>asp30.o object file containing Au8830 core
>asp10.o object file containing Au8810 core
>asp20.o object file containing Au8820 core
These are the actual guts of the driver that do all the work. And they don't come with source. This is a big downside as far as I'm concerned. One of the major reasons I wanted open-source drivers is so that I can hack in support for an S/PDIF input.
The asp30.o file contains the text string "EnableSpdifIn" so presumably the code's done. The Xitel storm platinum (the card I have) is Aureal's reference design so they've obviously tested the S/PDIF input already. If I had the source I'd probably have S/PDIF input going in a few hours.
Oh well, I bought a used AudioPCI because it *does* have open source drivers *now*. I'm going to hold out a little while longer for Aureal and see if they do finally get their act together, otherwise I'll have a Vortex 2 card for sale cheap
No, the drivers come with a binary-only object file for interfacing with the card, as well as a kernal interface layer for which they provide the source.
In fact, the interface layer is basically a reworked AudioPCI driver.
It also looks like the binary-only object is very similar to their Windows code...
strings asp30.o includes the following:
Software\Aureal\Vortex\AU8830\InstallSettings
Software\Aureal\Vortex\AU8830\ControlPanel
EnableSpdifIn
DetectSpdifIn
EnableSpdifOut
DetectSpdifOut
The phrase "yeahright" also comes up a bunch of times.
Yeah. I heard about a house party someone was having, and just before midnight everyone was watching coverage of some new year's party on TV and counting down. 5...4...3... and then one of the people turned the main switch off on the breaker panel. hehe.
It depends on what you mean by support, though. Of course if you call Microsoft "support" and are willing to pay $195 (here in ca) per incident, they'll "support" you.
Don't try to tell me that they'll "support" 98 and NT by releasing all of their applications for the next four years in 98/NT versions as well.
Well, for good quality sound, I'd like to plug my Xitel storm platinum (it's based on the Aureal reference design, so the other Vortex 2 cards should be similar).
They did a really decent job on the analog section as far as I can tell, plus s/pdif output if your amp has that capability.
HOWEVER, don't buy this card yet! Linux drivers are supposed to be coming any day now. If the drivers do show up, this is one choice card!
Who is going to do an open-source napster workalike server? (i.e. after the client comes along)
Hmm, reminds me of shoutcast and icecast.
I remember those days, with my C64 and 1200 baud modem. I even had an 80 column terminal prog for the 64 - I think it was called novaterm or something like that. I think the 64 had something like 320 pixels across a "high-res" screen so Novaterm drew its own 3-pixel wide characters.
Ahh...
Ahh yes, but they also provide their modified kernels, along with the toolchain set and some misc commands at www.tivo.com/linux. No need to buy a CD. I don't know if they've always had this page.
This is important. It seems the patent applies to an arbitrarily selected window. From GnrcMan's comment above:
The window may be arbitrarily selected. For example, the decade could begin with the 1950's and end with the 2040's, or it could begin with the 1980's and end with the 2070's.)
This Global 2000 OS certainly sounds like it would have an arbitrary window. Wonder if there's more information on this OS somewhere?
HDL stands for Hardware Description Language. It's most commonly used to design digital ICs. Everything from very simple logic functions to graphics processors gets designed with some sort of HDL. It's essentially a type of programming language, except instead of executable code, a hardware design is produced.
Two of the more common ones are VHDL and Verilog. If you're really interested, there's a VHDL FAQ you can read. The VHDL acronym is interesting: the V stands for VHSIC, which in turn stands for Very High Speed Integrated Circuits.
-Ed
And to think, I emailed them about this just last Saturday. Their reply:
Hello,
There are plans to support other operating systems besides Windows 9x and Windows NT. Currently, we are working on WDM drivers, but plans are already underway on working with different companies on Linux and BeOS drivers.
4Front Technologies are working on drivers for the Vortex 1 and 2 chipsets under Linux through their OpenSound package. We are also working with other groups on supplying more open-source Linux drivers, which we hope to have available towards the end of 1999. We have also been in contact with Be on getting support for the Vortex chipsets, and hopefully will follow through on that shortly.
There are definite plans for these drivers, however, and there are no guarantees.
There is no planned support for Windows 3.x, OS/2, or the Macintosh OS at this time.
Regards,
Aureal Customer Support Services
MB
Ok then. Aside from obviously being somewhat of a form letter, it does at least appear that Aureal is serious about this. It's quite a change from a few months ago, when I emailed them and they said basically if you want Linux drivers, look at the opensound group and they might have a beta version later on, and if you want any specs, get lost.
I'm guessing they've been getting pestered quite a bit about this. Now, if I could only get digital-in on my card (a Vortex 2 based Xitel Storm Platinum), I'd be in heaven! I know there's an I2S input on the pin expansion header that the platinum has, maybe with open source drivers we can hack on digital input.
-Ed