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[JimH]

I wonder if anyone is aware of a Linux based UPnP media player or similar device / software that is ready to run "out of the box".  Any links would be appreciated.

What I imagine is a Linux box that has a UPnP client that can access media files from a server on a PC, plus a Linux desktop with browser and e-mail, and open enough it could be modified by a user.   It should be far less expensive than an HTPC and easy to set up (maybe completely automatic).

It should have an IR or radio receiver so it could be controlled by an ordinary remote or a PDA or a keyboard and mouse.

Does anything like this exist? I think I'm aware of most of the Media Receivers available.

[Myron]

I'm curious as to why you're looking for such a thing.

Today's media players already have the functions you're looking for.  They all seems to have their fair share of bugs and are not quite ready for prime time, could this be the reason?

As far as ready to run "out of the box", the hardware-based boxes still can be a challenge to set up, even for tech-savy users, so I don't see how a linux box would help out here.

Nothing against your idea, just wondering what it is you're after...

[JimH]

I'm sure some of the existing Media Receivers use Linux.  But it isn't normally open or extensible.

I'm thinking about offering a product that includes Linux, sets up the UPnP client automatically, connects to MC's UPnP server and can be controlled by NetRemote or similar (simple menu system for choosing content to play from the server.

Installer's view:
Find an unused PC.  Connect PC to Home Theater and to Ethernet.  Insert CD and choose setup.  Disc installs Linux, UPnP client, and configures it.

Couch potato's view:
Sit down, pick up a PPC or PDA, choose Music or Video, then artist or title, then play.  Aim for high WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor).

We might also offer the hardware, ready to go.

[Myron]

Jim,

Sounds like a good idea!

I'd be interested in a hardware solution if it had the following:
- Support for most popular audio formats (WAV is a must have)
- Digital audio outputs
- Hi-def video capability for still and motion pictures (1920 x 1080)
- DHMI or DVI video output
- Size of a typical DVD palyer
- No noisy fans
- Cost around $300 - $350 (US)

I'm also interested in using a PPC to control things.  If you're thinking about a UPnP control point, I only know of one readily available solution from Rudeo.  Are there others?  (I'm not counting Nevo since it's available only if you buy certain HP PPCs)

If you're thinking of going the NetRemote route, how would the UPnP server be controlled?  As of today this can only be done with a UPnP control point, AFAIK.

[zeltak]

any news jim about the linux upnp ? i am lookig to build one myself


zeltak

[pvrt]

For Linux, you have the following control points / UPnP AV clients :

• GeeXboX, a complete media player mini-distro :
        http://www.geexbox.org/
  

[li] or directly the djmount software, which enables any Linux media player to access UPnP AV servers :
      http://djmount.sourceforge.net/
[/li]
 [/list]

[adamsp70]

Could always build your own?

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0%2C1697%2C1626400%2C00.asp

Or even better, a Fanless, CompactFlash-based one:

http://linuxdevices.com/articles/AT8275095591.html

[mcollier]

Anybody have djmount working successfully with MediaCenter (I'm running v12.0.470)?

I have djmount working properly with Tversity media server.

I have experimented with various combinations of the server options.  So far, I have not struck upon the combination that works 100%.

Matt

[JimH]

You would have a better chance of getting a good answer if you posted on the MC12 board.  You should probably start a new thread.