Group Outlines Specs For Linux-based Set-top boxes

Shadowhawk writes "According to Silicon Strategies, a group called "TV Linux Alliance" is creating a spec for digital set-top boxes using Linux. The specifications, dubbed version 0.8, defines the functions for RF tuners and other components in Linux-based set-top boxes. It also outlines the application programming interfaces (APIs) for those devices, according to officials from the alliance."

Re:wow, real informative

[Anonymous Coward]

www.tvlinuxalliance.com [tvlinuxalliance.com].

The standard can be yours for only $2000 (each version).

So much for free software and (mis)using linux name.

Re:wow, real informative

[xean]

There should have at least been a link to the Alliance's web site in the News Article which can be found here [tvlinuxalliance.org]

But again - there isn't much info there either unless you're a 'member'...

Here's the article

[SexyKellyOsbourne]

HOUSTON, Tex.--The TV Linux Alliance here today announced the availability of its initial specifications for use in developing digital set-top boxes, based on the Linux operating system.

The specifications, dubbed version 0.6, defines the functions for RF tuners and other components in Linux-based set-top boxes. It also outlines the application programming interfaces (APIs) for those devices, according to officials from the alliance. The TV Linux Alliance is a consortium that hopes to define a proprietary Linux environment for digital set-top boxes.

The specification also simplifies the implementation of middleware and device drivers for the Linux operating environment. It also paves the way for support of industry-standard content specifications, such as DVB-MHP, Palladium, and CableLabs OCAP, said Dennis Thompson, chairman for the Austin-based alliance.

"This specification is a long awaited solution that will accelerate the availability of new content and services, though it may include some porting and integration challenges," he said in a statement.

The TV Linux Alliance consists of ACTV, Apple, ATI, Broadcom, Concurrent Computer, Conexant, Convergence Integrated Media, iSurfTV, Liberate, Lineo, MontaVista, Motorola, Pace Micro, ReplayTV, STMicroelectronics, Sun Microsystems, TiVo, Trintech, WebTV, and Worldgate.

Re:wow, real informative

[Robot Monkey]

From The TV Linux Alliance website [tvlinuxalliance.org]:

"TV Linux Alliance specifications are available for licensing. Organizations who wish to adopt the specification as a full-blown licensor may do so by executing the Adopter's Agreement. Adopters may incorporate the TV Linux Alliance Specification in their commercial products."

In other words, to get the specs, you gotta join their club. And to join their club, you gotta pay $2000 buckaroos.

But will it be better?

[Anonymous Coward]

The Pace/Liberate boxes that the uk cable cos use are complete shit! It takes about 5 seconds to change the channel sometimes, and sickening color schemes to boot! Not to mention that it crashes on you when you least expect it. If the linux boxes are better, than Im all for it. Linux could be in nearly every home...

The Specifications are available here

[Troy H Parker]

the Specifications are available here: http://tvlinuxalliance.org/specifications/index.ph p

The Dreambox

[Zloopy]

This is better:

The Dreambox 7000S, Dream Multimedia [dreammultimedia.tv]:

- 250 MHz IBM PowerPC Processor (350 Mips)

- Linux open source (most parts under the terms of GPL, accordingly
expandable)- Supports Linux Standard API (Direct-FB, Linux-FB, LIRC)

- 1 x DVB Common-Interface Slot

- 2 x Smartcard-Reader

- Integrated Compact Flash Interface Slot

- MPEG2 Hardware decoding (fully DVB compliant)

- Support for MPEG4 decoding

- Common available NIMs (DVB-S, DVB-T, DVB-C)

- 100 MBit full duplex Ethernet Interface

- USB Port Keyboard, Pointing Devices, WebCams and other devices

- V.24/RS232 Interface

- Big-size LCD-Display

- Up to 64 MByte of RAM

- integrated IDE UDMA66 Master/Slave Interface

- Support for internal HDD in any capacity

$2000 to license the specs...

[gotih]

can closed specs produce open software? the specs will cost [tvlinuxalliance.org] $2000 to license.

Re:The Specifications are available here

[Paul Bristow]

No they're not! The license agreement to sign and send back so you can get access to the specifications is there. Open Source it is not.

VDR *is* a GPL STB/PVR

[Paul Bristow]

This site [cadsoft.de] has the terrific and very active VDR project. It has full DVB support, full PVR support, and plugins for DVD playback, DivX, MPEG-4, MP3, LCD displays and more... If you want GPL Digital TV this is the place to go. Sign up to the mailing lists and contribute to this fantastic example of open source working well.

Re:The Dreambox

[RVley]

It's not delayed, it will be out next week (according to www.electricblue.nl) for 499 Euros.

Soon there will also be cable (DVB-C) and DVB-T versions. This 7000 can also hold a harddisk. The cheapo-model will not be able to hold a HDD.

Think it'll be a very nice box, but we have to see how stable everything will be ofcourse.

Re:Here's the article

[BigSven]

Convergence Integrated Media is dead, long live Convergence ;-) The company changed its name but we are still there and we are still into Open Source as you can see at www.linuxtv.org and www.directfb.org.