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."

Overall, a fun hack.

[fembots]

So where's the "review" on this NSP?

The article is more about trying to log into Red Hat without a password ( BTW is it really that easy?).

Here's my submission

"Playing with Toyota's Civic"

This morning when I was about to go to work, I realized I have locked the car key inside my 1989 Civic, everything was locked and I can't remember where I put the spare key.

Arrgh. After some fiddling with the keyhole, though, I found that I have left the driver side window slightly opened! The gap's big enough to slide a coat hanger in! So I grabbed my trusty coat hanger, made a hook and the opened the door.

The car has a steering wheel, AM/FM radio, few buttons, pedals and seats. I also have a Knoppix CD and some Open Source documents in the glove box. Now I really don't want to sell it especially I can only fetch less than $200! ARRGH!

Linux...

[Devil's BSD]

Because it runs Linux, it must be worth the $2000. Welcome to /.!

When I saw the headline...

[slapout]

..."Playing with Sony's Linux-Based Networked Media Player"...

my first thought was, "Someone's already ported Linux to the Playstation 3!" :-)

Re:Sony TV

[ZorinLynx]

My 32" CRT TV stays dark for a few seconds and then suddenly turns on. Not sure if it's linux booting, or just a circuit that suppresses the picture until the tube warms up so you never see a dim, blurry image before it's optimally warmed up...

-Z

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Overall, a fun hack.

[chaotixx]

Your car is worth way more than $200 dude. Civics made by Toyota are really rare and I bet collectors will pay big bucks for them. If you have an '89 I think it might be one of a kind!

How times have changed....

[mister_jpeg]

Years ago I spoke to a company in Chicago who were just breaking into, even creating this market. They were using plasma displays and whatnot in retail environments. The kicker was they were running Macintoshes and all of the artwork was in Director. They ran ISDN lines to each and every location, and when there was an update, they'd have to dial each machine and upload the new artwork.

I don't think that company still exists ;)

Yay for Linux, yay for broadband.

imagine if it came with windows

[updatelee]

$1995 and it comes with linux, Imagine how much it would cost if it came with XP, $2995 ?

Re:Overall, a fun hack.

[michrech]

This is slashdot. Facts don't matter here. :)

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telnet://sinep.gotdns.com [gotdns.com] -- It's a BBS -- Try it! It's nice to not have to deal with spam!

Re:There:-)

[MostlyHarmless]

Yay Linux sightings, but: what does it mean if two random slashdot users both saw those seats needing a reboot? Tell them you saw a BSOD instead, and we'll just not take credit for that particular system...