Linux home entertainment OS targets consumer devices

By Linux Devices
2006-01-23

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A Taiwanese software company specializing in DVD software and other home computing software is shipping a packaged Linux-based entertainment OS. PowerCinema Linux, which targets device makers and PC integrators, can turn resource-constrained embedded devices into powerful multimedia devices, according to the company.

CyberLink is best known for its PowerDVD and other home entertainment software products. The company previously offered PowerCinema as an application suite supporting the newest Intel-based PCs and Windows operating systems.

Now, CyberLink is distributing PowerCinema as a standalone CE (consumer electronics) OS underpinned by a Linux kernel. The environment can boot in four to 10 seconds, depending on BIOS load time, and is suitable for use as an alternative multimedia quick-boot option on laptops and PCs, or as an appliance OS on resource-constrained embedded devices, the company says.

Claimed features include analog and digital TV reception, radio, "teletex," electronic program guide browsing, infrared remote control support, a stylish 3D interface, and a modular architecture:

Supports common remote control standards, including HID, USB, and serial, among others
TV module allows surfing or TV watching
PAL, NTSC, and SECAM support for analog TV signals
Channel scan locates available TV stations
Movie module supports wide-screen displays and multi-channel audio
DVD playback at a variety of speeds
DVD playback auto-resume
Supports S/PDIF digital audio output of Dolby Digital pass-through signals
Supports devices with TV-out
Video module for home video viewing
Pictures module supports slideshows with background music and transitions
Music module plays MP3, WMA and WAV files
Audio CD Module plays music CDs
Radio module supports radio cards

CEO Alice H. Chang stated, "PowerCinema provides CE device manufacturers with a Linux-based alternative for creating amazing home entertainment solutions that can scale down to CE devices with very limited resources."

Availability

PowerCinema Linux is shipping now to OEM customers, CyberLink says.

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