Convergent media device gains new Linux software stack

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Aug. 15, 2005

Video Without Boundaries (VWB) has updated its convergent media player hardware design, and partnered with SageTV on a Linux-based software stack. The MediaReady 5000 will offer PVR (personal video recording), DVD/CD playback and recording, Internet access, and other functions, and will reach retail channels this month, the company says.

VWB's earlier MediaReady 3000 and 4000 designs were powered by a Linux software stack from CAC Media. They were marketed by Lafayette and perhaps others, and manufactured by Taiwanese device maker Lung Hwa. The earlier models were part of a VoD (video on demand) system used by Taiwanese school teachers for continuing education classwork.

The MediaReady hardware platform is based on a Via processor clocked at 1GHz, along with a Sigma Designs hardware video codec processor. It has 128MB of DDR RAM, and comes stock with a single 120GB UDMA-133 hard drive. PC-style interfaces include four USB 2.0/1.1 ports, two IEEE-1394 ports, a cardbus PCMCIA slot, smartcard reader, and PS/2, VGA, serial, and parallel ports. Additionally, a variety of A/V (audio visual) interfaces are available.

The MediaReady 5000, front and back
(Click either view to enlarge)
VWB says SageTV's Media SageTV Media Center software will "light up" a long list of capabilities in its new hardware design, including:

PVR -- intelligent recording, based on viewing habits
EPG (electronic program guide)
DVD/CD burning
music and photo management
Web browsing
email
streaming audio and Internet radio
online gaming
optional wired or wireless networking
playback of network-resident media files
unified user interface switches between functions quickly

Additionally, the device can be used to access "Media-on-demand," said to consist of DVD-quality video programming through the company's MediaReady Content Delivery Network.

Availability

According to VWB, the MediaReady 5000 will be available through retail channels this quarter. It will come with a wireless keyboard and remote control.

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