Linux media center distro rev's up

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Aug. 13, 2007

A project aimed at building a Linux distribution for media center PCs has achieved a major new release. LinuxMCE 0704 is based on Kubuntu, and offers lots of flashy features, such as whole-house high-definition video distribution, optional alpha-blended graphics, gyroscopic remote control, and much more.

LinuxMCE appears to comprise a set of add-ons -- such as the MythTV DVR (digital video recorder), for example -- that sit on top of Kubuntu, the version of Ubuntu that uses KDE (K desktop environment). It adds numerous fancy features, including the optional alpha-blended UI (user interface) shown in the screenshots below.

LinuxMCE screenshots
(Click any image to enlarge)
Fittingly, the project has chosen to document the new features available in LinuxMCE 0704 in a video. Available in low-resolution flash (Google video) or high-def (720p) formats, the video distills four hours of complex configuration and feature demonstration into 25 minutes, not unlike one of those time-lapse films showing the lifecycle of a flower.

The video is likely to intrigue anyone who likes A/V equipment that just bristles with features and capabilities. At the same time, LinuxMCE appears to make efforts toward simplicity, for example supporting remote controls with only three buttons, and the aforementioned optionally alpha-blended UI that keeps the media playing full-screen.

Features touted in the video include:

Quick-install DVD for Kubuntu/LinuxMCE, or separate CD installers
Audio-visual setup wizard featuring "Sarah," a woman who speaks English with a foreign accent
Optional "UI2" interface option superimposes UI elements on full-screen video, optionally with alpha blending
Daily gallery art from Flickr can be rotated full-screen
Inserted DVDs play automatically
Supports wireless Windows MCE remote control with wireless USB dongles
Custom 3-button remotes for LinuxMCE "are now being sold"
UI also works with mouse and keyboard, or gyroscope remote ("like Wii")
Lists do fancy 3D flips when paged
Lots of neat gyroscopic remote features, like jog shuttle random access, chapter step-throughs, volume setting, changing channels and so on
"Ambiance" button + gyro gestures can be used to set volume (with horizontal waving) or room lighting (with vertical waving)
Supports TV tuner cards with autodetection and authentication
Three EPG options, including LinuxMCE, MythTV or cable provider's
Various one-click recording options
30-second commercial skip button
"Plug-and-play" network storage device support
Search multimedia library by genre, keyword, and metadata
Can control other A/V equipment via infrared or serial connections
Task-oriented macros set up multiple devices into desired configuration
By default, turns off all devices not in use
Can control cablebox in high-def, with no latency
Can net-boot multiple remote thin clients for auxillary TVs
Move content easily between all using "follow me" button on remote
Can use bluetooth phones and WiFi tablets as remote controls
Can replace remotes for other devices
Supports DVD jukeboxes, and can rip multiple movies at once
Supports ZWave home automation devices such as thermostats and motion detectors
Supports YouTube, web browsing
"Orbiter" control software on old webpad for "low-cost graphical remote"
Supports Bluetooth dongles, enabling phones to control lights, start media, etc.
Supports various VoIP service providers and IP videophones
Auto-attendant with voice mail for each resident
Security system can archive video
Can manage security systems with compatible alarm systems
Can manage generic sensors
Alarm triggers can call your mobile phone, and allow audio interaction with "intruder"
Data-enabled phones can view sensor output when tripped

Availability

LinuxMCE 0704 is available as a CD or, for users willing to cede control for simplicity, a DVD installer said to install both Kubuntu and LinuxMCE in three clicks. More details can be found on its website, here.

--Henry Kingman

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Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.