Take Me To Post Comment Form Once again Linux beats Windows... hands down.

This time it's for the Media Center Editions (MCE). You know, like WindowsMCE which costs a lot just to have a multimedia, video and audio center for your TV's, PC's and so on?

Well, no need for the high costs anymore. Enter LinuxMCE! The features a lot more than with the Windows counterpart and are just unbelievable! I will be experimenting with it this weekend.

Edit: Aside from in the home, this may also be useful for companies that have an education department or even for a church with a video projector, etc. Imagination allowed. :-)

Videos are below and give a much better idea of what this is!

Some of the features include:

Sorts and catalogs all media on all computers (if allowed), usb drives and so on. Therefore, no matter where you are in the home, all your media is accessible.


Sends all video and audio data across your network so there is no need for multiple cable connections. Therefore it allows you to watch video, TV, listen to music and so on from anywhere within the home without extra equipment and moving files around.


You can use a Network Music Player (available from Wal-Mart) to have music in a room without having to use another TV.


If you are not using your TV, flicr art is shown automatically in the background.


Uses only 3 buttons to navigate and allows the use of remote controls, air-mice, gyro-mice, keyboard's and even your cell phone to control your tv.


TV shows follow you from room to room if you like.


Turns on TV's and Audio devices automatically when you, say, insert a DVD.


Allows devices in one room (even your VCR) to be available in any other room.


Unlike WinMCE, LinuxMCE keep your media full screen while you navigate.


Menu allows you to record a TV show to hard drive or all episodes of that kind whenever it comes on.


Ripp all your CD's and DVD's to hard drive, including cover art and labels, to be available from anywhere.


Imagine Youtube on your TV! Yes, you can browse the web with it.


Controls your lights, blinds and so on with an inexpensive USB ZWave addon (Around $60).
You can use your TV Remote control (such as press and hold 0 to turn off lights, tv's, close blinds, forward calls to voicemail etc, when you go to bed) or have a set time every day for lights to come on in the evening, turn the coffee pot on in the am, etc.


You can add IP Cameras for security monitoring.


Can control certain security devices and call you on your cell if an alarm is set off! If set off, it turns on all systems in the house (TV's, Stereo's, etc) to allow you to monitor the security camera's and even yell at the intruder from your cell phone through the audio devices in your home. Yes, I know!!!


If you do not have an alarm system, you can add inexpensive ZWave security devices instead.


You only need one install of LinuxMCE to use in every room by using Linux thin clients. Basically this is a small box you can buy, screw onto the back of an LCD screen and plug it in. It will pick up the LinuxMCE server system and allow you access to everything on the main box from the kitchen, bathroom, other bed room, etc without a lot of equipment all over the place.


Turns your phone line into a multi-user voice box. Here's how it works. Someone calls into your home, it answers, asks if you wish to call everyone in the house (the phones ring). If not, it asks if you wish to leave a message for you, your spouse and however you've set it up. It can forward calls to your cell and so on. Messages are available from the TV, web page or phone call.


Uses VOIP phone systems as well.


Control devices using a picture floor plan. You can even transfer a call you started in the living room to the TV in your bedroom.


And a lot more!


Here we go!


Google Video on Linux MCE
Updated, but longer, Google Video on Linux MCE


LinuxMCE Website.

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The Open Hinesville Project
www.hinesvilleonline.net
siafulinux@gmail.com