Linux PVR and Media Centre gets HD

THE FOLKS at Neuros Technology have introduced a 'developer version' of its upcoming next-generation Linux-based Digital Video Recorder and Media Centre, the OSD 2.0. And here we have our first look at this device which just arrived at our LatAm review lab.

We wrote several times about the firm's first-generation Linux-based PVR and Media Centre. And Neuros obviously isn't resting on its laurels. The firm is now selling what it calls a 'developer's version' of its upcoming Neuros OSD 2.0. It differs from what will be the final product in two aspects: first its software is still being developed ? an evolution of the OSD v1 software ? and second, the developer version comes in a larger, less stylish case.

Yes, the remote control is the same as in the OSD v1

The UPS driver awakened us and delivered the package, no questions asked. This is because Neuros Technology is one of the few tech firms we've encountered that has employees that actually DO listen to our shipping requirements with regards to customs and invoicing. And they do reply to emails, the wonders never cease. The big and heavy package ? about 2.1 kilograms (4.6 pounds, not counting the remote and batteries) and the size of a small VHS player, remember those? ? signalled from the start that this was a different beast from the stylish, small OSD version one.

The firm's idea is to encourage developers to install an internal hard drive, and expand it as much as they like... basically 'go crazy'. In the words of Joe Born: "its an off-the-shelf computer case so hackers can add hard drives and optical drives, etc."

The system leverages the existing Open Source software stack of the OSD v1 adding much requested features like support for High-Definition (720p) video and HDMI output.

As mentioned, the case is not plastic but metal, it's an off-the-shelf ITX case with an acrylic front bezel showing the SD/MMC/Memory Stick reader and one RCA Audio/Video input. According to the company, the final version for consumers, "will be enclosed in a plastic housing with accommodations for consumer-installed internal HDD and USB peripherals."

HDMI output and component video IN and OUTs, plus the usual Composite A/V

On the back of this developer version, there's a plethora of connectors: Serial and IR out (to control your TV or CATV tuner STB), one Ethernet port for connection to your home network, one power connector labelled 'optional Wi-Fi antenna power', dual USB 2.0 ? this unit will hopefully support more than a single USB device, unlike the OSD v1 ? component video input AND output ? users of HDMI-less tube HDTVs rejoice! ? and finally HDMI output for the most fortunate amongst you, along with a secondary set of composite video and audio inputs and outputs.

The front Acrylic bezel is removable and you can eventually install a notebook DVD/RW drive on it

Opening the ITX case is as easy as 1-2-3, or actually 1-2: there's only two screws to remove and the whole cover slides and opens like the boot of a car. What you see, predictably, is lots of space. The system board is slightly bigger than the original OSD, with the only difference that this one has a removable CPU board, making it easy for Neuros to (in theory) provide upgrades without replacing the whole system as faster CPUs and DSPs are developed by TI.

A flat cable connects a small daughter card which hosts the front side inputs and memory reader slot. There is space in there to connect one or two 3.5-inch hard drives, and one notebook optical reader/writer, but that requires removing and cutting the front acrylic bezel.

There is a Parallel-ATA (ATA6) slot in the mainboard, although the product Wiki says the final version will include a PATA/SATA bridge for added flexibility. It should also be noted that the first batch of the OSD v2 developer systems incorrectly show "5V power" in the back power connector, while the power brick provided uses 12-volts.

We alerted Neuros of this mistake and they quickly added a notice on the product Wiki.

Modular design: another step towards future-proofing

From the software side, this unit aims to deliver up to 720p MPEG4 encoding -1024x768-, H.264 encoding at D1 resolution, and H.264, MPEG2, MPEG4 and WMV codec playback with upscaling.

In a "second phase" they will aim to also do DivX and Xvid. More interestingly, there's an internal USB 2.0 port in the system board, allowing all kinds of internal hackery and playing: Bluetooth dongles, an internal Hub, you-name-it.

On the software side, Neuros has been hard at work and both internal and external developers ? including bounties for the latter ? have for instance developed a web browser based on Webkit, and Last.FM integration for it. There is also a VNC server for the OSD v2 and loads of open source software can be (or has been) ported to it due to its open nature and Linux kernel. That includes the VideoLan (VLC) Media Player, for starters.

Notice the CPU on a separate CPU card and plenty of room for expansion

We still haven't powered up our unit, but this is an exciting bit of hardware for all Open Source advocates and Digital Video / PVR enthusiasts. We will write more on this promising device and its internals on a second story describing the used chip sets and the rest of the guts of it, before actually attempting to power it up and switch to the software description.

In the meantime, if you can't contain yourselves, you can order one of these over her e. ?