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Neuros launches new OSD Beta |
Listed in: Tags: DRM, Ethernet, gaming accessories, Linux, Neuros, Processor
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Electronics manufacturer Neuros, the same company that made the brilliant MPEG recorder 2, have announced a new product today that plans to become the MPEG recorder 2's successor.
The product is called the Neuros OSD (Open Source Device) and uses a linux-based distro to turn the device into a fully-blown media center. The new bundle of Neuros kit has been built on the new Neuros Open source platform, and features a brand new chipset (TI-320), a USB host, and an Ethernet connection. This device has all the features the MPEG4 Recorder has, but with the experience gained from the MPEG4 Recorder, Neuros have created an even better package.
The best thing about this recorder is that the down-to-earth people from Neuros actually encourage you to 'hack' the device, it's what it's been designed to allow. Being linux-based this device enables you to watch and listen to all your content where and when you want without the hassle of compatibility or DRM issues. The OSD Beta also features a super-fast dual core multi-media processor, the ability to record from any source and in a file format that suits you.
The USB host feature allows you to connect your OSD beta to a variety of devices such as your PC or Laptop and is network-ready, making the device easy to synchronise with your systems. If you cannot believe the legitimacy of this product and its abilities, here's what Neuros CEO Joe Pur said:
"We saw a big opportunity in a category that was previously only occupied by "hacked" devices, like hacked Xbox's and TiVos. The big difference is that this device is delivered open, supported by the factory, and the hackers and factory are working together. Maybe ten years from now this will be commonplace, but today it's virtually unheard of."
The porting of various linux applications for the OSD Beta have already begun and the company that make the multimedia device aren't ending their support there. Neuros have created a website for users to learn how to hack the OSD and also offer bounties for programs to be made for the OSD. An example of these bounties is a YouTube or Google Video browser for the OSD, which currently has a bounty of $1000. If you're a hacker or just an ordinary user, the company along with 'homebrew' developers will support you all the way.
With an MSRP of $239 this is great value for money for a product that will continue to have new features added as well as a bustling community. Also, by getting involved with the bounties you could actually pay for your recorder. You can purchase an OSD beta unit from ThinkGeek, but hurry up as they only have a limited quantity available!
If you can't quite cough up the cash for a new OSD beta just yet, begin saving up and in the meantime why not enter our competition to win a Neuros MPEG recorder 2. Entries must be in by Friday 22nd September, so get moving if you haven't entered it yet!
Visit: [Neuros OSD product page]
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Comments
Bounty Details
Code your own improvements into the Open Source Neuros OSD firmware and get a cash reward.
From Neuros:
"These bounties are a community style thing that is just a modest way to put a little money back into the Neuros community as a token for our appreciation. We hope and expect for people to collaborate, split bounties and credit and share information, etc. The deliverables and rules are sketchy and the interpretation is completely subject to the whim of the selection committee"
YouTube or Google video Browser
Bounty: $1000
Flickr Photo Browser
Bounty: $600
Implement a wireless remote using a WiFi PDA (or PSP) as the remote.
Bounty: $500
TiVo style functionality for radio. Hook up the OSD to a FM/AM or Satellite receiver and do timed recordings or FF/RW and Pause Live Radio. Bounty: $700
Voip on the OSD. Plug a USB phone into the OSD and make calls without touching any of your PCs.
Bounty: $500
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