Last Updated on Sunday, 30 August 2009 01:07 Written by Chris Hunter Wednesday, 09 January 2008 17:57
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But that's not even close to end of the features it offers. With complete plug-and-play interoperability, it has the capability of mapping network drives, external drives and other OS drives for media, at which point, it will catalogue these for the user and put them forth in a nice, easy to use interface.
In addition, there are features that go well outside the range of a standard media center. The network-ability of this OS gives the user complete access to anything, from another machine with LinuxMCE installed in the Bedroom that has every DVD in one's collection, to the main Home-Theater room, where all TV is recorded in HD. The functionality of LinuxMCE is only limited to the abilities of the administrator of it.
In addition, there are features that go well outside the range of a standard media center. The network-ability of this OS gives the user complete access to anything, from another machine with LinuxMCE installed in the Bedroom that has every DVD in one's collection, to the main Home-Theater room, where all TV is recorded in HD. The functionality of LinuxMCE is only limited to the abilities of the administrator of it.
There is lighting control, so one could set "presets" or even set it up to dim the lights when any media source is played. That is if your lighting system is high-end. There is also the "follow me" option, where one can move from room to room with remote-in-hand, and simply hold the "Follow Me" button, and boom: what you were watching is now available in the room you are currently in. Something that is a famous feature in Bill Gates' house.
There is also the ability to set up a security system over IP cameras. Integration on any kind of sensor such as thermal equipment, movement sensors, or any other IP based alarm equipment. Just follow the on-screen setup. It is not any harder than that.
A fully operable VOIP phone system can be set up on the LinuxMCE network. Interface options are also available when a user calls home. Different profiles and voicemail boxes can all be created and many other complex phone options. Again, just follow the setup and when prompted, give the necessary information.
Here is an example that will illustrate the usefulness of all these features at once.
Wake up in the morning and the TV turns on to its set show and starts playing the news. Grab the remote, go into the bathroom, and start the morning routine. The small LCD monitor on the bathroom turns on as the remote enters the room. Get breakfast while watching the same program from the kitchen all the way to couch, where the big screen takes over. Voicemail messages can be checked while watching programming. Check the email real quick and head out. Push a single button on the remote, and all the lights in the house turn off, all the systems turn off, alarms are set, sensing equipment is turned on, and a count down begins.
Leave house, leave security cameras on, turn off everything else except the main LinuxMCE box... everything is fine, right?
While at work, the security cameras are accessible through a web interface or a cell phone. When a user views image sources, the lights near the camera are turned on. This would be good to keep an eye on a new babysitter or anything useful.
Someone is breaking in! What to do? Panic!? Hardly!
If properly setup, which is simple, the main LinuxMCE box will call and say "Security breach in (INSERT ROOM). Command?" Options such as ignore, fire, s.o.s, call neighbors, speak to intruder are all available. If "speak to intruder" is selected, the user's voice can be transmitted to every speaker in the house and the ability to see any security equipment from a web enabled phone. It can disguise the voice as well..."LEAVE NOW. I CAN SEE YOU."
As the feature list gets longer, the more interesting and useful this little OS ends up becoming. Now, it does not water your plants, but that is just because that feature was not developed in the current version. BHFO will be looking closer at this OS soon and we can not wait
There is also the ability to set up a security system over IP cameras. Integration on any kind of sensor such as thermal equipment, movement sensors, or any other IP based alarm equipment. Just follow the on-screen setup. It is not any harder than that.
A fully operable VOIP phone system can be set up on the LinuxMCE network. Interface options are also available when a user calls home. Different profiles and voicemail boxes can all be created and many other complex phone options. Again, just follow the setup and when prompted, give the necessary information.
Here is an example that will illustrate the usefulness of all these features at once. Wake up in the morning and the TV turns on to its set show and starts playing the news. Grab the remote, go into the bathroom, and start the morning routine. The small LCD monitor on the bathroom turns on as the remote enters the room. Get breakfast while watching the same program from the kitchen all the way to couch, where the big screen takes over. Voicemail messages can be checked while watching programming. Check the email real quick and head out. Push a single button on the remote, and all the lights in the house turn off, all the systems turn off, alarms are set, sensing equipment is turned on, and a count down begins.
Leave house, leave security cameras on, turn off everything else except the main LinuxMCE box... everything is fine, right?
While at work, the security cameras are accessible through a web interface or a cell phone. When a user views image sources, the lights near the camera are turned on. This would be good to keep an eye on a new babysitter or anything useful.
Someone is breaking in! What to do? Panic!? Hardly!
If properly setup, which is simple, the main LinuxMCE box will call and say "Security breach in (INSERT ROOM). Command?" Options such as ignore, fire, s.o.s, call neighbors, speak to intruder are all available. If "speak to intruder" is selected, the user's voice can be transmitted to every speaker in the house and the ability to see any security equipment from a web enabled phone. It can disguise the voice as well..."LEAVE NOW. I CAN SEE YOU."
As the feature list gets longer, the more interesting and useful this little OS ends up becoming. Now, it does not water your plants, but that is just because that feature was not developed in the current version. BHFO will be looking closer at this OS soon and we can not wait
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Downloads for Linux MCE can be found here, as well as a high quality version of the 24 minute demonstration on google video. Well worth the watch. In addition, there is a video that compares Linux MCE and Windows MCE side by side. Screenshots are here.
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