Neuros ships OSD 2.0 HD set-top box with Linux

Neuros Technology has recently began shipping its second open set-top box, this time with HD video capability, called Open Source Device 2.0 (OSD 2.0). The hardware uses a small processor module and a TI DaVinci 6446 chipset, along with 256MB of RAM and 256MB of NAND flash memory on the board. It was made available more than six months ago to developers who were offered a bounty for writing software for the OSD 2.0. The key to this customization is the Linux stacks used to run the set-up.

The main difference as compared to the original OSD box is the new product’s ability to encode high-definition video at 720p resolution in MPEG-4 and D1 resolution in the H.264 formats, and is able to do so from an analog input. Free codecs from TI will use the device’s DSP core to encode DVD quality video from an analog source and upscale it to 1080i quality, or convert it for viewing on a portable media player or smartphone.

But the device can do so much more than that, according to Neuros CEO Joe Born. He envisions customers using the open platform as a basis for other products without the need to design their own hardware, and will supply open source software developers with a platform for new and innovative applications.

Buyers will get a MorphineTV DVR software stack, Disko framework, and a ‘rough-around-the-edges’ VLC media player. Software developed for the original OSD will be made available on the OSD2, as well, including WhereverTV and Hupla. A Linux-based firmware stack is also preloaded with support for a wide range of A/V file formats.

The OSD2’s standard connections include a serial port, IR blaster port, Wi-Fi antenna connector, Ethernet jack and a pair of USB ports. Video outputs include a single HDMI, component and composite connection, along with a stereo audio jack. Inputs comprise a composite and component video and two stereo audio inputs. A ribbon and power cable will connect a small front I/O board with an SD card slot, IR receiver, USB host, another composite video input and two status LEDs.

The OSD2 is available now, priced at $250. [via LinuxDevices]

Filed under: gadgets, developer
Other story tags: Linux, Neuros