How Close is the Open Entertainment Center?

why-not-now asks: "Recently there's been a lot of talk about open source/free software that enables your PC to act as a DVR, all-purpose media player, DVD player, CD player, MP3 player, etc... not to mention the ability to play all sorts of video games (if you know where to look). The idea of the set top MAME console is nice, but with a little TV/Audio out, a little know how and the right software, are we currently able to put together a free version of the big convergence media center others are trying to do?"

Not too close

[Anonymous Coward]

I like to keep mine at least 15-25 feet away. Any closer, and it makes it difficult to see, and it might even give you a headache!

How do you fit a PC on top of your TV?

[Toe, The]

Damn tower keeps falling off when I crank up the bass!

Clues?

[fobbman]

"...all [mame.net] sorts [zsnes.com] of [epsxe.com] video [linuxgames.com] games [transgaming.com] (if you know where to look).

That sounds cool. Where [mame.net] might [zsnes.com] I [epsxe.com] find [linuxgames.com] information [transgaming.com]?

Q & A

[Anonymous Coward]

are we currently able to put together a free version of the big convergence media center others are trying to do?"

Sure we are. Here are the main differences between it and the other product:

Ours will have an incomprehensible command line interface and/or multiple GUIs that responds 10-15 seconds after the user asks it to do something. Neither GUI will be standard - in fact, it will ship with both, and proponents of the two camps will froth at the mouth when discussing how their widgets are prettier than the others.

It will not support any receivers / amps made less than 5 years ago unless the user knows assembly.

When a user asks for support, he will be told "RTFM n00b, j00 M$ shill. Astroturf somewheres else, whilst I read THE SOURCE for my knowledge. This is the Tao of programming, numbnuts, and you thought it was funny to beat me up in high school and take my lunch money. haahahah, I am the BOFH"

Its only 3 blocks away

[Effofx]

I can walk to an open Circuit City in about three blocks. You have access to all sorts of nifty entertainment gadgets.

i know where my free entertainment center is

[Anonymous Coward]

it is in my pants

Re:Sure you can put one together yourself

[danish]

Well, jeez. Who crapped in your Cheerios this morning?

Re:Alternatives

[Tackhead]

> 2) Plant a tree. Picket outside fur factories and SUV dealerships. Teach a neighborhood child how to play the piano. Read to your kid. Make love to your wife.

"OK, buddy, I made love to your wife. Now did you use that time I freed up to code up my frickin' MAME/DVD/DiVX set-top box or not?"

Re:Why does openness matter?

[roofingfelt]

In order for this to be real, we'd also need a collection of free movies

Shhh! Don't give /.ers any ideas. I don't want to see any more movies about Linux.