Frequently Asked Questions - Revision history

Chris Caven: /* Technical explanation */

2010-02-07T20:42:03Z

Technical explanation

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	====Technical explanation====		====Technical explanation====
	~~<p>~~The public directory maps to /home/public/data, and each user's private directory maps to /home/user_xxxx/data, where xxxx is the internal user ID. The name 'john' is a symlinc to user_xxxx for convenience. The program /usr/pluto/bin/UpdateMedia uses INotify to monitor all /home/public/data and /home/user_xxxx/data folders, so it can rescan whenever the directory is changed. All attributes are stored in the MySql database pluto_media. Each file is a record in the 'File' table. UpdateMedia creates an extended attribute called 'ID' for each file with the primary key of each file. That way if you move or rename a file UpdateMedia will see the extended attribute and your attributes will not be lost--it just updates the database. If you want to add more storage you can map drives under those directories. For example, if you have another 2TB drive array that you want to use for both public music and your private movies, create 2 directories on that array, let's say: public_music and john_movies. Using a network mount, or a symlinc to a network mount, create a folder such as /home/public/data/music/my_2TB_nas that maps to public_music and /home/user_xxxx/data/movies/my_2TB_nas that maps to john_movies. Then when you browse music or movies in the orbiter you will see a folder 'my_2TB_nas' to access the files on that new drive. When you add a plug-and-play network attached storage, LinuxMCE automatically adds a folder within every single directory, such as /home/public/data/music/new_nas, /home/public/data/movies/new_nas, /home/user_xxxx/data/videos/new_nas, and these are automatically mapped to corresponding folders on the NAS. This makes it very easy for a novice to just plug in a NAS and immediately use it without any technical knowledge. However if you want to change this behavior, just remove the symlincs our plug and play script created.~~</p>~~		The public directory maps to /home/public/data, and each user's private directory maps to /home/user_xxxx/data, where xxxx is the internal user ID. The name 'john' is a symlinc to user_xxxx for convenience. The program /usr/pluto/bin/UpdateMedia uses INotify to monitor all /home/public/data and /home/user_xxxx/data folders, so it can rescan whenever the directory is changed. All attributes are stored in the MySql database pluto_media. Each file is a record in the 'File' table. UpdateMedia creates an extended attribute called 'ID' for each file with the primary key of each file. That way if you move or rename a file, UpdateMedia will see the extended attribute and your attributes will not be lost--it just updates the database. If you want to add more storage you can map drives under those directories.

			For example, if you have another 2TB drive array that you want to use for both public music and your private movies, create 2 directories on that array, let's say: public_music and john_movies. Using a network mount, or a symlinc to a network mount, create a folder such as /home/public/data/music/my_2TB_nas that maps to public_music and /home/user_xxxx/data/movies/my_2TB_nas that maps to john_movies. Then when you browse music or movies in the orbiter, you will see a folder 'my_2TB_nas' to access the files on that new drive.

			When you add a plug-and-play network attached storage, LinuxMCE automatically adds a folder within every single directory, such as /home/public/data/music/new_nas, /home/public/data/movies/new_nas, /home/user_xxxx/data/videos/new_nas, and these are automatically mapped to corresponding folders on the NAS. This makes it very easy for a novice to just plug in a NAS and immediately use it without any technical knowledge. However, if you want to change this behavior, just remove the symlincs our plug and play script created.

	===What are scenarios?===		===What are scenarios?===

Chris Caven: /* General use */

2010-02-07T20:35:59Z

General use

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	For Windows users, you can access the files on the Core in Windows Explorer's Network Neighborhood, or by choosing 'Start' 'Run' and typing \\ plus the IP of your core. You will need to login with your user-name and password; it's the same one you use with LinuxMCE Admin. You will see 2 folders: 'public' and 'john', assuming your name is 'John'. Any files that you want everyone in the House to have access to go into the public folder. The folder with your name, John in this case, is your private folder where you can put files that only you will have access to.		For Windows users, you can access the files on the Core in Windows Explorer's Network Neighborhood, or by choosing 'Start' 'Run' and typing \\ plus the IP of your core. You will need to login with your user-name and password; it's the same one you use with LinuxMCE Admin. You will see 2 folders: 'public' and 'john', assuming your name is 'John'. Any files that you want everyone in the House to have access to go into the public folder. The folder with your name, John in this case, is your private folder where you can put files that only you will have access to.

	Often times, when you choose to save media using the Orbiter, it will ask you if you want the media to be public or private. If you choose public, the media will be saved under the public folder and, if you choose private, it will be saved under the private folder with your name. Within those folders you will find some called: 'music' (where all ripped CDs go), 'movies' (where all ripped DVDs go), 'videos' (where videos recorded from TV or camcorders go), pictures (where your pictures go), and 'documents' (where your documents go). When you go to play some media in the Orbiter by choosing the buttons music, movies, videos, pictures or documents, you will see combined together all the media from the family's public folder as well as the media from your own personal private folder.~~</p>~~		Often times, when you choose to save media using the Orbiter, it will ask you if you want the media to be public or private. If you choose public, the media will be saved under the public folder and, if you choose private, it will be saved under the private folder with your name. Within those folders you will find some called: 'music' (where all ripped CDs go), 'movies' (where all ripped DVDs go), 'videos' (where videos recorded from TV or camcorders go), pictures (where your pictures go), and 'documents' (where your documents go). When you go to play some media in the Orbiter by choosing the buttons music, movies, videos, pictures or documents, you will see combined together all the media from the family's public folder as well as the media from your own personal private folder.

	<p>So, for example, if you rip a CD ''Madonna'' and make it public, and rip a CD ''Rolling Stones'' and make it private, and your spouse rips a CD ''Fleetwood Mac'' and makes it private, then when you touch music on the orbiter you will see ''Madonna'' and ''Rolling Stones'', and when your spouse touches music your spouse will see ''Fleetwood Mac'' and ''Madonna''. Assuming your name is John and your spouse is Susan then, if you browse the network share, you will find ''Madonna'' in the folder public\music and you will find ''Rolling Stones'' in the folder john\music. If, in LinuxMCE admin, your user has 'can modify configuration' checked, then that means you are also able to browse everybody else's private folders too. So in addition to 'public' and 'john', you will also see a folder 'susan', which contains 'music' which contains ''Fleetwood Mac''. If that option is not checked for Susan, then she will only see the folder 'public' and 'susan' and will not see your private folder 'john'.</p>		<p>So, for example, if you rip a CD ''Madonna'' and make it public, and rip a CD ''Rolling Stones'' and make it private, and your spouse rips a CD ''Fleetwood Mac'' and makes it private, then when you touch music on the orbiter you will see ''Madonna'' and ''Rolling Stones'', and when your spouse touches music your spouse will see ''Fleetwood Mac'' and ''Madonna''. Assuming your name is John and your spouse is Susan then, if you browse the network share, you will find ''Madonna'' in the folder public\music and you will find ''Rolling Stones'' in the folder john\music. If, in LinuxMCE admin, your user has 'can modify configuration' checked, then that means you are also able to browse everybody else's private folders too. So in addition to 'public' and 'john', you will also see a folder 'susan', which contains 'music' which contains ''Fleetwood Mac''. If that option is not checked for Susan, then she will only see the folder 'public' and 'susan' and will not see your private folder 'john'.</p>

Chris Caven: /* General use */

2010-02-07T20:34:26Z

General use

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	===How are media files organized?===		===How are media files organized?===
	====General use====		====General use====
	~~<p>~~For ~~windows~~ users, you can access the files on the ~~core~~ in Windows ~~explorer~~'s ~~network neighborhood~~, or by choosing 'Start' 'Run' and typing \\ plus the ip of your core. You will need to login with your user-name and password; it's the same one you use with LinuxMCE Admin. You will see 2 folders: 'public' and 'john', assuming your name is 'John'. Any files that you want everyone in the House to have access to go into the public folder. The folder with your name, John in this case, is your private folder where you can put files ~~that only~~ that only you will have access to. Often times when you choose to save media using the orbiter it will ask you if you want the media to be public or private. If you choose public the media will be saved under the public folder, and if you choose private it will be saved under the private folder with your name. Within those folders you will find some folders called: 'music' (where all ripped cd's go), 'movies' (where all ripped DVD's go), 'videos' (where videos recorded from tv or camcorders go), pictures (where your pictures go), and 'documents' (where your documents go). When you go to play some media in the orbiter by choosing the buttons music, movies, videos, pictures or documents, you will see combined together all the media from the family's public folder as well as the media from your own personal private folder.</p>		For Windows users, you can access the files on the Core in Windows Explorer's Network Neighborhood, or by choosing 'Start' 'Run' and typing \\ plus the IP of your core. You will need to login with your user-name and password; it's the same one you use with LinuxMCE Admin. You will see 2 folders: 'public' and 'john', assuming your name is 'John'. Any files that you want everyone in the House to have access to go into the public folder. The folder with your name, John in this case, is your private folder where you can put files that only you will have access to.

	~~<p>So~~, ~~for example~~, if you ~~rip a CD 'Madonna' and make it~~ public~~, and rip a CD 'Rolling Stones' and make it private, and your spouse rips a CD 'Fleetwood Mac' and makes it~~ private, ~~then when you touch music on~~ the ~~orbiter you~~ will ~~see 'Madonna'~~ and ~~'Rolling Stones'~~, ~~and when your spouse touches music your spouse will see 'Fleetwood Mac' and 'Madonna'. Assuming your name is john and your spouse is susan, then~~ if you ~~browse the network share~~, ~~you~~ will ~~find 'Madonna' in~~ the folder ~~public\music and~~ you will find '~~Rolling Stones~~' ~~in the folder john\music. If~~, ~~in LinuxMCE admin your user has~~ '~~can modify configuration~~' ~~checked~~, ~~then that means you are also able to browse everybody else~~'~~s private folders too. So in addition to 'public' and 'john~~', ~~you will also see a folder 'susan'~~, ~~which contains 'music~~' ~~which contains 'Fleetwood Mac~~'. ~~If that option is not checked for Susan~~, ~~then she~~ will ~~only~~ see the ~~folder~~ 'public~~' and 'susan' and will not see~~ your private folder ~~'john'~~.</p>		Often times, when you choose to save media using the Orbiter, it will ask you if you want the media to be public or private. If you choose public, the media will be saved under the public folder and, if you choose private, it will be saved under the private folder with your name. Within those folders you will find some called: 'music' (where all ripped CDs go), 'movies' (where all ripped DVDs go), 'videos' (where videos recorded from TV or camcorders go), pictures (where your pictures go), and 'documents' (where your documents go). When you go to play some media in the Orbiter by choosing the buttons music, movies, videos, pictures or documents, you will see combined together all the media from the family's public folder as well as the media from your own personal private folder.</p>

	<p>Note that even if you check that option giving yourself access to everyone's private folders, when you go to browse media on the ~~orbiter~~ you will still only see public files plus your own private files, just so you're not bothered with everyone else's.</p>		<p>So, for example, if you rip a CD ''Madonna'' and make it public, and rip a CD ''Rolling Stones'' and make it private, and your spouse rips a CD ''Fleetwood Mac'' and makes it private, then when you touch music on the orbiter you will see ''Madonna'' and ''Rolling Stones'', and when your spouse touches music your spouse will see ''Fleetwood Mac'' and ''Madonna''. Assuming your name is John and your spouse is Susan then, if you browse the network share, you will find ''Madonna'' in the folder public\music and you will find ''Rolling Stones'' in the folder john\music. If, in LinuxMCE admin, your user has 'can modify configuration' checked, then that means you are also able to browse everybody else's private folders too. So in addition to 'public' and 'john', you will also see a folder 'susan', which contains 'music' which contains ''Fleetwood Mac''. If that option is not checked for Susan, then she will only see the folder 'public' and 'susan' and will not see your private folder 'john'.</p>

			<p>Note that even if you check that option giving yourself access to everyone's private folders, when you go to browse media on the Orbiter, you will still only see public files plus your own private files, just so you're not bothered with everyone else's.</p>

	<p>To maintain the media files, including copying deleting and renaming, you can either use another PC and a network share, such as a Windows PC with Windows Explorer, or in the LinuxMCE admin web site you can choose Media & Files, Browse.</p>		<p>To maintain the media files, including copying deleting and renaming, you can either use another PC and a network share, such as a Windows PC with Windows Explorer, or in the LinuxMCE admin web site you can choose Media & Files, Browse.</p>

	<p>Note that LinuxMCE maintains an internal database of all your media, including various attributes such as the actors in a movie or the composer of a song. This makes searching very comfortable. For example if you touch the music button, then start typing, you will see all attributes. For example after you touch 'G', you may see 'Geffen Studios (studio)', 'Get You Back (song)', 'GNR Live (album)', and 'Guns N Roses (performer)'. You can continue typing to narrow your entries down further, and touch any entry then 'view' to see all the music that matches. The resulting screen even does cross matching and shows pictures for each attribute.</p>		<p>Note that LinuxMCE maintains an internal database of all your media, including various attributes, such as the actors in a movie or the composer of a song. This makes searching very comfortable. For example, if you touch the music button then start typing, you will see all attributes. For example, after you touch 'G', you may see 'Geffen Studios (studio)', 'Get You Back (song)', 'GNR Live (album)', and 'Guns N Roses (performer)'. You can continue typing to narrow your entries down further, and touch any entry then 'view' to see all the music that matches. The resulting screen even does cross matching and shows pictures for each attribute.</p>

	<p>When you rip media within LinuxMCE the attributes are created automatically. You can view attributes or change them in the LinuxMCE admin site. LinuxMCE also monitors any media that you may add or change outside of LinuxMCE, such as using Windows Explorer. For example if you copy files over in Windows Explorer, LinuxMCE will automatically scan the files and add the attributes to its internal database so you can still search. Also if you rename or delete files, LinuxMCE will automatically update your database accordingly.</p>		<p>When you rip media within LinuxMCE, the attributes are created automatically. You can view attributes or change them in the LinuxMCE admin site. LinuxMCE also monitors any media that you may add or change outside of LinuxMCE, such as using Windows Explorer. For example if you copy files over in Windows Explorer, LinuxMCE will automatically scan the files and add the attributes to its internal database so you can still search. Also if you rename or delete files, LinuxMCE will automatically update your database accordingly.</p>

	<p>If you add a plug-and-play network attached storage device, within each media folder you will see a subfolder for that device and you will be able to move files to and from it.</p>		<p>If you add a plug-and-play network attached storage device, within each media folder you will see a subfolder for that device and you will be able to move files to and from it.</p>

Chris Caven: /* How do I install LinuxMCE? */

2010-02-07T20:15:49Z

How do I install LinuxMCE?

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	===How do I install LinuxMCE?===		===How do I install LinuxMCE?===
	There are two ways to install LinuxMCE. Both are detailed in the [[Installation Guide]]~~, here~~'s a short summary of each. '''Be sure to read the [[Installation Guide]] in its entirety''' before installing LinuxMCE - it contains '''very important''' information.		There are two ways to install LinuxMCE. Both are detailed in the [[Installation Guide]]. Here's a short summary of each. '''Be sure to read the [[Installation Guide]] in its entirety''' before installing LinuxMCE - it contains '''very important''' information.

	No matter which you choose, it's important to realize that LinuxMCE is not a Linux distribution - it's actually built upon Kubuntu. The most recent version of LinuxMCE is 0710, which installs on top of Kubuntu 7.10. Do not attempt to install LinuxMCE 0710 on Kubuntu 8.04 or 8.10 - it will not work. (LinuxMCE version 0810 is under development - [[LinuxMCE-0810_alpha2\|alpha versions]] are available for testing - these should not be used by new users. Not all features are complete, and not all features are stable.)		No matter which you choose, it's important to realize that LinuxMCE is not a Linux distribution - it's actually built upon Kubuntu. The most recent version of LinuxMCE is 0710, which installs on top of Kubuntu 7.10. Do not attempt to install LinuxMCE 0710 on Kubuntu 8.04 or 8.10 - it will not work. (LinuxMCE version 0810 is under development - [[LinuxMCE-0810_alpha2\|alpha versions]] are available for testing - these should not be used by new users. Not all features are complete, and not all features are stable.)

Chris Caven: /* Why do I need two network cards in my Core? */

2010-02-07T20:02:10Z

Why do I need two network cards in my Core?

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	The LMCE or "internal" network hosts all of your LMCE devices and media sources, and is connected to the "internal" or second NIC on your core server. The first or "external" NIC can simply connect to your existing network. You can keep any existing routers and DHCP servers you wish on your "external" existing home network. The LMCE core server will connect to that network via the external NIC, and if configured that way, will receive a DHCP lease IP address like any other device. Thus your LMCE core server effectively sits between your "external" and "internal" networks using NICs 1 and 2 respectively.		The LMCE or "internal" network hosts all of your LMCE devices and media sources, and is connected to the "internal" or second NIC on your core server. The first or "external" NIC can simply connect to your existing network. You can keep any existing routers and DHCP servers you wish on your "external" existing home network. The LMCE core server will connect to that network via the external NIC, and if configured that way, will receive a DHCP lease IP address like any other device. Thus your LMCE core server effectively sits between your "external" and "internal" networks using NICs 1 and 2 respectively.

	I basic diagrammatic guide is [[Network_Setup\|here.]]		A basic diagrammatic guide is [[Network_Setup\|here.]]

	But note - anything on your existing network that you want to interact with LMCE, such as NAS devices, wireless APs, PCs that may contain media, VoIP phones, ethernet based security or home automation equipment, should be moved onto the LMCE internal network. From that point it will provide DHCP services and Internet ~~routeing~~ to those devices.		But note - anything on your existing network that you want to interact with LMCE, such as NAS devices, wireless APs, PCs that may contain media, VoIP phones, ethernet based security or home automation equipment, should be moved onto the LMCE internal network. From that point it will provide DHCP services and Internet routing to those devices.

	For that reason, it is important not to put any DHCP servers on your internal network. LMCE must provide that. Any existing DHCP servers on your external network are perfectly fine and can remain, as these do not effect the internal network.		For that reason, it is important not to put any DHCP servers on your internal network. LMCE must provide that. Any existing DHCP servers on your external network are perfectly fine and can remain, as these do not effect the internal network.
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	Ideally, you will eventually (or immediately) move all your devices onto the LMCE internal network, for simplicity. This is highly recommended. This would leave your external network as nothing but a simple link from the core's external NIC to your Internet connection device.		Ideally, you will eventually (or immediately) move all your devices onto the LMCE internal network, for simplicity. This is highly recommended. This would leave your external network as nothing but a simple link from the core's external NIC to your Internet connection device.

	Some (most?) people have an ADSL modem that also provides ~~routeing~~ functionality - thus your LMCE core will route all Internet bound traffic to this modem, and it will route the traffic on to your ISP.		Some (most?) people have an ADSL modem that also provides routing functionality - thus your LMCE core will route all Internet bound traffic to this modem, and it will route the traffic on to your ISP.

	Others use broadband modems as a "bridge", typically with a PPPoE dialer, and bridge their public IP address directly to the LMCE core server, thus the core is effectively directly on the Internet and performs all the routing to your ISP itself. This approach is equally valid as the core has a full firewall making it secure. This configuration can be a little trickier to set up, but has the advantage of making VoIP setup much easier.		Others use broadband modems as a "bridge", typically with a PPPoE dialer, and bridge their public IP address directly to the LMCE core server, thus the core is effectively directly on the Internet and performs all the routing to your ISP itself. This approach is equally valid as the core has a full firewall making it secure. This configuration can be a little trickier to set up, but has the advantage of making VoIP setup much easier.

Chris Caven: /* Ok, I'm sold - what do I need to run LinuxMCE? */

2010-02-07T19:52:46Z

Ok, I'm sold - what do I need to run LinuxMCE?

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	LinuxMCE components include:		LinuxMCE components include:
	*'''''The Core''''' - The computer that acts as the "server" for LinuxMCE. It is responsible for coordinating all the other components and managing your network. This system '''REQUIRES TWO NETWORK CARDS'''. Read the next question for an explanation.		*'''''The Core''''' - The computer that acts as the "server" for LinuxMCE. It is responsible for coordinating all the other components and managing your network. This system '''REQUIRES TWO NETWORK CARDS'''. Read the next question for an explanation.
	*'''''Media Directors''''' - The computers that are connected to your ~~TV's~~ and allow you to view your media. The Core can also act as a Media Director; this configuration is called a '''''Hybrid'''''. Any system that is to be used as a Media Director should have '''an nVidia graphics card, 6200 or better'''. Read the question after the next for an explanation.		*'''''Media Directors''''' - The computers that are connected to your TVs and allow you to view your media. The Core can also act as a Media Director; this configuration is called a '''''Hybrid'''''. Any system that is to be used as a Media Director should have '''an nVidia graphics card, 6200 or better'''. Read the question after the next for an explanation.
	*'''''Orbiters''''' - Small devices used as advanced remote controls. Some possible devices include:		*'''''Orbiters''''' - Small devices used as advanced remote controls. Some possible devices include:
	**Bluetooth mobile phones (with OBEX capabilities)		**Bluetooth mobile phones (with OBEX capabilities)

Chris Caven: /* Is LinuxMCE a distribution or a package? */

2010-02-07T19:48:51Z

Is LinuxMCE a distribution or a package?

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	Only the PC running as the Core is required to run Kubuntu and use the LinuxMCE package.		Only the PC running as the Core is required to run Kubuntu and use the LinuxMCE package.

	Any PC used as a Media Director can [[netboot]] from the Core, without the requirement for an OS at all. Of course, you can always boot whatever OS is already stored on the hard drive of each Media Director PC and use that PC separately from the LinuxMCE system. Play the games (or whatever) that are stored on the hard drive (using whichever OS is already installed ~~there~~) ~~there~~, and when you're ready to use that PC as a Media Director again, you just go back to netbooting from the Core.		Any PC used as a Media Director can [[netboot]] from the Core, without the requirement for an OS at all. Of course, you can always boot whatever OS is already stored on the hard drive of each Media Director PC and use that PC separately from the LinuxMCE system. Play the games (or whatever) that are stored on the hard drive (using whichever OS is already installed), and when you're ready to use that PC as a Media Director again, you just go back to netbooting from the Core.

	For the Core, you should use Kubuntu and our packages.		For the Core, you should use Kubuntu and our packages.
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	====Configuration scripts====		====Configuration scripts====
	LinuxMCE includes a lot of scripts that automate all aspects of maintaining a Linux system. For example, when you add a new user from the LinuxMCE Admin site, it automatically creates a new media directory, exports a samba share, creates an email and voicemail accounts, and so on. There's also scripts to do lots of low-level things like setup ip network prioritizing, so your VOIP calls are always clear. By default, LinuxMCE overwrites and re-creates many Linux config files at each boot. In this regard LinuxMCE acts like a black box appliance. However, once you install LinuxMCE you can go to the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Boot Scripts and disable any or all of these scripts. Then you can still maintain your LinuxMCE Core like any other Linux PC and it won't overwrite your config files.		LinuxMCE includes a lot of scripts that automate all aspects of maintaining a Linux system. For example, when you add a new user from the LinuxMCE Admin site, it automatically creates a new media directory, exports a samba share, creates an email and voicemail accounts, and so on. There's also scripts to do lots of low-level things like setup IP network prioritizing, so your VOIP calls are always clear. By default, LinuxMCE overwrites and re-creates many Linux config files at each boot. In this regard LinuxMCE acts like a black box appliance. However, once you install LinuxMCE you can go to the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Boot Scripts and disable any or all of these scripts. Then you can still maintain your LinuxMCE Core like any other Linux PC and it won't overwrite your config files.

	====Our Ubuntu mirror====		====Our Ubuntu mirror====

Chris Caven: /* I've heard LinuxMCE is just a bunch of projects merged together. Is that true? What is special about LinuxMCE? */

2010-02-07T19:40:47Z

I've heard LinuxMCE is just a bunch of projects merged together. Is that true? What is special about LinuxMCE?

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	===I've heard LinuxMCE is just a bunch of projects merged together. Is that true? What is special about LinuxMCE?===		===I've heard LinuxMCE is just a bunch of projects merged together. Is that true? What is special about LinuxMCE?===
	<p>LinuxMCE includes a lot of other open source projects, like Xine, Asterisk, MythTV, VideoLan, etc. So we are often asked, "Why do I need LinuxMCE, can't I just use those other projects by themselves?"</p>		<p>LinuxMCE includes a lot of other open source projects, like Xine, Asterisk, MythTV, VideoLan, etc. So we are often asked, "Why do I need LinuxMCE, can't I just use those other projects by themselves?"</p>
	<p>LinuxMCE has a lot of its own software; it's not just a collection of other projects. In fact, LinuxMCE's own software is bigger than most of the key outside projects combined. LinuxMCE includes its own messaging platform. Most of the logic and functionality, such as how to handle home security, media, etc., is in LinuxMCE's plug-~~in's~~--not the other projects. Plus LinuxMCE includes a GUI that runs on Linux, Windows, Windows CE and Symbian. There are already thousands of DCE Devices for various smart home components. ~~And~~ LinuxMCE includes lots of development tools, like the GUI Designer, code generators like DCEGen and sql2cpp. There are also some fairly substantial stand-alone projects with LinuxMCE, like sqlCVS. sqlCVS has essentially all the same features as CVS or SVN, but it works with databases--not source code. It is what ensures that when one user translates a screen on the GUI, or learns an infrared code, or creates a new GSD device, that this is committed to a central repository, reviewed by our staff, then propagated to all other users.</p>		<p>LinuxMCE has a lot of its own software; it's not just a collection of other projects. In fact, LinuxMCE's own software is bigger than most of the key outside projects combined. LinuxMCE includes its own messaging platform. Most of the logic and functionality, such as how to handle home security, media, etc., is in LinuxMCE's plug-ins--not the other projects. Plus LinuxMCE includes a GUI that runs on Linux, Windows, Windows CE and Symbian. There are already thousands of DCE Devices for various smart home components. LinuxMCE includes lots of development tools, like the GUI Designer, code generators like DCEGen and sql2cpp. There are also some fairly substantial stand-alone projects with LinuxMCE, like sqlCVS. sqlCVS has essentially all the same features as CVS or SVN, but it works with databases--not source code. It is what ensures that when one user translates a screen on the GUI, or learns an infrared code, or creates a new GSD device, that this is committed to a central repository, reviewed by our staff, then propagated to all other users.</p>
	<p>Additionally LinuxMCE has its own "wrappers" for all the outside open source projects we integrate. This is what allows them to work together seamlessly.</p>		<p>Additionally, LinuxMCE has its own "wrappers" for all the outside open source projects we integrate. This is what allows them to work together seamlessly.</p>
	<p><b>Example #1: LinuxMCE's wrappers allow open source projects to be interchangeable modules.</b> For example, on one media director un-check the box for the 'Xine' media player, but leave 'VideoLan' checked. Do the opposite for another media director. And for the rest, leave both checked (the default). Now start watching a movie in 1 room. As you move from room to room the movie will seamlessly move from Xine to VideoLan and back. If you leave both checked, Xine will be used when the movie is playing in 1 room only, and VideoLan when it is playing in multiple rooms. This interoperability is not possible outside of LinuxMCE.</p>		<p><b>Example #1: LinuxMCE's wrappers allow open source projects to be interchangeable modules.</b> For example, on one media director un-check the box for the 'Xine' media player, but leave 'VideoLan' checked. Do the opposite for another media director. And for the rest, leave both checked (the default). Now start watching a movie in 1 room. As you move from room to room the movie will seamlessly move from Xine to VideoLan and back. If you leave both checked, Xine will be used when the movie is playing in 1 room only, and VideoLan when it is playing in multiple rooms. This interoperability is not possible outside of LinuxMCE.</p>
	<p><b>Example #2: LinuxMCE allows a bunch of disparate projects to work together as a seamless whole</b> For example, if there's a security breach in your house, the lights and ~~TV's~~ in the house come on automatically using our home automation DCE device interfaces, and the security pin pad appears on all the Windows webpads and ~~PDA's~~. After 30 seconds a menacing video plays for the burglar using Xine, while the surveillance cameras monitored by Motion feed a live video to your mobile phone over GPRS. Hit 'Talk' on the phone and Xine suspends, passing control to Linphone which makes a call using Asterisk to your mobile phone with the audio piped through the stereo so you can shout at the intruder and let him know you're watching him from a remote location and calling. To the end-user, it works seamlessly, like 1 cohesive whole, but in reality, what LinuxMCE did is enable a bunch of existing applications to work together.</p>		<p><b>Example #2: LinuxMCE allows a bunch of disparate projects to work together as a seamless whole</b> For example, if there's a security breach in your house, the lights and TVs in the house come on automatically using our home automation DCE device interfaces, and the security pin pad appears on all the Windows webpads and PDAs. After 30 seconds a menacing video plays for the burglar using Xine, while the surveillance cameras monitored by Motion feed a live video to your mobile phone over GPRS. Hit 'Talk' on the phone and Xine suspends, passing control to Linphone which makes a call using Asterisk to your mobile phone, with the audio piped through the stereo so you can shout at the intruder and let him know you're watching him from a remote location and calling. To the end-user, it works seamlessly, like 1 cohesive whole, but in reality, what LinuxMCE did is enable a bunch of existing applications to work together.</p>

	===Which hardware is known to work?===		===Which hardware is known to work?===

Chris Caven: /* What do commercial appliance solutions similar to LinuxMCE cost? */

2010-02-07T19:21:41Z

What do commercial appliance solutions similar to LinuxMCE cost?

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	# A PBX phone system with voicemail, like [http://www.panasonic.com Panasonic] will cost another 5 grand or so.		# A PBX phone system with voicemail, like [http://www.panasonic.com Panasonic] will cost another 5 grand or so.

	All of those products require professional installation and setup, particularly the home automation devices. LinuxMCE was designed with simple web-based wizard so even non-techies can get a whole solution up within a few hours. But our competitors' products are different. Smart home dealers will require a trained programmer to set them up. For example, it can take weeks of programming to set up a Crestron system in a good-sized house. Programming fees can be over $10,000, plus re-programing fees every time you make a change. '''Bottom line: around $100,000''' for an appliance solution that does what LinuxMCE does.		All of those products require professional installation and setup, particularly the home automation devices. LinuxMCE was designed with a simple web-based wizard, so even non-techies can get a whole solution up within a few hours. But our competitors' products are different. Smart home dealers will require a trained programmer to set them up. For example, it can take weeks of programming to set up a Crestron system in a good-sized house. Programming fees can be over $10,000, plus re-programing fees every time you make a change. '''Bottom line: around $100,000''' for an appliance solution that does what LinuxMCE does.

	Appliance solutions are typically PCs, running an Linux OS with custom, proprietary software, placed inside custom cases. The software is not available separately, so there's no way to economize or build your own.		Appliance solutions are typically PCs, running a Linux OS with custom, proprietary software, placed inside custom cases. The software is not available separately, so there's no way to economize or build your own.

	LinuxMCE has taken a different approach. LinuxMCE is also an appliance solution, but we have made the software available separately. In fact, it is free, so techies and software programmers can build their own high-end appliance systems. Competing PC hardware manufacturers can license the LinuxMCE platform to use in standard, low-cost PCs. LinuxMCE brings down the cost by offering all the functionality of several systems in 1 system: whole house media & entertainment, home automation, telecom, security, and personal computer.		LinuxMCE has taken a different approach. LinuxMCE is also an appliance solution, but we have made the software available separately. In fact, it is free, so techies and software programmers can build their own high-end appliance systems. Competing PC hardware manufacturers can license the LinuxMCE platform to use in standard, low-cost PCs. LinuxMCE brings down the cost by offering all the functionality of several systems in 1 system: whole house media & entertainment, home automation, telecom, security, and personal computer.

Chris Caven: /* Is LinuxMCE an appliance or software solution? */

2010-02-07T19:15:43Z

Is LinuxMCE an appliance or software solution?

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	LinuxMCE is an appliance solution. The Core becomes a self-configuring, self-maintaining black box appliance. Since the Core automatically offers a network boot image to any PC's you want to use as media directors, they too become appliances. You can still use them as a PC, of course, but you can crash the hard drive, install a virus, delete system files, and it doesn't matter. When you hit 'LinuxMCE' on the remote control, the Core sends it a network boot, the hard drive turns off, it doesn't use your operating system, and you'll never see a PC prompt. And when you hit the PC button, it goes back to being a PC like normal. LinuxMCE is a 'family friendly' solution--you can use the PC for kernel-level coding, knowing the kids can always hit 1 button and still use it to watch cartoons.		LinuxMCE is an appliance solution. The Core becomes a self-configuring, self-maintaining black box appliance. Since the Core automatically offers a network boot image to any PC's you want to use as media directors, they too become appliances. You can still use them as a PC, of course, but you can crash the hard drive, install a virus, delete system files, and it doesn't matter. When you hit 'LinuxMCE' on the remote control, the Core sends it a network boot, the hard drive turns off, it doesn't use your operating system, and you'll never see a PC prompt. And when you hit the PC button, it goes back to being a PC like normal. LinuxMCE is a 'family friendly' solution--you can use the PC for kernel-level coding, knowing the kids can always hit 1 button and still use it to watch cartoons.

	LinuxMCE offers the best of both worlds: an appliance solution at the price of a software solution, and ~~the~~ the power and versatility of a software solution with the ease of use of an appliance. We offer the software for free as open source because our business is licensing LinuxMCE to hardgoods manufacturers who embed it in their products.		LinuxMCE offers the best of both worlds: an appliance solution at the price of a software solution, and the power and versatility of a software solution with the ease of use of an appliance. We offer the software for free as open source because our business is licensing LinuxMCE to hardgoods manufacturers who embed it in their products.

	===What do commercial appliance solutions similar to LinuxMCE cost?===		===What do commercial appliance solutions similar to LinuxMCE cost?===