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| − | == LinuxMCE components == | + | == The LinuxMCE system == |
| − | ===Core===
| + | {{#User Manual:The LinuxMCE system}} |
| − | A [[Core]] is a single dedicated PC acting as a server that interacts with all the components of the system. It is the heart and brain of the LinuxMCE system.
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| − | what does it do, what's its role?
| + | == [[What_can_I_do_with_LinuxMCE%3F|What can I do with LinuxMCE?]] == |
| − | The core serves as:
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| − | ::* a storage device for media
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| − | ::* a communications hub for all connected devices
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| − | ::* the networking router of the multimedia network
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| − | ::* a PXE server distributing boot images to media players
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| − | ::* a PBX for all connected media directors and IP telephony devices
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| | + | {{#lsth:What can I do with LinuxMCE?}} |
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| − | The Core includes a plug-and-play back-end, so it listens for and auto configures all sorts of devices, like network audio players (e.g. Squeeze Box), IP phones and cameras. The Core can automatically provide a network boot for thin-client PCs (which can then be used as [[Media Directors]]). A Media Director is hooked up to your TV or stereo and becomes an integrated media player, PVR, video conferencing, intercom and portal to monitor and control everything in the home. All Media Directors work together seamlessly as a whole-house solution.
| + | See [[:Category:Tutorials|Tutorials Category]] for more. |
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| − | [[Core|More about the Core]]
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| − | ===Orbiters===
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| − | '''Orbiters''' are high-tech remote controls. LinuxMCE allows a wide variety of devices to function as Orbiters. Ordinary laptops, wireless tablet PCs, PDAs, mobile phones running Symbian or Microsoft Mobile, or any PC with a web interface that is able to connect to your LinuxMCE LAN can be used as an Orbiter.
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| − | [[Orbiters|More about Orbiters]]
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| − | ===Media Directors===
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| − | A '''Media Director''' (also known as a '''Media Station''' or '''Media Manager''') is a dedicated PC that streams music and video from the Core to your TV and speakers for an awesome multimedia experience. You can even use it as a Kubuntu PC, right on your TV!
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| − | [[Media Directors|More about Media Directors]]
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| − | ===Network Attached Storage (NAS)===
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| − | You can extend your Core's storage with an NAS device. LinuxMCE can recognize it and automatically integrate it into the system. Use the NAS for file storage, including your music and video collection, or for PVR functions.
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| − | [[Network Attached Storage|More about NAS]]
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| − | ===Security===
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| − | '''Security''' is a big part of LinuxMCE. Functions include light control, surveillance camera monitoring, and motion detection. Events can be triggered based on detected motion. It can send alerts to your mobile phone. It can set your alarm based on different schedules and scenarios. It can even lock the door when you leave your home.
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| − | [[Security|More about Security]]
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| − | ===Telecom===
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| − | '''Telecom''' is integrated into LinuxMCE in a sophisticated fashion. The VoIP system provides great flexibility. Each member of your family may have his/her own personal voice mailbox. The system can keep track of where you are in your home and route incoming calls to the nearest phone (or to your mobile phone when you're not at home). Incoming calls automatically pause media, allowing you to take calls without interrupting your relaxation time.
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| − | [[Telecom|More about Telecom]]
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| − | ===Home Automation===
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| − | The '''Home Automation''' features of LinuxMCE are convenient and energy-efficient. With Home Automation you can control lights, climate and even the whereabouts of music or video played in your home. Mobile phones can also be turned into remote controls for your entire house.
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| − | [[Home Automation|More about Home Automation]]
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| − | ===Multimedia===
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| − | '''Multimedia''' in LinuxMCE is always available throughout your house. If you have more than one home, you can even join the homes together into a single multimedia/home automation system. Your media will follow you everywhere you go. It will even show your video files on the device closest to you, even if you go from one room or home to another!
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| − | [[Usage_Intro#Managing_your_media|More about Multimedia]]
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| − | ===Personal Computing===
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| − | '''Personal Computing''' can be done in LinuxMCE. After all, there's an ordinary PC with Kubuntu Linux running in the background, complete with Office suites and all the programs you need for everyday use.
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| − | [[Personal Computing|More about Personal Computing]]
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| − | ==What can I do with LinuxMCE?==
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| − | [[What_can_I_do_with_LinuxMCE%3F|What can I do with LinuxMCE?]]
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| − | Also see: [[:Category:Tutorials|Tutorials Category]]
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Revision as of 05:26, 20 October 2012
This page introduces you to the different components of a LinuxMCE system and what you can do with them.
The LinuxMCE system
{{#User Manual:The LinuxMCE system}}
Following is a list of things you can do with LinuxMCE. Each link goes to a how-to page which has 3 parts:
- How to set it up
- How to use it
- Where to find the source code (and how it works)
The list is not complete, and many of the topics do not yet have documentation. Not all documentation pages have screen shots and pictures. Feel free to add your own documentation to the wiki.
Most of the articles reflect tested procedures (even if the documentation is not written). Items in italics describe modules still in development or that have been only partially completed. Items with an * have been coded, and should work, but have not been fully tested.
Note: This is an introduction article only. The complete list of articles is found in the Tutorials Category.
Also see the Usage Intro.
See Tutorials Category for more.
Building a new Home around LinuxMCE
Linux MCE is the ultimate smart home. With proper planning, a new construction home can integrate LinuxMCE as the brains of the house.
In the past, a Home Entertainment Center would house a Home Theater PC. With LinuxMCE, the Core server and all communications hubs can be kept in a separate area. This makes home construction easier, allows centralization of data services, and allows for updating the home automation and multimedia system without altering the Home Entertainment Center in your living room.
More about Home Construction using LinuxMCE
