Difference between revisions of "LinuxMCE"
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Revision as of 07:28, 30 September 2012
LinuxMCE (Linux Media Center Edition) is a free and open source software platform with a 10-foot user interface designed to allow a computer to act as
- a home theater PC (HTPC) for the living-room TV
- a personal video recorder
- a home automation, lighting, and climate control system
- a surveillance and security system
- a VoIP phone system with support for video conferencing
- read more on Wikipedia
LinuxMCE is a media centered Linux distribution built on the solid foundation laid down by debian and Ubuntu. It is loaded with all kinds of goodies for the home of the future.
Able to record digital video, automate your home, function as a telephone switching hub for your home (in lieu of a boring intercom system), LinuxMCE ties it all together using an advanced messaging infrastructure [1].
This page introduces you to the different components of a LinuxMCE system and what you can do with them.
LinuxMCE components
Core
The Core is the heart and brain of the LinuxMCE system. The Core is a single PC acting as a dedicated server and interface for all the sub-components. 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.
Orbiters
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.
Media Directors
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!
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
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.
Security
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.
Telecom
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.
Home Automation
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.
Multimedia
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!
Personal Computing
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.
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
What can I do with LinuxMCE?
Also see: Tutorials Category
