A Linux-based digital STB (set-top box) available in Europe has attracted a community of Linux hackers. The Siemens Gigaset M740 AV can decode satellite and terrestrial DVBs (digital video broadcasts), and supports PVR functionality through an external USB hard drive. (more…)

Acme Systems is shipping a tiny, inexpensive, RISC CPU-based SBC (single-board computer) that comes preinstalled with embedded Linux. The “Acme Fox” measures 2.6 x 2.8 inches, costs 99 Euros, and offers Ethernet and USB ports, along with optional surface-mount connectors supporting extensive I/O possibilities. (more…)

Andrey Filippov, of Elphel Photo-Electronics, has developed a Linux-based network camera around a new codec said to allow for the first time both a low bitrate and high-resolution, high-framerate video. Filippov's technical article discusses implementing an Ogg Theora encoder FPGA for Elphel's new Model 333 camera. (more…)

PeerSec Networks says D-Link used its suite of SSL security products in a line of Linux-based media players. The D-Link DSM series players use PeerSec's MatrixSSL embedded security suite, a modular, small-footprint, high-performance security suite available for Linux under free or commercial licenses. (more…)

Parvus is shipping a PC/104-Plus MPEG-4 audio/video encoder card that supports up to four simultaneous video inputs. The MPEG104+ makes use of an onboard microcontroller to manage computationally intensive video compression, and is supported under Linux, among other embedded OSes, (more…)

Foreword: This article introduces a network camera based on embedded Linux, an open FPGA, and a free, open codec called Ogg Theora. Author Andrey Filippov, who designed the camera, says it is the first high-resolution, high frame-rate digital camera to offer a low bit rate. Enjoy . . . !

Background (more…)

Broadcom is sampling a PCI-X based security co-processor that it says performs 250 percent better than its previous CryptoNetX chips, while providing software compatibility. The BCM5825 comes with Linux drivers and support, and targets high-end and mid-range VPN appliances, firewall appliances, and SSL-based appliances. (more…)

Axiomtek is readying a new panel PC designed for use as a human-machine interface, and is shipping a new model in its line of passively cooled embedded systems. Both support Linux. Additionally, Axiomtek has become an official GSA Advantage Supplier for Federal purchasing agents, it says. (more…)

Lineo Solutions says its embedded Linux tools now support a tiny T-Engine-compliant board from Shimafuji. The Shimafuji SEMC5701 board is powered by a MIPS-based SoC from NEC, and is best known for its use in the wall-wart-sized Teacube, T-Cube, or Tangerine Cube from Personal Media Corp. (more…)

The DigiTimes has published an image gallery of wildly feature-full mobile phones shown off at CeBIT last week. The gallery includes a Linux-based device from Samsung that supports UWB (ultra-wide-band), an Intel-driven standard for high-speed transfer of multimedia content between devices in the home or office. (more…)

O'Reilly has brought out a second edition of its book on Java development. “Head First Java, Second Edition” teaches readers about Java — including Java 5.0 changes and APIs — using stimulating “puzzles, strong visuals, mysteries, and soul-searching interviews” aimed at “jolting” the user into learning, (more…)

Enea is shipping a high-availability (HA) application framework for network equipment based on multiple operating systems. The framework supports Linux, along with RTOSes (real-time operating systems) such as Enea's proprietary OSE. It provides enhanced monitoring, fault detection, recovery, failover, load balancing, and management capabilities, Enea says. (more…)

A project to develop an open source operating system for PDAs compatible with MacOS X has renamed itself, and achieved a new developer beta release. The “QuantumSTEP” project (formerly “myPDA-Zaurus-Edition”) aims to replace Qtopia for Sharp Zaurus owners who use Mac desktops. (more…)

A non-profit Korean government-funded research organization has joined the OSDL (Open Source Development League), and will contribute to the CGL (Carrier Grade Linux) and DCL (Data Center Linux) working groups. ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute), founded in 1976, is “at the forefront of Linux innovation and adoption in Asia,” (more…)

Viosoft has added support for an Abatron JTAG probe to its suite of embedded development and debugging tools. The Arriba Embedded Edition now supports Abatron's BDI2000 BDM/JTAG probe, enabling the Viosoft tools to be used with PowerPC processors for the first time. (more…)