Dutch start-up AHT (Advanced Home Technologies) has launched a Linux-based device for open source developers wishing to write applications for set-top boxes (STBs) based on STMicroelectronics' ST7109 SoC for HDTVs. The “Tribbox” development platform supports DVR, IP-telephony, and H.264 digital TV functions.

The Tribbox's pre-installed Linux firmware enables the device to be used as a hard-disk recorder, internet telephony device, or digital TV receiver. However, the device is intended primarily for use as an open source development platform. Applications developed on the Tribbox should also be portable to other set-top boxes based on the ST710x SoC (system-on-chip) — including Tribbox's own Allsii line, it says.

Tribbox (rear)
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The ST7109 supports HDTV, MPEG2/MPEG4, H.264, VC-1, and DRM10 standards, and is backed up with 128MB DDR2 RAM, plus 64MB of video RAM and 32MB flash. It comes with Ethernet, USB 2.0, and serial ports as well as numerous A/V connections.

Inside the Tribbox (side)
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The following are the specs for the Tribbox:

• Processor — STMicroelectronics ST7109
• Memory — 128MB (plus 64MB video memory), both DDR2-333
• Flash — 32MB internal
• Ethernet — 1 x RJ45 10/100Mbps
• USB — 1 x USB 2.0 host
• Serial — 1 x onboard serial port
• Other connections:
  • S-ATA connector for DVR
  • 2 x Scart output (component & composite output, audio signals)
  • Scart-to-RCA adapter (for U.S. market)
  • 1 x HDMI output
  • 1 x S/P-Dif audio output
• Operating system — Fedora Linux
• Other features — power supply, remote control, HDD bracket and SATA HDD cables

Tribbox is delivered with a DVD including all documentation, programming guides and development software, as well as the Fedora Linux distribution and sample programs. The box ships with Tribler peer-to-peer software, which was developed at Delft University of Technology in cooperation with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Tribler can be used to exchange files, movies, and music, and includes social networking features.

Inside the Tribbox (front)
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Availability

The Tribbox is available from AHT's online store for 310 Euros (about $450 US). More information on the Tribbox can be found on the Tribox developer's site.

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