Santa Ana, CA — (press release excerpt) — Princeton Graphic Systems has begun shipping the world's first TV with a built-in [Linux-based] Internet Appliance subsystem. Princeton's high-end is a 36″ viewable, 4:3 direct-view CRT HD-ready TV (and computer monitor) with integrated Ch.1 services for enhanced TV and Internet functionality. The Ai3.6HD monitor system supports video, 480p, 1080i, and 720p (letterbox) digital formats as well as displaying VGA, SVGA, and XGA graphics. The Ai3.6HD with built-in DVDO 503 deinterlacer/scaler also includes Ch.1's universal remote/keyboard/mouse.

Princeton's new Linux-enhanced TV
Ch.1's embedded, thin client interactive entertainment subsystem offers a high-resolution Internet browser with email, chat, secure online transactions, and channel guide. Powered by National Semiconductor's Geode CPU running an embedded Linux operating system, Ch.1 offers rendering of web pages at their native resolution of (SVGA) 800 x 600 through its full-featured browser via a 56k modem for dial up ISP service or Ethernet, T1, DSL or cable modem for broadband connections. The Ch.1 portal opens with customizable TV and web favorites for up to five users. The localized channel guide offers program details and link to the network?s web site. To operate the system, an integrated keyboard/remote/pointing device and a multi-device universal remote for TV, Cable, satellite, VCR, hard disk recorders, and a/v receivers is included with the Ai3.6HD.

Ch.1 Graphical User Interface

The Ai3.6HD has a MSRP of $3,499.00. Optional Ch.1 dial up service is available for $18.95 a month for individual users. A family plan adds up to four additional users for $3.00 more per month. Outgoing and incoming filtering can be added at $1.00 or $3.00 a month for individual users or families respectively. If a user has existing dial up or broadband ISP, Ch.1 service is discounted by $10.00 a month.

(Editor's note: detailed technical information about the Ai3.6HD's internal Linux-based Internet Appliance subsystem are available in this LinuxDevices.com article.)

 
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