Hi-Muse Device Profile (Part 2)
May 22, 1997 — by Rick Lehrbaum — from the LinuxDevices Archive — viewsSummary of features
Here is a brief summary of the main features of the Hi-Muse . . .
- Intuitive, appliance-like operation — the device is equipped with a graphical LCD touch screen plus four buttons (including a turn and press joggle), and provides intuitive on-screen navigation for functions such as volume and play/stop. There is also an IR remote control.
- Play and store CDs — the device can read any CD on its built-in CD player, whether audio or MP3, and can store it on its hard drive. An entire CD can be ripped and stored in about five minutes. CDs are automatically identified and titled. The system also has analog inputs with which you can record from tapes, records, and other external audio sources.
- Create and manage a music library — you can easily store all your favorite music on the hard drive, retrieve titles or entire albums by a specific artist, perform various searches, and setup arbitrary play-lists resulting in custom music programs.
- “Tune in” both FM and Internet-based radio stations — the device implements both a standard FM/AM tuner (with RDS) for reception of “normal” (wireless) radio stations, and an Internet tuner for accessing worldwide Internet radio content. Through this combination, you can listen to both local and global radio programs, and you can customize your “radio” according to your own interests.
- Online service options — the device will be able to access various online services provided by what is being termed “Music Service Providers” (MSPs). These will include: browsing music catalogs, listening to samples, and downloading music onto the Hi-Muse's hard drive in a secure and copyright-friendly way. Also, MSPs will be able to recommend artists and titles based on an individual user's tastes, thanks to a built-in profiling agent. Other possible MSP services include: a means for users to communicate with each other about music; online shops where users can purchase concert tickets, music subscriptions, and merchandise; etc.
- Input/output interfaces — the device provides analog and optical audio output ports, an analog input port, a video output port, three USB ports, and one Ethernet port. The USB ports cab be used to connect a modem, MP3 player, and other supported peripherals (additional storage units, keyboard, etc.). The Ethernet port connects the Hi-Muse to either a PC or a local network. The video output port provides optional connection to a TV, resulting in the display of album covers, pictures of the artist, or access to the artist's website.
- Accessories and options — available (or planned) add-ons for the Hi-Muse include: an IR remote control, interface cables, additional storage modules, a Flash memory module, a CD writer module (secured audio format), high quality active speakers, a Flash memory “walkman” device, and a Smart Card reader.
- Highly flexible and scalable — one of the most important features of the Hi-Muse is its programmability. Through its Internet connection, the device's internal software can be upgraded to add new features, support next-generation audio formats, change its operation, fix bugs, etc. The device can even be operated by remote control via its Internet connection.
Story navigation . . .
- Part 1: The ultimate music appliance?
- Part 2: Summary of features
- Part 3: What's inside the Hi-Muse?
- Part 4: When will the Hi-Muse be available?
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.