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.

(Click for slightly larger view of the Siemens m740)

According to information at the German-language community site devoted to it, the m740 is based on an NEC µPD61130AS1 SoC (system-on-chip), which has a MIPS VR4012A core. The SoC integrates an MPEG stream processor, MPEG video decoder, an audio decoder, graphics controller, digital video capture and encoder, and a PCI bus, along with standard PC interfaces. These include an EHCI USB 2.0 port supporting an external hard drive (and no other peripherals, an offical Siemens FAQ claims), an 8-bit, 96kHz stereo DAC, digital audio (S/PDIF) port, two SCARTs (European TV out ports), and 10/100 Ethernet.

The m740 also uses a high-density PLD (programmable logic device) from Lattice, according to the community site. Its integrated digital TV receiver is based on a Philips TDA10046HT single-chip DVD-T channel decoder.

On the software side, the m740 is based on MIPS Linux. It suports Windows networking, enabling it function as a media adapter. It also supports SMB-based Linux software, such as Samba. Additionally, a Windows application called Cridical enables additional control from a Windows PC.

Photos of the boards inside the m740 are available from the community site.

Availability

The m740 is available now, with a suggested price of 299.95 Euros.

 
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