As an exercise in embedded system design, Michael Palmer set out to develop the “mp3 Toaster.” Palmer's embedded Linux mp3 toaster combines embedded hardware with Open Source software (Linux, LAME, Netjuke, Lirc) to create a computing appliance that operates without the need for a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.

The mp3 toaster consists of a VIA mini-ITX motherboard with a notebook hard drive, and features a remote control plus a Web- or TV-based user interface. Functions it can perform are said to include . . .

• Plays CDs
  
• RIPs CDs (automatically CDDBs and adds to system)
  
• Acts as a home Mp3 server for my Home Entertainment system
  
• Streams Mp3s to any PC in the house (or on the net)

Working prototype

The toaster's embedded “brain”
“I have tried to highlight what worked for me, the fabrication techniques, and links to all of the software and hardware,” said Palmer. “Hopefully this can be of some help to some other fellow appliance builders!”

Palmer has posted more details about his toaster project on his website.

 
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