New Linux-based PVR from Sony: Cocoon

jivany writes "Linux based set-top box being offered by Sony that has a broadband internet connection and may offer the option of being programmed from a cell phone." Japan-only for now. There's an article in Japanese with assorted photos and screenshots.

its the ATI chip

[johnjones]

its the ATI Xillion a STB on a chip, nice pice of kit

so sony didnt do anything to produce this except rejig the opening sceen and maybe some other fairly easy things

what I would like to know is can I have the sound server source and does it work (-;
(because the ATI supplied stuff sure does not)

regards

John Jones

Re:Whats Inside

[xirtam_work]

The CPU is a MIPS 350MHz, with Linux OS - according to the blurb

This is based on TiVo

[Zaknafein500]

This box is actually based on the TiVo software, it just doesn't use the TiVo service. TiVoPony has said that there is a possibility this box could be released in the States, where TiVo service is available.

Here [tivocommunity.com] is a link to a discussion of this box on the TiVo Community Forum.

Re:I just got a pvr

[sessamoid]

The DirectTiVo does a D/A conversion of the signal coming from the receiver, then a A/D conversion to store the picture on the hard disk

Incorrect. The DirectTivo's directly record the DirecTV mpeg2 stream directly to the hard drive. There is no mpeg2 encoder in the Directivo box, which is why you can record cable or OTA broadcasts using the DirectTivo. Get informed before you start spreading misinformation.

Re:Nice, but will it be noisy? Look for the fan...

[amuro98]

It's based on existing Tivo hardware.

I've got a Tivo at home, and replaced the drive inside with a larger one, and added a second large drive. (both Western Digital 5400RPM drives.)

By design, Tivo is always recording *something* so both drives are always going, and there's a 3" fan in the back.

I.
Can't.
Hear.
It.

The fan in the back spins slowly, so you don't get the "whirr" like you do with a standard PC fan. The brackets for the HDs are pretty well isolated with rubber grommits so the drives' vibrations don't transfer to the chassis.

Seriously, my TV on mute makes more noise than the Tivo does.

This thing is designed for A/V setups. Ambient noise(or vibration) is not a problem.

My Tivo is currentally in my bedroom, and I have no problems sleeping with the thing whirring away. I can't say that about my PC, or even my laptop.