[mythtv] Samsung LCD TVs run Linux. Implement a native mythtv front end within the TV ?

[Marc Randolph]

On Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 9:37 AM, Linuxguy123 <linuxguy123 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I've been shopping for a new flat panel HDTV.   One of the sets on my
> short list is the Samsung LN52A650.  Another is the LN52A750.
> [...]
> Anyway, these models appear to run Linux as the last chapter in the
> users manual has the GPL printed out.
>
> http://www.samsung.com/ca/support/download/supportDown.do?group=tv&type=tv&subtype=lcd&model_nm=LN52A650A1F&prd_ia_cd=02010100&disp_nm=LN52A650&mType=&dType=D&vType=R
> [...]
> These TVs have an Ethernet port.  They also have an optional USB Wifi
> dongle that allows them to connect to a local wireless network.  Albeit
> with limited functionality.
>
> The LN52A750 is rumored to have a built in hard drive.
>
> So... what are the chances that "we" could hack these sets to either
> increase the network functionality (ie full DLNA functionality) or
> implement a mythtv front end within them ?

While it would be the ultimate front-end, I'll go out on a limb and
say the chances of a front-end are quite slim.  This AVS forum post
hints why:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14523204#post14523204

which starts out:
"I checked out the source code from some of the other TV's -- and I
don't think it'll be very helpful to get the source. They seem to be
using a Linux Kernel, Busybox, and glibc ... all the items needed to
have a embedded system boot up and run the closed source apps that
actually run the TV."

There are a number of different set-top-boxes and media servers which
run Linux.  Most interest to re-purpose them runs into the same
troubles: the meat of the functionality is not open-sourced.  It is
almost certainly possible to disassemble and/or reverse engineer, but
the perceived payback for the man-hours required doesn't seem like it
would be worth it, at least to me (I was very interested in this sort
of thing regarding Sigma Designs-based media players at one point).
One common limitation with many embedded Linux devices is the tiny
amount of RAM they contain.  I'd also try to estimate how much
processor power is left over and compare that with how much the
front-end might require.

That AVS post does verify that you can feed a different (and very
basic) RSS stream to the TV.

I very much doubt any follow-ups will be -dev related, so please post
any responses to the -users list.

   Marc