Brad Hards wrote:
> I would like feedback on the first two, including how people feel
> about PR in general, whether the style is considered appropriate (I
> know only a little about public relations), the technical accuracy
> of the pieces, and whether there should be more recognition of the
> contributions of developers (e.g. by naming them in relation to
> their work). Also, note the obnoxious copyright message on the draft
> releases - if anyone knows of a better way to do this, please let me
> know.
>
> See followup messages, and please provide feedback. Even if you
> don't want to publish to the list, I'd still appreciate private
> comments.
Second release:
------
Press Release - XX March 2001
Linux USB Project Supports Desktop Multimedia
NOT FOR PUBLICATION - This is a draft press release, and is a
Copyrighted work of Brad Hards (C) 2001. Since this press release
may
contain serious errors or omissions, it is not approved for release
outside the mailing list to which it is posted, and may not be
published in any form. A release version of this press release is
anticipated in the near future, which will be approved for
publication.
With the release of the 2.4 kernel, Linux provided significantly
better support for desktop multimedia applications. A key part of
this
support is the wide range of USB devices now supported by
Linux. Typical devices supported include "webcams", still imaging
cameras, audio capture and playback, and video capture.
Linux has support for a wide variety of "web cameras", including
those
using the CPiA chipset, the OV511 chipset and the IBM/Xirlink C-it
chipset. A binary-only driver is available for some Philips
cameras. A driver for cameras using the SE401 chipset is also in
active development.
In addition to the "web camera" support, Linux also supports a wide
range of still imaging cameras. The jphoto application and a small
kernel driver provide support for many cameras, while cameras that
write to Compact Flash, Smartmedia and Memory Stick devices are
often
supported by the USB Mass Storage driver. For example, the Sony
DSC-505 allows images to be downloaded from the camera using the USB
port, which accesses the Memory Stick as if it were mounted in a
dedicated Memory Stick reader. This allows the full range of Linux
file manipulation tools to be used, including conventional command
line utilities, scripts, and graphical user interfaces such as
Nautilus.
Linux also has full support for the USB Audio class. This support
makes addition of sound support very simple, with no need to open
the
case and install another PCI or ISA card. It also provides a simple
approach to additional or alternative sound support on machines
without internal card slots such as some of the recent Apple Power
PC
machines and many laptops, since you simply plug the speakers into a
spare USB slot or a USB hub, and sound support is available.
USB is used in a wide range of other devices, including the D-Link
USB
controlled FM radio, MP3 players (such as the Rio500 and Creative
Nomad) and the Hauppage WinTV decoder. While Linux does have support
for these devices either in the kernel or in active development, the
lack of support from device manufacturers has made development
of drivers somewhat difficult. A standout difference has been the
DABUSB digital audio broadcast receiver, which was developed with
Linux support from the outset.
The future capabilities for Linux multimedia are promising, with an
increasing range of devices being supported. Longer term support
from
manufacturers for Linux drivers will ensure that this growing market
is captured and expanded.
About the Linux USB project
The Linux USB project is developing USB support for the Linux 2.2
and
Linux 2.4 kernels. The Linux USB homepage is
http://www.linux-usb.org
Supporters of Linux USB development include: 3Com,APC, CATC, Compaq,
Datalux, Iomega, Kodak, Netchip Technology, Sandisk, SuSE and Y-E
Data.
Contact information
For further details, contact Brad Hards ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
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