Play dvd's and mp3's w/o booting to an OS?

**dvsmex** · 07-20-2006, 01:57 AM

Hello everyone,

(I first put this in the hardware forum)Anyways I am looking to build a second carputer, because the espresso i have is to slow! I found this barebone system, it says it will play dvd's and mp3's without booting to the OS. It is made by Mediabox.I am thinking about taking this apart to use the mobo and remote and some misc stuff. If anyone knows of more products like this(playing dvd,mp3,etc.. w/o booting OS) or has any info, please give your opinion. Here are the spec's and a link to the pc

Features:
*Play VCDs, DVDs, Musics, MP3, MPEG without booting into OS
*Aluminum Metallic Chassis
*Remote Control easy access all applications
*Stylish Satellite Surround Speakers
*Animated LED Status Display with built-in Alarm
*Play PC, Musics, Movies, and others on TV

Specifications:
*VIA C3-933MHz CPU + VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Motherboard
*1 DDR-333 DIMM sockets up to 1GB
*PANASONIC 16X/40X DVD-ROM Drive
*Integrated 8X AGP with 2D/3D MPEG Graphic
*Integrated 6-Channel Audio
*Integrated 10/100 LAN
*One 4X/8X AGP slot, One PCI slot
*Sliding Smart LCD Face Plate
*Switchable Color LCD Display
*Status Animation Displayed
*Built-in 20-Watt Amplifier
*Front 2 x 1394, 2 x USB ports
*Metallic Alumnum Chasis
*Bundled Stylish Keyboard & Mouse
*Bundled two 10-Watt 360-Degree Satellite Speakers
*Bundled one 15-Watt Sub-Woofer
*Bundled IR Remote Controller

http://www.epiacenter.com/modules.ph...howpage&pid=25

I do know this player is built into the bios, can this bios be installed on any epia mobo?

**SnypeTEST** · 07-20-2006, 02:10 AM

correct link: http://www.epiacenter.com/modules.ph...howpage&pid=25

I heard you can modify the BIOS on the EPIA boards, if so then all you would have to do is flash the BIOS with the custom one. I have a feeling though that it might only work with specific hardware on that mediabox

**dvsmex** · 07-20-2006, 02:30 AM

Here is a link another system i found. The mobo will play dvd and cd's without booting to an os. But only if you use the onboard video.

NEW Sky Hawk/Eagle Tech IMC6375 Intel Socket 478 Intel

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856117002

**DarquePervert** · 07-20-2006, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by dvsmex

I do know this player is built into the bios, can this bios be installed on any epia mobo?

No.

**TDIGPS** · 07-21-2006, 12:35 AM

I too am looking for an OS of sorts that will allow MP3s to be played directly from a hard drive. Kind of a like a dedicated jukebox with only audio functions.

**gagan512** · 07-21-2006, 01:04 AM

you should check out the 2.5" and 3.5" hard drive enclosures at www.fifthunit.com

they range from $28-$48, and all you do is put your harddrive in it, and it'll play all the media on it. it even has its own built in menu system.

has audio and video (VGA,RCA) outputs.

MP3 / MP4 / DVD / VCD / JPEG / DIVX / XVID / AVI
5.1 Stereo Playback
Search playback, repeat playback, a-b segment repeat playback, etc.
9-picture playback function for the picture,12 kinds of pictures playback transition effect
Cvbs/avand VGA video output, can be connected to the TV or computer display

more in this thread
http://mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=81089

**TDIGPS** · 07-21-2006, 01:27 AM

those look AWESOME, but what if you didn't want to use a screen with them? Would they be useless without a TV or LCD monitor?

**dvsmex** · 07-21-2006, 02:29 AM

Ebay has a ton of media players, like those. Some have a external lcd (mono color) if you don't want to use another tv or lcd screen. keep in mind it is for music playing. For any video file you will need a tv or lcd.

Check these out :

http://cgi.ebay.com/500GB-3-5-HD-USB...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mvix-4000u-DiVx-...QQcmdZViewItem

Heres a nice one w/o lcd
http://cgi.ebay.com/Networked-HDD-Me...QQcmdZViewItem

**dvsmex** · 07-21-2006, 02:44 AM

Anyways back to the subject; here is another barebones system w/ the ability to play dvd's,mp3's etc.... w/o os

http://cgi.ebay.com/AOpen-XC-Cube-AV...QQcmdZViewItem

So does any one have hands on time with any of these units?

**gagan512** · 07-21-2006, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by dvsmex

Ebay has a ton of media players, like those. Some have a external lcd (mono color) if you don't want to use another tv or lcd screen. keep in mind it is for music playing. For any video file you will need a tv or lcd.

Check these out :

http://cgi.ebay.com/500GB-3-5-HD-USB...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mvix-4000u-DiVx-...QQcmdZViewItem

Heres a nice one w/o lcd
http://cgi.ebay.com/Networked-HDD-Me...QQcmdZViewItem

the prices on those ebay ones are crazy.
i'd much rather buy a cheap 2.5" LCD for under $30 and do a little mod to install it on the unit. heck, u can even get 7" lcds for under 50bux. it comes with a remote and has buttons on it, so TS isn't a big issue

BOM:
2.5" media enclosure : 28 + shipping
2.5" 80gb hdd, ebay : ~50 shipped
lcd of ur choice : 30 - ??

get this baby running on under 100 bux.