Server/Client FrodoPlayer function?

Seth · 06-23-2004, 06:16 AM

Hi there frodo-freaks!!

Even though I don't use frodo's excellent program (I use the myHTPC frontend) I'd like to throw in an idea to discuss. Here goes :

Imagine having an in-dash pc running frodoplayer (server) managing your mp3's, mpg's and stuff and then 2 more smaller (slower) headrest pc's (clients) having the same frontend (frodoplayer) but being able to perform independent functions . That means that when the driver uses the in-dash pc for GPS navigation, one of the passengers could listen to music and the other watch TV or play games. The OS and software will rest on server's hard drive while the clients will remotelly boot (through TCP/IP) and loggon and use server's software as frodo-clients.

How about that? (don't flame too hard please

)

judoGTI · 06-23-2004, 07:07 AM

eh, screw the passengers....

[iG] · 06-23-2004, 07:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by judoGTI

eh, screw the passengers....

exactly.

But it sounds pretty cool

Only possible problem i can see with that, is the actual computer resources. Watching a divx file/having gps on might cause some trouble for epia's, or would it be able to pull through?

Nic · 06-23-2004, 07:45 AM

sounds like a lot of computer hardware would be required, i vote for screw the passangers

Seth · 06-23-2004, 07:47 AM

Different functions should be executed by the corresponding client not the server. That way in a scenario where the frodo-server runs a GPS navigation program and a frodo-client requests a movie the server will just stream the data to the client which will decode it eventually. So no need for a super-computer to act as a server. Just a network of epias should do the trick.

I know such a thing is do-able since such a streaming function is already supported by others (myHTPC for example).

Just a thought...

hijinks21 · 06-23-2004, 07:50 AM

server/client model is all fine and dandy if you have a htpc but its almost pointless in a car enviroment. Mythpc has been client/server since it started and the reason was you can stick the big *** tower backend server in the closet and run a epia on the tvside. So its quiet and will look good. It'll stream everything perfectly.. but who wants more then one computer in their car?

Seth · 06-23-2004, 07:51 AM

I agree that cost is a concern but I'd love to see it implemented. Maybe someone has some extra bits of hardware he could use

god_of_cpu · 06-23-2004, 08:28 AM

I think the better approach would be just to allow the computer to support multiple monitors. A couple ghz processor should be able to handle showing GPS and playing a movie at the same time without much trouble. Multiple sound cards could be used for separate outputs too.

Marsupial · 06-23-2004, 09:28 AM

Agreeing with GOF, but also you could put text LCD and button interfaces in the headrest...

or you could simply give them a remote...

or you can just tell them to ask you to change the song and KEEP THE CONTROL FOR YOU!!!.... mouhahahahaha

no kidding, I do not feel you would have a wide use for multicomputer process in this one... serious...

in short: I also vote for screw the passenger.

Seth · 06-23-2004, 12:36 PM

And the Oscar for best in-car experience goes to..........................................."Scre w the Passengers"!!!!

Seriously now I believe that this feature in a carputer is cool but obviously not wanted. I respect that even though I don't agree.

Anyway it was nice hearing your opinions on this.

Thanks for sharing thoughts...

hijinks21 · 06-23-2004, 12:47 PM

how many computers do you want in your car anyway? I mean gees.. 1 can be hard enough to hide anyway

STI_FFY · 06-23-2004, 01:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Seth

And the Oscar for best in-car experience goes to..........................................."Scre w the Passengers"!!!!

Depends on the passengers, now don't it?

Seth · 06-23-2004, 02:26 PM

How about this passenger?

darkhalo · 06-23-2004, 02:44 PM

i saw this pci card in tiger direct a couple years back that would give you an extra set of ps2 ports and an extra vga out, and it came with special software that would make it seem like there were two independant computers. Im not sure how it worked, but you might want to check it out. I ran a search on google but i can't remember the correct keywords. let me know if you find anything.

darkhalo · 06-23-2004, 02:49 PM

i found it!!! this thing is sweet if you have a big SUV.

http://www.applica.com/Home.asp