Today I saw the news that Cirgon is shipping a Fedora-based HTPC. I was glad to see the news, but, unfortunately, I was not impressed by the implementation.

Ideally, a Linux-baed HTPC could be a killer product. It would be a small, inexpensive, low-power computer (all of which Linux is very good at) that you would place under your TV. Most people would buy it for its ability to stream/play music, videos, and photos. Perhaps it would also have some TV functionallity. This alone would be pretty cool, but if you just add WiFi, and ethernet port, and a little software, this device could hook up to the internet and let you surf the web, watch YouTube videos, and, perhaps best of all, play Hulu TV shows and movies. A device like this, at least in my opinion, would be incredibly attractive.

In addition, since it would really just be a customized computer, you could easily make desktop functionality such as a web browser and office software available. If you are thinking “who would ever use their TV like a computer?” you have probably never tried it. It is really useful/entertaining to be able to look something up quickly and, better yet, be able to show people something without everyone having to stare at a small laptop screen. People might not buy the device for its computer-like abilities, but they would probably find them useful in the long term.

Once people get used to doing computer-like tasks on their Linux-based HTPC, they might even try out Linux on their regular desktop. My point is, a Linux HTPC could be really great. Unfortunately, the Cirgon device, called the Encore Media Server, didn’t quite do as well as it could have.

First, the $2000 price point. How is this $2000? I can’t figure it out. If you can, please leave a comment. Second, there is no WiFi and, presumably, no web browser. Great.

So when I saw the headline, I was excited, but after look closer, I looks like nothing more than some random box that a few people might buy. Oh well. Perhaps I am missing some hidden perk, but I doubt it.

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