Gentoo Linux PC in a Mazda: Amazing Audio & Automobile Control

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the installation of a Gentoo Linux PC in a Mazda, highlighting the various functionalities and features enabled by this setup, including audio control, video streaming, and remote access. Participants explore the implications of such technology in automobiles, comparing it to other devices and expressing personal opinions on the modifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the capabilities of the Gentoo Linux PC, including music playback, video streaming, and remote car control.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about modifying an automatic transmission car, suggesting that similar functionalities could be achieved with a pocket-PC.
  • Some participants highlight the unique feature of streaming DirecTV to the car, questioning the technical details of how it is accomplished.
  • Humorous remarks are made regarding the distractions posed by such technology while driving.
  • There are comments on the preference for Linux over Windows in automotive applications, with a light-hearted suggestion that Linux could drive the car itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of admiration for the technological achievement and skepticism about the practicality of such modifications. There is no consensus on the value of modifying an automatic transmission car or the necessity of the features discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential for similar functionalities on smaller devices, indicating a dependence on personal preferences and definitions of practicality. The discussion includes humorous elements that may reflect personal biases rather than technical evaluations.

dduardo
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This guy installed a pc with gentoo linux in this mazda:

http://www.timekiller.org/carpc/

Things he could do:

# Listen to music
# Watch videos/movies
# Control audio with steering wheel control. Since the audio is fed into the HU with a P.I.E adapter, the steering wheel is my "master" volume control.
# View Pictures in a slideshow
# Sniff wireless networks and plot them with GPS - I've plotted the APs I've found, and integrated it with Google's Map API, check it out.
# Download and view local Weather info, including 3 day forcast and doplar radar
# Browse the web with Firefox
# Connect to my cell phone with bluetooth, and connect to Verizon's EVDO network
# Stream DirecTV from my house. <- This is my FAVORITE - Basically I am using ssh keys and scripts to connect to my MythTV box at home, change to the channel I want, start vlc, which does on the fly transcoding of the signal, then connects to it from my CarPC. The result is a list of channels in my videos menu, I select the channel I want, and it all happens auto-magically.
# Remote start my car, and connect to it from inside my house. I can SSH in, and transfer files without even getting off my couch :)
 
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I cannot respect a man who pimps out an automatic transmission car. Nevertheless, its pretty cool what he did. The thing is, pretty much all of that can be done on a pocket-PC. I just got an HP IPaq with a bluetooth GPS module. I haven't mounted it yet, but I'm going to soon...
 
Yeah, but can you stream DirecTV to your car? Now that's amazing. All he needs is VOIP.
 
The sweetest thing is that's the kind of car I own! woot!
 
dduardo said:
Yeah, but can you stream DirecTV to your car? Now that's amazing.
I'm not sure I understand exactly how he did that, but my IPaq came with software for streaming video from a PC...
All he needs is VOIP.
Well, since he has the net, he's got the capability, even if he hasn't set it up yet.
 
russ_watters said:
I cannot respect a man who pimps out an automatic transmission car. Nevertheless, its pretty cool what he did. The thing is, pretty much all of that can be done on a pocket-PC. I just got an HP IPaq with a bluetooth GPS module. I haven't mounted it yet, but I'm going to soon...
But with all those gadgets, who has time for shifting gears? :smile: Did he remember to mount the lit warning sign on the roof of his car? "I'm busy surfing the net, watching TV, talking on the phone, and checking the weather report...GET OUT OF MY WAY!" :biggrin:
 
Moonbear said:
But with all those gadgets, who has time for shifting gears? :smile: Did he remember to mount the lit warning sign on the roof of his car? "I'm busy surfing the net, watching TV, talking on the phone, and checking the weather report...GET OUT OF MY WAY!" :biggrin:

You didn't know Linux drives the car for him?
 
dduardo said:
You didn't know Linux drives the car for him?

:smile: It would probably be safer that way anyway. Thank heavens he installed Linux instead of Windows if that's the case! :biggrin: