VCR-like box boasts P2P content at push of button

[canadateck]

A Dutch company is offering a new Linux-based home media player designed to give Internet users easy access to content from a variety of peer-to-peer networks, including BitTorrent and eDonkey.

Called the LamaBox, the VCR-size player is "fully integrated with the Internet, including connection to the big peer-to-peer networks," according to the LamaBox Web site. This, the site says, lets users "choose from an impressive collection of audio and video. The latest movies and television shows, playable on your television at the press of a button."

The device also enables users to burn downloads to DVD.

The fact that the LamaBox is designed to access networks where copyrighted material is routinely shared raises legal issues. But a LamaBox representative denied any wrongdoing and said the device only makes such material accessible, much in the same way Internet providers facilitate access to potentially illegal material.

"The sole responsibility lies with the provider and user of content," said LamaBox.

But if a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision gives any indication of the direction international law will take, the LamaBox could find itself unplugged. This summer, the court ruled that companies that build businesses with the active intent of encouraging copyright infringement should be held liable for their customers' illegal actions.

Currently the LamaBox is set to access BitTorrent, eDonkey, FastTrack (the network used by Kazaa), Gnutella and Overnet. Users can also listen to Internet radio stations and view online video streams.

LamaBox said it has seen a lot of interest from abroad and recently translated its Web site into English.

Because the device is based on Linux, open-source software governed by the GNU Public License, users are allowed to modify the device as they see fit. LamaBox currently delivers several hand-built models: The cheapest one has 40GB of storage and costs 279 euros ($328). A 400GB LamaBox with DVD burner is also available and costs 479 euros ($564).

The LamaBox can hold as much as 1.5 terabytes of information when all three hard drive slots are in use, according to the company. The Linux Advanced Media Application media center uses a modestly powered VIA processor, chosen to minimize heat generation and the subsequent need for noisy fans.

http://news.com.com/VCR-like+box+boasts+P2P+content+at+push+of+button/2100-1025_3-5977...l?tag=nefd.top[/code]

[thecoalman]

But if a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision gives any indication of the direction international law will take, the LamaBox could find itself unplugged. This summer, the court ruled that companies that build businesses with the active intent of encouraging copyright infringement should be held liable for their customers' illegal actions.

That is something I completely disagree with. Granted P2P revolves mainly around the illegal sharing but so do many other things available here in the US. Just for example would be the headshops selling drug paraphernalia. Who the hell smokes tobacco from a giant glass pipe?

There's many things with legal uses that can be used illegally. They need to hold the end user responsible not the product.

[GullyFoyle]

Sounds like a pc with bundled software.
I wonder how much adware is on the box?
And what niche market is this for, those without a pc?

[ROF]

There's many things with legal uses that can be used illegally. They need to hold the end user responsible not the product.

Exactly. I have a pair of scissors, a pen, and a bottle of Brasso here. Either one of these could be used to commit murder. is Bic responsible for providing me a sharp ballpoint tipped weapon?

[dcsos]

The LAMA box needs a big red button that says "play all" on the front,
because from what I'm seeing, its not a PC, it doesn't actually download anything..just plays it!
and

We can't purchase Brasso here in the US
what is it? and why do I want it!

[smearbrick1]

Murder? Again? Oh well...

I think I remember this item from when it was called a PC!!!

Does this box do anything else? Can it stream media from another PC in the house? I don't know about anyone else, but my Bittorrent download of my Linux DVD image was pretty slow. I don't know if I have the kind of time necessary to view content downloaded from P2P.

[Sillyname]

There's many things with legal uses that can be used illegally. They need to hold the end user responsible not the product.

Exactly. I have a pair of scissors, a pen, and a bottle of Brasso here. Either one of these could be used to commit murder. is Bic responsible for providing me a sharp ballpoint tipped weapon?

MacGuyver would be the world's most notorious criminal.

[hudsonf]

We can't purchase Brasso here in the US
what is it? and why do I want it!

sure you can. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006M4ZF8/qid=1133479996/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-553...arden&v=glance

[dcsos]

Now I know I need it to polish those blank optical discs that wouldn't burn!

[BJ_M]

companies that build businesses with the active intent of encouraging copyright infringement

wouldn't that include photocopiers ?