Hi, I am exploring the possibility of finding a way to get Linux to run on my Archos 504 media player. This might not be as unlikely as it sounds (although certainly still not easy for a relative n00b like me) as - as far as I understand it, the chipset that Archos has used for it's 504/604 range already naively supports Linux:

http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS9968931411.html

The chipset is by Texas instruments and is called "DaVinci" -which is based directly on it's DM6446 chipset.

Some nice images and technical details can be found here:

http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopi...ighlight=texas

Apparently the version of Linux that it supports is called MontaVista Linux Professional 4.0

http://www.mvista.com/products/boards.html

Apparently one can also order a preview development kit from here:

http://www.mvista.com/previewkit/index.html

(Although it should be noted that this might be an older version?)

In any case, the thing that interests me most, is where would one start with a project of this nature? My motivations for doing this are pretty much single minded, in that I am very frustrated by the lack of codec support on my player as it currently stands. There is no reason why Archos should have constrained codec support so much - when even simply by looking at these specifications, it is clear that this chipset is capable of so much more.

Moreover I see no reason either why it shouldn't be possible to add a great deal of functionality to this device, such as keyboard and mouse support (via the USB interface) WiFI (via perhaps a USB wifi connection), Digital TV (again possibly USB) or whatever - and essentially just to use the device as a small portable Linux computer.

But again, having never attempted a project of this kind before, the question is, where exactly do I start? What should be my first move - and what would be the normal methodology to plan a project of this nature out? Is this even possible - or might Archos have tied their hardware down so tightly that they will have effectively prevented hacking of this nature?

Any hints, tips or suggestions that anyone can offer would be very much appreciated.

GJ

PS

Why isn't there a forum section specuically for embedded Linux?

It would be really neat if there was.

There is a project called OpenArchos, originally conceived to port for the 400... I'm interested in it for porting or opening up the new 604 wireless,... which would be a kick-butt PDA if it was open architecture...