Linux

An enterprising geek has set up an incredibly fast DVD ripping rig, using the unholy union of a PlayStation 3, Yellow Dog Linux and an Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive. This enables him to encode the DVDs to H.264 in near real-time.

Thomas McGonagle says of his new Franken-setup:

I am now able to rip with the best of them. I compiled handbrake from source, and I am now able to RIP all my DVDs and encode them in H.264 in near real-time. I am officially very happy!!!

You hear that? He’s not just very happy, he’s officially very happy.

Until he posts a detailed tutorial, you can read his quick and dirty instructions here.

via MaxConsole

Axion Racing will be using Yellow Hat Linux installed on a PS3 to manage seven cameras mounted on a vehicle competing in the autonomous racing event. Already employing Dell computers, SICK laser finders, Bumblebee stereo cameras, and FLIR infrared cameras all guided by twin Navcom Starfire GPS units, the two-time Grand Challenge Qualifier will use the multi-cored Cell to process RGB road camera information.

Although Axion missed out on their expected $1 million grant from the government this year, they are enthusiastic in showing that “things other than gaming and Blu-ray playing that can be done using a PlayStation console.”

via Engadget