PS3 with Linux as multimedia device!

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I'm comtemplating an accessory to a new LCD HDTV.  I want to play DVDs, and other DL'ed video formats without restriction.

I know sosmeone with a PS3 loaded with Yellow Dog (Linux), it's impressive!  He can DL video, store it on the HD or USB thumb drive.  It comes with Blue Ray. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, Linux is cool, too. The PS3 occupies only 1 HDMI input and returns so much functionality.

The downside: it won't record disks, my kids will take it over for games (crap!).

Are there any other devices as good as a PS3 for this?

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The genie has already escaped the bottle!

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Thanks for the help.

I'm gathering that TVersity is a PS3 application or runs on a networked PC.  I don't know what MKV's are, a video format?  Am I correct in the belief that Sony is continually updating the firmware and OS?  Are they trying to broaden the use of the PS3 for multimedia to non-gamers like myself?

Even my Linux guru admits that Yellow Dog runs a bit slow on his PS3 due to memory limitations.  He thinks that Xfce might help. He brought over a thumb drive to play a show available only in Britain.  We ran it on an XP computer.  He ran ran it at his house on a big screen with the PS3, very cool.

A dedicated compact Linux box under the TV might be an option, but, it seems clumsy to boot it up just to watch a DVD.

Maybe some DVRs have extra functionality like the PS3.

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Torchwood, one of the Doctor Who spinoffs.

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I got to spend some more time with a PS3 today.  I even got online with it to check this thread.  It seems full featured in it's own right, I like the menuing scheme.

It seems unique in it's abilities.  I'm tending to favor it as the best choice.

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It's funny you mentioned Super Stardust.  I played the demo today, WOW!

I never played the older Amiga game Super Stardust, same concept but better?

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Thanks Alexh

I don't remember the XBox-1, but I'll google it and check it out.

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X-box with XBMC looks cool and the price is great.  Just this once, I'm going modern.

In addition to my fascination with Amiga and it's OS, I have collected a number of old technologies: vinyl records, reel-to-reel, Betamax, VHS, tube radios, etc.  Ok, I don't have 8-tracks.  Anyway, too many old formats drives the family crazy, grin.

With the new broadcast standard, I want to play any format at any resolution upto 1080p.  This will be top of the heap for only a short time anyway.  In 10 more years, ppl will throw out their old LCDs to watch their movies on 3-dimensioal screens.