Seeking advice on new project

[SimoAmi]

[color=808080]( for moderators: feel free to move topic if misplaced )[/color]

I'll be working on an experimental project that involves building a thin client and  was looking for some initial advice or information on what combination of hardware/os would fit the following requirements:

Project description:

I would like to build an interactive menu that looks like the Scala interface. This menu will provide general information to users. this information is located on a server in the same network.

The client should be able to communicate with the server using xml and update itself with the latest information.

General requirements:

- video/tv tuner output
- infrared sensor: the device will receive ir signal commands through a remote control
- support for tcp/ip via rj-45 ethernet port
- ability to add support to wireless 802.1b/g
- can run vnc server for remote support/troubleshooting
- small os kernel that can go on a flash memory instead of a harddrive
- affordable hardware platform (must account for mass production)
- well supported platform/ available development resources

Initially, I would like to know which hardware solution (motherboard/cpu architecture) and OS choice (linux, amigaos, morphos, aros)  would support the features highlighted above.

Also, it would be helpful to reference any similar projects.

Thank you

[SteveSMS]

I'm probably going to get my butt kicked by die-hard Amigans, but if you need something like that, it's best you take a small x86-based mainboard, like the VIA Epia and run a Linux system on it with own custom software.

You could also use the Efika, because it's made especially for that.
However, no-one knows how long it will be for sale, so if you really want to go into mass-production, you might run into problems.

[SamuraiCrow]

The Sam440ep should be available for public consumption soon also.  It will run either Linux, or AROS, or any other Amiga-style OS that gets ported to it.  If things go well for Hyperion-Entertainment in court, then it will be the main platform for AmigaOS 4.0 .

Airsoft Softwair makes a collection of multimedia products based on their Hollywood presentation engine.  With the Malibu add-on you can import old Scala presentations into Hollywood with minimal effort.  Also, Hollywood Designer makes development under Hollywood much easier since it decreases the amount of programming knowledge taken to get things working.

[Fraccy]

Linux (as you'd expect!) is well suited for this sort of project. Regarding hardware, there are a number of thin client solutions on the market, but a VIA mini-itx (or smaller) mainboard is a good place to start.

Check out http://www.mini-itx.com