Rockbox General > Rockbox General Discussion

How does an OS f/w project like this get started?

(1/2) > >>

bind00:
Hi
I'd be really interested to know how you guys went about building this firmware.
Not so much the programming but what input did you get from the hardware manufacturers?
Did you need their permission?
Did you need technical information about the players' inner workings?
What other logistical issues were there?

I own a music keyboard with terrible firmware and other members at that forum agree that OS would be a great option but are pessimistic about the chances of success.

Any comments welcome.

And thanks for Rockbox!  :)

LambdaCalculus:
Rockbox just started out as an itch that needed to be scratched. Namely, the original Archos Jukebox 6000 firmware was utterly awful, so one Bjorn Stenberg took it upon himself to write a much better firmware. Thus, Rockbox was born.

Most of the work was done simply by reverse engineering and reading datasheets wherever possible. A couple of companies, like Austria Microsystems (the manufacturers of the sound chips in the e200 and c200) supplied us with information about those chips, but not every manufacturer has been so friendly.

We did this sort of work entirely on our own, with little input from other companies.

vsl2005:
Then shared it with the world. Fantastic!

Multiplex:
THere is, or used to be, a document/Wiki page that gave the origins of the project, including the name. I've had a quick look but can't spot anything now...

It would be a shame to lose  the history - I'll have a better dig around when time permits and if necessary start something on the Wiki.

psycho_maniac:

--- Quote from: LambdaCalculus379 on July 29, 2009, 12:15:51 PM ---A couple of companies, like Austria Microsystems (the manufacturers of the sound chips in the e200 and c200) supplied us with information about those chips, but not every manufacturer has been so friendly.

--- End quote ---

for example...take a look at the video chips on the ipods :(

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page