After discovering the Tribbox, I wanted to know more about AHT, and why they decided to market an open device.
So I looked up the email address of the CEO, Ron van Herk, and asked him if he would kindly accept an interview by email, explaining how I would proceed.
He got back to me quickly:
Ok this sounds like a good plan, let’s do it!
So I went on with my questions:
- When was AHT founded? What was its very first product?
AHT was founded in 2004, the first product was the predecessor of the Ariana, a PowerPC-based standard-definition media center that was presented at CeBIT 2005.
- The Ariana range of STB has been officially announced at CeBIT 2005, and AHT announced their future active support of the open-source operating system AROS. Why did you choose AROS over more common operating systems such as Linux or VxWorks? What did AHT do to support the AROS project?
At the time, AROS formed a possible alternative for our Ariana consumer product. Because our design was based on PowerPC, the port should have been minimal. Unfortunately there were not enough human resources available from the Aros community. AHT sent several development machines free of charge, and provided all necessary documentation, tools and support to the Aros community, but a port was never completed.
At no time though, was Aros ‘the’ operating system for our products. It was a parallel development to Linux.
- Is it a coincidence that most of your developers are Amiga or Pegasos enthusiasts?
No
- Apparently AHT used to be focused on B2B (OEM/ODM) only, and entered the B2C market in 2005 with the Ariana range. Why?
From the beginning, AHT has adressed both the B2B and B2C market.
- AHT has been cooperating with the Delft University of Technology for a few years now. How did this cooperation happen?
The TU Delft university’s vision overlaps for a big part with that of AHT. Because we can complement each other in multiple ways, an official co-operation such as there is in place now, was a logical step.
- What happened to the Nuvio One? Why did the name change from Peer-2-Peer Open Device / P2POD to Nuvio One between december 2006 and january 2007? Was it shown at CeBIT 2006?
The Peer-2-Peer Open Device name ran into some legal issues with a big brandname in the market. That is why a different name had to be choosen. The NuvioOne name was a temporary name, the final name for the B2C range is “Allsii”. The original NuvioOne concept is now called the “AS1″, as in “Allsii AS1″ (pronounced “all see as one” in true p2p spirit).
A mock-up of the device and prototypes were shown at CeBIT, yes.
- Who had the idea of Tribbox? Was it easy to convince the others?
The idea behind Tribbox derived from the demand we had from quite a few b2b customers, who wanted a reference platform to develop on. Additionally we had demand from the open-source community to release a box with just Linux, to develop on and to run open-source software on. Our main open-source connection is Tribler, so that’s how the idea was born.
All the parties involved (STMicroelectronics and TU Delft) were enthusiastic and fully endorsed the concept.
- What do you think about open devices, and why did you want to make one?
Open devices are necessary to allow a certain degree of creativity and freedom to the market. AHT considers itself an innovation company that wants to help shape the future of digital media, and connecting to creative people out there fits perfectly in that vision.
- Do you know about Chumby? What do you think of it?
It’s cute
- Chumby, Neuros OSD, Tribbox,… do you think we’ll see more open devices in the future?
Yes very likely.
- AHT said the Tribbox is targeting both B2B and B2C. Do you think being open will be an asset for B2B?
From our experience, some B2B parties consider it a gift and the way the way to go for the future. Others want to keep it closed.
- Is Tribbox ready to use for an end-user, or is it intended only for developers?
Tribbox is primarily intended for developers, who want to use it as a development platform for future products. AHT is very flexible in then offering customised production versions of the Tribbox design, so that the developer can create their own full product.
It is ready to use for an end-user as well, but the user should make sure he knows what to expect. Tribbox comes with a full Linux desktop and development system, plus we expect the first open source Tribbox-specific applications to appear soon.
- Why should I, as a user, buy a Tribbox rather than another STB?
Because the Tribbox is an open and very modern, in terms of hardware, device. Other STB’s are very ‘closed’ and restricted, or are based on hardware that is older and lacks certain functionality.
- What do you think of the Neuros OSD, and how does the Tribbox compare?
Neuros OSD is a nice initiative, but it’s different from Tribbox in many ways. Tribbox has hi-definition, DVB tuners and more. But the most important thing is that Neuros OSD is a consumer device with a set number of features. Tribbox is a tool.
- Was the Tribbox named after Tribler? Does it mean something?
Yes, Tribbox was named after Tribler. The name derives from Tribes, tribal video/tv. For Tribbox, it can also be explained as try-box, for experimenting, developing, etc.
- It seems the price has dropped from 310 euros to 259 euros. Why? Is it only available on your online shop?
The price has not dropped at all. The online shop now lists the price excluding VAT, that is all. Since most of the customers are outside the Netherlands, this makes more sense. Yes, it is only available in our online shop.
- Since when is it available (online shop says October 2007)? How many of them have you sold?
It was announced in october but has been available since CES, where it was officially introduced. Sales figures are classified.
- The design (case) of the Tribbox is not very sexy. Do you plan on improving this?
Not for Tribbox, because it is not the point. Consumer devices based on Tribbox could look a lot sexier, though! It is up to the developer to come up with something, as part of a complete product developed on Tribbox - AHT can then fully take care of production.
- Why did you choose the ST7109 chipset?
Because the ST7109 has the CPU power that we need for P2P, and the features we need for a modern platform. Besides this the roadmap of the ST products was an important factor.
- Are ST cooperative regarding open source ?
Yes, as can be seen on http://www.stlinux.com as well.
- Have you been discussing with other chipset vendors, and what are their position on open source?
We are always looking into innovative products, but right now we are very happy with STMicroelectronics.
- Why, in your opinion, are chipset and hardware vendors so reluctant about open source?
One reason is that they have to protect the content providers. A completely open hardware/software platform leaves little room to protect the content - unless you turn to non-mainstream and new content protection solutions such as our own NuvioXS.
- What are the biggest challenges you have faced during the conception of this open device?
Not that many, the key components for the Tribbox were all there when we launched it.
- I’ve seen on the Tribbox forum that the schematics are not open. Is it something that could change in the future?
We never say never, but it’s not likely.
- Is the Tribbox the only one of your boxes running Linux? Did you drop AROS?
All AHT’s products run on Linux, not just the Tribbox. Aros is more than welcome to port their operating system to the ST7109. We did drop PowerPC though, so it is up to them…
- The community around the Tribbox seems quite small right now. What are you going to do in order to expand it?
We believe it will grow very soon, we will continue to promote the platform together with our partners (ST and TU Delft) and we expect some nice developments to see the light of day soon. Besides, Tribbox is not AHT’s key product.
- Are you planning on updating http://www.tribbox.com to be more community-oriented? What is planned?
We are planning several improvements over the next few weeks.
- Is someone dedicated to community management? Full-time or part-time?
Several of our developers monitor the Tribbox.com site, plus we have a part-time webmaster on it.
- Final question
What is, according to you, the benefits of an open device for:
- non-technical users
- technical users/developers
For both these groups, it would primarily be getting active support from a community of fellow users and developers.
- vendors
Open devices will form an important factor in consumer devices in the future. Therefore vendors should explore these markets now in order to play a role in the future.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
You’re very welcome.
