Turn your Raspberry Pi into a media centre with a new kit from element14
XBMC bundle allows users to quickly turn their Raspberry Pi computers into a low-cost home media centre
LONDON – 19 June, 2013 – Raspberry Pi owners can now quickly and easily turn their Pi into a low-cost media centre for their home or office, with a new XBMC bundle from element14.
One of a strong pipeline of Raspberry Pi solutions to be launched this year, the XBMC bundle is available through Newark and MCM in North America, Farnell element14 in Europe, CPC in the UK and Ireland and element14 in Asia Pacific.
The XBMC bundle is a simple out-of-the-box solution to transform any Raspberry Pi into a powerful media centre for the home or office. Containing all the additional hardware and software necessary to start using the device, the starter kit is the ideal solution for new and existing users to get the most out of their Raspberry Pi.
The XBMC bundle will allow users to stream content from devices on their home network through their Raspberry Pi, turning the screen or their TV into a media centre. The Raspberry Pi will then stream content from any computer on the local network. Users can also access their Xbox Live ID to recommend content.
The XBMC bundle includes an SD card pre-loaded with Raspbmc software, an open source Linux distribution created by Sam Nazarko that brings Xbox Media Center (XBMC) to the Raspberry Pi. To help users get started quickly and easily, a straightforward user guide featuring an online video tutorial is included.
To control the Raspberry Pi in XBMC mode, the bundle includes an ultra Mini Keyboard and integrated Mouse Pad that wirelessly connects to the Raspberry Pi, while HDMI and Ethernet cables are provided to connect to a TV or monitor and the Internet.
The element14 Community is a vast source of information to support engineers and customers can find solutions for the XBMC in tutorials and videos on the website.
"Home media centres have become very popular over the past year and we are excited to launch a version for Raspberry Pi, cementing our status as the largest global distributor of the microcomputer and its peripheral solutions." said Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi at element14. "This kit makes it easy for those who are new to the Pi and coding to get up and running quickly, turning their Raspberry Pi into an effective, low-cost media centre for their home. We've seen lots of other clever applications on our community and, with more accessories due throughout the rest of 2013, the uses of the Raspberry Pi will only continue to grow."
With over nine million views of the Raspberry Pi group on the element14 Community the success of the micro-computer is clear for everyone to see. To join the conversation, go to https://www.element14.com/raspberrypi.
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About element14
Launched in June 2009, element14 is the first information portal, collaborative community and electronics store specifically built for electronic design engineers. The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique automated platform that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14). The company had group sales of £952m last year.
About Premier Farnell
Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) is a global leader in high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. Its differentiated proposition includes 29 local language transactional websites, and the critically important element14 Community for design engineers – an industry first ( www.element14.com). With sales last year of £952m the Group distributes its comprehensive portfolio of products and services throughout Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, supported by a global supply chain and an inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet its customers' needs.
While global in scope, Premier Farnell recognises the individual needs of each market and has continued to internationalise its model accordingly. It trades locally as Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark in North America and Farnell Newark in Brazil. Across Asia Pacific the business trades as element14.
Key facts
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For more information visit the website at Premier Farnell.
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