TV as a Thin Client using Linux on the PlayStation2

Here are some notes from a project to use a TV as a thin client using a PlayStation2 and the LinuxKit. This is just for fun so use the informaion presented here at your own risk.

Hardware

PlayStation2
Linux Kit
An 8MB Memory Card for PS2
CAT5 Network Cables and hub
A Linux Application Server.

Installation

I used a PAL PS2, a NTSC should also work, but you need adjust instructions accordingly. See the FAQ on the Linux for PlayStation 2 Community site for more information.

After installing hard disk and network adaptor, plug in keyboard, mouse, memory card, game controller and connect your TV. Insert DISC 1 and boot the PS2. On a PAL PS2 as the PS2 boots hold down the [Select] + [R2] keys on the game controller, so that video output is sent to the TV not a Monitor. Then follow the onscreen installation instructions.

Select a Custom Installation and install Everything.

Network

Check that the network works with some pings begtween the ps2 and the applicaion server.

startx

Check the X Server works on the PS2

[user@ps2 user]$ startx -- -screen 0 PAL                           
                                                                                

Remote X

Add the IP of the Applcation Server to the allowed hosts on the PS2. This is easiest from a terminal in the x environment.

[user@ps2 user]$ xhost + 192.168.1.10                              
                                                                                

Send a gui applicaion from the Application Server to the TV. This has to be done from a shell on the Applicaion Server.

[user@server user]$ export DISPLAY=192.168.1.20:0                  
xeyes                                                                           

SSH X11 Forwarding

You can use ssh X11 Forwarding instead of the above.

[user@ps2 user]$ ssh -X user@192.168.1.10                          
[user@server user]$ kde (or gnome)                                              

Use Applicaion Server Window Manager.

For better windows management use the window manager of your applicaion server. Make a back up of your X session file and comment out the windows manager line.

[user@server user]$ cp .xinit.d/session .xint.d/session.bak        
vi .xinit.d/session
#wmaker
:wq                                                                             

Conculsion.

The kde or gnome environment needs to be customised for the Low resolution TV Screen, and not all software will work well at this low resolution. However with a bit of playing around it is possible to get some useful functionallity out of your TV.

Links

Linux for PlayStation 2 Community
PlayStation2
Linux Kit