by Robert Abby

Created on: November 04, 2010

One big detractor keeping people frome flocking to the Ubuntu Linux operating system is the fear that there is a lack of media and peripheral support.  This simply is just not the case.  Ubuntu has grown to support just about any media type required, and offers some pretty tasty applications to do so right from your desktop, or TV.  That's right, HD streaming isn't just for Windows and Mac.  With the programs listed below, and an HDMI cable, you can accomplish quite a bit with your linux PC (HDMI Out Required).  Without Further Ado, lets get listing!

Amarok

Amarok has practically become the staple of Ubuntu Media Players out there right now.  Its list of features is both long, and impressive, as well as one of the sexiest Linux UI I have had the pleasure to use.  With full featured internet support for sites like Last.fm, and mp3tunes, as well as community maintained scripts and dynamic self-updating playlists, it's hard to pass this puppy up.

Banshee Media Player

Banshee is a full featured Audio Program that will allow you to play any of your music from one spot seamlessly, as well as offer iPod Sync support, or whatever hardware you have to play your music collection on the go.  I'm looking at you android phone!  The interface is intuitive yet simple, and reflects a stripped down version of iTunes.

Miro

Miro is an internet video and media compiler that launches as an application from your desktop.  Miro's library will include items stored on your PC, to websites, to video feeds and podcasts.  If you are a fan of internet media, this application will help you bring it all into one place.  The UI is rather easy to get the hang of, and once you get your regular channels plugged in, it can be a nice compilation of your daily viewing in one spot.

Boxee

For those of you who don't know what Boxee is, it is essentially a full featured Media Suite that picks up where Windows Media Center left off.  That and it's not managed by Microsoft, so it has a chance to actually be worth a damn.  Regardless, Boxee is similar to Miro above only because you can compile internet video.  Boxee allows you to search for movies, or browse you Netflix Queue, find something to watch on Hulu, the licensing nightmare. Or download apps that plug you into a specific station like Current TV or CNN.  With full Linux support for 32bit and 64bit systems, and a peripheral being released once they finally reach version 1.0, Boxee is a piece of software (and Hardware) you will want to keep on your hard drive.

Cheese Webcam Booth

Cheese is not quite a media player, but it is such a powerful webcam app that it deserves to be under multimedia.  The first time ytou launch the app you get lost in the options for hours, and it may even inspire you to finally do that 'video response' you have never quite had the guts to do.  

This merely scratches the surface at media types and software you can take advantage of to turn your Linux Install into a Home Theater Powerhouse, but it will get you on your way.  

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