So this update script is on an embedded Linux device and can be completely wiped away if the user does a factory reset or firmware update from the manufacturer.  If they do that, my enhancements to the device and my upgrade script are gone, making the device useless for the particular application.  Fortunately, the manufacturer gives me a way to store a one-line setting in an area of flash that doesn’t get erased.  And even better, the default firmware will read and evaluate this one line setting in the shell on startup.  AHA!

The aforementioned Python script also takes the install script, packs it into one line, escapes everything again, and creates a bootstrap script, whose sole purpose is to write the one setting that gets read on startup, that runs the install script, which creates the update script, which periodically checks for updates to the whole thing.

And now my head hurts.  But it works!

I think Boxee will be one company to keep an eye on in next couple of months, as their user base increases and they transition from an alpha version of the software into a full version of the product. Adding Windows support, as well as finding a business model to support the ongoing development, will be key.

As this NY Times article mentions today, Boxee is currently developed by a small team, and is building a passionate group of fans already. The open source and social networking aspects of the product will help it to grow from the bottom up, as well as continue to support new streaming content and hardware devices as they become available. While the Apple TV seems to be the most common platform to hack and install Boxee, the Sony PS3 or even Roku’s Netflix box would also be good candidates.

In trying it on my MacBook Pro, I’ve found the interface to be very slick, and mostly intuitive to use with the 6-button Apple remote. It lacks the minimal, clean look of Apple’s Front Row, but the flexibility and available content make up for it in an instant. I do wish they had support for PowerPC-based Macs, so I could leave it running on my trusty dual G5 and take advantage of it on my 23″ Cinema Display in my home office.

All that being said, I’m a huge fan. I’ll be following Boxee closely to see where they go, recommending it to all my friends, and wishing the company the best as they aim to shake up the industry just a little. It’s time that my media belonged to me, or at least put me in more control of when and where and how I can watch it.