OS family Unix-like Source model Open source | Working state Current | |
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Latest release AV Linux 2016.8.30 / August 30, 2016; 5 months ago (2016-08-30) Marketing target Multimedia content creation Update method Advanced Packaging Tool | ||
AV Linux is a Linux-based operating system aimed for multimedia content creators. Available for the i386 and x86-64 architectures with a kernel customised for maximum performance and low-latency audio production, it has been recommended as a supported Linux platform for Harrison Mixbus.
Contents
Environment
The system is built on top of Debian, and was originally made with remastersys.
Versions prior to, and including, version 6 were 32-bit only, running a 32-bit Linux kernel with the IRQ threading and rtirq-init patches activated by default. For computers with more than 4 GB of RAM there was a PAE version available.
From AV Linux 2016 onwards, there are both 32-bit and 64-bit versions available.
Window management as of version 6.0.2 is handled by the Xfce Desktop Environment. Previous versions used the LXDE Desktop Environment.
It is possible to boot AV Linux from either a live CD or a hard drive. Audio playback and routing is handled by JACK (for advanced audio operation) or ALSA (for basic audio operation). Most any audio interface compatible with FFADO is usable out of the box.
Software
AV Linux is bundled with software for both everyday use and media production.
As of AV Linux 2016, AV Linux gets its software packages from the KXStudio repositories, which are compatible with Debian, and therefore AV Linux. This reduces duplication of effort and allows the effort focus to be on a solid base distribution suitable for audio production.
For this reason, AV Linux 2016 development has focused more on the base distribution than bundling it with large amounts of software, as it did with previous versions. Instead, the 2016 edition leaves it up to the users to decide what they want to install from the large repository of software available via KXStudio.
Audio
Preinstalled audio software includes: Ardour, Audacity, Calf Studio Gear, Carla, Guitarix, Hydrogen and MuseScore.
Graphics
Preinstalled graphics programs include: GIMP, Inkscape and Shotwell.
Video
Preinstalled software for video editing, playback, capture and 3D animation include: Blender, Cinelerra, Kdenlive and Openshot.
Everyday use
For typical day-to-day activities there are several programs available including Firefox and LibreOffice Suite.
Forum
AV Linux has an active forum.
Manual
The maintainer of AV Linux, Glen MacArthur, also provides a thorough manual to complement AV Linux. This manual provides users with "84 illustrated pages of FAQ’s and important Operational details".