A new format for this subject would be helpful for at least me.

As to project participation i could be useful in;

• the video,
  
• the mass store and,
  
• the audio component.
  

Regarding core platform i think i might be a renegade.

I don't need a "bricks and mortar" platform for myself. This week i need a MSC1211, a ds420/390 next week and a 89c2051 the following week.

I would use the same binaries across all platform configurations and link stand alone capable devices at a scale the functionality required.

I also don't need a "low-cost" platform design, that is while it has to be cheap for me to build but i wouldn't ignore these tubes of Dual-ports i have in a drawer even though a general design that used 'em would not come in under $100 US in "homebrew" quantities.

I also wouldn't ignore the 9-bit serial exchange for a small platform incarnation of small scale components.

So not to "screw up" this effort i would be happy to pursue the core functionality and ensure they were compatible with what ever "bricks and mortar" hardware xface and OS interface reaches general agreement.

regards,
p