Some projects on the current list are:
Solution: Use a computer in the basement with all my CDs converted to MP3 format. Have an X-windows app that plays them. Use the TV as the computer's monitor.
All the pieces are in place, except for getting an NTSC video signal out to broadcast upstairs to the TV. I have an ATI video card with TV out, but the TV-out feature isn't supported under Linux. A project named GATOS is headed in the right direction. If it doesn't work out, I may have to resort to buying Windows 2000 (I need SMP support) and running with it. Yuck.
In the mean time, I've gotten a Kodak DC-290 digital camera, and am quite suprized by the quality it can deliver. There are many problems with it, but it gives me more than I thought.
Clearly there is LOTS to be done. As links appear above, feel free to follow them to current thoughts on these projects. I'll write down what seems interesting.
As always, if anything seems interesting, please email me with comments, criticisms, suggestions, or whatever.