BUT, will the "digital jukebox PC" be able to run Linux instead of some Microsoft POS?

You're talking about the box designed by empeg? Of course it does! They're sonicblue's "Linux specialist team" for crying out loud!

Also, Lansonic claims it's the first of its kind. I don't see any press releases on their site but I'd bet the Rio Receiver was out first...

DiGNAN