Does anyone know if there is any way using either linux or apple tv boxee or any other application to have it start up and immediately connect to a UDP multicast video stream with no user interaction?

We are trying to develop a solution at a plant to provide local news station to "weather kiosks" so that employees can view the local weather broadcasts during inclement weather. We have a digital signage solution that broadcasts the stream to the receivers but we just use these units in lobbys as they cost $1500.

I am able to pick this stream up with vlc but im trying to find a cheap solution that we can put out many of and the users cant use for other functions.