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Multimedia servers are the next big thing in consumer electronics. These servers will tie together existing consumer electronics (CE) devices with net connected devices and provide storage functionality to keep the CE devices less expensive. Files such as MP3s, MPEGs, Windows Media and Real Media will be stored on the server and can be accessed by devices throughout the home. Toshiba's Magnia SG20 Wireless Media Center, while not the first server of this type, is one of the first to be produced by a large consumer electronic manufacturer. The Magnia SG20 is based on a low end PC hardware archtechure but still comes in at a high end price. This raises the question whether early adopters will go with the SG20, choose a cheaper server or just setup their own with a PC. Toshiba also plans to design the SG20 to operate easily with their newer CE devices.

The SG20 has the basic features of a low end PC. The base unit uses an Intel Celeron Processor (566MHz) with 128 MB of SDRAM and 15 GB of EIDE hard drive. It connects to the Internet through an onboard modem or externally through a cable or DSL modem. LAN connectivity is through a 7 port Ethernet (10/100 Mb/sec) switch. An optional 802.11b PCMCIA card provides wireless connectivity and access point functionality. One big drawback is that the SG20 lacks the A/V interfaces to connect to existing CE devices.

The server utilizes Red Hat Linux as its OS. Linux is starting to become a major force in new electronic devices due to its low cost and an open source community which provides free drivers and code accessibility. A web server provides access to the digital photo album and digital jukebox features. The photo album allows the storage and viewing of pictures and videos. The Jukebox allows the storage and playback of music. Even though its missing A/V interfaces, the SG20 works with other devices like the Turtle Beach Audiotron to deliver music to stereo systems.

Magnia also has built-in gateway functionality to handle network management and security. It uses DHCP, DNS and NAT for network management. Security is naturally provided by NAT but it also includes a Firewall and VPN for more protection. A web server interface allows management through web web browsers. File sharing and FTP services allow files to be accessed by local and remote systems.

The question remains whether the SG20 is to much a PC server than a media server. My preference is to build up the mulitmedia functionality and cut back on network server/gateway functionality. Let the gateway handle network management and access. The media server should have functions such as the ability to connect to stereo systems, Internet radio capablilities and provide multiple media streams.

Pricing and Availability

Magnia SG20 Wireless Media Center can be ordered online at Toshiba's web site or through retail chains. Toshiba offers eight standard configurations with the base unit starting at $1,440.

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Toshiba Magnia SG20 Wireless Media Center