Sharp used MontaVista Software's embedded Linux platform as the basis for the HG-01S, also known as “Galileo,” an $850 home digital information server introduced in Japan last March. Galileo combines personal video recorder (PVR) and video on demand (VOD) functions with wireless access point, broadband gateway, and set-top box… features, and is the flagship product in Sharp's vision of a connected ubiquitous home network.

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Consumers can access TV programs recorded by Galileo from a PC in MPEG-4 format. They can use a mobile phone, PC, or email to record programs or check show listings. Consumers can transfer digital images to the HG-01S server directly from a memory card or mobile phone. Galileo has a PC Card slot, as well as USB connectivity with optional webcam. Galileo functions as a Web-based photo album and has a built-in Web server.

Galileo comes with 120GB of hard disk space for up to 115 hours of recorded video. It offers secure networking, 802.11b compliant wireless networking, and broadband Internet access via FTTH, ADSL, and CATV, and set-top box features. The hardware is scalable, according to MontaVista. VPN functionality with 128-bit encryption and wireless access point capabilities round out Galileo's features.

Galileo may be oriented vertically and a shield placed along its bottom. Sharp provides dynamic DNS at no charge with the Galileo.

MontaVista Linux Professional Edition is used as Galileo's embedded operating system. “We needed a systems software platform that provides PC server level security, coupled with sophisticated networking capabilities to deliver high performance in a reliable manner,” said Makoto Nakamura, Division General Manager of Mobile computing system division, Information and Communication systems group, Sharp Corp.

 
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