Sony Vaio RA304

Sony Vaio RA304 ... evolutions in PC architecture, processing power and graphics to deliver the performance needed in a true Home Server. The RA304 communicates with the television and stereo via a new Network Media Receiver, which lets users access AV content from the comfort of the living area rather than direct from the PC itself. A remote controller and TV-based interface provide the final level of convenience when viewing video and pictures or listening to music.

The VGP-MR100E Network Media Receiver also supports full High Definition (HD) video, opening the way for users to take advantage of the latest developments in digital camcorders and television. Content recorded using a commercial HD camcorder like the Sony HDR-FX1 can be edited on the RA304 then streamed to an HD-ready TV using the bundled Wireless LAN Access Point and the Network Media Receiver's integrated wireless function.

Real AV-IT makes heavy demands on the system, but the RA304 is engineered to meet the challenge at every level. Intel's Pentium 4 Processor 560J provides the driving force, while twin hard disks co-operating in a RAID array deliver both the huge capacity needed for AV content and the speed to access it seamlessly. This is vital to the machine's role as a Home Server, but other kinds of performance are just as important. This is why the extreme 3D capabilities needed by the latest games are provided by NVIDIA's GeForce 6600 graphics card and the super-fast PCI Express 16X bus. Finally, a full gigabyte of high speed DDR400 memory ensures that whatever software is running, it has the headroom it needs to run smoothly.

The RA304 is visually impressive too, thanks to its radical 'fly through' design, which improves air circulation as well as ensuring that the machine looks like no other. The sophisticated cooling system ensures quiet operation, while the wireless keyboard and mouse offer cutting edge convenience. The cable-free ethos is further extended by a PC remote controller ideal for use with the PCTV functions and during DVD or music CD playback.