Update from Sony
“Come spring, Sony will release software that in conjunction with its LocationFree TV device will allow consumers to watch video content and access the Internet from a base station hooked up to a broadband connection, the company said Friday at the Consumer Electronics Show here. The LocationFree TV includes a portable LCD (liquid-crystal display) TV panel and the base station. But with the upcoming software, notebooks will be able to connect to the base station as well.
Neither pricing for the software nor an official release date have been announced.
The panels and notebooks will be able to access the base stations remotely over a wired or wireless connection, allowing travelers to reach their base station to watch local TV shows even when far from home. The panels also can access content from a device connected to the base station—letting people play, for instance, whatever they left in the DVD player before going on the road.
The televisions use LCD panels. The 12.1-inch set has a screen resolution of 800 pixels by 600 pixels and the 7-inch model has a display resolution of 800 pixels by 480 pixels. The 12.1-inch model weighs around 5 pounds, according to Sony. The televisions come with a universal remote control and an on-screen keyboard”. - borrowed from Cnet.com
I really like when Sony follows up on their new tech and creates something new or advances it. It is sad that Sony abandons new models and its further development that just came out and races for something else.
The software that will allow access the Base Station will be a huge plus, so I do not have to carry along my LF-X1 LCD and a notebook. Now the notebook can do the TV thingy.
Can’t wait….. I will follow up with the review once the software becomes (hopefully) available.
Yes, Erik, as I mentioned the picture will not be crisp especially when there is no 300 kbps speeds available on those public hot spots. I brought the LCD to my work a few times and used it, it was OK. I found the setting it worked with well and enjoyed the Ellen Show :wink:
[quote author=“VAIOfreak”]Yes, Erik, as I mentioned the picture will not be crisp especially when there is no 300 kbps speeds available on those public hot spots. I brought the LCD to my work a few times and used it, it was OK. I found the setting it worked with well and enjoyed the Ellen Show :wink:
Yeah I read where you said that, but this guy claims its nearly un-useable outside of the house (or a really high speed connection).
Sony’s unit costs $1500 and is developing software for this spring that allows Location Free TV to work on laptops. Currently there is an unfavorable review for this thing working well when outside of the home network.
ME2TV costs $5000 and already works on laptops.
Sling Media costs $199 and even works (sort of) on cell phones. Ok, I just found their link. It’s $249 and due for release 1st quarter of 2005. Hey, I know where their office is in San Mateo. Maybe the next time I’m in town I’ll check if they have a display model.
Here is an update from Sony. They were true to their promise re creating a software.
Taken from Sony News:
“LAS VEGAS, March 8, 2005 - On the heels of the award-winning introduction of the LocationFree® TV, a portable broadband LCD television system, Sony is unveiling a software innovation that brings home A/V content to your personal computer when you are on the go.
“Following last year’s successful launch of the LocationFree TV, we wanted to expand the availability of LocationFree technology by introducing a PC solution for consumers who wish to access their favorite personal A/V content from their laptop or desktop PC,” said Greg Gudorf, vice president of marketing in Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “This is clearly an example of a revolutionary wireless entertainment solution.”
On the Road With LocationFree
The proprietary LocationFree software (LFA-PC1) works in conjunction with a LocationFree TV base station. When the software is installed on a PC running the Windows 2000 (with Service Pack 4) or XP operating system, A/V content can be accessed from a LocationFree TV home base station via a high speed broadband internet connection.
Using a state-of-the-art secured device authentication and encryption technology through Wi-Fi HotSpots or Ethernet ports at hotels, airports and other locations, you can access content stored at home virtually anywhere in the world from your laptop or PC, as long as there is not a firewall.
The LocationFree TV base station allows for up to four registered LocationFree TV monitors or PCs for enjoying the so-called NetAV function. This gives you the option to connect an existing LocationFree TV monitor, a laptop and an additional computer if you’d like. Although only one device can stream video at a time, this capability provides the convenience of picking any device at any given moment to watch your A/V content without the hassle of unplugging or reconfiguring systems.
Also, the LFA-PC1 software allows your laptop to function as a remote control so you can change television channels, fast forward DVDs and set up recordings on a DVR via the broadband internet.
For example, when on the road, if you forget to set-up a recording of your favorite TV program, the LocationFree Player for PC software will allow you to do so remotely. The LFA-PC1 software includes an intuitive Graphical Use Interface (GUI) and an on-screen universal remote (compatible with most major hardware brands), making it extremely versatile. The GUI makes it easy to navigate various menus and channels while reading program information.
The LFA-PC1 software is available on a CD-ROM and is compatible with Windows XP (with Service Pack 4) and Windows 2000. It will be available in April for about $150. LocationFree TV systems are currently available for about $1,500 (LF-X1, 12-inch monitor and base station) and about $1,100 (LF-X5, 7-inch monitor and base station).”
What do you mean Erik by saying “repair problems of the old one”? I think they just created a software package to attract more users, so you do not have to take the LCD with you because you already have your light weight notebook that can perform the same functions.
The idea of accessing your TV and video/music files has been introduced in JP VAIO PCs installed with VAIO Media. For some strange reason EU and US VAIO divisions decided not to include that feature in their VAIO Media.
[quote author=“VAIOfreak”]What do you mean Erik by saying “repair problems of the old one”? I think they just created a software package to attract more users, so you do not have to take the LCD with you because you already have your light weight notebook that can perform the same functions.
The idea of accessing your TV and video/music files has been introduced in JP VAIO PCs installed with VAIO Media. For some strange reason EU and US VAIO divisions decided not to include that feature in their VAIO Media.
Wasn’t that one of the functions that was originally annonced to be on a later release?
No, Erik, I wish. They just announced it later after the release of the LF TV.
I’ll test the software out when it gets released and post some thoughts on here. I am kinda glad they created it, so I do not have to drag the panel around the world and use my X505 instead
:wink:
Well, I guess if you wanna leave the LCD panel at home and use it as a wireless TV and take your notebook along the trip and access your local TV… I think the 7” Panel is more practical to take with you and keep the 12’’ at home. But they do not yet sell the panels separately, though they do mention the use of a number of panels with one wireless Base.
All Sony is trying to do is to expand its LF TV use.
[quote author=“tifosiv122”][quote author=“VAIOfreak”]so I do not have to drag the panel around the world and use my X505 instead
:wink:
Then what’s the point of the panel?
Erik
Thats kind of the same line of thought as if we have notebook computers, what’s the point of all those standalone portable dvd players. I think if you look at it from a purely technical POV, there isn’t much (no need to boot up, maybe longer batt life, more durable, etc). But by offering this software, this strengthens their LocationFree product line as a whole, while also tying it in with their VAIO products. If the LocationFree starts doing well (or if it doesnt do well, but it becomes some CEO’s pet project) I think its plausible to see this LocationFree software bundled or made a CTO option for VAIOs, creating added value.
[quote author=“VAIOfreak”]All Sony is trying to do is to expand its LF TV use.
I think VAIOfreak really hit the nail on the head here. Basically all those notebook owners who drooled at the LocationFree TV when it released suddenly have an option to add this tech to their notebooks (even though its not particularly new for computers, and they still have to buy a LF base station). That might be some justification for the ludicrous asking price. ($150 for space-shifting software? You gotta be kidding me! You could buy a Slingbox for that price).
Check out these pictures of the LFA-PC1 kit running on a T150 at CES in January. Borrowed from watch.impress.co.jp . Click to see it in original resolution.
That’s pretty nifty. Hopefully Sony will lower the price on the LFA-PC1 and/or bundle it with a LF base station though. I have a feeling the bigger market for the LFA-PC1 is people who don’t want the display (which is why they are buying the PC software), so forcing them to buy the bundle AND the LFA-PC1 is a bit unreasonable. Of course they’ll probably release it separately later anyways, screwing us early adopters. *sigh*
What’s really interesting though is the article made mention of a “LocationFree Player for PSP”. If such a software is developed, it could really synergistically boost both the PSP and LocationFree’s user base. I mean if you think about it, the PSP has all the trappings of a good LocationFree client: great display, wi-fi, portability. Here is the machine translation of the article:
This time demonstration was not done, but you say that furthermore also development of PSP edition software “Location Free Player for PSP” is advanced, plans the sale after the spring. This price is undecided. The software “UMD” of the media for PSP or is offer schedule with either of Memory Stick Duo, but you say that still it has not been decided. In the future may be also appearance of the air board of the convenient price which designates PSP as the receiver.
Which I interpret as saying “It’s not being shown yet, but we’re making a PSP version of the LocationFree player which should go on sale after spring. It could come on either UMD or memory stick. There may also be a low cost stand-alone LF base station targeted for PSP users.” Can’t wait!
Wow, thanks jashsu for the pics and additional info. I really wanted to see what the software would look like. Looks very promising, especially if their PSP plans for it come true as well. The GUI looks somewhat similar to the one included with the LF TV. I think there might be more to it.
Can’t wait to try it as well.
As for the Slingbox, I still do not see it anywhere for sale, though they promised it being sold in the 1st qu. of 2005. I think their pricing is reasonable ($249). Its design sure reminds me a of a chocolate bar. :wink:
