System Requirements: To use the LocationFreeâ„¢ Player for PC software, you must have all of the following:
A LocationFree® TV Base Station
A computer running the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 (with Service Pack 4) or Windows® XP operating system
A broadband connection with at least 300kbps of downlink and uplink speed
A fixed IP address or a dynamic domain name through a DDNS service
If not already installed on your computer, the LocationFree Player for PC software installation will also install Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 software.
The 3ivx MPEG-4 audio and video compression technologies are installed at the same time as LocationFree Player for PC software. It is essential to the proper operation of LocationFree Player for PC software.
It is highly recommended to print out these instructions as a reference during the installation process.
The file is large, approximately 45MB. The estimated time for download is 12mins @ 512kbps, 49mins @ 128kbps, 1 hour 52mins @56kbps.
During the download process, never power off or reboot the computer unless directed to do so.
If the upgrade fails for any reason, please attempt to download the file again.
It doesn’t say anything about the panel, just the base-station.
Ye for some reason they did not mention it…however the manual for that sw calls for it. I will look into it, once I get home…outside right now…testing the LF-X5 at the mall, near MAC store…they got wireless.
[quote author=“VAIOfreak”]Ye for some reason they did not mention it…however the manual for that sw calls for it. I will look into it, once I get home…outside right now…testing the LF-X5 at the mall, near MAC store…they got wireless.
No problem, Erik. ——————————————————————————————————-
OK, I finally installed the software and Sony also issued a firmware update for the Base Station and the Monitor. :!: The firmware process was very easy and you download the file (18 Mb) to the monitor (it cannot be downloaded on your PC) and the interactive GUI wizard takes you through the process. When I saw the firmware availability I was hoping I did not have to send it to Sony to do that and was so glad it was such an easy process.
After I flashed the BS and the Monitor, I verified the new version was installed properly and moved on to the installation of the sw on my VAIO.
That process also went smoothly, I entered the DEMO key code and it informed me that it will expire in 30 days. I was like kool, I can check it out and see if it is worth buying it at all. Since we all know the sw you buy cannot be returned back. So it was a smart move on Sony’s side to lure more users and introduce the sw on a trial basis.
Anyways, I installed it and I can confirm that you DO need the Monitor to register the VAIO to the Base.
Here is why:
1. On your Monitor, you choose an option to register an additional Monitor, push start for registration and it issues you a password.
2. You start the Locationfree TV software and it takes you through the process of binding the VAIO to the Base and asks you to input your DNS or static IP, the issued password and the name for your new monitor.
3. After successful binding you are done and ready to play.
So unforutanetely you do need a monitor, unless you have a neighbor who has it and would help you out to register your PC with his monitor.
I have played with the software some and it works just great! No hiccups, no slow downing my VAIO. I was able to watch Live TV or recorded shows on my Panasonic HD DVR with no problems.
The GUI looks pretty much the same as on the monitor and is very user-friendly.
I am pretty satisfied with the software and will definately buy it. I am also happy that the LF TV is easily upgradable as long as Sony keeps supporting it.
I guess just wanted to follow up and let you know how the trial software is working for me. I have been using it for 2 weeks now and it has proved to be great. I’d recommend getting it for Locationfree TV users when it comes out in April. I pre-ordered mine.
I downloaded and installed it on my GRX notebook, paired it with the Base and Vola! I was able to access the same features as my LF-X5. The interface is similar to the monitor’s and the TV size of course can be adjusted. “Always on Top” is a nice feature to keep the TV going while you surf the net or check your email.
The software has been stable and bug-free, I had a few disconnects but I believe it was due to my network.
All in all it is a great piece of software for mobile users who wanna access their video/audio content on the go.
I will start another post on an alternative software created by Orb that allows you to access your video/audio content in a different fashion. Stay tuned! :wink:
I thought I would post some pictures of the Locationfree TV Player I got a while ago and have been enjoying it. The software truly works well and I have not experienced any bugs or problems. Since my last review of LF-X1, I have obtained LF-X5 - a smaller version, with 7 inch widescreen LCD. It is definitely more portable and travel-friendly, plus a nice device to surf the net with.
Since its release Sony has released two firmware updates for LF units, adding more features and updating its web browsing capabilities. For example, the latest FW featured the following:
# Enables “Wide Range Mode,” which extends the range of home wireless connections - especially in situations where the wireless signal is unavailable due to interference or transmission distance.
# Improves the touch sensitivity of remote controllers when using NetAV.
# Improves browser performance with better compatibility for JavaScript and Flash code.
# Automatic router configuration (UPnP) function for setting up port forwarding on router.
# Provides access to ports besides the default port 80 for DDNS. Faster HTTP authentication.
# Provides a new remote controller GUI for Sony DVD-Recorder RDR-HX900.
I am glad that Sony kept up with the updates since it is known for releasing products, replacing them and not updating them anymore.
Here are some shots of the software:
LocationFree Player for a PC:
The CD comes with two serial keys only to be installed on two PCs:
NetAV Function in action (sorry for the poor pic quality):
Luckily I won an auction on Ebay and now I have 4 more serial keys to install on my other VAIOs. I recently took my LocationFree TV Base to my friend and set it up with her cable TV service. Where I am located right now there is no Cable service, so I am getting all 100 channels over my highspeed. I fire up my GRX that has LF Player installed, hook it up to my TV and Vola! :wink:
Hopefully Sony will keep its promises and add LocationFree capabilities to PSP and rumors said PS3 will also incorporate it as well.
Read on the second generation LocationFree TV units…....
Well, as we all read from this post , Sony Japan released a stand-alone LocationFree TV Base only with no TV attachments, known as LF-PK1.
It will be released in Japan on October 1st with a trial of LocationFree Player. What interesting to note is – Sony Japan released the 12†model first – LF-X1, while Sony USA released both – LF-X1 and LF-X5 at the same time. Then in a few months, the 7†model was released in Japan. Sony US followed up with its Locationfree Player release, while Sony JP did not offer it at all.
As we are all used to, Japanese usually get the cool stuff first, but in this case the US market was lucky, not to mention that the Locationfree TV units were never introduced in Europe and Oceania (my guess is because the 802.11a standard is not approved in EU to be used by public and LF units are built with 802.11a/b/g chips made by Sony).
Anyways, Sony US is following up with presenting the LF-PK1 and… surprise, surprise – a second generation and more simplified LF-X11. LF-X11 unit comes with the new Base Station and a 12’’ LCD. To name a few new features: improved wireless performance with a dual-band MAT (Multi-directional Audio & Visual Transmission) antenna, along with a new wireless software system with real-time ARQ (Automatic Repeat request) and rate adoption technology.
As you see, the twelve inch model had a face-lift and looks actually pretty cool than its previous predecessor – LF-X1.
Of course, the Locationfree TV Player Pak will be more appealing to the general public because of its price ($350), since the LF-X11 will cost $1499. No word on the latter unit release in Japan again.
Read the press release below:
SONY UNLEASHES PORTABLE ENTERTAINMENT WITH NEW LOCATIONFREE PRODUCTS
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 8, 2005 - The notion of portable entertainment will be taking another step forward with today’s announcement by Sony Electronics about the next-generation of its LocationFree® products.
Here at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo, the company introduced a simplified LF-X11 12-inch LocationFree TV with expanded wireless range and the LF-PK1 LocationFree Player Pak for PC users.
“The next generation LocationFree TV is every bit as cutting-edge as our initial product and easier to operate,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division for Sony Electronics. “People want their media content to be portable and geared to their tastes and personal schedule. With the LocationFree, you can watch your favorite programs anytime and anywhere with a broadband connection.”
The LocationFree Base Station connects to a variety of audio visual devices, such as a set top TV tuner, DVD player and personal video recorder (PVR). The 12-inch LocationFree TV can access the base station so you can watch your favorite TV programming, DVDs or PVR content wirelessly in home and over the Internet while on the road.
Expanding functionality, Sony’s new LocationFree Player Pak, LF-PK1, includes a base station and software, which allows PC users to enjoy the benefits of LocationFree TV.
The redesigned LF-X11 LocationFree TV adds improved wireless performance with a dual-band MAT (Multi-directional Audio & Visual Transmission) antenna, along with a new wireless software system with real-time ARQ (Automatic Repeat request) and rate adoption technology. These enhancements provide stable and multi directional wireless transmissions with an expanded wireless range of up to 100 feet in a typical home environment.
Sony’s NetAV function simplifies operation and makes installation a snap with a simple worry-free setup wizard. The new LocationFree products also integrate a dynamic DNS service so there is no longer any need to use external dynamic DNS providers. This makes the setup process less complicated.
The new NetAV function also incorporates the MPEG4 ASP (Advanced Simple Profile) compression scheme for content transmission over the Internet. The MPEG4 format provides high quality video at lower data rates and smaller file sizes than the MPEG2 compression standard. Further, MPEG4 features flexible compression ratios and, when combined with the LocationFree service’s automatic bit rate control, results in a multimedia experience optimized for the available Internet bandwidth.
LocationFree Player software is also equipped with a key system, which uniquely identifies each base station and PC loaded with the LocationFree Player by an initial one button registration. As a result, the content sent from the base station over the Internet is viewed only by the intended user.
Adding to the product’s convenient setup, Sony has opened a LocationFree customer support line at 1-866-925-SONY (7669). The toll-free line operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. eastern time. Sony also offers online support and product information at http://www.sony.com/locationfree.
The LF-PK1 LocationFree Player Pak is currently available for about $350, while the LocationFree TV LF-X11 will ship in late September for about $1,500. Both products can be purchased at SonyStyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (http://www.sonystyle.com/retail) and authorized dealers nationwide.
[quote author=“VAIOfreak”]Erik,
Both units are posted on SonyStyle, so you can pre-order the LF Pak now. :wink:
I am also thinking of picking it up sometime…. I just wonder if the LF Player software is compatible with it…
Wow, so much for it being a Jap. only release, lol. Hey does this thing work by using some corded IR thing that controls the TV and never works correctly? Tivo included one of those and I threw it out, it was a waste of time…I could only get it to work in the dark and under perfect conditions.
Well, this time it is the US that gets a redesigned LF-X11 and the software Pak shipped with it is not just a trial, but a full package.
Hey does this thing work by using some corded IR thing that controls the TV and never works correctly?
It comes with an IR Blaster that can control your external AV devices like your DVD player or HDD Recorder, so you can access those devices when you are on the go. It works very well actually and controls my HDD/DVD with no problems. The Locationfree TV comes preloaded with tons of remote control interfaces for a number of brands.
I just received LocationFree TV Pak (LF-PK1) - a second generation of LocationFree TV. As it was noted above Sony released just the Base Station and bundled LocationFree TV Player for PC.
From the first impressions: the base looks smaller and more professional (a brushed aluminum on the front and black color), Sony added some new features like WorryFree Set up - which makes the whole configuration process easier compared to the first generation of Locationfree TV.
I will do a follow up review later on. Here are some pics:
Front of the Box:
Back:
Instructional DVD, Locationfree TV Player software and manuals:
LF Base:
Back of the Base:
The first gen LF Base actually had 2 AV INputs and 1 AV OUTput.
