July 27, 2007

Sony VAIO LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station

Sony has a new video streaming device in the works, this one dubbed the LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station. Sony has started a major push with their idea of location free TV. It seems that they are going straight after companies like Sling Media and Monsoon.

The one thing that Sony has that the other companies in the space don't is a computer division. Sony has started shipping all of their computers with the LocationFree software pre-installed. This is a huge step up for Sony in that anyone that has a Sony computer and then buys one of these LocationFree devices has all the necessary software already installed.

One of the hardest things we have found with so many of these network streamers is the server software setup. Often times there are a lot of complications in the installation of the software which leads to many peoples sour experience in what otherwise would have been a great product.

So what can the LF-V30 actual do you ask?[From Sony press release]

Component input/output capability so users can watch high-definition content (converts into QVGA in standard definition)
Wireless/ Client Mode so you can stream video from the Base Station directly to your PC or through a wireless router without an Ethernet cable
Consistent picture quality with approximately 20 percent less Internet bandwidth required to stream video
Improved on-screen user graphics including remote control GUIs from major DVR service providers
Easier set-up including an improved quick start guide and wizard

We are very interested in how these products will not only work, but how they will be adopted by the general public. Will people with new Sony computers be compelled to buy the LocationFree network products because of how simple the connection between the two will be, a-la Apple?. Only time will tell.

via i4u