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The Sony LocationFree Player is an internet-based multifunctional device used to stream live television broadcasts (including from digital cable and satellite), DVDs and DVR content over a home network or the internet. It was first announced by Sony in Q1 2004 and launched early in Q4 2004 alongside a co-branded wireless tablet TV.

The LocationFree base station connects wirelessly to a home network and up to three devices and can stream content through the network to local content provision devices or across the internet to remote devices. A remote user can connect to the internet at a wireless hotspot or any other internet connection anywhere in the world and the content can be streamed to the user. Content may only be streamed to one computer at a time, and the user is required to obtain a new license (which must be paid for), in order to stream to another computer.

UPDATE: As of November 29, 2007 Sony has modified it's LocationFree Player policy. Sony now provides access to the latest LocationFree Player LFA-PC30 software for Windows XP/Vista FREELY available @ esupport.sony.com and NO LONGER requires a unique serial number in order to pair it with a LocationFree base station.[1] The 4 (LF-PK1) and 8 (LF-B10/20/V30) client limitation remains unchanged, however. The Pocket PC and Mac LocationFree clients are still fee-based as Sony does not maintain them.

The player can stream content to the following devices:

• PlayStation Portable (PSP) - system software versions 2.50 and up
• PC or Mac
• Televisions - including wireless (below)
• Mobile/cellular phones - coming later in 2007
• Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile
• Sony Ericsson P990i (European Base Stations only)

The software does not allow TV content to be recorded to a hard drive.

A user can also access and control from anywhere in the world any device connected to the unit, and switch between multiple devices. By using the player with a PS3 supporting Linux the user is able to record video direct to the PS3 hard drive.

Contents 1 Specifications (Model Dependant) 2 LocationFree wireless tablet TV 3 Models 4 External links

Dimensions

• Measurements: 46mm x 189mm x 128mm
• Weight: 430g

Video

• NTSC, PAL, PAL 60
• NET-AV streaming
• Variable Bit Rate encoding
• MPEG 4 compression

Wireless LAN (Selected Models)

• Channel: 3.0
• Encryption: WEP or WPA-PSK with TKIP
• Frequency Range: 2.4GHZ/(5GHZ Tablets only)
• IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g
• Modulation: DS-SS Modem and OFDM Modem

Inputs and Outputs

• 1x ethernet port
• 2x IR Blaster minijack
• 2x video input (1x S-Video 2x B10/B20)
• 1x video output (S-Video)
• 1x video input (Component Video V30 only)
• 1x HDMI Output (V30 Only)

Other Specifications Tablet Specifics:

• Sony proprietary Dualband MAT Antenna for stable wireless transmission
• ARQ Software (Automatic Repeat Request) technology avoids interferences from other wireless devices
• Automatic 2.4GHz/5Ghz switching for optimal wireless channel selection
• "Wide Range mode" for extending the wireless range
• Automatic bit rate control for optimal NetAV streaming
• On-screen universal remote and learning remote

In October 2004 Sony unveiled a portable, wireless and rechargeable SVGA 12.1" LCD tablet screen with dualband WiFi technology (IEEE 802.11a/b/g) which can receive pictures from the LocationFree player up to 100 feet from the source signal. The TV also has web-browsing and email functions, a Memory Stick Duo slot and an on-screen hand-drawing function for use as a drawing tablet. The screen can also be used as an intelligent universal AV remote control.

Base stations packaged with LocationFree Player installation disc and instructional DVD

• LF-PK1
  • Original Model
• LF-B10
  • Wired 10/100
• LF-B20
  • Wireless 11a/b/g
• LF-V30
  • Wireless 11a/b/g
  • Component Support
  • Possibly known as LF-W1HD in JAPAN

Notes: - Wired models can be used via normal wireless routers. Access via internet via firewall provided necessary ports are opened. Can be used with ddns.

Client box - enables users to watch streamed content on a television set, without the need for a PC or laptop.

• LF-Box 1

Wireless tablet TV Bundled with Base Stations

• LF-X1
  • Original 12" Model, Aspect ratio 4:3 (LF-X1M is monitor only)
• LF-X5
  • 7" Model, Aspect ratio 16:9
• LF-X11
  • 12" Model, Aspect ratio 4:3

Software

• LFA-PC30 LocationFree Player Software for Windows (Version 4.0.3.53 maintains Windows XP & Vista™ support)
• TLF-MAC/E is a retail software package for Mac® OS X (Non Sony U.S.A. see link below)
• NetFront™ LocationFree® Player for Pocket PC (See link below)
• No Linux Support other than noted within PS3

• LocationFree Player and TV at Sony.com
• Mac Version of Software 3rd party?
• PocketPC aka Windows mobile software
• New base station hardware unveiled at Engadget.com
• LocationFree LF-B20 Review at SpicyGadget.com
• Time Magazine Bakeoff of Sling box and Location Free
• Rumor of Licence fee drop on Gizmodo
• Review of LF-X5 7" Screen
• CNET review of V30 model.
• PC World review of V30 model

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