SONY EXPANDS LOCATION FREE WORLD WITH PC SOFTWARE
New PC Software Enables LocationFree TV Owners to Access Home Audio/Video Content from PC or Laptop Virtually Anywhere in the World
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).
Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY or visit www.sony.com/locationfree.
