Television anytime, anywhere, on alternative devices with Sony's LocationFree(R) Player Pak innovation31 March 2006
Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada's leading electronic and computer products solutions provider for consumers and business, today unveiled the next generation of its technology-leading portable broadband LocationFree(R) TV system -- an innovative, "place- shifting" software product that brings home audio/video content to a consumer's personal computer or PlayStation(R) Portable (PSP(TM)) gaming device "virtually" anytime, anywhere around the world.
Using a state-of-the-art secured device authentication and encryption technology through Wi-Fi hotspots found today in more than 200 North American communities including Fredericton, New Brunswick; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California; Tempe, Arizona; and Toronto, Ontario (as of June 2006), consumers can use the LocationFree software to get access to A/V content stored at home from their notebook personal computer or PSP console. They can also retrieve A/V content from home using LocationFree software and Ethernet port technology, which is commonly found in most airports, hotels and other locations. And, for those consumers living in a select number of major Canadian cities who want "anywhere, anytime" access to their home A/V content, some telecom service providers have recently established a third connectivity option using a broadband PC Card.
The proprietary LocationFree software works in conjunction with a LocationFree TV base station, which will accompany it in a package marketed by Sony as LocationFree Player Pak LF-PK1. When the software is installed on any notebook PC running Microsoft's 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 of 300 kbps (kilobits per second) or higher upload/download speed.
"Following last year's successful launch of the LocationFree TV, we wanted to expand the availability of LocationFree technology by introducing a software solution for consumers who wish to access their favorite personal A/V content from their notebook or desktop PC or PSP console," explained Patrick Lapointe, Marketing Manager, Consumer Display Products, Consumer Audio Visual/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. "This is clearly an example of a revolutionary wireless entertainment solution."
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 consumers the option to connect a notebook or desktop PC, PSP device and an additional computer, if desired. 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 A/V content without the hassle of unplugging or reconfiguring systems.
Also, the LocationFree software allows a consumer's notebook PC to function as a remote control so they 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 a consumer forgets to set-up a recording of their favorite TV program, the LocationFree Player for PC software will allow them to do so remotely. The LocationFree software includes an intuitive graphical user 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 LocationFree Player Pak LF-PK1, which includes the LocationFree base station and CD-ROM-based LocationFree software, is available as of today at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $499.99. It is not available in the province of Quebec.
About Sony of Canada Ltd.
Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 970 employees support 75 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 authorized dealers across Canada.
For further information: please visit us at www.sony.ca, www.thesonystore.ca, www.sonybiz.ca or www.sonystyle.ca, Sony's product information and e-commerce Web site, or contact: John B. Challinor II APR, General Manager, Advertising, & Corporate Communications, Sony of Canada Ltd., (416) 495-3740, john_challinor@sony.ca; Sarah Hatfield, Account Coordinator, Technology Practice, Silverhammer Public Relations, (416) 324-2024, Ext. 7, sarah_hatfield@silver-hammer.com
Source: newswire
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