LocationFree Player

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Sony LocationFree logo
Sony LocationFree logo

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.

Sony LocationFree base station
Sony LocationFree base station

The LocationFree base station connects wirelessly to a home network. 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 receive streamed content. Content may only be streamed to one computer at a time. The user is required to obtain an additional (paid) license in order to stream to another computer.

UPDATE: As of November 29, 2007 Sony has modified its 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.

Specifications (Model Dependant)

Sony sells the Locationfree products in three different regions. Japan, North America and Europe. Not all products are or were sold in all the regions. The models sold in different regions can be different. Even models with the same model number have minor differences between the three different regions. Locationfree products are not officially avaiable outside of these limited three regions.

Dimensions

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

Video

Wireless LAN (Selected Models)

Inputs and Outputs

  • 1x ethernet port
  • 2x IR Blaster minijack
  • 2x video input (1x S-Video 2x B10/B20)
  • 1x video input (Component Video V30 only)
  • 1x RF Coaxial input (Only present in certain models in certain regions. In the Japanese market, it is present in all models. In the North American market, only the LF-PK1 and LF-X11 came equipped with the input. The newer LF-B10, LF-B20 and LF-V30 have lacked this feature. In the European market, no model has ever come equiped with the coaxial input.)
  • 1x video output (S-Video)
  • 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

LocationFree wireless tablet TV

Sony LocationFree wireless TV
Sony LocationFree wireless TV

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.

Models

Base stations packaged with LocationFree Player installation disc and instructional DVD

  • LF-PK1
    • Original Model
    • Only model in the North American market to ever come equipped with a RF coaxial input. However the European model did not have a RF coaxial input.
    • Three firmware versions released. Version 1.00 was the original release version for Japan and North America. Version 2.00 added support for the Sony PSP (with PSP firmware version 2.50 or higher). An update was made available for Japanese and North American owners. Version 3.00 was the original release version for the European version of the LF-PK1 meaning all European models shipped with this latest firmware version. It increased the number of maximum clients that can be registered from 4 to 8. It also enhanced the way settings were changed through the web interface. Previously, whenever a setting was changed, the base station would have to be rebooted. With the 3.00, setting changes no longer created a reboot. An update program was offered for Japanese owners of the LF-PK1, however no update to firmware 3.00 has ever been made available for the North American model, nor can the Japanese 3.00 update be installed on the North American 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

External links


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