Peeping Sony's new LocationFree TV LF-X11 and LF-PK1

We had a run in with Sony's new LF-PK1 LocationFree TV device, the one that allows you to place-shift your media via their LocationFree TV software, or, optionally, their LocationFree TV displays (like the new 12-inch LF-X11). Unfortunately the LF-X11 is as expensive as ever at $1,500, but at least they've added MPEG-4 support (among other things), and boosted the in-home signal range to about 100 feet. The base unit's a much more affordable $350, but when you can just as easily rock a much more flexible solution like Orb, real free seems a bit more compelling than LocationFree.

[ralph @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Ok fine, but will it work with my PSP?

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I actually like this idea alot.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I already do this. Its called this $80CDN product - http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_pvr150mce.html running on a computer somewhere in your house

www.orb.com for free and get tv anywhere theres internet.

no need to waste big $ for something like this. Then you can buy www.sagetv.com or similar software if you want more of a tivo environment.

[Stan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Ye, I have been follwoing Locationfree development and have done some reviews on the 1st and 2nd generation. They have done some good improvements, but I would agree with the price tag of 1500 - it is too much for a place shifting device.
Read more discussion here: http://www.siliconpopculture.com/sonytr/viewtopic.php?t=1350&highlight=

[SS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

especially when u can buy a vaio with similar screen quality that can for the same price or less! good idea, terrible pricing

[Blake @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Yo Ryan: no mention of the slingbox? man, i'm hurt ;-)

www.slingmedia.com

sure you can build something yourself with a spare desktop pc, a tv tuner card, an ir blaster, and some software...but if you want a simple appliance that runs 24x7 and provides a richer experience, i suggest you check out the slingbox. it's $249 with no monthly fees.

it controls over 5,000 devices including Tivo's, ReplayTV, Ultimate TV, Comcast DVR, Satellite receivers, cable boxes, etc.

--Blake
Sling Media

[BitBoy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

The slingbox is cool, but without Macintosh support the LocationFree TV seems like the best bet for cutting the cords - no?

[Oddmanout @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I don't think $350 is so much to ask to be able to enjoy Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon anywhere in your house as the picuter implies. But then again, a $99 portable DVD player and a $10 DVD will accomplish that too I suppose...

Carry on...

[morgan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Ditto on the mac compatability, although according to a forum post, it's coming.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

"sure you can build something yourself with a spare desktop pc, a tv tuner card, an ir blaster, and some software...but if you want a simple appliance that runs 24x7 and provides a richer experience, i suggest you check out the slingbox. it's $249 with no monthly fees"

my pc already stays on 24x7 and I dont need to buy a $249 peice of equipment. I could buy an old p3 with crt monitor and tv tuner for less then the slingbox and then run orb. and sagetv is a richer experiance in itself

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Hey Blake...just wanted to say I absolutely love my Slingbox! Got it the first week it was out...I also can't believe it wasn't mentioned as an alternative to the Sony LF technology...

I use mine everyday, and with the new version of SlingPlayer and firmware you guys just released this week, it's even better...love the new features and improved streaming...keep up the good work!

But like others, I am waiting for Mac support and either Palm or PocketPC support...sure would be sweet on my Treo 650 and Powerbook G4!

[Chris H. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

My $0.02: SlingBox looks awesome - but aside from the rack on Linux boxen in the basement - there be only Macs here (and a Palm LifeDrive).