Here's a very interesting bit of news. I'm wondering if this will put the iPronto on its heels.....

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SONY ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF TWO LOCATIONFREE PORTABLE BROADBAND TV MODELS

Innovative Wireless and Broadband Technology Enables Mobile Lifestyle for TV/Video Viewing, Web Surfing and E-Mail

NEW YORK (Home Entertainment Show), May 20, 2004 -

Anticipating the broadband age of mobile lifestyles and high-speed network connectivity, Sony Electronics announced today the details of LocationFree™ TV, a portable broadband LCD television system that can be utilized virtually anywhere around the world.

The LocationFree broadband TVs will be available in 12.1-inch (LF-X1) and 7-inch (LF-X5) screen sizes, each with a Base Station. The Base Station transmits video content to its dedicated, wireless, touch panel screen. Utilizing Sony's first dual band wireless systems (2.4GHz and 5GHz), these two models deliver stable video and audio signals without interference from 2.4GHz devices such as microwave ovens and cordless phones.

The LocationFree TVs can deliver your personal video contents from the Base Station via state-of-the-art secured device authentication and encryption technology to the wireless monitor in Wi-Fi HotSpots and Ethernet ports found in hotels, airports and other locations. This means your TV monitor is no longer confined to your living room.

"This unique product demonstrates the fusion of traditional TV and broadband IT technology," said Greg Gudorf, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Television Group. "It's a TV, perfect for those who want to access their favorite, personal A/V contents and the Internet where there's broadband connection or who simply do not want the hassle of complicated hook-ups, synching and downloading the way you do now if you want mobile entertainment using PC-based systems."

High Quality Wireless and Broadband Entertainment

The innovative system uses advanced dual band wireless transmission technology delivering exceptional wireless performance. It employs the IEEE 802.11a/11g for a wide selection of transmission channels and switches the channel for minimized interference when used up to 100 feet from the Base Station. Additionally, IEEE802.11a and 11g standards support a higher bit rate of transmission than the conventional IEEE802.11b standard, which maintain high quality, stable video images.

LocationFree TV system also uses the advanced QoS (Quality of Service) technology, which delivers more secured bandwidth for reliable audio and video transmissions, even in high-traffic wireless environments.

The elegantly designed flat panel 12.1-inch (800 x 600 SVGA LCD panel) and the slim, ultra-portable 7-inch (800 x 480 WVGA) monitors deliver outstanding video and audio quality from various content sources using some of the same high performance circuitry found in Sony's TV sets. Among them, a 3D Y/C separation circuitry for clear, vivid picture and color blur reduction.

Unique features of the LF-X1 12.1-inch LCD monitor, which weighs around five pounds, include: a DCDi™ video processor for a clear, smooth picture; angled line correction circuitry for smoothing out jagged lines; motion adaptive I/P conversion circuitry for improving fast moving action scenes; and digital audio amplifier circuitry for crisp sound and minimized distortion. It also features picture-in-picture capability, and an A/V input for connecting to a camcorder, PS2, DVD player or other home entertainment components.

The LF-X5 7-inch monitor is ultra light weight, and features slim, elegant design. It also includes stereo speakers, and is bundled with a headphone for the definitive, on-the-go TV experience.

Another function that sets it apart from being a mere portable TV is its high speed broadband Internet capability. When the Base Station and the wireless monitor are each connected to the Internet, users can easily and quickly access the Web, exchange e-mail and shop on-line using the on-screen keyboard. Best of all, both units allow users to take advantage of their existing account for Internet access.

The unit can also morph into a digital photo album. The LF-X1 includes built-in memory and a Memory Stick® media slot, while the LF-X5 features built-in memory and a Type II Compact Flash slot for displaying personal digital images as well as MPEG1 files. It can also display slide shows using images saved on a Memory Stick/Compact Flash media or sent via e-mail.


No More Searching for the Remote Control

An intuitive Graphical Use Interface (GUI), the on-screen universal remote and on-screen keyboard add to the LocationFree TVs' uniqueness and versatility. Sony's GUI makes navigating through the various menus and channels while reading program information simple. Utilizing the screen as a remote to switch from channel to channel or function to function in addition to having the keyboard on the screen reduces the hassle of looking for the remote control or searching for additional accessories.

"Weighing less than an average laptop PC and with so much added functionality, speed and performance, it's the ultimate, multi-tasking chameleon of a product," Gudorf said. "We are thrilled to have another opportunity to create a new video category that gives added versatility and convenience to the consumer."

The base station houses an NTSC tuner, an Ethernet port for broadband compatibility and two video inputs for A/V components and other peripherals. There is also a USB port for connecting to an optional analog modem, as well as an IR Blaster for added control and convenience.

The new wireless personal broadband TVs will be available this fall at $1,500 for the LF-X1 and $1,000 for the LF-X5.

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Any comments?

"Any comments?"

Yes, these are TV's and not remote controls. The "GUI" just means they don't come with remote controls, so you can change source, channel and volume on-screen.

Totally different products.

Is it a iPronto killer? Don't know. From the info it does not look to be a generic remote, but that it does not need a remote because the display is a touchscreen and it has an in-built GUI for its control.

But I can see some cool applications depending on how it works. If it has A/V in/out on the display and the base then it can be used as a tool for VC (i.e. Add mobility to the system)

It does seem to have some level of universal remote aspects (IR blaster on basestation), and a CNet preview says "It has a 12.1-inch touch screen and allows you to access multimedia content throughout the house, as well as to control A/V gear just as you would with a universal remote." But it certainly doesn't sound as if the remote is a primary aspect.

No, remote control is not its primary aspect, but if it does it better than the iPronto with less bugs, then it seems to me that it would be a better deal overall.

Just my 1.48 cents!

G.

that is a BIG if

Not as big an IF when you look at the iPronto's storied past, Anthony.

I don't mean the bugs, but intent. will it be a totally configurable remote or will it be a fixed interface that can be used to control other devices or will it be .....

The Navitus is their first remote that does not have a fixed interface. the 2000-3100 had the ability to let the user choose labels, but they were fixed to a few per button. OFA created NEVO for PDAs but just lets you learn codes

Don't forget the built-in remotes that came with some Sony Clie models. Not very configurable either.

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