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"Helpful gadget" on by famessano
Pros: TV almost anywhere
Cons: Picture quality is only fair/cannot play on mac unless 3rd pty software purchased.
Summary: I have a location free tv that was hijacked by my daughter..which is a handy little device for around the house. So..I purchase this base station to watch TV on my iMac while cooking. First, the software does not run on a mac despite Sony's statements that it does on their website and on the box. You have to purchase a 3rd party program which costs $40.00 and the company does not say that they support this base station. Sony apologized for the misleading info...thanks alot... and told me that they cannot state 100% that the software will work but they say that it "should work". Thanks again.. what if it doesn't and I laid out $40.00 plus the price of this base station..a total of $300.00 for nothing.
I didn't want to take the chance so I just loaded the software in the package on the windows portion of my iMac (thanks Apple) and started the process of connecting. Patience is needed but it eventually gets to where you need to be. It's essential to get a good quality s-video cable, anything else will make the picture look like it's under water. This is by no means HDTV. The signal can cut out on occassion but nothing to cry over because the convenience it worth it if you don't have a cable box near where you want to watch TV. I connected it to my TIVO and it's great to watch anything you record besides live tv. The remote setup is the simplest ever but it has an enormous lag time before it changes the channel.
All in all, this is a handy product but I'm still finding what settings result in the best picture quality.Updated
Ok. C-Net stated in their review that the I/O Date software to enable Mac users to use this product was not available for their review. Sony told me that it should work just fine. They advertise on their website and on the box of the base station that the product can be used on a mac or PC. As I stated in my first review...Sony only told me about the I/O Data software after a phone call to 2 different techs.
I purchased the software for $39.99 at my local computer store and loaded it up. Well it doesn't work and I spoke with I/O Data and they confirmed that you cannot use their software to watch TV on your Mac if you are using the LF-B20 model of this product. Everyone needs to be aware of this situation. Sony won't tell you anything. It shouldn't be the consumers responsibility to let the world know.... Sony shouldn't market aspects of a product if they don't know if it works.. -
"Tired of Slingbox Solo not working when I need." on by P-action
Pros: Great concept.
Cons: Everytime I leave me home to go abroad, I cross my fingers that the Slingbox will work properly during my time away. Most of the time, it doesn't and unless I have my wife back home to talk to customer service, I won't be able to use it.
Summary: I'm now looking into Sony's LocationFree TV to replace my Slingbox Solo. I need to make sure that I won't have the same problems with them. Like many of you, when I buy something, I'd like for it to work. Period.
Oops this review was meant to be for the Slingbox Solo.
Updated on Dec 25, 2009 -
"very nice all around unit" on by pavlovtherussian
Pros: two inputs, many different remote types, small unit, Wireless router, and many more
Cons: poor set up.
Summary: I've had the unit for a few weeks, the unit supports WEP, WPA-TKIP, and WPA2-AES security. This unit can function as an access point or an client on an existing wireless network. The set up is a bit difficult but no more then 10 minutes of work if your computer savvy. The video quality is alright, however when thinking that its at 480p like standard television its seems about right, especially on a 1920x1200 screen. My internet connection is capped at a 500kbps so even at these speeds its fine, and has a minimal lag. I would recommend this item to any one. Very good all around, since the Sony isn't charging money for the new version of the LocationFree Software
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"No WPA-TKIP support" on by tombach100
Pros: Works good if you don't need security
Cons: No WPA-TKIP support
Summary: Not Happy.
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"Provides the basic services" on by hugdeath
Pros: Wireless operation, accuracy of remotes
Cons: SETUP!!!, can only view via software
Summary: Each software license must be purchased seperately to view on more than one computer. Application should be available on any computer via an internet location.
Setup took me almost 2 hours and the wireless connection still would not work. I went to sleep after 2 hours and called tech support next day. Support rep hopped into my computer via remote access and corrected the problem for me. He said an incorrect IP address was incorrectly detected. He also walked me through transferring my one license from my desktop to my laptop.
If I had not purchased this so long ago before setting it up I would have taken it back after all the trouble.
I looked @ the Slingbox and although it's not perfect either I opted for the Sony so I could access via my PSP as well.
Boy, they really know how to get you.
Sony LF-B20 LocationFree Base Station user reviews (wireless)
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