Sony releases LocationFree TV for HD

Sony has announced the December release of a high-definition version of its LocationFree TV streaming system. The HD version will be released in Japan.

LocationFree TV, which streams TV and video images around the house, has previously only been available in standard definition.

The technology has now been upgraded with the capability to recompress a high-def signal in real time to an MPEG4 AVC stream, which requires just 10M bps of bandwith to stream reliably. Previous versions required double this amount of bandwith.

With the integration of new compression capabilities, the LocationFree TV boxes can now stream a high-definition signal across 802.11a/b/g networks, although 11b streaming will require a strong signal for success.

The base station connects to video signal sources, such as a high-def movie player or satellite tuner, and companion tuner boxes are connected to TVs in the home. The user can watch video from the base station on any of the TV sets around the home.

Although the receiver can connect to a TV via an HDMI cable or analog high-definition component cable, the base station is only compatible with analog high-definition signals. HDMI input has been omitted due to copyright concerns.

The high-definition version is unable to stream video across the Internet or a home network to terminals or PCs. It works on wireless only.

The existing standard definition version of LocationFree TV, which does support Internet streaming, will continue to be available.

The LF-W1HD will cost around 50,000 Yen in Japan. Details of international availability are not yet available.