Sony LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.3 x 8.2 inches ; 3.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VA3SYE
• Item model number: LF-V30
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,169 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 21, 2007

Product Description

Channel surf through your local channels even if you're not local. The LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station grants you access to your personal DVR content and local TV channels from wherever you are. You can even connect your DVD or VCR to the base station and enjoy your home movie collection while on the road. For added convenience, you can easily connect your camcorder and monitor your home from work or while vacationing in another country. With so much versatility at your fingertips, there's always something good on TV, no matter where you are. Internet connection required. Broadband connection recommended.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sony may have caught and passed SB?, March 6, 2008

By 

M. Moore - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station (Personal Computers)

I would like to have done this a long time ago, but the technology seems to be just now becoming viable. Based on the research and reviews, the prior versions of the Sony product did not make it worth the purchase. Slingbox was the way to go. However, with this latest release (lf-v30) Sony has caught up and passed Slingbox in the place shifting arena (IMHO). I was able to pick up the Locationfree via price matching by BB for $199. Thus making the Sony cheaper than the Slingbox for similar capability

The first and biggest advantage of the Sony is that its WIRELESS!. This alone was the biggest decision factor for me. I did not want to run 100' of Ethernet cable from my router to the base unit nor did I want to plop down an extra 80 bucks for Slinglink. I was also a little skeptical about the socket networking as my experience with other socket networking products has been sketchy at best. I plugged in the Unit and it found my wireless LAN right away.

Performance has been terrific. Video streaming is smooth and fast. Color and picture are crisp clear and vivid. Nice picture. And I only have the RCA video cable hooked up. The only issue I have run across is that the video stream will freeze or terminate when I am receiving a large email or file across the network. Otherwise it works flawlessly. My Vonage IP phone does not even seem to impact the video stream while I am on conference calls (nor does the phone degrade while streaming).

I like the option of multiple video inputs. Will try plugging in my DVD player at some point and watch movies remote. If that works I may upgrade my DVD player to a "jukebox" player and have my movie library available anywhere I go. (that or convert all my movies to digital files). I plan on upgrading my DVR to HD some time soon and I like having the option of being able to stream that as well via the component inputs.

Installation was relatively easy. Just follow the wizard and it walks you through it with no problem. I did run into one hiccup when trying to stream the video across the Internet. I could not get the NETAv test to pass and had to end up calling support. That was one of the most pleasant support calls I have ever had. Reached a service rep immediately with no wait. He was able to take control of my laptop remotely and had the problem fixed within 5 minutes. Turns out I have an older DSL router paired with a Linksys wireless router. The install recognized this as a multiple router setup which can cause complications. The service Rep accessed my routers via my laptop remote session, opened up a port on my DSL router and got the issue fixed.

All in All I am extremely satisfied and would highly recommend this solution to anyone interested in place shifting their TV viewing.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very happy so far, February 10, 2008

By 

Ryan Ellis (Ft Lauderdale, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station (Personal Computers)

The unit seems to be working as described. It's the only LocationFree station I know of that takes Component cables, and although I could have rigged something up on a previous model, it's nice to just do it right.

The setup wasn't as easy as I had hoped for, but they really do encourage you to call Sony's support for assistance, which I like. So don't worry, call em up and they will get you through it.

I use the device with my PSP and it's quite impressive. The video quality is downright excellent. I was shocked out how well it worked. The "remote control" on the PSP and the PC clients mimicks the actual remote that you have not just in functionality, but in look as well. So you can jump right in and feel comfortable instantly controlling the TV remotely, was very impressed.

The ONLY difficult part with setup was getting my router to let the signal through, although even that wasn't very difficult (Sony help could EASILY walk anyone through this)... after that, the settings and options with the unit are easy to access and for the most part, everything is automatic and simplified. You can easily connect directly to the box via WiFi with the PSP or a computer and manage settings (not much to manage) but if I'm in another room, sometimes I'll just connect dirctly with my PSP and watch the TV.

Again, the picture/sound quality is excellent and providing you have a decent connection, I don't see there being any real issues.

I purchased a video/audio out cable for my PSP and plug it into hotel/friends TV's when I'm out of town and can literally watch my TV from home, on another TV easily anywhere I go.

I highly recommend this unit, it works as it's supposed to do, and because it has PSP functionality, it's much more valuable than a slingbox.

Also, if you are buying this and don't own a PSP - ignore the "gaming" aspects of the PSP, for $169.00 that the PSP sells for, it's worth it's weight in gold as just a simple movie/LocationFree viewing device.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it:), February 26, 2008

By 

wade "wade" (GLEN ALLAN, MS, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station (Personal Computers)

great device, works great with PSP and PC. i read reviews that installation was a little more than expected. i found the installation to be a breeze, very easy. lol, i failed to use the ir (infrared) blaster. therefore, my remote was not working, DUU. basically, the ir blaster is a little device that plugs into the base station and sends the single out to cable or sat box like your remote would. place the end with the ir tip near your cable or sat box.

i am very pleased. hope you enjoy yours as much.