Sony ’s $ 300 BraviaInternet Video Linkhits fund this July . It ’s one of the most elegant system of rules yet available that delivers Internet video to the telly .
Your first doubt : What Internet video might that be ? Yes , yes , it ’s a very good question . Before we get into that , though , let ’s see how it turn .
The module connects to the boob tube via HDMI ( video and CEC ) and USB ( metadata , simulacrum and additional commands ) . It is compatible with most new Bravias , single that have the PlayStation - stylus Cross Media Bar ( XMB ) computer menu system . On new Bravias , there is a berth for the include mount bracket , but you’re able to also use the include tabular array bandstand .
It is not wireless , and at $ 300 , you ’re inquire : Why the snake pit not ? The timely resolution is that Sony thought 802.11 g was too dumb , and since 802.11n was n’t fully ratified , they did n’t want to trade something that would be obsolete or off - spec . ( Insert crochety microcode - upgrade commentary here . )
Sony recommends either a direct Ethernet connection or a high - def powerline bridge — something like Netgear ’s HDX101 — which can cost $ 150 to $ 200 a pair . This is a out of sight - cost matter Sony says it will endeavor to make clean when mass are purchase the Cartesian product .
Once it ’s connected to the boob tube , it ’s a great substance abuser - interface experience . You just grab the TV ’s remote and click MENU . Inch over to the pic icon in the XMB menu , and new telecasting canal just appear . Each telecasting Thomas Nelson Page follows a Sony - plan templet : a large Brady Bunch - style storage-battery grid of video to choose from , all laid out on a PS3 - inspired shameful - and - blue background knowledge . Move the pointer over a square , and you get info about the clip .
Now , about that content interrogation you asked before …
Obviously Sony Pictures and Sony BMG are kicking in content , though the free service does n’t on the dot have Hollywood studios line up with smash hit flicks . Sony Electronics has mainly partnered with cyberspace video distributer . Grouper and AOL are in there , though the primary launch mate will be Yahoo . So , yeah , crop mostly . Yahoo presently offers videos of up to 10 minutes in duration . I do give it props for a continuous period of play feature article that strings together one clip after another . Still , where is the first time of year of Lost , or The Big Lebowski ?
The other question you are asking is how bad Web video is on a 1080p set . For the most part , the put up standard - def or World Wide Web - optimized contentedness I pick up looked adequate . There were no true exploiter - generated clips , though , so I ca n’t judge the genuine output just yet . Some services , such as Grouper , are showcasing 3Mbps HD video files in the demo . Still , there ’s no tattle if / when / how this would materialize when the product is in homes .
The other connected feature is the Yahoo - design My Page , a source of dealings , weather and news headlines personalized to your zip code . Yahoo is the biggest substance partner in the mix , and while it is a powerhouse , you might be wonder about that other “ Y ” company that roll in the hay a matter or two about net video .
Other elements presently missing that could potentially be part of the system :
• individualised mental object based on your log - in ID
• Clip search
• Sharing / viral feature article
• microcomputer connectivity and local - file streaming
I hate to beat it up before it has time to testify itself . Like I said , the scheme is a undecomposed one , but without cognitive content you ’d desire to come back to again and again , its a $ 300 weather and news page ( which Wii owners of class do n’t necessitate anyway ) .
I have wrapped my Einstein around this many times over , and the fact is , sweet technology or not , this makes style more sense as a $ 50 box with a contented subscription of vouch lineament . $ 300 is a spate to pay for a crapshoot . That ’s half a PS3 . If it ’s not go to be a crap game , we need brand - name amusement right there on the table . Please Sony , for your sake and ours , get crackin ’ !
Press Release[Sony Electronics ]
Sony Internet Video Link Coverage[Gizmodo ]
home entertainmentSony
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