Sony ups LocationFree with 1080i live streaming
updated 08:25 am EDT, Wed September 5, 2007
Sony LocationFree Home HD
Sony today launched a major update to its LocationFree TV sharing hubs: the Home HD (also known as the LF-W1HD) compresses video into the much more efficient H.264 video format to fit HD video signals as large as 1080i on local 802.11a or 802.11g wireless networks; it also includes a tuner that decodes video from Blu-Ray recorders and DVRs without requiring the hardware built into the TV itself. The Home HD model is the first to provide HDMI output from the receiver for a single linkup of both audio and video to most HDTV sets.
Both ends of the new LocationFree hub sport D4 (component equivalent) and RCA inputs or outputs depending on their role in the wireless connection, which itself automatically hops between channels to hold a strong signal in spite of interference. Sony plans to launch the LF-W1HD in Japan by December 1st and will sell for roughly $430. A North American equivalent is probable but may not show before the end of the year. [via Impress]
