Sony LocationPorter

Sony has unveiled the LocationPorter, an unusual portable media streamer. Users connect a video camera to the device, which then converts footage to H.264/MPEG-4 AVC for streaming over the Internet; the footage is then caught by another LocationPorter, which displays the output video live. The device further supports a choice of LAN-based or 3G cellular Internet connections, the latter of which permits streaming from anywhere within a supporting carrier's network.

Using a single 3G connection the device is capable of streaming 352x240 video at only 5 to 15fps, with audio bitrates between 64 and 160kbps. Adding a second 3G modem increases the maximum framerates and bitrates to 64fps and 320kbps, respectively, while a LAN connection supports bitrates up to 1024kbps, though with a reduction to 30fps video. Pricing is geared only towards professionals, at a cost of approximately $17,900.

By Electronista Staff