1105WHC45 Sony VGP-MR100U

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GROUP TEST>Network Media Receiver
Digital TV recordings and ripped DVDs can be streamed

Easy installation

> >

Vaio Media 4.1 software

RATINGS
####$ EASE OF USE ####$ FEATURES ###$$ PICTURE ####$ SOUND ####$ VALUE ####$ OVERALL ####$

Sony VGP-MR100U 140

A solid performance is let down by poor software support and incompatibility with some common video formats
The media receiver uses PC networking to bridge the gap between PCs and TVs. Sony is the latest to enter the fray with a Vaio-branded unit that its bundling with its VGC-RA304 desktop PC. The VGP-MR100U RoomLink can also be bought on its own, which is useful if you already have a PC. Its elegant and compact with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi built in for those who like content without cables. A component output comes with the AV socketry that works in hi-def as well as (interlaced) standard-def mode. But it plays hi-def video or upscale standard-def to 1080i (theres no 720p option or aspect-ratio or PAL/NTSC settings for the standarddef outputs). The only other hi-def media receiver is Pinnacles 200 ShowCenter, although others will surely follow. Installation is easy simply plug it into a spare Ethernet port on your home-networking hardware (a cross-over cable is also provided for direct PC connections). Wi-Fi set-up is even easier, assuming a decent radio link. Note that Wi-Fi is more suited to audio than video (especially hi-def). The RoomLink is supplied with Vaio Media 4.1 Windows software, which resides on any content-carrying PC. Sadly, it will only install on Vaios, because it relies on software not installed here. This other software isnt available

TEST SCENE

High Definition
elsewhere but non-Sony PC owners can revel in an alternative.

There is an alternative.

The rest of us can use Microsofts Windows Media Connect (WMC). WMC is easy to use, but doesnt have the fancier parts of Sonys purposedesigned program. In contrast to its competitors RoomLink doesnt directly support formats like WMV and DiVX/XVID one of Vaio Medias jobs is to transcode such formats into RoomLink-compatible MPEG ones. This is daft MPEGs higher bitrates alone make the converted files less-suited to Wi-Fi streaming. The RoomLink is directly-compatible with MPEG1/MPEG2 video, MP3 audio and JPEG still images. Digital TV recordings can be streamed and so can ripped DVDs (if renamed to.mpg). The menu-driven user interface is basic, but usable. Select the PC of
High-definition images look simply amazing, but a lot still depends on the the original source material
THE ROOMLINK IS COMPATIBLE WITH MPEG1/MPEG2 VIDEO, MP3S AND JPEGS
interest, and you can choose from music, video or pictures. Within the latter are submenus for refining your search further in video, for example, actor or album. Most only work if youre using the media organising talents of the Vaio software. Incompatible media like DiVX, is shown, but greyed out.

Bit of a performer

AV performance is great. With DTT recordings and DVD rips, plenty of detail is visible, while dynamic range is excellent. Naturally, performance is dictated by the source quality. VHSoriginated MPEG1 content looks fairly ropey what a pity it lacks the noisereduction features of Sony DVD players! With a hi-def display and content, picture quality moves up a gear. A recording of a Hives concert broadcast on HD1 (1080i/50, MPEG2) was sublime, with abundant texture and true-to-life colour. Digital photos also looked crisp and natural. Audio-wise, the RoomLink can't be faulted especially if you're using the optical digital output I

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES Hi-def compatible On-board 802.11b/g Wi-Fi 64/128-bit Wi-Fi security) Manual and automatic (DHCP) configuration MP3/MPEG-1/MPEG2/JPEG support Vaio Media 4.1 software JPEG slideshow Multichannel audio via digital output CONNECTIONS Composite video out S-video out Component video out Stereo audio out Optical digital audio out www.sony.co.uk 08705 111999
Component (left), S-video (centre) and composite (right) connections on the rear of the unit
The handset is staidlooking but functional

86 WHC NOVEMBER 2005

VGP-MR100U
VAIO RoomLink Network Media Receiver
The VAIO RoomLink Network Media Receiver works with your VAIO PC to enable you to enjoy your video, photo and music content on your home entertainment system. And with integrated 802.11 b/g1 , RoomLink receiver is easy to set-up on your wireless or wired home network.
VAIO RoomLink Network Media Receiver works with your VAIO PC. Enjoy video, photo and music on your home entertainment system. Supports the most common video, photo and music formats

Features and Benefits

Specifications
PART NUMBER WIRELESS LAN OUTPUT(S) VGP-MR100U 2.4GHz wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b/g compliant) (64/128 bits WEP support) Video S-Video output (S-terminal, MiniDIN x 1) Composite video output (pin jack x 1) Component video output (pin jack Y/PB/PR x 1) Sound Line output (pin jack L/R x 1) Optical digital output (square optical jack x 1) Network Connector 100BASE-TX Sony VAIO Personal Computers with VAIO Media software pre-installed Ver. 2.0 or later. (Free update via download to Version 4.1 is required -
The VAIO RoomLink Network Media Receiver works with your VAIO PC. - It enables you to enjoy your video, photo and music content on your home entertainment system. View your content form the comfort of your living room. - Stream recorded TV programs and personal video content to your big screen TV from a VAIO PC equipped with Personal Video Recorder capabilities. Stream digital content from room to room. - With integrated 802.11 b/g1 , the RoomLink Receiver is easy to set-up on your wireless or wired home network. Supports multiple formats. - The VAIO RoomLink Receiver supports many common video, photo and music formats including MPEG2, WMV, DivX, MP3, ATRAC3, WMA and HDV 1080i2.

OUTPUT(S)

OUTPUT(S) SUPPORTED DEVICES

MULTIMEDIA PLAYBACK

SUPPORTED FORMATS
WEIGHT DIMENSIONS (WXHXD) PACKAGE CONTENTS
VAIO PCs with VAIO Media pre-installed, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant devices are supported. (See www.DLNA.org for more information.) Available with VAIO Personal Computers with VAIO Media software ver. 2.0 or later: Recorded Television Playback (Non Digital Rights Management protected content) Digital Camcorder Video Playback Video Playback (Non Digital Rights Management protected content) Music Playback (Non Digital Rights Management protected content) Photo Playback Available with DLNA Compliant Devices: Video, Music & Photo Playback (Non Digital Rights Management protected content) Available with VAIO Personal Computers with VAIO Media software ver. 2.0 or later: MPEG1, MPEG2, DVR-MS (Requires a VAIO PC with television recording capabilities.) DV-AVI, HDV (1080i) MPEG1, MPEG2, WMV, DivX (codec installation by user required) MP3, WMA, WAV, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP Available with DLNA Compliant Devices: MPEG2, WAV, JPEG (Support is dependent upon device capabilities.) 1.8 lbs. (800g) 8.5" (W) x 1.3"(H) x 5.7" (D) Remote Controller (Two AA Batteries included) AC Adapter (6 feet) Network Cable (Straight) (16 feet) Network Cable (Cross) (3 feet) Audio/Video Connecting Cable (5 feet) * Component Cable is not included.
1 May requires 802.11b or 802.11g compatible access point. 2 Wired connection recommended for HDV 1080i video.
Sony Electronics, Inc. 16450 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92127 1-800-222-7669 www.sony.com

Last Updated 2005-03-23