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Sony DMX-NV1 Review
BRAVIA Internet Video Link, $299
RedLine

Sony DMX-NV1

Dick De Jong
September 29, 2008
HDTV Solutions


Introduction

With sites such as YouTube, the Internet has become a major source for video content. But until recently, the only way that you could watch web based programs on your HDTV was to connect your computer to the TV's VGA or HDMI input - basically making your TV a computer monitor.

Now HDTV manufacturers have finally begun to create more direct connections to the Internet, ones that can take your computer out of the pipeline. At CEDIA a couple of weeks ago, most major companies were introducing at least a few new models that integrate an Ethernet port alongside the HDMI inputs on their connection panels.

One of Sony's solutions to making that direct connection is the DMX-NV1, which is an add-on box that they call the BRAVIA Internet Video Link.

While I imagine that in a few years, almost all HDTVs will have an integrated Ethernet port, at this time, one of the advantages of the DMX-NV1 is that it works with a selection of their 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA LCDs. If you have one of these Sony models, you can be linked now.

And as long as manufacturers charge a premium for an integrated solution, I like the idea that if you don't need this feature, you can buy a Sony BRAVIA now and add the DMX-NV1 when and if you want it later.

With that said, an Internet link - integrated or add-on - is only a piece of hardware. The real key to a successful product like this is the content available and the user interface to browse it. I'll discuss those two topics in greater detail below. Let's just say, considering that the DMX-NV1 is a fairly new product, with content that is constantly being expanded, the Sony package has a definite appeal.

Out of the Box

The DMX-NV1 is a fairly small box measuring 6 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 4 1/8". Attaching the cable cover and stand adds two inches to its height.

You don't want it any bigger since you will be trying to hide it behind your TV or will be attaching it directly onto the back of the BRAVIA. Indeed, the nondescript gray cover matches the color of that back and camouflages well.

Sony DMX-NV1

On the bottom of the unit are all the connections needed to link your BRAVIA to the Internet. On the side, a USB Service Port is for software updates and future use and at least for now, will not accept USB storage devices for uploading photos or music files.

Next to the Service Port is an HDMI input that allows the pass-through of an HDMI signal from another device such as an HD DVR.

Setup

Setting the unit up is painless because Sony supplies almost all of the cables you will need. Basically, you attach one end of the provided USB cable into the DMX-NV1 and the other into the DMex port on the TV. And you connect the provided HDMI cable from the box's HDMI Out to any HDMI input on the TV.

The final step is the connection to the Internet. Depending on your home network setup, the exact configuration will vary. I simply plugged an Ethernet cable, which Sony does not supply, directly into our router.

Then I plugged the AC adapter into a wall outlet and turned on the BRAVIA. After confirming that the configuration was successful, a new Internet Video icon appears on Sony's BRAVIA menu, the XMB (XrossMediaBar).

Also under a separate Video icon, a new list of content service providers like YouTube and Sports Illustrated will appear. This group, which today numbers 25 will grow as Sony enters into more agreements with other providers.

Sony DMX-NV1

Currently the list includes sites like Yahoo, Wired, CBS College Sports, Amazon Video on Demand, Style.com, and Singing Fool.

Performance

Let me be very clear, the BRAVIA Internet Video Link does not bring your web browser to your TV screen. You cannot surf the web through this interface.

What Sony has designed is a system of content provider icons that you can click to access a site with selected streaming video content. For example, when I choose the Timeless TV (Sony Pictures Television) site, I am presented with 27 program choices, including full episodes of Charlie's Angels, Starsky & Hutch, Fantasy Island and News Radio.

Sony DMX-NV1

Or if I pick Epicurious (for people who love to eat), I see 97 choices, mostly streaming video clips around five minutes or less. For example, I can learn How to Make a Mint Julep Cocktail in three minutes and 45 seconds.

Sony DMX-NV1

Once again, you are not seeing the epicurious.com website, but rather a layout of thumbnails of video choices. This interface makes perfect sense because you don't have a keyboard to browse with. Everything is controlled by the remote that comes with the BRAVIA TV.

What you need to ask yourself is, is this a compelling service for the price of the $299 DMX-NV1? (I have found street prices in the low $200 range.)

Right now, I can see two reasons why you might bite. First, in a bit of narcissism, I linked to our HDTV Solutions page on YouTube. And the playback of the video reviews looked as good as I have seen, better than on my computer monitor. Basically, the Sony BRAVIA does an admirable job of displaying Internet video.

Don't become too excited, the Sports Illustrated segments of bathing suit models like Veronica Varekova still looked pixelated especially if you blow the image up to fill the screen. But all in all, Sony's internal video processors definitely are a plus.

Sony DMX-NV1

With that in mind, a service like Amazon's Video on Demand, which recently officially launched as a content provider, might become one of those killer apps. I can imagine how one could be spoiled with the convenience of being able to instantly rent or buy a movie or TV episode and then watch it with the picture quality that the BRAVIA gives you.

Sony DMX-NV1

Sony plans on adding more content sources, which will be key for attracting more users to the DMX-NV1. Though some sites like Dailymotion offer some of their videos in high definition, from what I can see, most of the videos available right now are not in HD. In the future, I would hope that more offerings will be.

I liked the ease of navigating from site to site. And the thumbnail layouts with short descriptions of the videos made it easy to find content.

You can even set up a Yahoo home page that provides your local weather forecast and an update on driving conditions. Of course, the system isn't always perfect. It has listed a traffic jam on Hwy. 183 for the last two weeks.

Also, please remember, when you are dealing with streaming video, especially the HD variety, the speed of your Ethernet connection is critical to an enjoyable experience. With my less than super swift DSL link, I had to wait too long for some of the videos to stop buffering and start playing.

I would suggest that if you plan on buying the BRAVIA Internet Video Link that you invest in the fastest service that your Internet provider offers. Sony recommends a connection speed of 2.5 Mbps for SD and 10 Mbps for HD.

Conclusion

If you own a Sony Bravia HDTV that features the XrossMediaBar and if you want to access video content from Internet providers like YouTube or Wired.com, then the DMX-NV1 is worth considering especially because of the playback picture quality the BRAVIA television delivers.

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Reader Comments

Posted Dec 8, 2009 7:01:44 PM

By Bill Hower

I recieved the Sony DMX-NV1 with my purchase of my 52" Bravia from Costco. I like the picture quality and ease of menu use. The only complaint I have with this unit is the inability to use a key board to type in searches. The feature for doing this is very very slow and frustrating. Come on Sony, you can do better than that.

Posted Dec 29, 2008 2:25:48 PM

By Dick De Jong

Doug,

You make some good points. We are already seeing TVs from other manufacturers that have integrated the capabilities of this component into the TV. In 2009, this will become even more prevalent.

With that said, your two comments are still very valid. First, how easy will it be to access these Internet features? And second, do you really want them if the content isn't compelling?

Posted Dec 26, 2008 10:27:43 PM

By Doug

I got the video link as a bonus when buying my Sony Bravia TV. At best it it s a toy and probably more a waste of time then anything else. Like most Manufacturer add-ons it is only as good as Sony makes it and without content providers and their support it is a useless box. So if that were to ever go away (and it eventually will) you are left with a lousy paper weight.

I was able to get the local file playing to work but for me it was a challenge. Who besides a geek would have the knowledge or patience to even do this. First you have to have a HTTP server where you place the files in a directory. Then you have to use your browser with add-on (only explorer not firefox) to add bookmarks to the video link memory. Then you go to the TV and hope it works. No where does it tell you exactly what files it will play. I did find it would play wmv's for the most part. If not or if you just want to delete a link you will have to log onto a Sony page, where you previously registered, and logon to see and delete the bookmarks. There is no way to do this at the TV screen. Such a kludge. Why anyone would buy this box is beyond me. While it is hard to pick a really good media box, this one is NOT in the running. Something like the Netgear EVA8000 or it's soon to be announced successor would be a much better choice. So buyer beware. If it comes with your TV and you get a good deal then play with it until you get bored, which won't take long, otherwise get something else.
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