I-O DATA Announces Mac OS X Compatible Software For LocationFree Technology

New Software Enables LocationFree Owners to Access Home Audio/Video Content from PowerMac, iMac, or PowerBook Virtually Anywhere in the World

WebKnowHow
Thursday, June 8, 2006; 02:30 AM

I-O DATA announced the availability of LocationFree software for Apple Mac OS-based computers. When installed on a Macintosh desktop or notebook computer, the TLF-MAC/E software package allows the computer to receive and control streaming video from a Sony LocationFree base station. Users enjoy multi-directional wireless transmissions with a range of up to 100 feet in a typical home environment and high-speed broadband Internet access around the globe.

Currently, Sony LocationFree technology allows users to connect a LocationFree base station to a variety of audio visual devices in the home--such as a set-top TV tuner, DVD player, and digital video recorder (DVR)--and then stream content from the Sony LocationFree Player Pak LF-PK-1 and LocationFree TV LF-X11 to Windows(R)-based personal computer or PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system. I-O DATA's new TLF-MAC/E software package expands functionality to Mac computers, so now Mac users can watch their favorite TV programming, DVDs, or digital video recorder content remotely at home and over the Internet while on the road.

"This product introduction marks I-O DATA's first foray into the Apple market, and we believe Mac users will be pleased with the value delivered by the TLF-MAC/E software package," said Jack Akita, Director of Business Development, I-O DATA DEVICE USA. "For Mac users who already own a Sony LocationFree base station, this software will allow the two devices to interoperate for less than forty dollars. Alternatively, users can purchase the LocationFree Player Pak for Macintosh, which includes the software and LocationFree base station."

I-O DATA plans to release TLF-MAC/E software in the United States in late June 2006. The software package will be available from I-O DATA distributors, I-O DATA's web site store, Apple Stores, and other retailers. The TLF-MAC/E software package with Sony LocationFree(R) user account has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39.95 USD. The LocationFree Player Pak for Macintosh (LF-PK1/M), which includes the software and a bundled LF-PK1 Base Station, has an MSRP of $309.00 USD.

The TLF-MAC/E software package requires the following minimum system specifications:

-- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.2.8 / QuickTime 6.4 or higher.

-- Hardware systems: MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4, PowerMac G5, PowerMac G4 (AGP graphics or later), iMac G4/G5, Mac mini, eMac

-- CPU clock: 867MHz or higher

-- DRAM Memory: 512MB or more

-- Display: 800 x 600 or larger