Sony SMP-N100

Owners of a Sony TV already know that they can play media files via the built-in media player, so why not port this to a separate box that anyone can access even if they don't have a Sony TV? This is the idea behind the Sony SMP-N100, a media streamer that puts the accent on connected services, such as catch-up TV for example.

A Xrross Media Bar interface

The centre has a very good quality finish. Though quite wide, you can't fit a hard drive in there. The remote looks similar to those designed for Sony TVs. No backlighting but a good build and handling.


The interface is based on the same principle as the PS3, namely a horizontal bar for the various themes (photo, video, music...) and vertical browsing. It's both easy to get used to and to use.
The possibilities offered by this interface aren't all that numerous however. Forget, for example, the idea of creating a video jukebox. Photo thumbnails display fine but you have to wait quite some time for them to be generated.

When it comes to music, things aren't much better with tag information only given for mp3s. No album covers are displayed.

Compatibility: the (very) weak link

We have to say that Sony has disappointed us here, with a level of compatibility a notch under what you get on most entry level media streamers. MKV encapsulated videos are visible but playback depends on the encoding used. Those which work need to be stored on a USB peripheral as the SMP-N100s only network connection doesn't allow either playback of this type of video or M2TS.

Next, in no particular order, Ogg and Flac (audio) files are not played, the system doesn't even recognise ISO backups of DVDs and BDs and, above all, you need to avoid putting files in too many sub folders as this prevents playback.


We do have some positive comment though! DTS and Dolby Digital decoding is supported. While DTS can only be decoded in stereo, you do get multi-channel Dolby (including TrueHD). You can also send the signal in bitstream to an external audio amp, but DTS HD MA will be sent as DTS ("core" part only).

Connectivity: wi-fi N built-in

There are plenty of audio / video outs with HDMI, component, composite and optical. You will however have to juggle the external peripherals on a single USB port. Network support is via an Ethernet 100 and wi-fi N.

Note that for playback via the network you can't share folders directly but have to use a UPnP server. Here again there are limitations as it can't play MKV and M2TS files - as we explained in the 'Compatibility' section.