Sony SMP-N200 Streaming Media Player

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter Print this article

HTR Product Rating

Performance: 3.5 Stars
Value: 4.5 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

Disagree with our product rating? Email us and tell us why you think this product should receive a higher rating.

Page 1 | Page 2

Just as LG has done with its Smart TV Upgrader, Sony has made the Web platform found on its HDTVs available in a standalone box, so you can enjoy all the company's Web features on a non-networkable TV. The SMP-N200 ($99.99) is actually Sony's second-generation streaming media player, a follow-up to the original SMP-N100 (now $79.99). We have not performed a hands-on review of the SMP-N200, but here is a more comprehensive look at its features. Sony offers a robust media platform that includes most of the big names, such as Netflix, VUDU, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, CinemaNow, Pandora, Facebook, and Twitter. You also get access to proprietary Sony offerings like Video Unlimited, Music Unlimited, and the 3D Experience channel, as well as lots of other options like NPR, blip.tv, epicurious, Wired, and Flixster. (You can check out the full lineup of services here.) A Web browser is also available. The box supports DLNA media streaming, and you can directly cue up media content stored on a USB drive.

Additional Resources
• Read more media server reviews by HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Find an LED HDTV or Plasma HDTV to pair with the SMP-N200.

The SMP-N200 has a small form factor, measuring 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.7 inches and weighing 0.9 pounds. The connection panel includes the expected HDMI output, but it also offers component and composite video for compatibility with older, non-HDMI-equipped TVs. You also get optical digital and stereo analog audio outputs, a side-panel USB 2.0 port, and an Ethernet port for a wired network connection. The box has integrated 802.11n, as well. A small, non-backlit remote is included; it features a clean, simple layout with navigation buttons, transport controls, and four color buttons, plus Home, Return, Options, Display, and Power buttons. There's also an SEN button that takes you directly to the Sony Entertainment Network. Unfortunately, the remote lacks a full QWERTY keyboard, which would make it easier to input text when searching for content or using social-networking tools. Sony does offer a remote app for iPhone/Android smartphone users that includes a full keyboard.

The SMP-N200's user interface is similar in layout and navigation to that of a Sony HDTV. It uses crossbar navigation, with the Home Menu options running horizontally and the sub-menu choices running vertically. The Home Menu icons are Setup, Photo, Music, Video, and Network. Within the Photo, Music, and Video menus, you can access you own DLNA/USB media content or select from the Web-based services that apply to that media type. The Setup menu offers more choices than you'll find on some streaming boxes, including the ability to enable 3D playback (you can even adjust 3D depth), an A/V Sync control, and picture adjustments. In terms of personal media playback, the SMP-N200 offers better-than-average format compatibility, including MP4, WMV, Divx HD, MKV, AVC HD, MP3, WMA, AAC, and JPEG.

Read about the high points and low points of the Sony SMP-N200 on Page 2.

Page 1 | Page 2

Featured Audio-Video News

Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -

The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.

Latest Media Server & MP3 Player Reviews

DVDO Air WirelessHD System Reviewed -

The DVDO Air wireless HDMI system is a unique product that can provide a solution to users in need of a way to deal with long runs of HDMI cables or with areas that are difficult to run HDMI cables. Brian Kahn evaluates how good the solution is.

Netgear NeoTV Streaming Player (NTV200) -

If you are looking for a media streamer to add web content to your existing system, the Netgear NTV200 0r Neo TV is a unit you should consider. Check out Adrienne Maxwell's review for more details.

SilverStone Technology Co. LC20 PC/HTPC Case Reviewed -

Something you may have never consider a factor in your Home Theater PC's performance is the case. Andrew Robinson discovered how important this can be during his review of the SilverStone Technology Co. LC20 PC/HTPC case.

Dune HD Max Blu-ray/Media Streaming Player Reviewed -

The Dune HD Max has it all: streaming media, a Blu-ray player, and much more. Andrew Robinson reviewed every aspect of the Dune HD Max to see how capable the device is. Read on to find out the results.

Western Digital My Book Live 1TB Home Network Drive Reviewed -

Andrew Robinson evaluated the performance of the Western Digital My Book Live 1 TB networked drive. The unit was simple and easy to operate, but perhaps it was a little too simple.

Kaleidescape M Series Blu-ray Media Server (M700 Disc Vault, M500 Player and1U Server) Reviewed -

Kaleidescape has offered a one of a kind product with the M Series Blu-ray media server. Dr. Ken Taraszka evaluates the media server system and takes a look at the pros and cons of Kaleidescape's offering.

Meridian Sooloos System Reviewed (Audio Core 200, Control 15 and DSP3200 Digital Active Loudspeakers) -

HomeTheaterReview.com reviewer Dr. Ken Taraszka got the Meridian Sooloos system in for review. The system consisted of the Audio Core 200, Control 15, and DSP3200 speakers. Taraszka put the system through it's paces to see if the system is as good as the sum of its parts.