Skip to main content

Sony HomeShare review: A wireless music system for more than just your iPod

sony-homeshare-system
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Read on for an overview of the Sony HomeShare system, then check out our full reviews of Sony HomeShare components:

At CES 2011, Sony announced it was moving away from its Altus line of wireless speakers in favor of a suite of products centered around what it called HomeShare. In a rather surprising move, Sony’s HomeShare bucks the company’s trend of going the proprietary route in hopes that others will eventually toe its line. Instead, HomeShare is a non-proprietary, DLNA-based system that can access and wirelessly share most music file types stored on a networked PC or NAS drive.
Recommended Videos

While the technology is also coming available through select Sony Blu-Ray disc players, micro systems and TVs, HomeShare made its debut through five currently available network music products (and now a sixth, forthcoming speaker which was just recently announced at CEDIA 2011). You’ve got the NAC-SV10i iPod/iPhone dock, the NAS-SV20i iPod/iPhone speaker dock, the CMT-MX700Ni micro system, the SA-NS300 wireless network speaker and SA-NS400 wireless network speaker. Sony also recently introduced the RMN-U1 universal touch-screen remote control which, as it happens, integrates nicely with HomeShare to control any compatible devices in the home.

Though any of these devices can be used on their own, the real fun seems to be centered around integration. Perhaps that’s why Sony sent us a trio of HomeShare devices to evaluate together. But,to keep things simple, we decided to evaluate each of the components individually and publish separate reviews for the NAC-SV10i iPod/iPhone dock, SA-NS300 wireless network speaker and RMN-U1 universal touch-screen remote.

It comes down to this: Each of the products had their positive and not-so-positive points. Our biggest challenge was consistent network connectivity. Of the three devices we tested, the RMN-U1 was the most consistently easy to use. Unlike the network speaker and iPod/iPhone dock, it never seemed to have trouble communicating through our network (which was not occupied with any other tasks or accessed by any other machines during our tests, by the way). Also, the remote is definitely the ideal control interface for the HomeShare product family. The only real problem we see is that the RMN-U1’s $300 asking price makes attaining an easy to use wireless music system from Sony a pricier proposition. Of course, considering how much more the system can do than some similarly priced AirPlay speaker systems, maybe this product family is more competitively priced than we first thought.

Used individually, each of the three HomeShare devices we tested were able to provide some useful functions, albeit with some quirks here and there. Yet, it was when the three individuals were brought together as a team that a useful, comprehensive wireless system was born. We like most things modular, but in this case we’re going to say that the whole was definitely greater than the sum of its parts. Though individually rated in each review, we’d give the entire HomeShare system a respectable 8.0 rating.

Topics
Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
Best Bluetooth speaker deals: Save on Bose, Sonos, JBL, and more
The JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth speaker, placed outdoors.

Shopping Bluetooth speaker deals can be a great way to take your music on the go with some savings. You could even consider a Bluetooth speaker for your home theater if the current soundbar deals and subwoofer deals aren’t dropping prices enough for you. Some of the best Bluetooth speakers can get the job done with a home theater while simultaneously making a great portable audio option, and we’re currently seeing Bluetooth speaker deals across all price points. We’ve pieced together all of the best Bluetooth speaker deals going on right now, so read onward for those details. And if you need a device to pair with a new Bluetooth speaker don’t miss out on today’s best phone deals, best tablet deals, best laptop deals, and best TV deals.
JBL Flip 6 — $110 $130 15% off

One of JBL’s most popular Bluetooth speaker options is the JBL Flip 6. It offers louder, more powerful sound than earlier versions of the Flip, as it has a two-way speaker system. This speaker system is designed to deliver loud, crystal clear, powerful sound. This Bluetooth speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it to the pool, park, beach, or trail without worry. It will reach up to 12 hours of life on a single battery charge, making it a great portable audio option for just about everyone.

Read more
Best Bose deals: Save on soundbars, headphones, and earbuds
A woman in a park wearing Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth wireless noise canceling headphones.

Even though Bose is one of the more highly regarded audio brands it still manages to offer some affordability for its various lineups, with Bose often finding itself among the best headphone deals, best Bluetooth speaker deals, best soundbar deals, and best subwoofer deals. All of these kinds of devices are in play for a discount right now, which is why we’ve rounded up all of today’s Best Bose deals. Read onward to get a jump on all of the details, and if you need some additional tech to pair with any of these Bose deals be sure to check out today’s TV deals, phone deals, tablet deals, and laptop deals.
Bose QuietComfort II — $219 $279 22% off

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are often recognized as some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. They have great noise-cancellation capability, which makes getting your work done at the office a less distracting endeavor, and which makes taking in movies on your laptop or home theater a more immersive experience. They also have a feature known as Aware Mode, which allows you to hear both your music and your surroundings at the same time. This makes them a safe option for daily commuters, fitness nuts, and bicyclists as well. Along lasting battery and easy phone call controls round out the top features of the QuietComfort II wireless earbuds.

Read more
One of our favorite Hisense TVs has a $400 discount today
Hisense U7N review

Hisense TVs have been rising in our ranks of the best TVs recently. This budget-friendly brand has climbed the ladder of TV stardom over the last few years and is now responsible for some of the most popular LED-LCDs and ULEDs (what Hisense calls a QLED TV). We’re always looking for great TV deals, and it just so happens that one of our favorite markdowns of the week is on an awesome Hisense:

For a limited time, when you purchase the Hisense 65-inch U7N ULED at Best Buy or Amazon, you’ll pay $700. At full price, this model goes for $1,100. Here’s an idea: why not put that $400 you saved toward one of the best soundbar deals we found?

Read more