The Sony NSZ-GS7/Internet Player with Google TV

The Sony NSZ-GS7 is fantastic little Google TV box. The Sony NSZ-GS7 is also known as the Sony Internet Player with Google TV. The Sony Internet Player with Google TV costs $199.99.
Aside from the NSZ-GS7 I also have the Sony Internet TV NSZ-GT1 (first generation Blu-Ray player set-top device). I have two family members and many friends with Google TV devices; mostly the Vizio Co-Star, some have the Hisense Pulse (as far as second-generation Google TV devices go). Now, I am not speaking ill of those two companies or their products, but I will say this, I do not have the problems that a lot of other people report having. It is twice the price of the Co-Star and Pulse, but in my opinion it is worth it; I believe the phrase people use is “You get what you pay for” (again, I don’t own the other devices; I only hear other people’s reports/experiences). What is good about the NSZ-GS7 aside it “just working” and being a Google TV device? The remote; why is it so awesome? Read on to find out!

NSZ-GS7 Overview

Google TV – “A better way to watch TV.” – http://thetalkinggeek.com/what-is-google-tv/

Google Play – Google Play allows you to discover, access, and enjoy media content. You can manage, purchase, rent, download, and stream video (TV show episodes & movies), audio (music), and apps (games, content discovery, media channels, etc) on your TV for your TV.

Live TV Integration – Unlike many buddy boxes (like Roku or Apple TV) you can integrate your live TV service (cable, satellite, or antenna) with Google TV.

PrimeTime – PrimeTime for Google TV works for you so you never miss out. Bringing together everything on your cable/satellite TV, Netflix, YouTube, and all sorts of other Internet streaming sites, PrimeTime recommends the best content for you to watch. Whether you’re in the mood for hilarious comedy or spine tingling suspense, you can quickly find something good without scrolling through hundreds of channels or changing the input on your TV.

Search – You can perform both Google Searches and video searches from your TV, making finding any content a snap.

Chrome – Browse the web, with a Flash compatible* browser, optimized for TV usage.

Sony Entertainment Network – The Sony Entertainment Network gives you one more option for buying and renting content. While I love Google Play, I also love options, and the Sony Entertainment Network gives you the option to purchase (or purchase access to) 3D movies (now I just need the TV to play 3D content on…).

Remote Control – It is awesome. It is backlit (thank you, thank you, thank you). My wife and I don’t spend more than half a minute looking for the remote, we just use a phone if glancing around doesn’t reveal its location (she has an iPhone I have an Android); but at night that can be harsh on the eyes (we watch most of our TV with the lights off in our room before going to sleep), so having a backlit remote definitely helps. What else? Multi-axis remote. I can’t wait to see some immersive games, I haven’t had much time for games lately, but when I do I’ll be sure and review them here!

 

Now for some details from the NSZ-GS7 product page on the Sony website.

Sony Internet Player with Google TV (NSZ-GS7) Features (via http://store.sony.com/p/NSZ-GS7/en/p/NSZGS7#features):
Imagine the search power of Google built right into your TV. Craving some highlights from your team or movies starring your favorite actor? Just type it in and enjoy cross-search results from your cable provider, the internet, apps and even select Dish DVR. Find exactly what you want in the blink of an eye. Best of all, Google TV™ uses your existing cable or satellite service so there’s no need to mess around with switching inputs when you want to use it. You’ll never feel like you have nothing to watch again. Download apps directly to your TV from the forever-expanding Google Play™ Store™. Or choose from classics like Netflix®, Pandora® and YouTube™ to expand your horizons with apps such as Crunchyroll, Redux and Qello. In addition to video and music apps, download games, social networking and news apps just like the ones on your smartphone. There’s no going back once you’ve experienced the amazing universal remote included. The clickable touchpad works just like the one on your laptop, featuring one-handed operation and multi-touch pinch-and-pull for zoom control. There’s even a 3-Axis motion sensor for gaming. Flip it over and you’ll find a backlit QWERTY keyboard that perfect for typing with the lights off at night. And don’t worry, it knows which way is facing up so you won’t accidentally hit keys on the other side. Experience your favorite websites on a grand scale with the built-in Google Chrome™ browser that is built for speed, simplicity and efficiency. The Flash Media Player makes it so Flash-based video sites open doors to endless video content and engaging interactivity. Auto updates ensure added security. No network cables necessary. Maximize your entertainment while reducing cable clutter and wirelessly stream beautiful, HD video straight from the internet or your home network. Or you stick with a wired connection if that’s what you like. No matter what, it’s all seamless, and it’s all built-in.

Google TV™ built- in
Now the searching power of Google is built right into your TV. Craving some highlights from your team or movies starring your favorite actor? Just type it in and enjoy cross-search results from your cable provider, the internet, apps and even select Dish DVR. It’s all there, instantly. Best of all, Google TV uses your existing cable or satellite service, so you do not have to switch inputs to use it.

More apps, more choices
There’s always something on. Download apps directly to your TV from the ever-expanding Google Play™ Store™ Choose from classics like Netflix®, Pandora® and YouTube™ or expand your horizons with apps such as Crunchyroll, Redux and Qello. In addition to video and music apps, you can download games, social networking and news apps just like the ones on your smartphone. Very convenient.

Remote control unlike any other
You’ve never seen a universal remote quite like this. The clickable touchpad works just like the one on your laptop, featuring one-handed operation and multi-touch pinch-and-pull for zoom control. There’s also a 3-Axis motion sensor for gaming. Flip it over and you’ll find a backlit QWERTY keyboard that makes it easy to type at night. And don’t worry, it knows which way is facing up so you won’t accidentally hit keys on the other side.

A real web experience for your TV
Experience your favorite websites on a grand scale with the built-in Google Chrome™ browser that is built for speed, simplicity and efficiency. And because it features a Flash Media Player, Flash-based video sites open doors to endless video content and engaging interactivity. Auto updates ensure added security.

Socialife™ while watching TV
Facebook® and Twitter™ posts are all in one place on your TV. The Socialife app also optimizes viewing of photo and video posts for TV-sized screens.

TV & Movies App
The cable guide has evolved?again – The TV & Movies App is the easiest way to find and watch the best entertainment available. Browse everything that’s playing right now, whether it’s on live TV or available through online services like Netflix®. You’ll quickly find your favorite TV shows and movies, And also get customized recommendations to explore new shows.

Goodbye wires, hello Wi-Fi®
No network cables necessary. Maximize your entertainment while reducing cable clutter and wirelessly stream beautiful, HD video straight from the internet or your home network. Or you can use a wired connection if you choose. It’s all seamless, and it’s all built-in.

Automatic updates
Technology moves fast, and you want to stay up to date. That’s why the Internet Player features automatic updates that keep your software current. When new features are added or existing ones are tweaked, you’ll get an on-screen notification to get the latest update with one touch.

Beyond Sony Entertainment
Welcome to the endless entertainment of the Sony Entertainment Network, where the Video and Music Unlimited services offer thousands of movies and music tracks from every major studio in an instant.

Control your TV with your phone
Transform your iPhone®, Android™ phone or tablet into a versatile remote control with a full QWERTY keyboard. Just download the free Media Remote™ app if you’re looking for one less remote on the coffee table. The app also lets you send web pages from your phone to your TV to view on the Chrome™ Browser.

Picture-in-picture perfect
Surf the web, watch TV, or do both at the same time. Follow your fantasy teams online while you watch the games live, or update your Facebook® status while viewing a movie. You can even resize the box and move it to any corner.

Webpages load quickly
Webpages, videos and apps load quickly with the power of a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor.

3 digital movie purchases included
Start your digital movie collection today with up to $45 in feature films on Google Play. Use the redemption codes inside to add 3 movies to your Google Play™ movie library. You can watch your movies unlimited times with Google TV™ and anywhere else you can access Google Play on the web. Select your 3 choices from the 15 available movies. Full offer details at www.sony.com/PlayMovieOffer.

Sony Internet Player with Google TV (NSZ-GS7) Specifications (via http://store.sony.com/p/NSZ-GS7/en/p/NSZGS7#specifications)

Audio Feature

Decodability
Dolby(R) : Dolby Digital Plus
HDMI Audio Out
Dolby Digital Plus bit-stream : Yes
Dolby Digital bit-stream : Yes
Dolby digital to 5.1ch LPCM : Yes
Dolby downmix to 2ch LPCM : Yes
LPCM 2ch out : Yes (Up to 192kHz)
LPCM 6ch out : Yes (Up to 192kHz)
LPCM 8ch out : Yes (Up to 96kHz)
Coaxial, Optical
Dolby Digital bit-stream out : Yes
LPCM 2ch (~96kHz/~24bit) out : Yes (~48kHz/~24bit)

Network Features

Web Browser
Download : Yes
Flash : Yes
Java : Yes
Search : Yes
Streaming : Yes
Web Browser : Yes(Google Chrome)

Sony Entertainment Network
Video/Music services : Yes

Wi-fi
Wi-Fi Built in : Yes (2.4GHz)

Media Playback Features

Video
P lay/Stop/Pause : Yes
Prev/Next : Yes
REV/FWD : Yes
Repeat : Yes (All/1title)

Music
PREV/NEXT : Yes
Play/Stop/Pause : Yes
REV/FWD : Yes
Repeat : Yes (All/1title)

Photo
Play/Stop/Pause : Yes
Rotation : Yes
Slide Show Playback : Yes

General

FW Update
Network : Yes

Convenience Features
2nd Display (Media Remote)
Device : Yes (iPhone, Android)
Help : Yes
Media Remote : Yes (over ver2.3)
Remote Control : Yes

Video Features

Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction : Yes

3D
Photo : Yes (firmware update)
Streaming : Yes
Video (from camcorder) : Yes (HDMI)

Built-in Devices
Wireless LAN : 802.11/b/g/n (Single Band)

General Features
Internal Local storage : 8GB
Startup Screen : Yes

Inputs and Outputs
Ethernet Connection(s) : 100BASE-TX
HDMI Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
Optical Audio Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
USB Input(s) : 2 (Rear)

Language
Onscreen Keyboard : Yes
Measurements (Approx.)
Dimension (W x H x D) : 8 x 1.3 x 5.1 in (204 x 35 x 130mm)
Package Carton (W x H x D) : 11.8 x 9.4 x 9 in (300 x 240 x 230mm)

Power Management
Energy Star Compliant : Yes
Quick Power On (Quick Start) : Yes

Power
Power Code Type : US
Power Consumption (in Operation) : 21W
Power Consumption (in Standby) : Less than 0.5W
Power Frequency : 60Hz
Power Voltage : AC 120V

Supplied Accessories
Batteries : AA Batteries (2)
Handbook : Yes
Instruction Manual : Yes
Instruction Manual Language : English
Quick Setup Guide : Yes
Reference Guide : Yes
Remote Control : NSG-MR5U
Warranty Card : Yes

Remote Control
Transmission method : Bluetooth
Weights (Approx.)
Unit : 1.3 lbs. (0.6kg)

Settings
Initial Setup : Yes
Input Device Setting : Yes
Multiple Language Display : Yes
Static IP Setting : Yes
WiFi Settings (WPS) : Yes
Initial Setup : Yes
Multiple Language Display : Yes
Wifi Settings (WPS) : Yes

Supported Media

Video
3gpp/H264 : Yes (*.3gp, *.3g2)
3gpp/H264 -AVC : Yes (*.3gp, *.3g2)
3gpp/MPEG4-SP : Yes (*.3gp9)
AVI/H.264 : Yes (*.avi)
AVI/MPEG4 SP : Yes (*.avi)
MKV/H.264 : Yes (*.mkv)(TrueHD/DTS audio are not supported)
MOV : Yes (*.mov)
MPEG2 Video/PS : Yes (*.mpg/*.mpe/* .mpeg)
MPEG2 Video/TS : Yes (*.m2t/*.mts/*.m2ts)
MPEG4- AAC-LC/LTP : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4a)
MPEG4-AAC : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4a9
MPEG4-HE-AACv1/v2 : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4a)
MPEG4/H.263 : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4v/*.mov/*.qt)
MPEG4/H.264 AVC : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4v/*.mov/*.qt)
MPEG4/MPEG4-SP : Yes (*.mp4/*.m4v/*.mov/*.qt)
WMV/WMV10 : Yes (*.wmv/*.asf)
Xvid : Yes (*.avi)

Music
3gpp (AAC LC/LTP) : Yes (*.3gp/*.3gpp)
3gpp (HE-AACv1/v2) : Yes (*.3gp/*.3gpp)
AAC LC/LTP : Yes (*.3gp/*.m4a/*.mp4)
AAC-LC : Yes (*.3gp/*.m4a/*.mp4)
AC3/DD : Yes (*.mp4/*.mts)
HE-AACv1/v2 : Yes (*.3gp/*.m4a/*.mp4)
LPCM/WAV : Yes (*.wav)
MDI : Yes (*.mid/*.xmf/*.mxmf/*.rttl/*.rtx/*.ota/*.imy)
MP3 : Yes (*.mp3)
WMA : Yes (*.asf/*.wma)

Photo
3D Sweep Panorama (by Sony) : Yes
Bitmap : Yes (*.bmp/*.dib)
GIF : Yes (*.gif)
JPEG : Yes (*.jpg/*.jpe/*.jpeg)
MPO : Yes
PNG : Yes (*.png)
Sweep Panorama (by Sony) : Yes

USB Storage
Digital Still/Video Camera : Yes
Flash Memory (FAT32) : Yes (Read/Write)
Flash Memory (NTFS) : Yes (Read)
HDD (FAT32) : Yes (Read/Write)
HDD (NTFS) : Yes (Read)
Others : PSP
Supported File System : FAT32/NTFS