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Sony NSZ-GS7 Network Media Player - Page 3

post #61 of 107
12/1/12 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fido2 View Post

I hate to revive a dead/dying thread but...
Now that this unit has been out for a decent amount of time. Can anyone explain what its pro's and cons are?
My current set up has me playing all my PC content via PS3 media server. While it is sufficient for my needs, it certainly isn't the best. I own a phat ps3 so i don't have lossless audio, nor am i able to play mkv files (at least the way i have it set up). Is this unit good with hulu/netflix/amazon prime (using a vpn i would assume).
Ive read quite a few bad reviews, but would like some opinions from those a little more educated on the subject.
Thank you
- Fido

Pros: silent, excellent remote, quality hardware, excellent Plex client, support for a wide range of codecs, many DLNA clients, direct SMB playback using a variety of apps, Netflix, browser, great picture, HDMI passthrough.

Cons: not as appealing if not using Plex, not for the PCH or Dune crowd ( no iso playback, less advanced audio support), Google TV as a platform seems adrift.

Philip
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post #62 of 107
12/2/12 at 6:43am
Check the serial number. If you get one with a number before 1063409 there is a hardware problem and Sony will replace it with a newer unit. Too many PIA issues with it to keep. I took mine back to the local Tiger store where I bought it, BTW they're on sale this week. Nice remote though.

Wifey went with an Apple TV3 for the kitchen, and I picked up a WD TV Live for the bedroom.
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post #63 of 107
12/2/12 at 3:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fido2 View Post

I hate to revive a dead/dying thread but...
Now that this unit has been out for a decent amount of time. Can anyone explain what its pro's and cons are?
My current set up has me playing all my PC content via PS3 media server. While it is sufficient for my needs, it certainly isn't the best. I own a phat ps3 so i don't have lossless audio, nor am i able to play mkv files (at least the way i have it set up). Is this unit good with hulu/netflix/amazon prime (using a vpn i would assume).
Ive read quite a few bad reviews, but would like some opinions from those a little more educated on the subject.
Thank you
- Fido

Buy a Sony BDP-s390 over this junk. The Sony Google Tv along with all the other Google Tvs is a hobbiest box with owners willing to spend time troubleshooting and fiddling with the thing. It's streaming abilities for the popular services are poor in comparison to dedicated streamers and Sony Bluray players. It's DLNA abilities are no different or better than a Sony bluray player.

It will be dead within the year.
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post #64 of 107
12/3/12 at 5:26am
@apw2607 seeing as Sony BD players are infected with Cinavia DRM I see that as jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. If your using DLNA you want to avoid Cinavia devices at all costs.

pmcd's description is accurate, it looks like there are some more GoogleTV devices in the works, hopefully Google is making more of a push.
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post #65 of 107
12/3/12 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by apw2607 View Post

Buy a Sony BDP-s390 over this junk. The Sony Google Tv along with all the other Google Tvs is a hobbiest box with owners willing to spend time troubleshooting and fiddling with the thing. It's streaming abilities for the popular services are poor in comparison to dedicated streamers and Sony Bluray players. It's DLNA abilities are no different or better than a Sony bluray player.
It will be dead within the year.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Ive read many subpar reviews about the box, but wasn't really sure until I found out from the experts here. My focus is now on a mede8er.

Thanks again.
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post #66 of 107
12/3/12 at 1:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmcd View Post

Pros: silent, excellent remote, quality hardware, excellent Plex client, support for a wide range of codecs, many DLNA clients, direct SMB playback using a variety of apps, Netflix, browser, great picture, HDMI passthrough.
Cons: not as appealing if not using Plex, not for the PCH or Dune crowd ( no iso playback, less advanced audio support), Google TV as a platform seems adrift.
Philip
Which are the good apps for DLNA or SMB?
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post #67 of 107
12/3/12 at 3:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dauphin99 View Post

Which are the good apps for DLNA or SMB?

I think the must have apps for the Sony player are Plex (free), GTVBox (this will give you playback via smb), AirTight ( gives you excellent AirPlay support from iDevices - no mirroring though). AS for DLNA you can try a free version of aVia Media Player ( ad supported) and get rid of the ads for a small price. I have a hard time using good and DLNA in the same sentence but aVia does work well for me using the Plex Server ( which doubles as a DLNA server).



philip
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post #68 of 107
12/3/12 at 8:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mndwgz View Post

Check the serial number. If you get one with a number before 1063409 there is a hardware problem and Sony will replace it with a newer unit. Too many PIA issues with it to keep. I took mine back to the local Tiger store where I bought it, BTW they're on sale this week. Nice remote though.
Wifey went with an Apple TV3 for the kitchen, and I picked up a WD TV Live for the bedroom.

What is this hardware problem?
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post #69 of 107
12/3/12 at 9:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alx330 View Post

@apw2607 seeing as Sony BD players are infected with Cinavia DRM I see that as jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. If your using DLNA you want to avoid Cinavia devices at all costs.
pmcd's description is accurate, it looks like there are some more GoogleTV devices in the works, hopefully Google is making more of a push.

Lots of confusion. No cinavia on any Sony bd player when using DLNA.
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post #70 of 107
12/4/12 at 4:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by qz3fwd View Post

What is this hardware problem?

They didn't exactly say, just a problem that couldn't be fixed with firmware, and hardware related. I phoned their 800 number, they gave me a Ft. Myers FL number, asked for the serial number, gave me that range of numbers, told me they would send me a newer one and return mine to them prepaid, I surfed around a bit and and decided to take mine back. I cancelled the one they were sending and it showed up two days later, so stuck the return label on it and gone. I figured the AppleTV would be better for Wifey and she's happy. The A-TV and WD TV were the same cash as the Sony.
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post #71 of 107
12/19/12 at 6:12pm
Guys,

I bought this recently and I have a couple quick questions on how to use it.

1) Am I missing something or is there not a “stop” button? If I’m watching something on the DVR how do I stop it? I see play, pause, but no stop.

2) Is there a return/previous channel button so I can return to the channel I was watching previously?

3) Is there a button I can press to start recording or do I have to go to the menu and click till I get to it?

4) When you have the PIP on is there a way you can toggle between what is on the main screen and in the small icon by a touch of a button?

Thank you for the help.
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post #72 of 107
12/21/12 at 8:24pm
I just received the Sony NSZ-GS7 tonight for an early Christmas Gift. I'm mainly going to be using the browser and Netflix more than anything else. I'm still a little new on how it exactly works aside from the apps. I was told I can hook it up with my Directv genie. Does it actually work like that and how does it work exactly? Another question: My Directv box (genie) does not have an optical port but the NSZ-GS7 does. Sound is pretty bad on movies on directv without my samsung soundbar. This might be a dumb question but if I hook the NSZ-GS7 through my directv box would I be able to use sound (optical) for Directv? Thanks in advance.
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post #73 of 107
12/21/12 at 11:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

...if I hook the NSZ-GS7 through my directv box would I be able to use sound (optical) for Directv? Thanks in advance.

Yes.

HH smile.gif
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post #74 of 107
12/22/12 at 11:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

Yes.
HH smile.gif

Cool. Thanks for the info. Sorry if my post was a little winded.
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post #75 of 107
12/22/12 at 11:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

Yes.
HH smile.gif

Cool. Thanks for the info. Sorry if my post was a little winded.

not @ all cool.gif

Just make sure Sony’s “optical-out” settings are set accordingly – here.
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post #76 of 107
12/25/12 at 9:51am
i have the gs7 hooked to directv but i can't get the picture in picture to work correctly. what exactly does the ir blaster do? there's an ir port on the back of directv as well as the gs7. the gs7 remote works fine with directv but cannot get it to function at all with my television. i've tried doing the setup with the tv but all it le enter is the manufacurer name (samsung) and the model # list certainly doesn't match what i have.
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post #77 of 107
12/25/12 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

i have the gs7 hooked to directv but i can't get the picture in picture to work correctly. what exactly does the ir blaster do? there's an ir port on the back of directv as well as the gs7. the gs7 remote works fine with directv but cannot get it to function at all with my television. i've tried doing the setup with the tv but all it le enter is the manufacurer name (samsung) and the model # list certainly doesn't match what i have.

i figured out the ir blaster/tv volume.
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post #78 of 107
12/26/12 at 2:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

i have the gs7 hooked to directv but i can't get the picture in picture to work correctly. what exactly does the ir blaster do? there's an ir port on the back of directv as well as the gs7. the gs7 remote works fine with directv but cannot get it to function at all with my television. i've tried doing the setup with the tv but all it le enter is the manufacurer name (samsung) and the model # list certainly doesn't match what i have.

i figured out the ir blaster/tv volume.

Good.

GS7 IR blaster info - here.

Btw, most Samsung TVs models support same IR codes (e.g., volume, power, hdmi-inputs, etc.) so, no need for exact model matching.
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post #79 of 107
12/26/12 at 10:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

Good.
GS7 IR blaster info - here.
Btw, most Samsung TVs models support same IR codes (e.g., volume, power, hdmi-inputs, etc.) so, no need for exact model matching.

I hooked the IR Blaster up so my tv's IR Sensor could see it. Everything's good in that dept. As far as the PIP, I think I figured that out as well. It would never work for me while I was in the Sony GS7 but if I'm watching Directv and I press the PIP Button it works. I did notice something that was a little odd though. I was trying to watch Jurassic Park last night on Directv (Recorded Show) and a msg came up that said "You're unable to watch this program due to your HDMI Settings. Try Component Cables." I've never had that issue with Directv before nor do I have any of the Parental Locks on. Basically, if the GS7 is on I can't watch anything in Recorded Shows List (Directv) that isn't rated G or PG. The msg looked like it was from directv but when I turned the Sony GS7 off Jurassic Park worked fine. Anyone know what's going on with that? I looked in the GS7 Settings and couldn't figure out what was blocking that show or any other "R" Rated and beyond show, from working.
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post #80 of 107
12/26/12 at 5:53pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

Good.
GS7 IR blaster info - here.
Btw, most Samsung TVs models support same IR codes (e.g., volume, power, hdmi-inputs, etc.) so, no need for exact model matching.

I hooked the IR Blaster up so my tv's IR Sensor could see it. Everything's good in that dept. As far as the PIP, I think I figured that out as well. It would never work for me while I was in the Sony GS7 but if I'm watching Directv and I press the PIP Button it works. I did notice something that was a little odd though. I was trying to watch Jurassic Park last night on Directv (Recorded Show) and a msg came up that said "You're unable to watch this program due to your HDMI Settings. Try Component Cables." I've never had that issue with Directv before nor do I have any of the Parental Locks on. Basically, if the GS7 is on I can't watch anything in Recorded Shows List (Directv) that isn't rated G or PG. The msg looked like it was from directv but when I turned the Sony GS7 off Jurassic Park worked fine. Anyone know what's going on with that? I looked in the GS7 Settings and couldn't figure out what was blocking that show or any other "R" Rated and beyond show, from working.

Give these a try,

- Set “Quick start” to “On” - From Settings > Unit settings > Eco
- Set “Control for HDMI” to “Off” - From Settings > Unit settings > HDMI settings > Control for HDMI: OFF
- “Advanced video setting” to “Mode2” - From Settings > Unit settings > Advanced video setting > Mode2

- Set your TV “Control for HDMI” to “Off” (e.g., Sony [Control for HDMI], Samsung [AnyNet+], Panasonic [VIERA Link], [RIHD], etc.)
- Then reboot TV, STB & GS7.


If not,

Try to replace the (two) HDMI cables with "High-Speed HDMI Cables" - here.



Good luck smile.gif
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post #81 of 107
12/26/12 at 8:21pm
I just got mine. I feel like it's shifted the color settings/black level from my Cable box. The picture looks hot, overly bright, contrast way off, and the sharpness isn't where it should be.

The chain I have is:

Sci Atl 8300 HD DVR -> Sony NSZ-GS7 -> Denon 2112 -> JVC RS1

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have the cable box set up to output AUTO.

R-S
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post #82 of 107
12/26/12 at 8:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by raoul View Post

I just got mine. I feel like it's shifted the color settings/black level from my Cable box. The picture looks hot, overly bright, contrast way off, and the sharpness isn't where it should be.

The chain I have is:

Sci Atl 8300 HD DVR -> Sony NSZ-GS7 -> Denon 2112 -> JVC RS1

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have the cable box set up to output AUTO.

R-S

Give these a try,

- Change GS7 video settings from “Auto” to 720p - From Home Screen > Settings > Picture&sound > Resolution > 720p
- Set “Control for HDMI” to “Off” - From Settings > Unit settings > HDMI settings > Control for HDMI: OFF
- Set “Quick start” to “On” - From Settings > Unit settings > Eco
- Set the STB to 720p
- Then reboot TV, STB & GS7.


If not,

Try this,
- “Advanced video setting” to “Mode2” - From Settings > Unit settings > Advanced video setting > Mode2.
- Then reboot TV, STB & GS7.


If not,

Try to replace the (three) HDMI cables with High-Speed HDMI Cables - here


Good luck smile.gif
Edited by avf5 - 12/26/12 at 8:59pm
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post #83 of 107
12/27/12 at 8:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

Give these a try,
- Set “Quick start” to “On” - From Settings > Unit settings > Eco
- Set “Control for HDMI” to “Off” - From Settings > Unit settings > HDMI settings > Control for HDMI: OFF
- “Advanced video setting” to “Mode2” - From Settings > Unit settings > Advanced video setting > Mode2
- Set your TV “Control for HDMI” to “Off” (e.g., Sony [Control for HDMI], Samsung [AnyNet+], Panasonic [VIERA Link], [RIHD], etc.)
- Then reboot TV, STB & GS7.
If not,
Try to replace the (two) HDMI cables with "High-Speed HDMI Cables" - here.
Good luck smile.gif

i'll give those a try but what exactly are those settings doing? also, the sound with my optical soundbar sounds really good on regular tv like it does with bluray movies on ps3 (bitstream direct) but netflix sounds like it's pcm.
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post #84 of 107
12/27/12 at 9:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

... but netflix sounds like it's pcm.

GS7 audio from Netflix App - over Optical - here
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post #85 of 107
12/27/12 at 10:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avf5 View Post

GS7 audio from Netflix App - over Optical - here

I have those settings applied already. On second thought it could've just been the program, "That '70's Show." It did, however, say it was 5.1. Thanks for all the info.
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post #86 of 107
12/27/12 at 7:40pm
Yeah, that didn't work. The colors have changed although switching to 720p did disable the unit from upscaling which is nice.
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post #87 of 107
12/27/12 at 11:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by raoul View Post

Yeah, that didn't work. The colors have changed although switching to 720p did disable the unit from upscaling which is nice.

That could be your DVR (Sci Atl 8300 HD DVR) hdmi chain issue.

Try different connection w/optical in the mix.

DVR > hdmi > Denon > hdmi > Sony GS7 > hdmi > TV .......... (for video)

Sony GS7 > Optical > Denon ………. (for audio)

&/ or

DVR > Optical > Denon ………. (for audio)


If not,

Try to replace the (three) HDMI cables with "High-Speed HDMI Cables" - here


HH smile.gif
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post #88 of 107
12/28/12 at 10:29am
I wish I knew which color space each one puts out. DVR is it RGB or Y:4:4:4 and what about the sony box and the reciever?
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post #89 of 107
12/28/12 at 11:01am
After having the GS7 for about a week I'm not that impressed overall. However, there are some nice qualities that I couldn't get out of a Roku or Boxee. My youngest son (13 mos) broke our laptop so the full browser is nice. I have a Samsung soundbar w/ active sub (optical) that is great but my new Directv Genie only has a digital audio port so the optical audio passthrough is nice and sounds just as good as watching a blu-ray movie. Obviously the "Google" part of the GS7 is the rip-off. Hopefully it gets updated. I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not but it seems like my Directv programming is not as crisp in the passthrough of the GS7. I've also started to notice what seems like a "Dirty Screen Effect" but it moves with the motion of the characters and moving objects so it's not "DSE." I've had my Directv set to 1080i only but the GS7 has Directv at 1080p @ 60. Could that be why it looks a little off? I have since changed the resolution to only 1080p on Directv to no avail. Anyone else have similar issues/concerns?
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post #90 of 107
12/29/12 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin Sullins View Post

After having the GS7 for about a week I'm not that impressed overall. However, there are some nice qualities that I couldn't get out of a Roku or Boxee. My youngest son (13 mos) broke our laptop so the full browser is nice. I have a Samsung soundbar w/ active sub (optical) that is great but my new Directv Genie only has a digital audio port so the optical audio passthrough is nice and sounds just as good as watching a blu-ray movie. Obviously the "Google" part of the GS7 is the rip-off. Hopefully it gets updated. I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not but it seems like my Directv programming is not as crisp in the passthrough of the GS7. I've also started to notice what seems like a "Dirty Screen Effect" but it moves with the motion of the characters and moving objects so it's not "DSE." I've had my Directv set to 1080i only but the GS7 has Directv at 1080p @ 60. Could that be why it looks a little off? I have since changed the resolution to only 1080p on Directv to no avail. Anyone else have similar issues/concerns?

No. I used it with a tivo which can output 1080i and through the gs7 up scaling to 1080p I think the overall picture looked better.

After finally getting it to work with tivo (bit of a hassle to setup), I have to say the prime time app overlayed with live tv is really nice.

The biggest problem with gs7 and other google tv boxes is a serious lack of apps and native apps for the popular services. The quality of the apps in the play store is appalling and mostly are complete junk.

Where it shines is its integration with live tv. If you had only a nasty cable box, the google tv is well worth it, but with tivo I really questioned is usefulness. Lack of apps made it go back in the end. If they start adding good native apps for the popular services then I would return to the platform.
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