SONY SMP-N200 Smart Streaming Player

Pros: this player plays 99 percent of what I toss at it- the wifi built is is a cool feature as well as I have two networks in my house and I can hook up to the secondary one without running a wire to it

Cons: the remote is a little small

Other Thoughts: the remote is kind of small but I never use any remotes that come with the items I buy-I use a Logitech universal remote programmed it in it and put the orginal remote up elsewhere

the thing about the Logitech remote is that it installed over the internet the functions of the original remote to it and no need to worry about looking for another remote--for it ever

Pros: On paper, the player has many features

Cons: Sony wants $50 to replace the very cheaply made remote. Pure profiteering. There is an iPhone/Android app to control the device but It can't be used to power it on, and of course there is no power button on the box itself. This box may sound like a deal, but if you love the remote you'll end up spending more than if you had just bought a higher quality device to begin with.

Pros: Cheap. Wifi, DLNA
I bought it to play Netflix but now I am also using for the DLNA to play my music from Windows, Linux (mediatomb). I hesitated to buy the Rocku but this was one was on sale, and with the WIFI and HD it was cheaper.
I really like it is that I used it everyday and my opinion has not changed since I bought it.
(you can stream in 3D, but I never tried it).

Cons: not a big fan of the remote but it is functional.
Wifi connection sometimes weak not sure why but still working. See below.

Other Thoughts: If the device shows that the signal is weak (e.g. in Netflix). Go to Network setting, test connection, stay on the screen where it gives live statistics and move the device until you see the % increasing. This is the way, I found the right spot. It changed from 30% signal to 55% strength.

Pros: Plex, NAS, You Tube, Pandora.

Cons: The Netflix movie icons/descriptions could be a bit larger but other than that, no complaints at all.

Pros: Wired and Wireless connectioin works well. Netflix and AmPrime video worked fine. Small form factor.

Cons: I returned my SMP-N200 and bought a Blu ray player instead, mostly because DLNA didn't work well.


I got better DLNA and Netflix and AmPrime streaming performance in general from my Plasma TV, home theater amp, and DVD players, each of which could be used for DLNA separately. If you don't know what DLNA is, you should find out - it makes media streaming in your house very easy - no passwords or difficult network configuration, etc. Different manufacturers have unique names for their implementations of DLNA, but they all meet the same industry standard. (Except maybe this box). I have a desktop computer with Windows 7 Media Center & a dual-tuner card from Hauppauge, which works great. I can stream audio, video, recorded TV and pictures to any computer or DLNA compatible device in my house. It's like having a free multi-room DVR.

Other Thoughts: Some Media Center recorded TV files would play, but not fast-forward or reverse, while the rest would not play at all. Forget skipping commercials then. I just couldn't get the TV media to play. So I returned it and got another Panasonic Blu-Ray DVD player that does everything this does, much better, and also plays 3D DVDs, if I ever upgrade my cheap flat panel. The new DVD player now does double duty as a media streamer and DVD in half the space (and probably less power) than the old DVD/VCR + this Sony box. And Yes, I did update the firmware.

Don't bother looking elsewhere for a streaming box to play Windows recorded TV, either. I am pretty sure the Western Digital and others don't even pretend to handle DLNA recorded TV. I know a DVD player with DLNA is a little more expensive, but it's not worth the hassle. Also, there are better controls on the DVD player remote.

BTW, connect all streaming devices with ethernet cables if possible, to eliminate wireless bottlenec

Pros: Hooks up to a old tv.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: Might be a little difficult to set up for some.

Pros: Great picture, good screen information, internet speed etc.

Cons: Remote is ridiculously weak. You must be dead center in front of unit and then often you must press your command several times. No surprise as it runs on a miniature battery. No picture frame preview or review like Roku has, that allows you to simulate FF or rewinding streaming Netflix video.

Other Thoughts: Could have been a great unit, but almost too annoying to use. This will go to the TV in the guest bedroom. I'll buy another Roku next time.

Pros: ~HDMI & Standard hook ups
~Ethernet & Wifi
~Sleek looking design
~Picture quality is very good.

Cons: ~Lack of apps
~NO MLB.tv APP and Sony is not sure of when they will if ever (but PS3 has the app).
~Remote is quirky, directly in front of the device works. My dog gets between it does not work.
~Not very feature rich.

Other Thoughts: I do like the picture quality while watching Netflix or Hulu+. It does perform well in that (why this is getting 3 stars not less). Biggest con is that it did not come with the MLB.tv app and Sony's customer service was lacking when trying to talk to them. If the Playstation 3 can use this app all their internet ready devices should be able to. I am going to go with the Roku 2 XS, $20 more but has a lot more apps including MLB.tv and a few more for sports (NHL, NBA, etc). For me the SMP-N200 is not the device I am looking for. Maybe for others it might be, just giving my review for it. I did not get this from the egg, got it from a local brick & mortar store.

Pros: Plays just about every file I've thrown at it except ISO....maybe a future update will correct that.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: for the guy with the Divx problem....the latest firmware update corrects that problem. The unit will indeed play Divx file. For the guy about Hulu standard...I have not found any box that will stream Hulu basic.

Pros: Mostly the same features of the SMP-N100.

Cons: Will not play any of my divx (.avi extention) movie files, that I have spent hours and hours ripping from dvd. They played without problem on my SMP-N100, which I love. I needed another player for another room. I liked that this newer model has a web browser, so I figured I would go for the updated model, not thinking that the functionality would take a step back. Apparently the N200 will not play divx files.

Other Thoughts: I'm hoping Newegg will take this back.