Sony VGX-TP25E Home Theater PC

rating: 3.12

Sony VGX-TP25E Home Theater PC

The VAIO VGX-TP25E/B Home Theater PC Computer from Sony is a powerful computer, designed for use as part of a home theater system. It features a unique cylindrical design, sure to complement any decor. Designed for home theater integration, the VAIO can easily be connected to a high-definition television via its HDMI video output. It also features an ATSC/NTSC TV tuner, allowing you to use it as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A wireless keyboard is included, allowing you to operate the computer from the comfort of an armchair or couch.

The VAIO VGX-TP25E/B Home Theater PC Computer from Sony is a powerful computer, designed for use as part of a home theater system. It features a unique cylindrical design, sure to complement any decor.
The system is powered by a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100 CPU and boasts 4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive capacity, a Blu-ray ROM drive that can burn DVDs, an ATSC/NTSC TV tuner, and nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT graphics. Windows Vista Home Premium is the platform that ties all this hardware and software together.
Performance
Processor 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8100 Cache L2: 3MB System Bus 800MHz Memory Slots: 2
Type: 667MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
Installed: 4GB (2x2GB) SO-DIMMs
Capacity: 4GB
Configuration: One of the following in pairs;128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB SO-DIMMs Graphics Display nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT with 256MB dedicated and 1535MB Total Available Graphics Memory Storage and Expansion Hard Drive Fixed Bays: 1x 3.5-inch
Hot-Swappable Bays: None
Installed: 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
Supported: 1x SATA Hard Drive
Type: SATA Optical Drive 1x Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD Burning
Reads
Blu-ray: 2x
BD-R DL: 1.6x
DVD: 8x
DVD-RAM: 5x
CD: 24x
Writes
DVD-R: 8x
DVD-RW: 4x
DVD-R DL: 2x
DVD+R: 8x
DVD+RW: 4x
DVD+R DL: 2.4x
DVD-RAM: 5x
CD-R: 24x
CD-RW: 16x Bay Expansion None PCI Expansion 1x PCI Express x16 slot (Occupieed) Input/Output Ports 4x USB 2.0
1x 4-Pin FireWire-400 Display 1x HDMI
1x VGA Storage None Audio 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone
1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Microphone Video 1x VHF/UHF Input Flash Media Slot 1x Memory Stick PRO/Memory Stick Duo
1x Secure Digital (SD) Communications Wired 1x 10/100Mbps Ethernet Wireless Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
Bluetooth: None General Operating System Windows Vista Home Premium Internet Access None Electrical Requirements AC: 100-240VAC
Consumption: 150W +10% Environmental Requirements Not Specified by Manufacturer Dimensions (WxHxD) 16.9 x 5.1 x 15.75" (43 x 12.9 x 40cm) Weight 3.5 lb (1.6kg)

Sony VGX-TP25E Home Theater PC user reviews

"The good news. The compact, hockey puck design is back (in black) for the TP25E. It got us weird looks in the office, but for leisure areas the styling was spot on. A grab bag of home theater goodies make cameos as well, like an integrated Blu-ray drive, a wireless keyboard with trackpad and two bundled ATI CableCard tuners. Regular PC conventions like USB, FireWire and memory card ports can be accessed from a hidden panel on the front of the system. Meanwhile, HDMI, VGA and optical out are all accessible through a rear panel. The setup process is clean, easy and oozes elitist style.The Nvidia GPU makes sense, especially given this unit's ratio of performance to size. But the 4 GB of DDR2 SDRAM? On an already expensive niche rig like this it just seemed unnecessary given that comparable (and cheaper) HTPCs do fine with 2 GB."

--- Danny Dumas rated: 3

"What if Sony sold a computer it didn't expect anybody to buy? Well, maybe "not just anybody," but certainly not most of us. At a time when upscale electronics vendor The Sharper Image has filed for bankruptcy, Sony is targeting its very upscale VAIO VGX-TP25E/B entertainment computer system at a customer base it hopes has plenty of disposable cash.
Perhaps surprisingly, we can't fault the TP25 for being what it is, considering its intended market. Flip open your wallet, swipe your credit card, walk away and have someone else install the system and the CableCard service you'll need—you end up with a very chi-chi computer that will fit the décor of the most stylish home while still having a practical function as performance art on demand. After all, if you've got it, flaunt it!"

--- Bill O'Brien rated: 3

"Pros: Looks good, performs well, allows for HD premium channel viewing and recording. What more can you ask for?
Cons: Price is a little steep, but worth it
Summary: I agree that Sony has overpriced this unit, but to accuse them of price gouging is a little dramatic. Included with the VGX-TP25E Home Theater PC, are duel CABLECARD readers that when configured properly, allow the viewing and recording of HD premium cable channels on a home theater PC. This in a nutshell is what you’re paying for, and I don’t mind paying a little extra to be the first guy on my block to accomplish this. The CABLECARD tuners are expensive, at $299 a piece, so when added to the total package, the $3000 price tag isn’t that extreme.
Along with some high-end hardware and useful software, the VGX-TP25E is just plain SEXY. If this puppy can’t get you a date, nothing will.
Enjoy! "

--- fam8541 rated: 4

"I just got mine. This PC does what is supposed to. Have not tested the external Video cards yet. However, this checks out for all else. Did not have any trouble connecting to my hi-def TV. It started and got set up like other Vista PCs I have bought. It is very quiet - that is a welcome change from another media center that I had assembled 5 years ago.
The ATI external cards come with warning that they run hot! To me that says why these are external. With so much heat being generated internally in a cute design that Sony put out - would have made for a noisy PC because of cooling fans. My old one was noisy for this very reason. A living room PC used primarily for playing media can not run noisy.
Only competing PC in this price range is made by Velocity Micro. That will cost more than $2000 for equivalent configuration. Other custom PCs that go into entertainment rack are more expensive.. I think that overall this is a good buy for living room PC to store and play all the media.
Only fiddle factor that I ran into is - the connecting screw for WIFI is opposite of what we are used to and I just could not connect that till I figured it out.
"

--- S. Kumar rated: 4

$1,799.99@Sony Style

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