Three New Ways to Sling TV Anywhere
Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:08PM EDT
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Slingbox, the brick-like, set-top box that sends TV programs from home TVs across the Internet to nearby and farflung computers, has some offspring to take TV anywhere to the next level.
Slingmedia introduced three new versions this week to better fit different TV setups in homes.
• The Tuner: An analog tuner for basic cable TV. ($180) It's smaller than the original Slingbox Classic, and comes with a built-in TV tuner, an Ethernet port and two coaxial inputs.
• AV: No TV tuner, but it connects to a system with DirecTV, Dish Network, a TiVo, or other DVR box. ($180)
• Pro: A tuner for homes with more complex home systems. It connects to and can control multiple video devices, and it has a high-definition port for HDTV boxes. ($250) But an extra $50 HD connector, available this fall, will be needed to run HD signals through the Pro.
So why the different versions? As Zatz reports, it's Slingmedia's attempt to better match the different ways people watch TV with improved hardware that offers a higher resolution (up to 640x480) at faster speeds.
The multiple options may be confusing if you've heard of Slingbox but haven't been sure it will work for your setup. Check out what's needed for each Slingbox version on this tech specifications page.
If you've been on the fence and want to give Slingbox a try, Zatz wisely says to watch for more prices drops (it already has dropped a bit) on the original Slingbox as the holidays approach.
And if you've been using Slingbox, let us know how it's working and how it's made a difference in your viewing lives. If you'll be upgrading or signing on to TV anywhere with any of these new models, let us know that, too.
Comments on Three New Ways to Sling TV Anywhere
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2 Posted by fritzr_gc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:03PM EDT Report Abuse
Read the tech sheet & you'll see that the major diff is that Slingbox takes TV or other video device and puts the signal on ethernet ... So if you have a Slingbox tied to a UK cable box you can watch BBC & ITV in Australia if you like (Broadband required on both ends) More mundane is that you do not need to replace your video card if the card you prefer doesn't support your A/V system. Tuner card still has advantages if you're after HDTV at 1080ni, but Slingbox will likely catch up with that in the next year or two Gives a whole new meaning to the term Cable TV :)
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3 Posted by keybowvio on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:50PM EDT Report Abuse
so, the main advantage, is that you can watch tv from around the world, live? I think I get it. thanks
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4 Posted by edong546 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:52PM EDT Report Abuse
I can only agree with Keybowvio (Tue.Oct 3,2006 3:43PM EDT).I am using a PVR that connects to the USB,you get TV channels,FM radio,A/V input and the option to record any of it,comes in the size of a cgaret pack,..thats it.
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5 Posted by edong546 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:52PM EDT Report Abuse
I can only agree with Keybowvio (Tue.Oct 3,2006 3:43PM EDT).I am using a PVR that connects to the USB,you get TV channels,FM radio,A/V input and the option to record any of it,comes in the size of a cgaret pack,..thats it.
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6 Posted by avkatt on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:59PM EDT Report Abuse
Wow, you guys just dont get it, Imagine sitting in a hotel room, working in Tel Aviv, Isreal and queing up something you just recorded on you PVR at your home and playing it. through the World Wide Web on your laptop is Isreal. Sure, there are other methods But SlingBox is by far the best and cheapest way so far. The video is divx 1st generation quality. Which is a pretty impressive invention in my book.
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7 Posted by seritasue on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:14PM EDT Report Abuse
So, I'll be able to watch programs on my laptop that I recorded via my cable DVR anywhere I choose? Not just on the 1 TV that my DVR box resides? For no extra monthly charge to the cable company? Anywhere for me is: while I'm waiting at the airport or in my basement while exercising. Slingbox will save me $ (only pay for 1 TV hookup to digital/DVR box) and I'll no longer have to choose between watching a DVR-recorded program in the family room or exercising in the basement--I can do both simultaneously! Cool!
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8 Posted by jadecavallo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:27PM EDT Report Abuse
Slingbox is the coolest invention since the laptop. It is worth its weight in gold bullion. I love gadgets and this is definantly the greatest. Just imagine, watching your dvr, cable, or satelite box on your laptop anywhere in the world. amazing, pure amazing.
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9 Posted by bobbobarn on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:10PM EDT Report Abuse
I use Webguide for windows media center. I can control everything on my media center from any computer anywhere see my guide and its only 20 bucks.
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10 Posted by tb007@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:57PM EDT Report Abuse
You guys are not looking at the whole picture. I got slingbox so not only I can view my favs from anywhere in the world, but so can my sis, who happens to be in Baghdad. She loves it!
1 Posted by keybowvio on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:50PM EDT Report Abuse
so, all this product does, is send the video on your tv to your computer? if so, then its a waste of a product, tv can already be viewed on your computer, jsut buy a tv card. I guess I'm not really bashing this product just yet though, I just don't see why its better then a tv card... someone please clarify this for me.