Sling Media's SlingLink helps network up your Slingbox

Sling Media has a new product called SlingLink for their Slingbox remote TV viewing device. It's a fairly basic network adapter that allows you to create a simple Slingbox network over your home's electrical wiring without much networking know how, and would be perfect as a bundle if you're gifting the Slingbox to someone a bit less tech savvy, but you could probably find a networking solution cheaper than the Slinglink's $99 if they already have WiFi set up. It's nothing ground breaking, as networking products such as this have been around for years, but Sling Media seems to be going to extra mile to make sure that you'll have a hard time not getting the Slingbox up and running.

[oneighturbo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

i was looking into powerline networking only to find out that these types of plugs have to be on the same circuit...?

can anyone enlighten me/us who are looknig into this type of networking.

Thanks in advance.

[olderty @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

When are they releasing the Slingkey? You know, it walks downstairs, alone or in pairs, and makes a Slingkity sound?

[J @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Yes, powerline networking needs to be on the same "phase" in order to communicate. You can get a phase coupler that will permit devices to talk from one side to the other. They typically require an electrician to install them as it is a little complicated.

As far as the Slingshite box goes, I'll believe it when I see it (too much blather and vapor from this company already). After I've seen it, I won't consider buying it until they fix the form factor from the current crackhead engineered design.

[evo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

As I write this, I'm watching ST:TNG on my TiVo using my Slingbox. It's in San Francisco, and I'm in a hotel room in Prague, connecting over wireless no less. Amazing product! It's invaluable for frequent travelers.

By the way, I used NetGear's powerline ethernet bridge--same price, possibly even the same chips underneath. I'd definitely recommend a wired connection versus a wireless connection to your home network. You want the best connection possible between the Slingbox and your network to reduce latency on remote operations, and to keep your video streaming smoothly.

[Tucker @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Yes, but will it do "French Fried Puhtaters?"

[Lee Gibson @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I like my biscuits with mustard.

[Jeremy Toeman @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

oneighturbo,

With the current generation of HomePlug technology (which the SlingLink leverages), the problems with multiple circuits in a house have, for the most part, gone away. Of all of our customers and testers, we've only had a single household not be able to use the SlingLink successfully, and this was in a very old (early 1900's) building which had not been rewired for many years...

During our testing we asked users to try virtually all combinations of outlets in their homes, and never ran into problems with isolated outlets or circuits.

I hope this info is helpful for you.

Best,
Jeremy

ps - I use 3 powerline bridges in my home, love em.

[BA @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Looks like a good product, but what I'm waiting for is the slingbox receiver that will plug into a TV. Then I can watch my one TiVo on any TV in my house!

[Wry Cooter @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Oh, it uses the house wiring? I thought it was a rip off of the Airport Express concept. But I thought the SlingBox had built in wi-fi anyway.