How would you change the Slingbox Pro HD?

Sling Media's Slingbox Pro HD arrived with lofty expectations, and while the box handled its core tasks reasonably well, we found it to have some issues on the software side. The good news there is that software is modifiable, which means Sling could definitely improve matters in the near future. To that end, we're interested to see how you'd change the high-def-capable placeshifter. Any bugs you want knocked out? Any particular hardware traits you aren't fond of? Is it simply too difficult for your mother-in-law to get working? Sound off below! You never know -- someone important may be listening.

[Mert @ Dec 5th 2008 7:33PM]

Price drop :)

[Peter @ Dec 5th 2008 7:44PM]

couldn't everything use a price drop?

[OCEAN 'CLAK' 20th LOL @ Dec 5th 2008 7:45PM]

add itunes support

[RyanTV @ Dec 5th 2008 8:46PM]

I'm with you... If it were just a tad bit less expensive I'd pick one up.

[Dave @ Dec 6th 2008 1:44AM]

I would have to agree on price. I've had a SlingBox Pro for a little over a year. I've also got the component adapter for it. So I've already had to make two purchases to get it working like I want to. Actually, four purchases if you include the two copies of the mobile SlingPlayer I have. You'd think a user like me would be who they're marketing this this to. But I'm not even going to worry about the SPHD or the SlingCatcher which will be my next purchase until they both drop below $200. Sure I've seen the Buy.com and Amazon discounts but keep trying, sub 200 and we'll talk.

[Lloytron @ Dec 8th 2008 9:08AM]

@OCEAN 'CLAK' 20th LOL

Surely there is some kind of trolling guideline that makes sure that all 'I love apple' posts are vaguely on topic?

iTunes support on a Slingbox? A Slingbox is for placeshifting TV. The relevance to iTunes is the same as your apparent IQ - zero.

[jam @ Dec 5th 2008 7:35PM]

Less expensive and Wifi!

Now, that's what I'm talkin about.

[Kevlar @ Dec 5th 2008 9:01PM]

The problem with Wifi when doing streaming is the connection quality can't be guaranteed, and the speeds are slower.
Sure, 802.11n was designed for higher speeds, but the speed will drop off sharply the farther you get from it.

Asking for Wifi in a product such as this is quite ridiculous.

[miko34 @ Dec 5th 2008 11:43PM]

@Kevlar

Then call me "Mr. Ridiculous."

I'm for WiFi too.

Why stop progress?

[Gabe @ Dec 5th 2008 11:51PM]

If it is good enough to work with an internet connection, the wireless network should more than suffice...thinking that wireless networking is slower than an internet connection, now, that is ridiculous.

[cyclo @ Dec 6th 2008 6:15PM]

I have my Slingbox PRO HD connected to a Linksys WRT54GL router running in client-bridge mode (courtesy of Tomato Firmware). The PRO HD then wirelessly streams HD quality signals to my Gateway router (another WRT54GL running DD-WRT) which then sends that signal to my desktop (wired to the Gateway router) or a wireless laptop/netbook. On the desktop, I routinely get 8000 KBps when streaming at HD quality (the maximum stream rate the PRO HD supports).

My point is that Wireless G is good enough for streaming HD quality video from the Slingbox. Also I actually prefer a non built-in Wireless solution (to the Slingbox PRO HD) mainly because it can be a pain intputting 64 random ascii characters when enabling WPA/WPA2 encryption on devices that do not support a keyboard.

[Fanfoot @ Dec 9th 2008 2:04PM]

Ditto wifi. I stream HD videos from my Apple TV over Wifi, and just 802.11g wifi at that, with no problems whatsoever, and virtually instantaneous start times, meaning I'm getting well over 4-5Mbps. And yes I've got neighbours on either side with their own Wifi and the Apple TV is on a different floor and at the other end of the house from the Linksys Router...

[Ralfieboy @ Dec 13th 2008 10:40AM]

I have my SB Pro connected to my network using an Apple Airport Express, 802.11g. No issues with networking or speeds to date. It seems WiFi connectivity built in makes sense as many people's home theatre isn't necessariliy colocated with their router. But I agree, on HD streaming this might be pushing it.

Having to buy SlingLinks or other WiFi bridges separately seems silly. Then again, they made us by an adaptor to connect HD inouts for the SBPro and want us to pay for separate software to view the stream on mobile devices too and it seems to me those should come included.

[cheater912 @ Dec 5th 2008 7:40PM]

Better then the Hava probably. I have one now and it can't stream in full HD.

[Ziegler @ Dec 5th 2008 7:44PM]

update the Mac Software and how about an HDMI solution?

[lurch_mojoff @ Dec 5th 2008 8:37PM]

I'm right there with you on the HDMI solution thingie. As for the Mac player, except for the obvious lack of HD playback support, what do you think needs improvement? I admit I'm not a Windows user and therefore I haven't used the Windows version of SllingPlayer, but based on my fairly superficial observations and impressions, the two seem mostly en par. What part of the fun am I missing?

[MegaZone @ Dec 6th 2008 11:16AM]

The problem with HDMI is HDCP.

[C. Espo @ Dec 5th 2008 7:49PM]

While not specific to the pro HD, I've found the video quality has worsened between the previous gen of slingplayer and this one.

[bozzy @ Dec 5th 2008 8:20PM]

How is that possible? The Pro-HD is the first that can stream in HD using H.264. Also, since it can now stream in H.264, when using it over the internet, the upload requirement is now much lower for the same video quality.

[DamiansLame @ Dec 5th 2008 8:09PM]

how about HD for mac...

[Jimbo @ Dec 5th 2008 8:11PM]

Allow HD streaming to a Mac . . . I would buy this item if you could stream in HD to a Mac. The current software only supports HD streaming to Windows Operating Systems . . . . .

[Andrew @ Dec 5th 2008 8:18PM]

HD to the Mac, HD to the SlingCatcher, and built-in WiFi

[JOhann @ Dec 5th 2008 8:26PM]

Add streaming to iPhones and iPod touch.

[Koensayr @ Dec 6th 2008 6:00PM]

I'm surprised not more people have mentioned this. I would surely be willing to pay a nice price for an iPhone version of the Slingbox Software. Its really the only thing I think is missing. HD to my Mac isn't such a big deal, as I really don't need to watch HD quality video while I'm in a hotel room with a crappy internet connection. The iPhone though would be a very welcome, much needed addition.

I wonder whats preventing Sling from doing the work? Didn't we see a demo of it on a Touch a while back? The technology *must* be there. At the very least, I'd like an explanation of why Sling is sitting on their butts with this, rather obvious feature.

[Rizzle @ Dec 9th 2008 9:42PM]

They were rejected from the App Store by Apple.

The SlingBox developers demoed a version of SlingPlayer on an iPhone, it looked pretty beta, but it was working. I wanted to steal that iPhone so bad!

The bigger question is, why did they get rejected? And is this a "feature announcement" in itself by Apple?

[drake @ Dec 5th 2008 8:33PM]

more reliable service when using slingbox remotely. works fine locally, but doesn't work 100% when using product remotely

[Familyguyrokz @ Dec 5th 2008 9:09PM]

Install OS X

[Don141 @ Dec 5th 2008 9:31PM]

Waiting for a MAC client.

[Nathan Taylor @ Dec 5th 2008 9:56PM]

How about support for DirecTV HD DVRs running on alternate remote codes (so I can control two from the Slingbox Pro HD, just like I used to from the Slingbox Pro).

[scott @ Dec 5th 2008 9:58PM]

Guide for the OSX client.

[Fant @ Dec 5th 2008 9:59PM]

1) Lower price
2) Support streaming to iPhone
3) HD support for Mac
4) HDMI
5) Support Wifi - dont need high speed if streaming to an iphone :)
6) Support Cablecard for HD Cable access

[qthrul @ Dec 5th 2008 10:06PM]

More cowbell.

And by cowbell I mean interfaces for simple composite inputs (9) with a 3x3 mux board allowing for (simulated) security camera purposes and to enthuse those with Zoneminder style intentions that desire a variety purposed quality encoder for IP network camera creation.

[Scott Greczkowski @ Dec 5th 2008 10:27PM]

There are a few things I would change.

1) Add IR learning features to the Slingbox. As I have a number of Satellite receivers which are not supported by the Slingbox, it would be cool to have the Slingbox learn the remote.

2) Be able to tune Analog Cable and QAM signals without having to reprogram the Slingbox each time when witching between modes.

3) iPhone Application!

[Jason @ Dec 5th 2008 10:53PM]

HD streaming for Mac OSX +1, I have a slingbox pro hd at home, and I have to restart into Vista to watch TV - it is a HUGE pain in the arse. My life would be so much simpler if I didn't have to do that.

[mypup @ Dec 5th 2008 10:54PM]

Yes Itouch application would be nice as a matter of fact the old windows mobile interface was actually better IMO than the interfaces for windows or Mac. remotes suck, and it would be nice to make it more usable for smaller netbook screen sizes (9 and 10 inches)

[p6150 @ Dec 5th 2008 11:05PM]

All the talk about the Mac, those are ways to improve the Sling Player Software, not really how to improve the slingbox. Just like streaming to the slingcatcher. I'm not buying of those until it supports HD.

The Slingbox HD is a nice device. I would like a simplier configuration method, just as a web interface instead of having the use the sling player software. Nice boxes to specify IP, gateway, port enable remote access. I find wizards to be complicated when you understand how the stuff works.

The learning remote idea, I agree with. It has 4 ir transmitters, it be nice to put them to use for other than controlling the cable box.

[GregA @ Dec 5th 2008 11:17PM]

It already works on the Mac, just install Vista in boot camp and you are good to go.

What you are trying to say is that you want it to run in OS X.

/nitpick

[Steve @ Dec 6th 2008 1:23AM]

It does support Mac, just SD, HD will be coming out soon I heard.

[Logboy @ Dec 5th 2008 11:17PM]

oh, me likey.

[Kevin @ Dec 5th 2008 11:47PM]

Before they do another god damn thing they need to get the f'in blackberry support going!

I've been hearing since January that software for blackberries would be out, its now less than a month a way from 2009 and I haven't heard another damn thing about it.

I feel like boxing up my sling box with a note that says 'screw you sling media for forgetting us blackberry users' and shipping it back to them.

[Espen @ Dec 6th 2008 12:44AM]

Is it too much to ask for a 100-250V built-in switch mode power supply (like Apple did when they launched Time Capsule)?
I´m just the kind of person who hates wall wart power-adaptors, anyone else out there?
There can´t be that many components in there so they couldn´t fit it in.

[MDillenbeck @ Dec 6th 2008 1:08AM]

Just got mine the other day and have been playing with it for a while.

Features mentioned I think are an excellent idea:
* WiFi
* a Universal Remote feature (in case your model doesn't match up exactly like mine, so some of the buttons don't perform as expected)
* HDMI ports
* Greater platform/device support (blackberry, Mac, etc)
* I believe someone mentioned being able to plug into a security camera (or cameras) - great with the first feature I'd like added...

Features that I think would be good ideas:
* Some built in DVR capabilities (maybe 2-4 hours of HD) with the option to download locally versus stream - so you can get high quality video over a slow connection without extra devices.
* A better mobile player application
* Make the mobile player FREE like the regular player - or at least include one license with the device!
* Multiple User Logon over WAN - so that you can set it up to broadcast a show to all your computers in the house (great when doing housework... However, I can understand why they need to restrict this over the Internet!)
* Sling Back Player - basically make it so the device also acts as a means to play computer media on your TV. (Example, play a slideshow of your pics on your cell phone to the TV via the slingbox).

[hh83917 @ Dec 6th 2008 1:12AM]

HD for Mac! When will mac users finally be able to watch HD on their computers? More users are buying Macs and I think SlingMedia need to hurry up and work its way though the problems and get a Mac version of the SlingPlayer 2.0! I think Slingboxes uses WMV codec to transport their videos, maybe that's why they are having so much trouble getting a Mac version out... even the first Mac version of SlingPlayer took them a while to get it working. Why not use MP4 to begin with?....

[mitchelljd @ Dec 6th 2008 1:44AM]

i would like it with:

1- Full Macintosh compatibility
2- ability to receive Slingbox HD content from another slingbox HD. this way you can have a home network and watch things from another room, which perhaps you have the DVR with a program you want stored, that you don't have in whatever room you are in.

for this kind of money, it ought to have that ability.

[Omar @ Dec 6th 2008 3:57AM]

I agree with the obvious. Streaming to iPhone would move slingboxes like water. No HD Support for Mac is pretty sad.....

[Bill @ Dec 6th 2008 8:29AM]

Create a virtual tuner card driver so every other software that works with a tuner card will work with it. Having to use their software is a huge limitation.

[c10v3 @ Dec 6th 2008 10:21AM]

That client for the Blackberry that they announced almost a year ago would be nice.

[iHoppipolla @ Dec 6th 2008 10:29AM]

Surprised that no one has mentioned the (in)ability to stream to multiple TVs...

This would bring it into increased popularity with enterprise applications.

[mr2kx @ Dec 6th 2008 11:06AM]

When I see posts like this I can't help but think how f%$@ed a company must be to be so disconnected from their users/customers that they need to pay/get engadget to ask their readers what to do. On one hand it's great to reach out and create a conversation (I use the word loosely here). On the other they end up looking like a big duffus for not being able to extract this info elsewhere, especially when it's not like any of these posts haven't been posted elsewhere on teh internets or communicated to a CSR. Things like this speak to the company lacking the internal organization and processes to capitalize on the knowledge their customers are sending their way. I also find it interesting that half of the posts here basically say "deliver what you've been promising." Seems pretty common sense....

[MegaZone @ Dec 6th 2008 11:21AM]

Why do you presume Sling had anything to do with this post? Engadget has done this kind of thing for many, many products.