After all the hubbub and controversy caused by the release of
SingPlayer for iPhone back in May, we knew it would take a serious change of heart for AT&T to reverse course on the
issue of 3G streaming. The app's super-conspicuous lack of 3G was one of the clearest statements around that the iPhone represented a level of data consumption that AT&T was fairly unprepared for, and that certain uses like VoIP over 3G and live video streams were just not going to fly. Well, we've just now gotten
over that VoIP hump, and now AT&T has given in to SlingPlayer demand at last. AT&T says it has been testing an "optimized" version of the app on its 3G network since December, and Sling says the dynamic bandwidth adjustment should keep the app from bringing the network to grinding halt -- in not so many words. The 3G-friendly version will be a free upgrade to the $30 application, and should be available as soon as the revised software makes its way through the App Store approval process.
posted February 4th 2010 8:32AM
Is 3G from any US carrier good enough for streaming from a slingbox?
Anyone have experience with this as this is the only reason I'd get one.
Work days are loooooooooooooooooooooooooong sometimes.
@Rem DX
Yeah I'd make sure you have 3g coverage where you are at work though. If not just test it out on a friends and see how good/bad it works...
@Rem DX
Didn't think I'd ever say this, but thank you ATT!
@Rem DX
I have a Blackberry Bold on ATT and I have been able to stream Slingbox over 3G for over a year now.
As others have said it works well if you have good 3G coverage. Particularly if you are in a stationary location.
It does just ok when moving in trains or cars. In my experience I lose my connection to my slingbox about every 20 minutes or so if I am in the car, even in well covered 3G areas.
@Rem DX
I used to use slingbox with my N95 a couple years ago and performance was flawless over 3G. Too bad they've neglected porting it to Nokia's touch devices.
I now have one less reason to hate AT&T. Too bad real time television is loosing is usefulness. I can get nearly everything I want to watch streaming on demand free. It is useful for real time stuff though, I suppose.
@gittenlucky
Hey, my slingbox is hooked up to my TiVo at home. I watch time shifted shows all the time through sling.
I can see the fine print now!
*Streaming not available in: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Dallas, San Diego, Detroit, San Francisco.
@Trocks797 That ll b a shame if you cannot stream in the major towns
@Trocks797
Sling over AT&T 3G has always worked fine here in San Francisco. I've been doing it the last 2 years with Windows Mobile and Symbian smartphones. Since there are waaay more iPhone users, AT&T had to protect its network. I have no issues watching the Giants game stuck in traffic here in SF.
Speaking from experience with the Sling Media on my Bold. A lot of pix-elation around peak times (10am-5pm cst). Forget about watching the Super Bowl this weekend at work from your phone because the picture will terrible.
that's why we need slinplayer for webos as sprints and verizan network can fully support it
@dkotoric1 I think they would have the same problems at AT&T. A sudden burst of users suddenly downloading streaming video on any system is bad news. Sort of like when I have 4 executives at work all streaming porn and they wonder why email is slow.
@dkotoric1 Actually, AT&T's network can support it.**
**Just as long as there aren't more than two other people trying to access the same cell tower.
Finally! Now i can clear my DVR and my bowels at the same time!
I really don't think it's the network. It's perhaps a sling software issue. I use orb and vlc to stream on AT&T's 3g. I see way more pixilation on slingbox than orb and barely on vlc.
It's a bit of a twist that they're allowing bandwidth hogs like SlingPlayer, while still charging a premium for SMS. I don't get why I'm paying extra on top of my data plan for the privilege of sending 256k of data, while a SlingBox user crams hundreds of megs through the network for free. Or at least without additional charge.
Don't let President Obama see this! He will have a high speed come apart, after saying that AT&T's network can not handle the iPad's 3G traffic and would bring it to a stand still. (Compared it to AOL Dial Up in the Mid 90's)
@Jaylittles531
well ATT can't, I'm surprised that apple didn't go with verizon or sprint with the ipad
@dkotoric1
I think the entire US is surprised. The only reason I was even excited about the Apple even on the 27th was to see Apple bring a product to Verizon. But yet again, Apple disappointed me.
@Jaylittles531
Agree, I can still dream about an iPhone on Verizon announcement with the next iPhone release.
@krkeegan
Why would Apple come to verizon to release a phone to them, they DENIED originally.
Its like shoving it in their face laughing as they count their cash and showing them how much they could of made from this device.
Apple doesn't like Verizon, especially now that recently they are bashing the iPhone and they have a strong android phone already in place.
@Drybones5
Why would Apple come to Verizon?
TO MAKE MORE MONEY.... Duh?
Anyone know if HAVA is going to follow suit?
Yay iphone can finally do another thing it should be able to do...
bring on hulu!!
"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
I been slinging since the 3GS was released with the help of 3G unrestricter and its been fine here in Chicago.
@madfelon
Same here - 3G is actually more reliable (fewer pauses) than WiFi in some places (e.g. my gym).
OK, can anyone tell me how Netflix is displayed on my PC? Is it Flash? If not, anyone know if AT&T and Netflix have anything in the works for the iPhone? For me, this would be a good thing...
@Sprngr
Microsoft Silverlight.
So now there's one less reason to Jailbreak.....but I still can't live without my sbsettings, backgrounder, proswitcher, 5 column springboard, 5 icon dock, winterboard, and the illumine theme. If only there was a jailbreak that would enable Flash!!!!
If I could get Hulu and Netflix on my iPhone, my life would be complete! Ha ha....not really, but that would about finish any additional things I want the iPhone to do.
AT&T's Doomsday Clock just moved another minute forward.
But, I love TV! And I love my iPhone! Bring on the apocalypse!
People ask for all these features over 3G like video chat and streaming video and tv and such but from my 3G experience I've yet to get the speeds that would even make all these features enjoyable.
WOW! This kind of surprises me, one less reason to switch if Verizon adds the iPhone. I live in Pocatello, ID and until the last couple months I couldn't find 3G at all. Even at ISU on campus I had barely a signal, but I must say that I am seeing a dramatic change in ATT coverage around here. I can't speak for anyone else but it seems that they are making some big changes at ATT.
@angermeans FWIW, in the past week I've been able to watch youtube without any pauses over 3G- it used to take about 10s of buffering every 60s or so (DC metro area), as well as playing eliminate pro while streaming music - something I never would have imagined possible 2 months ago.
@THJ Yeah lets hope it continues and maybe we wont be kicking ourselves for not waiting to get the iphone later.
Yeah, 3G signal been a lot stronger. I'm in a basement area and i've been getting 3G alot more consistently. So improvements are being mad :)