Sling Monitor 150 hits the FCC

We caught our first glimpses of the Sling Monitor 150 placeshifting display at CES 2009, but it only got an official launch at this year's show, and now it looks like it's getting even closer to store shelves with an appearance at the FCC for some RF testing action. We've always been intrigued by the 15-inch 720p display that can stream HD over WiFi, but until a cable or satellite operator actually deploys some of those hot SlingLoaded set-top boxes this thing isn't going to do anyone too much good.

[commenter7 Posted Feb 24th 2010 3:49PM]

Seeing that no one has commented yet, i assume only a few people own a sling player....

[chripuck Posted Feb 24th 2010 3:56PM]

@commenter7 Can't wait for Dish to start offering the VIP 922 or the add on for the 722 to turn it into the 922. Then I'll be interested...

[ben g Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:05PM]

Just don't be surprised when they break it with a firmware update and then try to charge you 29.99 for customer service (or 45 for a customer service plan). And also deny that their new firmware cause the problem, and tell you you are the only one with the problem even though the unofficial sling forums are FULL of people with the same problem. Like they did with my now broken slingbox solo.

SLING SUCKS

[Delta Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:07PM]

@ben g

I sense much anger in you, young one.

[ben g Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:11PM]

@Delta

Dont' really need the force to tell you that I guess. I had a very frustrating weekend with sling.

[davezatz Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:11PM]

Except Echo/Sling said it will never land on store shelves. That it's only for DISH Network customers. Hope they changed their minds/strategies!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 24th 2010 9:16PM]

@davezatz I would imagine it will work just fine with regular Sling Boxes. The disadvantage is it would take over a box somewhere else, but it would still:
1. Allow a single user to move their TV experience with them
2. Tune ClearQAM or ATSC signals independently
3. Put a TV somewhere there's no wiring by locating a dedicated cable box and Slingbox at a location with cable for it

Even if it's only for DishNetwork people, which would be ludicrously stupid, they will end up on Ebay for $20 over list, unless they are locked down to only talk to 922/722/622s, but I doubt this would be the case, as the SlingLoaded DishDVRs will work with any Sling Client, so I'd imagine the opposite would also be true.

[DoctarPeppar Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:14PM]

Yeah, all sling cares about now are their OEM deals.
They could give a eff you see kay about the people that already bought their craptacular products and receive basically no support at all, and no software updates (except for iphone -- that's it). They have yet to release a compatible viewer for SymbianS60v5 (been out for 2 years now, one of most popular smart phone OS in the world in terms of sales) or Android. They announced that an android player would be coming 2 years ago -- nothing. Then at CES someone asked their fat grey haired idiot CEO and he said it would be coming "soon" -- yeah okay Mr. douche bag.

If you are a cable company or a content provider thinking about picking up Sling products, I highly suggest you take a look at their user support forums and even the feature request forums and see just how many users are upset with the support of their products.

[Dougdiesel Posted Feb 24th 2010 4:36PM]

I thought the whole point of a Sling box was that you didn't need the cooperation of the cable provider. Why do you state that implementing it in a way that blends them needs to occur? Or, do I misunderstand you?

I first was exposed to Sling technology when I lived in Hong Kong and noticed that Asia was one of the first markets for these chaps. I think it's because so much of Asia is about fragmentation, dislocation and lifestyles that allow for disconnection from wired devices.

[vandrook Posted Feb 24th 2010 9:59PM]

I've got an older HP 1080p media center 42" lcd. It has built in wifi and I can stream content from my home server or from my sling box right to the tv in 720p. Its not always flawless but what is the difference with this thing. I must be missing the catch. dont get it.

[derrickONLINE Posted Feb 25th 2010 10:25AM]

Instead of them coming with more boxes how about coming out with an Android App so I can use the fv(king box I already own!