App review: SlingPlayer Mobile for Android
The World Cup may have just ended, but whether you're into football or not, there must have been a point over the last five weeks where you or someone you know moaned about missing a live goal. This is where SlingBox comes in -- in case you didn't know already, it's a little networked box that piggybacks on your set-top box's AV and IR ports, thus stuffing your TV experience into your computer or cellphone via WiFi or even 3G. Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Symbian, BlackBerry and iOS have been mingling with the SlingPlayer Mobile app for some time now, and for the same $29.99 tag, Android users can now also join the party. But is the app worth the money? Does it get on with our green bot? Read on to find out.
Let's assume you're a first-time SlingBox user, just like us before writing this review. In brief, the physical installation simply involved plugging the AV cables (included) into the SlingBox and our set-top box (a Philips Freeview box, to be precise), then taping a couple of IR emitters onto the front of our set-top box, and finally hooking the SlingBox up to our router (via a couple of SlingLink ethernet wall-plug bridges as our router was too far away). We then installed the free desktop SlingPlayer software to configure the SlingBox -- you need to choose the IR profile that works on your set-top box, as well as assigning your account email address and a couple of passwords. The only trouble we initially ran into was that our original no-frills Freeview box wasn't listed on SlingPlayer's IR code database, and since the SlingBox couldn't be trained using our own remote control, we had to procure a compatible Freeview box.
Now, back to the Android mobile app. At first launch, obviously you'd need to put in your Sling Media account credentials, and then the app will let you choose one of the SlingBoxes associated with your account -- don't be alarmed, since each box only allows one live connection. With everything typed in, launching the app in the future would prompt an automatic connection (you can always log out in settings if necessary). If all goes well, you'll be greeted by your usual TV display as well as SlingPlayer's four groups of buttons: "DVR," "D-Pad," Keypad" and "Misc," all accessible from the top bar. These are rather self-explanatory and are very similar to the ones on the iOS version, although there are areas where one version does better. For example, the iOS version's keypad and D-pad are rather intrusive to the eye, whereas the Android version's still leave you some clear viewing space; on the other hand, the Android version's "Misc" category is rather unintuitive with all the text-only buttons, while the iOS version offers pages of graphical buttons instead. What put the crown on the green robot were the start-up and response times, just as Sling Media promised us -- on our Nexus One and Dell Streak, it took about four to six seconds before the video stream showed up over WiFi, whereas on our iPhone 4 it took about eight to twelve seconds; the response time was similarly halved on the Android devices.
In terms of picture and audio quality, we saw no differences between the two app flavors -- it's no high-definition, but video stream over WiFi and non-congested 3G were equally as pleasant to watch and listen to. To see how bad the video could get, we took our Nexus One to central London on Sunday evening -- the horrid picture quality reminded us of the early 3G video calls, but the audio was good enough for us to keep up with the soccer commentary. If you must know, we counted a stream delay of at least three seconds over WiFi, and it'd obviously be greater over 3G, but that shouldn't concern most users. What really got on our nerves, though, was the video stream freezing up after every single button input -- imagine trying to adjust the box's volume or just browsing through the program guide. Strangely, the iOS app suffered from the same problem, so perhaps this was universal bug. Here's hoping that Sling Media can sort this out in the near future.
We applaud Sling Media for making its mobile app available across such vast range of platforms. While we've only had the chance to play with the iOS version and Android version, the latter newbie was almost as intuitive and was as stable. Sure, there are no breakthrough features here, but the point is now you can benefit from the same option on the numerous Android devices, and not to mention the snappier performance over the iOS version. As for justifying the $29.99 price tag, it'll really depend on how often you watch TV, as well as the number of functionalities you get on your set-top box. In our case, we could only use the app to watch live TV, but had our SlingBox been connected to a DVR, it would mean that we could've also used the app to remotely record a show, or even stream a recorded show from our library instead of relying on video-hosting sites (and some might be blocked in certain countries or premises, anyway). In that sense, it's safe to say that SlingPlayer Mobile is well worth the price for TV addicts that are often on the move, and not to mention that it's a great way to cure your homesickness while abroad -- just make sure you're not on data roaming while watching re-runs of Top Gear.

Now, back to the Android mobile app. At first launch, obviously you'd need to put in your Sling Media account credentials, and then the app will let you choose one of the SlingBoxes associated with your account -- don't be alarmed, since each box only allows one live connection. With everything typed in, launching the app in the future would prompt an automatic connection (you can always log out in settings if necessary). If all goes well, you'll be greeted by your usual TV display as well as SlingPlayer's four groups of buttons: "DVR," "D-Pad," Keypad" and "Misc," all accessible from the top bar. These are rather self-explanatory and are very similar to the ones on the iOS version, although there are areas where one version does better. For example, the iOS version's keypad and D-pad are rather intrusive to the eye, whereas the Android version's still leave you some clear viewing space; on the other hand, the Android version's "Misc" category is rather unintuitive with all the text-only buttons, while the iOS version offers pages of graphical buttons instead. What put the crown on the green robot were the start-up and response times, just as Sling Media promised us -- on our Nexus One and Dell Streak, it took about four to six seconds before the video stream showed up over WiFi, whereas on our iPhone 4 it took about eight to twelve seconds; the response time was similarly halved on the Android devices.


Wrap-up
We applaud Sling Media for making its mobile app available across such vast range of platforms. While we've only had the chance to play with the iOS version and Android version, the latter newbie was almost as intuitive and was as stable. Sure, there are no breakthrough features here, but the point is now you can benefit from the same option on the numerous Android devices, and not to mention the snappier performance over the iOS version. As for justifying the $29.99 price tag, it'll really depend on how often you watch TV, as well as the number of functionalities you get on your set-top box. In our case, we could only use the app to watch live TV, but had our SlingBox been connected to a DVR, it would mean that we could've also used the app to remotely record a show, or even stream a recorded show from our library instead of relying on video-hosting sites (and some might be blocked in certain countries or premises, anyway). In that sense, it's safe to say that SlingPlayer Mobile is well worth the price for TV addicts that are often on the move, and not to mention that it's a great way to cure your homesickness while abroad -- just make sure you're not on data roaming while watching re-runs of Top Gear.




























Streak FTW!
Hey, you're watching Fifth Gear! In that case I must proclaim, Top Gear FTW!
@ChazClout
Engadget MUST do a giveaway with all these phones they have !
@gargle Didn't he show both Top and 5th Gear?
@ChazClout
I've been using the SlingPlayer Mobile app on four different Windows Mobile phones to connect to my Slingbox Pro over the last three or four years and I have always considered it my favorite app. Having access to my DVR on the go is priceless.
If you don't want to invest in a Slingbox and have a desktop computer with a TV card at home that you leave on all the time then consider running Orb. It's works with almost all mobile phones (not just smartphones) and can also stream your libraries of videos, mp3s, photos, and documents. Because Orb essentially sends you a link to a new media stream each time you change the channel or skip a song it isn't as responsive as you'll find with a Slingbox.
Can't decide...do what I did and get yourself setup with both...enjoy!
@ChazClout Did anyone cover if this thing actually goes FULL-SCREEN? He showed the different aspect ratio options, none of which filled the screen correctly. Widescreen just stretched it.
Isn't that the point of a 5 inch screen? Enjoy the whole thing? What am I missing?
@KennyB123
I have the slingbox solo and yes it goes full screen on my EVO.
@KennyB123 Yes it goes full screen on my EVO in all modes (wifi, 3G and 4G). Not sure why these captures show it window-boxed like that. Paired with a SlingBox Pro-HD with a fast connection the picture quality is amazing for a mobile streaming device :)
This is fartworthy. I may have to get a sligbox.
@Jamesky
For those of you considering buying a Sling Box, you may want to reconsider. I have been bugging Engadget to post an article regarding the ridiculous number of Sling Boxes that are failing. Just like Apple's antenna issue, Sling won't fess up that there is anything wrong. The numbers say otherwise. Blown capacitors appear to be the culprit. Thread below.
http://answers.slingbox.com/message/4456
@bighap I have three (North Carolina, Illinois, & Washington-home). I haven't been hearing about a high failure rate. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, I just haven't heard it from anybody.
@Jamesky I love my slingbox. It allows me to watch the Bears no matter where I'm at. I can catch up on my DVR, Apple TV, and keep an eye on a security camera if my alarm goes off. No monthly fee. It's money well spent.
dude get a better telly
@ChairmanMeow
Lol nice catch. Looks real old school esp for an elite engadget writer!
They must not pay slave Lai very much :P
@DoctarPeppar
that's ok, he can delete comments with the best of 'em
@DoctarPeppar
Still newer than mine! Hmph! :(
Nearly impossible to hook up anything to, and uses knobs to change channel. Which is why I use my other TV!
@ChairmanMeow I do have a better TV -- my 27" iMac.
@Richard Lai Well, they gotta be useful for something I guess...
I've always wanted a SlingBox since I had my first Qtek 9100 Windows Mobile phone.
@kpenning
i got mah SlingBlade. mmmhmmm!
The freeze up on button presses is not a bug, it is the "control mode" feature. Anytime you make a change that goes back to the STB, it has to dump the buffer and start over otherwise you might be trying to control a stream that is a few seconds behind from all the adaptive stream processing. If you ever try and listen to music channels over a slingbox, you'll see that it actually slows and speeds up the streak to help adjust for bandwidth on the fly and once you go into "control mode" you jump back live and it all starts over. This is true in the desktop app as well where control mode is actually manually enabled/disabled.
Droid does Sling
Android... Android!
Top Gear RULEZ!!1!
@waterwagen YA RLY
Sling lost pretty much any credibility after the debacle known as the Sling Catcher which was delayed for literally a year, launched at a dizzying price (and available in bargain bins for $149 months later) and pretty much abandoned from a support perspective despite numerous bugs and issues lingering.
Then Sling adds insult to injury by charging an arm and a leg for each and every version of their "Sling Player" software. Shouldn't someone explain to Sling that you should give this software away for free since it is only of use to someone who has one of their newest generation Sling Boxes?
Don't even get me started on all of the empty promises of a Cocoa based, HD resolution OSX Sling Player that has never materialized, or the fact that they've been "working" on an iPad optimized version of their software since the device shipped.
Sling, you suck.
@CanyonCarver
Only one thing to say, Canyon.
lolumad?
@Special Agent Steve
I guess I'm pissed from the standpoint that they are a bunch of butt nuggets that make repeated broken promises. They have been run by a bunch of douche bags ever since they got bought out by those idiots at Dish Network.
Let's add a few other nuggets;
1. They shut down the popular and reasonably well moderated Slingforums and replaced it with a shitty knowledge base system and require people to sign a "code of conduct" before they can ask questions. The fairly candid comments on the status of Sling products and development have been completely shut down.
2. They do their damndest to force people to use their 1/2 baked Flash web browser tool to watch their Slingboxes on a PC or a Mac instead of building better quality native applications for these platforms.
3. Every quarter more and more of their website, etc, is taken over by their "enterprise" sling ventures in which they try to hawk their garbage software to COMPETING companies building DVRs even though they've repeatedly lost in court to TiVo and are supposed to pay them something like 1/4 Billion dollars for patent violations.
Maybe a company with some balls will come in and take the market from them. It's certainly ripe for the taking considering the bellybutton lint patrol that runs the place.
@CanyonCarver
huh huh huh. huh huh huh.
you said "butt nuggets"
@CanyonCarver
Wow, you are certainly pissed. I have a slingbox and I admit having to pay $30 to watch it on my phone is annoying, but I got over it. I have not experienced many of your problems.
@CanyonCarver
Another beef for me with Sling is the bulging capacitor issue on the Slingbox solo that is affecting many people which is more than a little concerning. Sling hasn't officially addressed that problem yet.
@krkeegan What bothers me is that I had an iPhone and bought the SlingPlayer for that. Now I switched to the Incredible and I have to buy it again? I mean, if it were $5 or $10, I probably would, but since I rarely used it on the iPhone, I'll just do without.
I respect that people can set the price for the software they write - and that they should be paid - but I just can't justify buying it a second time for that price, and that's a shame because it is a decent product.
But I thought Android was supposed to be all free and open and shitz?! What happened, drones? :( Not so rosy, just like your market share. Must be really depressing.
@magadget ha you made a funny! idiot
@magadget You might want to check out these stats: http://is.gd/dpuXV
@magadget Yeah, you pay for some apps on Android. How is that bad? Why would sling give it away for Android users but charge iPhone users $30 ?
@CRA1G
I find these figures a little more convincing.
http://is.gd/dpvL7
@glamajamma
I'd imagine an asshole would
@magadget
Here is something for the fanboy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49026350@N02/4495517574/
This is what some people are willing to do to watch TV on their phones?? Yeesh.
i assume you're streaming standard def tv and that's why the video on the android devices wasn't full-screen? as in, if i'm watching video from a HD slingbox signal on my EVO, it will be full screen, correct?
@hrmmmguy99
According to the video, there are options to choose from including widescreen, stretch, fullscreen, etc.
@hrmmmguy99
Yes, I have it on the EVO and it is full screen on hd programing.
The Top Story Box cuts out the phone and all you see is a blurry television. lulz.
Careful! Some uses of the Slingbox may be less than legal:
http://www.temple.edu/law/tlawrev/content/issues/81.4/81.4_Russell.pdf
@Aerst2 Of course, some uses may be "less than legal," just as some uses of a VCR (and the Internet and ...) are plainly illegal. While the various professional sports leagues have engaged in limited saber rattling over the issue, I am aware of no enforcement actions brought against Slingbox or any Slingbox user since the device's inception.
i just don't get sling. they have a great product yet somehow on this version of android they leave out features like a FAVORITES button that EVERY other version of sling mobile has. its alot easier to hit or tap an icon of what channel you want to go to than to type in 3 numbers on the stupid touchscreen. how this could be left out of sling android when every other operating system sling is on has it is beyond me.
It's really expensive... I hope Gingerbread comes with some sort of Google TV integration which acts the same way and makes Slingplayer obsolete.
@TareG
IMO I could see this happening and easily pwning Sling into being obsolete
@TareG
That would be AWESOME!!!!
Sling on iOS4 FTW!!!!!!