Engadget

TiVo's Stream transcoding box and IP connected extender make their debut at Cable Show 2012

Richard Lawler — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:24:00 EST

Now that TiVo has delivered updated software for its Premiere boxes its focus is turning to some new hardware accessories, including the TiVoToGo-style transcoder we saw at CES, now dubbed Stream (top), and the IP extender set-top box mentioned earlier this year (bottom). According to TiVo's press release, both boxes will be available at retail and via the various cable operators that are offering its DVRs to their customers, while availability will be announced "in the coming months". The Stream transcoder reformats live and recorded video from a Premiere DVR for viewing on mobile devices or tablets (including sideloading for offline viewing away from the home), and TiVo says it's the first to stream or download shows simultaneously to multiple devices like iPads or iPhones without interrupting what's being watched. The IP box on the other hand is all about multiroom, designed to pull in either live or recorded video from a Premiere Q plus cable VOD and internet content, similar to the existing Preview but without the CableCARD tuner. A press release follows after the break, while Zatz Not Funny has a few pics of them on the floor at this week's 2012 NCTA Cable Show.

Continue reading TiVo's Stream transcoding box and IP connected extender make their debut at Cable Show 2012

TiVo's Stream transcoding box and IP connected extender make their debut at Cable Show 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed

Richard Lawler — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:34:00 EST

Sure, it's not as revolutionary as the new automated ad skipping built into its DVRs, but Dish Network has also just revamped its Remote Access iPad app. While other pay-TV providers are proud about streaming channels to mobile devices only within the home or shifting a few recordings, Dish's tight Sling integration still provides the most video wherever the user might be, as well as DVR management, a full guide and remote control. The 3.0.3 upgrade brings an entirely new user interface that's optimized for the retina display, guide data without interrupting the video, favorite channels list, and claims to speed up the process of both loading various screens and connecting to stream live TV. Hit iTunes for the updated app or read the press release after the break for more details and let us know how it's working for you.

Gallery: Dish Network Remote Access iPad app

Continue reading Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed

Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hauppauge Broadway review

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

New ways to watch TV, we're always looking for 'em. New products for you to buy, companies are always trying to make 'em. The two aspirations converge with Hauppauge's latest product, Broadway. The idea here isn't exactly novel, but with few exceptions Sling Media has been left to dominate the placeshifting category. The Broadway picks up where Sling kicked off, adding WiFi and more interestingly, shedding the need for costly clients, instead using a built-in web server to access the live video streams. Interesting idea, sure, but is it actually useful and worth the $199 it demands? We hope to reveal just that, after you click through of course.

Gallery: Hauppauge Broadway review (hardware)

Continue reading Hauppauge Broadway review

Hauppauge Broadway review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time

Richard Lawler — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:47:00 EST

One of the many innovative products we checked out tonight was this ViXS XCode 4210 powered Simple.TV box, which tunes into free, unencrypted channels (even in HD) via cable or antenna. Where it starts to differ from other boxes like Sling and Monsoon however, is that it eschews any direct video out or even passthrough, working solely to transcode those feeds to variable bitrate MPEG-4 streams for playback on internet-connected mobile devices and TV boxes. Besides the missing TV out, this headless unit also only supports DVRs courtesy of whatever storage you may add yourself, since it doesn't contain any. The Simple.TV box is set to launch this spring and initially should have viewing apps available for Roku and iPad, with Boxee Box and Google TV viewers eventually planned as well (there is also a $29 Windows Media Center app). Currently the pricing is set at $149, and while streaming to another device in the home and simple DVR function are free to use, adding a guide and allowing streaming to up to 5 devices over the internet will require another $4.99 per month. If you're interested, check out the video after the break and keep a spot near your coax line open.

Gallery: simple.tv DVR hands-on

Continue reading Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time

Simple.tv DVR / placeshifter frees free TV from the constraints of location, time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SlingPlayer for Facebook is okay, Chrome(book) compatibility is better

Amar Toor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:16:00 EST

Ready to let the world know all about your most intimate TV-viewing habits? Good, because the SlingPlayer Facebook app is now available, and prepared to do just that. Once installed, the app allows Slingbox Solo or Pro-HD owners to manage their DVRs and watch their favorite live or recorded shows, all from the comfort of their own social network. The share button doesn't automatically tie in with any kind of guide data, so friends don't need to know you're watching the Teen Mom reunion finale at the office -- unless you want them to. The other big news from Sling is that its plugin finally supports Google's Chrome browser (Mac version of FF8 is still a no-go, while Chromebooks can at least access a Flash stream now, but only via Facebook), so if you've been waiting for a way to ditch IE and FireFox then congratulations, your sometime is now.

[Thanks, @wyldtek]

SlingPlayer for Facebook is okay, Chrome(book) compatibility is better originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing

Richard Lawler — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:54:00 EST

It was just about a year ago that we initially heard rumors of the DirecTV Nomad, and after some lengthy intrigue it is finally ready to launch. While its product page on the company's website isn't live yet, the folks at DBSTalk have been testing it and already posted one of their detailed walkthroughs, revealing the box as a TiVoToGo-style transcoder. Plug the $149 box into your whole home DVR network and it snags recorded programs and prepares them for viewing on other devices. Currently that list includes PCs with 1.2GHz processors or higher (no Atom powered netbooks invited to this party) and iOS devices, although an app for Android is apparently on the way. Compared to Dish Network's Sling-powered TV Everywhere streaming approach, DirecTV's sideloading has the distinct benefit of offline viewing, but without access to live TV on the go. The iPhone app is already available in iTunes and some forum posters report they've already been able to preorder the unit, but check DBSTalk for their breakdown and the device's manual in PDF form before making a decision on your placeshifting future.

DirecTV Nomad is ready to launch, transcodes DVRed shows for mobile viewing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SageTV HTPC software acquired by Google, next stop Google TV?

Richard Lawler — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:37:00 EST

In what may be an interesting development for the future of Google TV, the folks at Mountain View have purchased SageTV. The HTPC software has been doing its media center thing on multiple platforms since 2002, and according to a note on its homepage the developers "believe our ideas will reach an even larger audience of users worldwide on many different products, platforms and services." While there's no word on exactly what Google has planned, SageTV has long included DVR and placeshifting features that the Google TV product lacks by itself. The bad news for current users is that the store links on SageTV's page have suddenly stopped working, so hopefully you snagged the software already if you're interested. If your main question is "What is SageTV?" check out a demo video created by user jaredduq that is embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Jason, screenshot courtesy GeekTonic]

Continue reading SageTV HTPC software acquired by Google, next stop Google TV?

SageTV HTPC software acquired by Google, next stop Google TV? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: How important is placeshifting?

Richard Lawler — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:45:00 EST

We know, the dream of the future is to watch all the content we want, wherever we want, but unfortunately the present is a little more complicated. While Dish seem to have the best thing going for "TV Anywhere" with its Sling integration and AT&T has made some strides with U-Verse Mobile, others like Cablevision and Time Warner have only extended the live TV string as far as the bathroom, kitchen or other rooms within your home. TV Everywhere efforts have so far mostly allowed viewing of video on-demand wherever you are like Comcast's Xfinity and HBO Go so we're wondering if true placeshifting is actually a key feature for you right now, or something you can live without.

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Poll: How important is placeshifting? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android and BlackBerry remote viewing / scheduling apps hit for Monsoon Vulkano

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:18:00 EST

Forgotten about Monsoon's darkhorse-of-a-DVR? Surely not! Particularly if you're a BlackBerry or Android user. Monsoon's do-it-all STB has just received a pair of free applications for two of the largest mobile operating systems on the market, with both BlackBerry and Android users soon able to both schedule recordings and watch live / recorded television from afar. According to the company, the apps enable users to "enjoy all the Vulkano features including integrated DVR, web video, place shifting, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) streaming and Mobile Video Recording from anywhere," which sounds dangerously hopeful if we're being frank. But hey, if mobile access was keeping you from making the plunge, you'll need to scrounge up another excuse now. A good problem to have, you know?

Continue reading Android and BlackBerry remote viewing / scheduling apps hit for Monsoon Vulkano

Android and BlackBerry remote viewing / scheduling apps hit for Monsoon Vulkano originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsoon Vulkano do-it-all media box starts shipping, gets unboxed

Darren Murph — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:52:00 EST

Looking for one box to rule them all? If so, you must have glossed right over Monsoon's Vulkano launch, but lucky for you, there's a reminder coming in the form of a 'now shipping' proclamation. Just weeks after the $379 mega-box -- which aims to replace all of those other STBs under your television -- went up for pre-order, the earliest of adopters have started to receive their devices. We're still waiting on a proper critique, but if you're yearning to have a glance at what the future of media looks like, give those links below a look. Just kidding about that last part, by the way.

[Thanks, Dan]

Monsoon Vulkano do-it-all media box starts shipping, gets unboxed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10

Richard Lawler — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:41:00 EST

Monsoon -- after taking advantage of a few delays since our initial hands-on by adjusting the name and pricing -- is finally ready to show off the followup to its HAVA line of placeshifting media streamers, the Vulkano. Integrating a video processor and local storage into its slim frame, the Vulkano accepts HD video over its analog inputs for recording and live streaming to other devices (PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Blackberry and Android players will be available at launch, with a Symbian version on the way) or it can convert recordings locally for them to be downloaded over WiFi or 3G and stored on those devices for offline viewing. Remote scheduling and channel changing functionality (controlling connected set-top boxes via IR blaster) isn't a shocking new feature, but this goes a step further by bringing internet videos to your TV (YouTube, local UPnP devices) Boxee and Popbox style, and other big names like Hulu, Netflix, Google TV, Amazon Yahoo! Widgets and a full HTML browser are promised to show up in firmware updates soon. Believers can hit the site to preorder now, with units ranging from the $279 Vulkano with 8GB of SD card storage, up to a $379 Vulkano Pro with 1TB eSATA HDD included and other sizes planned in between. Check after the break for a press release with more details, and our hands on video from CES.

Gallery: Monsoon Vulkano

Continue reading Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10

Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SlingPlayer Mobile for Android ready to entertain you for $30 starting tomorrow

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:07:00 EST

After a public beta spanning a couple months, Sling is rolling out the latest piece of its expanding SlingPlayer Mobile portfolio this week -- this time for Android, plugging the biggest coverage gap it currently has. This is the same app we recently had an opportunity to check out, but since that preview, we're happy to report that it's been massaged into a more stable, more usable setup -- gone are the disconnect crashes we'd had before. Furthermore, Sling claims they've specifically worked to improve load and response times with this version, and we have to say that the effort is noticeable -- this definitely feels like the fastest SlingPlayer Mobile we've used to date. It's officially available starting tomorrow from the Market in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US for $29.99. Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading SlingPlayer Mobile for Android ready to entertain you for $30 starting tomorrow

SlingPlayer Mobile for Android ready to entertain you for $30 starting tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Monitor 150 hits the FCC

Nilay Patel — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:33:00 EST

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.

Sling Monitor 150 hits the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SlingPlayer Mobile v1.2 enables 3G streaming on the iPhone, now ready for download

Vlad Savov — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:03:00 EST

We knew this was coming, and sure enough, Sling hasn't kept us waiting for long. Our beloved readers have inundated our tip jar with the news that the 3G-enabled flavor of SlingPlayer Mobile is now live on the App Store, and from what we're hearing works very well. The placeshifting app will set you back just under $30, but will allow you to finally take your cable, satellite or PVR content on the move with you. We say finally, 3G streaming has been available on other phones for a while now, but good to see AT&T and company see sense and enable the goodness for the iPhone. Get downloading and commenting -- how does it compare to sliced bread?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

SlingPlayer Mobile v1.2 enables 3G streaming on the iPhone, now ready for download originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monsoon adds streaming, sideloading sweetness to new Volcano placeshifting box

Richard Lawler — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:32:00 EST

Blazing a different path from Sling or even its own HAVA line, Monsoon's Volcano is not just an HD placeshifting device -- it can play back video from attached storage devices, NAS or PCs, plus internet video from YouTube or CinemaNow. Existing remote DVR and streaming features are joined by sideloading, as it can deliver compressed recordings to compatible mobiles (Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile) over 3G for later offline viewing. Other additions include an OS X client, MPEG-4 support plus plans for downloadable apps like Boxee and an open SDK for developers. Pricing is set at $199 with 4GB of flash memory included or $299 with 250GB HDD. Check out a video of our quick demo of the client running on a Motorola DROID and a press release with all the other details after the break.

Gallery: Monsoon Volcano

Continue reading Monsoon adds streaming, sideloading sweetness to new Volcano placeshifting box

Monsoon adds streaming, sideloading sweetness to new Volcano placeshifting box originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast On Demand Online rolls out fully this year, but stops at the front door

Richard Lawler — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:00 EST

Following the 5,000 person beta already ongoing, Comcast is apparently ready to deliver the On Demand Online experience to all of its customers by the end of the year, with a few rather significant caveats. At launch one the much hyped placeshifting element of the service will not be live, for the time being you'll need internet and TV service, and it will only work at home. Still, if queuing up last night's ep of Mad Men on your laptop is all you're looking for there should be a decent library of content to choose from with 24 cable networks signed on, and a $0 additional cost for the service. Our excitement level depends mostly on how quickly HD streaming and on the go access becomes a part of the package.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Comcast On Demand Online rolls out fully this year, but stops at the front door originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast On Demand Online rolls out fully this year, but stops at the front door

Richard Lawler — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:00 EST

Filed under: Cable, Internet

Comcast On Demand Online rolls out fully this year, but stops at the front door originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes

Richard Lawler — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST

Even though some cable giants are already trying their hand at placeshifting with TV Anywhere, Echostar may be ready to leverage its technology by licensing the SlingLoaded feature to other set-top box manufacturers like Motorola, Cisco or Pace, according to Cable Digital News. With its tru2way cable box still notable lacking a distribution deal, this could be a way for Sling fans that don't want any additional hardware to get it in the home, but speaking of that T2200S (still not coming to retail channels according to Senior Product Manager P. Margit Tritt) the company's presence at The Independent Show also gave it an opportunity to feel out the needs of smaller cable operators. Either way, there's plenty of time before its planned Q4 2009 launch - go on, admit you're excited, we don't judge here.

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others, Cable

Echostar might SlingLoad other manufacturer's cable boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Will you ever use On Demand Online?

Richard Lawler — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Comcast , Time Warner and assorted partners are throwing a big push behind the upcoming On Demand Online / TV Anywhere trial, clearly attempting to preserve their business model and keep customers signed up for cable. You've heard our thoughts so far in video, audio and text, now it's your turn to speak up. So, are you just not that impressed by watching TV on your computer, or do you think on demand place shifting could be the next big thing and a big reason to keep / switch to cable? Pick a response and let us know in the comments below.

View Poll

Filed under: Misc, Polls, Cable, Internet

Poll: Will you ever use On Demand Online? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola showcases USB-powered Media Mover

Darren Murph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:00 EST

We didn't think much of Motorola's MCU3E (MCUBE) wireless transcoder when it was launched as a prototype late last year, but obviously Moto's got dreams of seeing this in homes around the world. Showcased at this year's Cable Show, the rechristened Media Mover is a USB-powered device that not only transcodes media on your DVR, but also broadcasts said media (transfer or streaming) locally or remotely via WiFi or Bluetooth. Dave Zatz reported that the quality was actually pretty stellar, and while the company wasn't exactly forthcoming when it came to hardware specifics and availability, we don't suspect it'll be too long before the company comes right out with those very details. Check the read link for a few more hands-on shots.

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

Motorola showcases USB-powered Media Mover originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola showcases USB-powered Media Mover

Darren Murph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Motorola showcases USB-powered Media Mover originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR

Richard Lawler — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:06:00 EST

Want a taste of the SlingLoaded DISH Network 922 DVR (pictured), without switching to satellite? Echostar, as expected, is ready to show off a tru2way compatible version of its latest box, the T2200S, this week at the Cable Show '09. The T2200S contains the 1TB hard drive, expandable storage and of course, Sling Media's placeshifting technology ready to send live or recorded TV to your Internet connected device of choice. Since it's tru2way, it's also capable of running either the SlingGuide software, or whatever middleware is chosen by the provider, and enabling remote video diagnostics, hopefully making many truck rolls unnecessary. Like the 922, we've no price or release date yet but hopefully all that work on tru2way and M-CARD means whether or not our cable company signs up, we'll still have the choice of purchasing one at retail.

Update: Looks like the box is planned to start testing June, and go into production in Q4 of 2009, the specs from the PR are after the break. [Thanks, Justin]

Continue reading Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Others

Cable customers can get SlingLoaded too with the T2200S tru2way DVR originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archerfish home security camera system does video analysis for you

Nilay Patel — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:23:00 EST

Internet-enabled security cameras are nothing new, but Cernium's Archerfish system mixes in some smart video-analysis software and Sling-style placeshifting to make monitoring your home from afar a little easier. Up to four cameras can feed 352 x 240 resolution video into the $1000 box, which contains a TI DaVinci chip powerful enough to intelligently analyze the video for people and vehicles, encode it to H.264, and send it to wherever you are, along with text and email alerts if so desired. Of course, it wouldn't be 2009 if there wasn't a monthly fee for cloud-based hosting, and Archerfish is no exception -- you don't log in to your own box, you have to shell out $20/mo to access the MyArcherfish dashboard to review your footage. Of course. It's all on sale soon, including a $1,500 two camera bundle.

[Via Zatz Not Funny!]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Archerfish home security camera system does video analysis for you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cable companies following DISH's place-shifting lead?

Richard Lawler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:32:00 EST

Word from Multichannel News is that -- particularly in light of DISH's SlingLoaded DVR -- Comcast, Time Warner and Cox are all looking to include place-shifting rights in their latest carriage negotiations, promising subscriber access to their TV content even away from home. Unfortunately it appears their idea is to provide the TV feed over the Internet -- think Fancast and Starz Play -- instead of direct (and likely bandwidth consuming) DVR access. No word on which, if any, networks have agreed to such an arrangement but it does raise the question: would streaming access via PC or cellphone be enough to keep you from switching to satellite?

Filed under: Industry, DVRs, Cable, Internet, Satellite

Cable companies following DISH's place-shifting lead? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Monitor in-home placeshifter hands-up

Steven Kim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST

We just heard about the Sling Monitor, a quick way to move content from your Dish ViP 922 around your home, but we had to see it for ourselves. The display model at the Echostar booth was mounted way above eye-level, so we had to take some blind shots above the head. Look with your eyes, not your hands!

Gallery: Sling Monitor hands-on

Filed under: CES, Displays, Misc. Gadgets, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Sling Monitor in-home placeshifter hands-up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Monitor in-home placeshifter hands-up

Steven Kim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST

Gallery: Sling Monitor hands-up

Filed under: Displays, DVRs, Other hardware, Others, LCD, Satellite

Sling Monitor in-home placeshifter hands-up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DISH Network's ViP 922 and SlingGuide unveiled: first "SlingLoaded" HD DVR

Darren Murph — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

We heard way back in May of last year that DISH Network's next major wave of DVRs would have hints of Sling all over. Guess that played out alright, huh? The company has just announced its first SlingLoaded DVR, the ViP 922 HD DuoDVR. For those still scratching their heads, here's the skinny: this is the industry's first high-definition digital video recorder that incorporates placeshifting technology. The device packs five video sources including satellite, broadband and optional OTA tuners, and the 1TB HDD can hold up to 1,000 hours of content before tapping into external drive space. The box comes bundled with an innovative touchpad remote, and it can be controlled using the all new SlingGuide, which enables users to control their TV viewing experience over the web. No word on a price or release date, but boy, it'll be hard to resist regardless. The full release for both the DVR and the SlingGuide are just after the break.

Gallery: DISH Network's ViP 922 and SlingGuide unveiled: first "SlingLoaded" HD DVR

Continue reading DISH Network's ViP 922 and SlingGuide unveiled: first "SlingLoaded" HD DVR

Filed under: DVRs, Set-top boxes, Satellite

DISH Network's ViP 922 and SlingGuide unveiled: first "SlingLoaded" HD DVR originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reminder: Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD giveaway ends tomorrow!

Darren Murph — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST

Nope, the holiday season ain't over yet (at least in our minds), so we're giving you one final shot to enter your name in the hat for a Slingbox PRO-HD. The contest ends tomorrow night (January 2nd) at 11:59PM ET, so head on over and drop a comment in order to consider yourself registered.

Filed under: Announcements, Media streamers, Others

Reminder: Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD giveaway ends tomorrow! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD's Holiday Giveaway: win a Slingbox PRO-HD!

Darren Murph — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST

You know we couldn't let the holidays pass us by without doing a little giving, and the snow shoveling crew over at Engadget HD have put down the Egg Nog just long enough to host up a lovely giveaway (one of two, in fact). Rumor has it that a Sling Media Slingbox PRO-HD fell right out of Santa's sleigh and into an open window at the EHD headquarters, but don't worry, Mr. Claus has a stout insurance policy. Head on over and register to win!

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Engadget HD's Holiday Giveaway: win a Slingbox PRO-HD! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD Holiday Giveaway (part I): Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD

Darren Murph — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

Why so down? Old Man Winter putting a freeze on your heart? Fret not, downtrodden ones -- Engadget HD is here with a fistful of holiday cheer. Just in case you didn't get that placeshifting box you'd been asking for under the tree this morning, we coaxed St. Nick into coughing up a Slingbox PRO-HD from Sling Media to give to one lucky reader. You know the deal with this one: HD streaming, a wide array of inputs, integrated digital tuner and a sexy chassis that you won't mind showing off. So, what's it going to take to get this in your stocking after all? Merely a glee-filled comment below. Oh, and you might want to stick around -- we've got one more unclaimed gift to give away later today!

Gallery: Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we'd prefer one on the strangest, most remote locale you plan on placeshifting the HD Yule Log to.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Sling Media Slingbox PRO-HD unit. Approximate value is $299.99.
Entries can be submitted until Friday, January 2nd, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.

Filed under: Announcements, Media streamers, Others

Engadget HD Holiday Giveaway (part I): Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Media's Slingbox Pro HD: how would you change it?

Darren Murph — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:01:00 EST

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. But as always, YMMV, so why not have a look over on Engadget Classic and let us know how you'd tweak it?

Filed under: Media streamers

Sling Media's Slingbox Pro HD: how would you change it? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change the Slingbox Pro HD?

Darren Murph — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST

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.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

How would you change the Slingbox Pro HD? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beyond TV 4.9 officially released, packs in placeshifting, h.264, ClearQAM for $99

Richard Lawler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST

Dumping the beta tag, Snapstream's officially rolled out the placeshifting, Clear QAM-compatible singing and dancing Beyond TV 4.9, rolling previously optional $29.99 h.264 and DVD burning plugins into the standard package, upping the pricetag for new users from $69 to $99 (upgraders who never bought the plugins and don't want them can still hop in for the old price). If watching place shifted TV via web browser isn't interesting enough by itself, Snapstream threw in beta support for the Hauppage HD-PVR, new Web admin features and more. Enough to convince you to upgrade, or dive into the build it yourself DVR market for the first time?

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

Filed under: DVRs, Media PCs

Beyond TV 4.9 officially released, packs in placeshifting, h.264, ClearQAM for $99 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone

Nilay Patel — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST

We knew Orb was working on an iPhone port of its media-streaming app, and it looks like Orb 2.0 just stealthily went live in the App Store. The $10 app lets TV junkies watch live TV from a tuner connected to a Windows PC, as well as stream music, videos, and photos from their libraries. Even cooler, Orb allows you to monitor a webcam, so you can finally nail those Diet Coke thieves from the comfort of your cube (or keep an eye on your infant, whatever.) Sadly there's no date for the Mac and Linux versions, but Orb says they're on the way. Alright Sling, looks like the ball's in your court.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

Filed under: Handsets, Multimedia, Apple

Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone

Nilay Patel — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change ZeeVee's ZvBox?

Darren Murph — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

ZeeVee's ZvBox had a lot of potential on paper -- after all, who wouldn't be enthused about the possibility of bringing internet TV / DVDs / Blu-rays (via your PC's optical drive) and all sorts of other multimedia to the TV via the coaxial wiring already in your home? Unfortunately, the box was hamstrung by two major issues: a lofty price tag ($499) and less-than-elegant installation. Still, the unit seemed to work well enough in our testing once we got everything up and running, but we never really found a way to justify the cost. Are any of you early adopters feeling the same way? Disagree vehemently? What could ZeeVee do (or have done) in order to make the ZvBox a more compelling purchase? We know you've got it in you, so let it all out in comments below.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

How would you change ZeeVee's ZvBox? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:50:00 EST

Sling Media has a history of not disappointing, and while we were admittedly bummed to see Clip+Sling omitted from SlingPlayer 2.0, it looks like that one gripe is about to be remedied. If you'll recall, said feature was originally announced way back at the front end of 2007, and now select users are receiving e-mails announcing the launch of a private beta program. The Sling.com portal promises to "give users access to a premier library of content from top TV networks, movie studios, sports leagues and websites," and reportedly, it'll let folks "grab snippets of television content, upload them to the Sling site and create playlists and feeds that can be viewed and subscribed to by others." Is that YouTube / Hulu / Joost / et al. quaking in their boots, or are we just happy it's Friday?

Update: Sling pinged us to say that the actual Clip+Sling functionality was still in progress and wouldn't be a part of the initial Sling.com portal. It's still in the works, though -- shame it won't happen sooner, though.

Gallery: Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent

Filed under: Media streamers, Other hardware, Others, Internet

Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:50:00 EST

Gallery: Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BeyondTV 4.9 Beta adds placeshifting to the DIY DVR formula

Richard Lawler — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST

Windows Media Center alternative BeyondTV is actually taking advantage of Microsoft's Silverlight technology for its latest feature, placeshifting recorded TV, Slingbox-style. Download Squad mentions the 4.9 beta release allows users to log in remotely via a webpage, view a list of stored programs, and select them for real-time transcoding and streaming. That's not all BeyondTV's added since we last checked in on version 4.3 -- real-time ShowSqueeze, the aforementioned Web Admin access and more make this worth a look. BeyondTV is $70, but there's a free trial if you've just got to start slinging HDTV around the neighborhood, or the world, right now.

[Via Download Squad]

Filed under: DVRs, Media PCs, Media streamers

BeyondTV 4.9 Beta adds placeshifting to the DIY DVR formula originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neuros-powered WhereverTV brings international channels to your TV

Darren Murph — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:25:00 EST

Not only is this thing powered by Neuros, it even resembles the Neuros OSD. Announced today at the SINO Consumer Electronics Show, the brashly named WhereverTV acts as a liaison between your internet-connected PC and TV, delivering "hundreds of live international television channels in more than 40 languages from almost 100 countries around the world." The 5- x 5- x 1-inch box must be simultaneously connected to your router and TV, and once the tele is flipped on, you'll be able to browse, manage and stream scads of international TV channels from wherever you are in the world. Granted, we still prefer the flexibility of the ZvBox (which allows you to tap into all facets of internet video, not just one segment), but for just $199.99 with no activation or recurring charges (available now at Amazon), this could be just the thing for foreign television junkies or folks currently living outside of their homeland.

Filed under: Misc, Media streamers, Other hardware, Others, Internet, New content

Neuros-powered WhereverTV brings international channels to your TV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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