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Slingbox server shutdown will kill every box in two years
Sling Media launched the Slingbox in 2005, and two years from now, every single Slingbox will stop working.
Slingbox M1 review: A pricey streamer, but worth it for frequent travelers
It's been 10 years since Sling Media was founded, and here we stand with the fifth-generation Slingbox, the M1. Like all Slingboxes before it, the M1 can stream live and DVRed programs to your mobile devices, but this time, it's $150, making it the least expensive model yet. In particular, it's $30 cheaper than its predecessor and boasts the same feature set, but with the addition of built-in WiFi, so you don't need to park the box next to an Ethernet jack. So do the price cut and built-in WiFi make it a more worthwhile purchase? Let's find out.
Sling's 'M1' streaming box brings built-in WiFi at a lower price
It's been nearly two years since Sling unveiled new placeshifting boxes, so it's high time the company brought its products into the year 2014. The firm just announced two refreshes, including the entry-level M1, which has a smaller footprint and comes with built-in WiFi so that you don't need to park the thing near an Ethernet cable to stream live and DVR'd TV to your mobile devices. Additionally, it can now be configured using the Android/iOS app, though unfortunately, you need to use old-school component cables (maybe in the year 2016 they'll add HDMI). On the software side, meanwhile, Sling is bringing back its Mac and PC desktop apps, since users seemed to miss them. Most importantly, it's cheaper: The M1 costs $150, compared with $180 for the Slingbox 350 it's replacing.
Gadget Rewind 2005: Slingbox
A company called Sling Media burst onto the scene in 2005 with a relatively new idea: give customers the ability to access their home cable and video services while they're traveling. Its "place-shifting" concept was embodied in its first device: the Slingbox. While you're on the road, this set-top-like box served to connect you to your very own TiVo recorded shows, media PC or cable and satellite TV services, provided you had a computer with Sling Media's software and an internet connection (preferably high-speed). The original design was somewhat unique, resembling an oversized candy bar (Sling calls it an "ingot"), and it was a clear favorite of both Engadget editors and readers, earning the title of best home entertainment device for 2005. At launch, the $250 price certainly wasn't cheap -- especially for standard definition only -- and it was markedly Windows-centric, excluding Apple users until its Mac compatible software arrived around 2007.
Engadget giveaway: win a Slingbox 500 and Motorola-ARRIS SURFboard
While "hanging ten" may be out of the question for those in the Northeast this time of year, it's still a great time for a SURFboard. ARRIS, the telecommunications company that acquired Motorola Home early last year, has jumped in to offer a Motorola-ARRIS SURFboard SBG6782-AC Gateway, along with a new Slingbox 500 to help make some waves in one lucky Engadget reader's home media center. The SURFboard is the first retail cable modem that also offers blazing fast WiFi 802.11AC, and it has MoCA networking for sharing multimedia across compatible smart devices. With the Slingbox 500 and its My Media feature, your movies, videos and photos will be accessible to you even when you're away from home. All you need to do is head on down to the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win. Winner: congratulations to Jacob G., Telluride, CO
JVC intros 55-inch BlackSapphire LCD TV with 45W virtual surround sound, SlingPlayer
Every TV maker trying to avoid total commoditization has a special trick to keep its designs unique and worth a higher price. For JVC, that trick is sound. It's launching the BlackSapphire line of LCD-based 3D TVs with the 55-inch, edge LED-lit JLE55SP4400, whose signature is an unusually powerful built-in audio system: the 45W system and 3D processing supposedly produces surround sound without having to line the living room with extra speakers. Odds are that the set won't provide much competition for dedicated speakers, although JVC is promising more integration beyond this with rare built-in SlingPlayer TV streaming, just in case there's a Slingbox in another part of the home. The all-in strategy could make the inaugural BlackSapphire more of a bargain than it looks: that $1,300 you'll pay when the screen ships this month might be all you need to start watching.
Slingbox 350 and 500 review: Sling Media finally upgrades its line of media streamers
It's hard to believe that the Slingbox has been around for seven years, but that only makes it harder to accept these are the first retail models that have been released since 2008. That finally changes today, though: Sling Media just introduced two new place-shifters: the Slingbox 500 and 350 (pictured). Available on October 14th for $299 and $179, respectively, these new set-top boxes replace the Solo and Pro-HD. While the 350 simply adds 1080p streaming for the same price, the 500 adds SlingProjector, a feature that lets you take photos stored on your iOS or Android device and send them to your television (video streaming will soon be supported as well). The Slingbox 500 will also soon be able to play content on USB-attached storage, but that will come in a future software update. The SlingPlayer apps get a refresh as well, adding reminders and an easier way to share your Slingbox with friends. What we set out to determine in this review -- and what you'll discover if you click through -- is how big of an upgrade this really is. Is it worth chucking your old hardware for one of these boxes? What if you're thinking of getting your first media streamer? We'll delve into all that after the break.
Sling Media officially unveils the Slingbox 350 and 500
The company that takes almost full credit for inventing place-shifting is back in retail action with new models and new software features too. The Slingbox 350 takes the place of the older Solo at $179 and adds an integrated IR blaster and the new ability to stream 1080p HD. The $299 Slingbox 500 also does 1080p, but adds WiFi -- which really should be in both -- and an HDMI input and output. The HDMI output does more than just pass-through too, in conjunction with the new SlingProjector feature it can render your pictures and videos (soon) on the big screen. Both can take advantage of the new SlingPlayer apps with optimizations like reminders as well as a revamp Slingbox.com web interface that makes it easier than ever to share your place-shifting joy with friends and family. These boxes go on sale in the States on October 14th with our friends to the north getting them in November. What might be interesting to all Slingbox owners is that the SlingPlayer client for various platforms is now half the price at $15. Thirsting for more info? Check out the press release after the break, or our review of both right here.
SlingPlayer for Android gets a long-awaited update, adds reminders and better Android 4 video quality
Fans of both Android and Slingbox streaming have had a long wait for a significant update to the SlingPlayer app, to put it mildly -- the last major upgrade was to introduce Kindle Fire support at the start of the year. Imagine our delight when Sling Media posts a pair of low-key but significant updates for Android phone and tablet users alike. Smartphone owners get the most out of the upgrade with a new electronic program guide, a fresher overall look and better high-quality video for any phone using Android 4.0 and beyond. Tablet users do get a more optimized interface for the Nexus 7, however, and both form factors will let avid placeshifters remind themselves when a much-anticipated show goes live in the future. Neither of the updates is a complete revolution, but we would say they're coming just in time.
Slingbox 350 and 500 show up unannounced in Best Buy, flaunt 1080p and built-in WiFi
You might say Dave Zatz just had a happy accident. While he was hunting for the as yet unofficial Logitech Harmony Touch in Best Buy, he discovered the Slingbox 350 and 500 -- two more living room gadgets that have yet to receive an official introduction. The placeshifting hubs both look to be major improvements over the aging Slingbox Pro HD and Solo, making 1080p streaming available as long as the connection is up to snuff. Those who spring for the 500 should also get long overdue support for WiFi without having to use a wireless bridge, although they may miss the Pro HD's ATSC tuner. Outside of the networking, Sling Media is making expansion its upsell angle: the 500 supports USB media sharing and HDMI, while the 350 has to make do with whatever can pipe through its component and composite jacks. Zatz was unfortunately foiled in an attempt to buy one of the new Slingboxes and couldn't get final pricing, but Best Buy's suggestion to try again around mid-October hints that we won't have long to wait for a much-needed upgrade to our remote TV viewing.
Broadcom befriends Sling and Myriad, outs new set-top and streaming chips
Busy days at Broadcom, which has already forgotten about its earlier 5G WiFi announcement and launched a barrage of new chips for set-top boxes and home networking. The line-up supports the latest MoCA 2.0 standard for greater network bandwidth over coax wiring, but even more interesting is what some of the SoCs can do for smart TV and streaming. The BCM7425 dual-tuner HD gateway SoC will support Sling Media's "place-shifting" platform, potentially making it easier for set-top manufacturers to enable TV streaming to mobile devices. A similar deal has been inked with Myriad over its clever Alien Vue software (shown above), allowing Broadcom-equipped boxes to run apps designed for Google TV and HTML 5 without the need for extra dedicated hardware. In short, if your service provider fails to make TV content smarter or easier to access in 2012, they won't be able to blame it on Broadcom. Further details in the PR combo after the break and at the source link.
SlingPlayer app now available for Honeycomb tablets, priced at $30
It was teased back in September and now, it's finally arrived -- the SlingPlayer Android app optimized specifically for Honeycomb tablets. Available today on the Android Market, Sling Media's latest app allows Slingbox owners to stream TV directly to their slates, and features a new program guide, designed to help users browse content and change channels with greater ease. The SlingPlayer app for Android handsets, meanwhile, will continue to function on tablets in "compatibility mode," without exacting extra charges, though it won't offer the same resolution quality you'll find on a Honeycomb-laced device. Interested parties can grab the app for the familiar price of $30, at the source link below. Otherwise, click past the break for more details in Sling's refreshingly brief press release.
Sling sends some users offline with PRO-HD update, issues fix
"Having difficulty with your PRO-HD this week?" That announcement headlining the Slingbox Answers Forum sums it up: a software update pushed last week "caused some Slingbox PRO-HD models to appear unavailable for TV streaming" -- a fairly significant issue, considering TV streaming is what these things do. Sling Media has since released a fix, but your device will need to connect to the internet to receive it. A spokesperson said that a "very small percentage" of users were affected, and that power cycling the device and waiting 10 minutes should solve the problem, as each box is programmed to connect and check for updates during the boot sequence. One Pro-HD owner wrote in claiming that the new software "bricked" his unit, meaning it's unable to power-up to receive the new update. If you're experiencing a similar issue, Sling suggests calling customer service at (877) 467-5464 -- mentioning the failed firmware update should help you avoid that nasty $30 service call charge. [Thanks, Tom]
App review: SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Phone 7
For better or for worse, the latest SlingPlayer Mobile app is very much like its other flavors: same easy preparation, a familiar interface, and a similarly tear-inducing $30 price tag.
Exclusive: Verizon Slingbox in the wild
Well, lookie here: we just came across an extraordinarily trapezoidal device that we're told is the new Slingbox to be offered by Verizon on a monthly subscription basis to LTE customers. Not much to see, really, but they've definitely dialed down the industrial design here in favor of a tiny, matte black shell that's got some creative angling to it. It's standard definition only, as far as we can tell -- the only connections on back are for composite video. If you've already got something like a Solo or a Pro-HD, we're not sure there's any compelling reason at all to consider it -- but it might be a good way for Sling newbies to get into the game. Check out more shots below. %Gallery-113328%
Sling hooks up with Verizon to rent Slingboxes to LTE customers
Looks like Verizon is shopping for ways to get its brand spanking new 4G airwaves loaded, because Sling's just announced an unusual subscription-based deal with them that should kill the upfront cost normally associated with buying a Slingbox and a $30 SlingPlayer Mobile app. Monthly pricing hasn't yet been announced, but if you've got one of Verizon's new LTE phones, you'll have the option of getting some dollar figure tacked onto your monthly bill and a box will get shipped to your door on loan; cancel the subscription, and you'll presumably have to return it or pay a fee. It's an interesting shift in Sling's business model, but from Verizon's perspective, it's also got an air of anti-net neutrality to it -- especially if the $30 SlingPlayer option in the Market goes away. Here's hoping it doesn't! Follow the break for the full press release.
Slingplayer Mobile for iPhone updated to 2.0 with high quality video streaming and new guide
Say hello to the version 2.0 of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, which improves over v1.2 and its 3G streaming by adding the high quality video and new program guide features seen in the iPad version. Fortunately, this time Sling hasn't made any of its older hardware obsolete, while taking advantage of the new HQ streams will require a SOLO or PRO-HD box (and minimum 800 kbps WiFi / 500 kbps 3G connection) older Slingboxes will still work, just with lower quality video. Check the screens for a peek at the new look or just head over to iTunes, grab the new version and let us know how it's working out. %Gallery-110516% [Thanks, David]
Dish Network launches Remote Access app, brings live TV and scheduling to iPad
See, that wasn't so bad, now was it? If you're befuddled, we're simply referring to the week that iPad owners have had to listen to their Android-lovin' brethren gloat about having Dish Network's Remote Access app. As of today, that same piece of software is available in the App Store, enabling iPad owners to watch live and recorded programs so long as they've a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled device like the Sling Adapter. It'll also allow iPad owners to browse and search up to nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings, manage conflicts, delete shows on multiple receivers, and use their tablet as a fully functional remote, but much to our dismay, it doesn't have the power to make Heroes a show worth watching again.
SlingPlayer Mobile app hits the iPad (update: only works with SOLO and PRO-HD)
SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad was looking pretty slick when we saw a preview a couple weeks ago, and now, just like that, it's arrived at the App Store. Folks who already invested in the iPhone app might be a bit disappointed to find they need to fork out another $30 for the iPad version -- although they can keep using the iPhone app in "Compatibility Mode" if they'd like -- but Sling is touting new video quality levels for the iPad, that your iPhone can only dream of, to sweeten the deal. There's also a new program guide UI and other iPad-friendly tweaks. Check out that video preview after the break to learn more, or just hit up your local App Store and start downloading (it's rolling out in typical App Store fashion, which means it might take a few minutes to pop up in your particular iTunes). Update: We were having trouble getting our Slingbox PRO to work with the app, but it turns out that's on purpose: it doesn't work. That's right, Sling just pulled a Sling and has made obsolete another set of its own hardware. The only iPad compatible Slingboxes are the Slingbox SOLO and the PRO-HD, which is a bit confusing given that the iPhone app has a wider compatibility list. Sling says Apple wanted them to stick with a higher resolution than some of their older hardware could support, but it seems pretty lame that they can't just upsample the video as a fallback. There's a $50 voucher that will apparently be offered for Slingbox owners who want to upgrade, which will help them buy expensive hardware that will no doubt be obsolete by the time Sling decides to support a new piece of Apple hardware. Not that we're bitter or anything...
