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Dish Network Sling Adapter review
It's been a long time coming since Sling announced the super slim Sling Adapter at CES, and surprise, surprise, the first cable or satellite provider to make it available to its customers is Sling's sister company Dish Network. The Sling Adapter should be available for order at $99 by the time you read this, and with a single USB plug it will add Slingbox capabilities to your Dish Network 722 DVR. Dish was nice enough to send us one a tad early, which means you should click on through to learn all the wonders and sorrows of the device. %Gallery-107688%
SlingPlayer for iPad delivers all kinds of television to Apple's tablet
Sling Media has posted a preview video of their upcoming iPad app, and you can watch it in action right after the break below. It looks pretty darn good -- the app of course allows you to stream everything that comes from your Slingbox DVR device, including live TV, DVR'd content, or any on-demand offerings you might happen to have. The iPad app uses Apple's own H.264 codec, so while this is just a video demonstration, presumably the real thing will look just as good. Unfortunately, this won't be the cheapest option -- the app isn't universal at all, so you'll have to pay another $30 on top of the $30 you may have already paid for the iPhone version. And that's after you buy and install a Slingbox in the first place, which itself requires yet another television subscription to actually deliver the content. Compared to a more subscription-based service like Netflix or Hulu, that's pretty pricey, though of course this setup can do things those can't. At any rate, if you're already hooked up to a Slingbox somewhere, $30 is cheap to get that content anywhere on the iPad. The app should be out soon. [via Engadget]
SlingPlayer arrives in Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, headed to iPad next (updated)
Got yourself a big new Windows Phone 7 device and need something to fill its screen with? Sling Media has your back with its SlingPlayer Mobile app, which has hit the Marketplace just in time to earn its Launch App Partner achievement. Pricing for the software is set at $30 in the US, C$32 in Canada, £23 in the UK, and €21.10 in Europe plus local tax, though you'll obviously need to have a Slingbox to communicate with as well. It ain't cheap, but good things rarely are. Update: We've also just come across a signup page for news updates on an iPad version of SlingPlayer Mobile. It'll be priced identically to the company's smartphone offerings, at $30, and looks to be coming soon. Thanks, Blake!
SlingPlayer for Windows Phone 7 demoed, coming soon (video)
That WP7 third party apposphere just got a nice boost from SlingPlayer, which has announced its intention to soon be present and accounted for on Microsoft's new platform. What we've got today is a quick teaser video showing off the live TV streaming capabilities under Windows Phone 7, along with the remote set-top box controls and a switch for turning the stream's quality up. Sling Media promises up to four times the resolution available on previous Windows Mobile versions and draws a launch window around the woolly concept of "soon." See the moving pictures after the break.
Sling founder concocts Crestron home automation app for Android, demos it on Galaxy Tab
Two years ago in Denver, we watched as a Crestron iPhone app wowed crowds at CEDIA. At this year's show in Atlanta, a similar app has been unveiled for a rival platform: Android. Blake Krikorian, better known as the founder of Sling Media, was recently able to demonstrate a new Crestron home automation app for Android, and he did it on Samsung's much-hyped Galaxy Tab. The program (codenamed 'R2') is the result of 1.5 years of work, and in large part, it was built to overcome the many limitations of iOS. Specifically, he wanted to bypass iOS' Slide to Unlock screen, and he greatly preferred Android's multitasking implementation and background notification system. Eventually, we're expecting the app to sell for around $99, but plans beyond that have yet to be made. Hop on past the break for a video demonstration, and stay tuned for any information we dig up regarding a solid release date.
Sling says it's fixed 'many' of the problems affecting users, still has more work to do
Sling said on Friday that it was working on fixing the array of issues plaguing its streaming service, and it now says that it's made some changes that "seem to have addressed many of the problems." Speaking with Crave, a Sling spokesperson further added that the issues "were the result of a data migration process that, while carefully planned for a long time, still had a number of unexpected problems." The spokesperson went on to note that while things have gotten better over the last 24 hours, "they aren't nearly good enough for everyone yet" -- something confirmed by a number of Sling users who are continuing to report problems on the official support forums today. So hang in there -- things are getting better, slowly.
Slingbox account server problems cutting off web players, apps
If you're trying to watch some TV via Slingbox right now and can't, don't worry, you're not alone. A support thread on Slingbox.com lays out the problems: Trying to access watch.slingbox.com directly, logging in to the Sling site, or trying SlingPlayer via computer or a mobile device results in a page that doesn't load. Luckily, there are a few workarounds available like switching networks (some have said going from WiFi to 3G on their mobiles works) or using an older version of SlingPlayer that connects directly to your box and bypasses Sling servers. Obviously Sling technicians are working on the issue, but without any ETA on a fix, it's probably a good idea to check the thread and make sure your setup is foolproof before taking off for the weekend. [Thanks, James & Dave Zatz]
Slingbox Solo devices no longer streaming for some users?
According to Slingbox's message boards, some Slingbox SOLO owners are experiencing a slew of issues with their devices, the most concerning of which is the failure to stream content after a brief period of use. Understandably, that's more than a bit frustrating for users who purchased the set top box exactly so they could stream TV content remotely. The particular thread in question was started back in May, and as of now has not been universally resolved by Slingbox's engineering team, who claim the problems have yet to be nailed down to a single issue -- despite many owners discovering their issues are related to bloated capacitors. Unfortunately for users, that means Slingbox hasn't announced a blanket replacement program. Instead, Slingbox is asking those affected by the problem to contact their support team: if your device happened to fail within 90 of purchase or you purchased an extended warranty, they'll handle for free. Otherwise, those still within the device's hardware warranty can pay a small fee for service which will be refunded only in the event the problem is found to be hardware related. From a consumer standpoint, this definitely sounds like a raw deal, but we'll avoid taking sides until more details surface... or a last minute press conference is called to claim it's a problem with all streaming boxes.
SlingPlayer Mobile for Android ready to entertain you for $30 starting tomorrow
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.
SlingPlayer Mobile for Android beta preview
We can practically hear the collective sigh of relief among Slingbox owners now that Sling's finally just about ready to push out a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for Android -- by far the biggest hole in the company's lineup of mobile players ever since the iPhone version went live. This is no mere port, though; the company is boasting that it worked hard here to reduce load times, meaning the total wait you've got from app load to the time you're actually seeing General Hospital should be less than you're accustomed to, and that's a big win in our book. Check out our quick impressions (and video) after the break!
SlingPlayer Mobile for Android teased on an EVO 4G
It looks like those private beta rumors earlier this month were legit, seeing how Sling Media is now officially showing off its latest SlingPlayer Mobile incarnation on HTC's lovely EVO 4G for Sprint. The company is boasting that the app has the fastest load time of any version of SlingPlayer Mobile to date -- and we can't imagine that WiMAX hurts, either -- so this should be the perfect accessory to your EVO 4G purchase when the phone launches early next month. It's not clear yet what other Android devices will be compatible with the software, but we imagine Sling will be saying more soon, so stay tuned.
SlingPlayer Mobile for Android goes to private beta?
Android's quickly becoming the elephant in the room for Sling Media, so we're delighted to hear today that the promised Android client of SlingPlayer Mobile is apparently entering a private beta period as we speak -- according to a tipster over at Phandroid, anyhow. It seems that some members that signed up to Sling's beta program have been contacted recently with a link to the download and a request that they not discuss the app or the beta program (so much for that), so if everything goes really, really well, we might see a release before too long. The thought of this thing running on the EVO 4G just blows minds, doesn't it?
Niveus shows how it can help cable and satellite providers get HD on your PC
It's just a tech preview, but our favorite high end Media Center maker, Niveus, is showing off Project Snowbird at NAB this week. Niveus hopes its PC client will help cable and satellite providers bring more premium HD content to the PC. This version was copying and streaming content from a Dish Network DVR and works with Sling's protocol, DLNA and DTCP-IP -- you remember it right, the CableLabs certified DRM for IP transport? Also baked in is Microsoft's PlayReady so envisioning playing the content on a Zune HD or in Media Center aren't too unfounded either. Dish Network was involved to show its commitment to working towards this type of solution in the home, but Niveus hopes to get all the providers on board and is anxious to fill in the PC client no matter what protocol the provider wants to use. We're told that these goals are inline with those of the IP Gateway we've been talking about, so it'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out. But at this point there aren't any product announcements and so this might just be yet another tech preview that never makes it to our homes. More shots of what it might look like after the break.
Dish Network's SlingLoaded ViP922 DVR to hit store shelves tomorrow (finally!)
We saw it at CES 2009 -- and then we waited. And waited. And finally last month Dish's SlingLoaded DVR made it to the FCC. And now? We've just received word that the ViP922 should be hitting Dish Network retailers April 7 (like, tomorrow). The long-awaited device carries an MSRP of $649, although existing customers who want to work it into their lease can expect to pay closer to the $200 - $400 range. Unless, of course, you live in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands -- in which case you'll have to do without altogether. That what the Dish Network calls "tough love." We'll let you know if the company changes its mind. PR after the break.
Sling working on player for iPad, Windows Phone 7 Series
Looks like Zatz got the goods from the folks at Sling, who have a few interesting tidbits currently in the development pipe. Zatz not Funny is reporting that Sling's Mobile Product Marketing Manager, Dave Eyler, has told him that the company is "actively moving towards H.264" and Silverlight support, as well as delivering streaming with resolutions beyond the current 320x240. Though there are no firm details or timelines yet, this means we should definitely be expecting SlingPlayer Mobile versions for the iPad and Windows Phone 7 Series. While Sling says it won't have anything ready for the iPad's launch, we've got our fingers crossed that we'll see it soon.
Slingplayer Mobile will finally be working on the AT&T 3G network
Well, that took a while. AppleInsider is reporting that AT&T has now agreed to let SlingPlayer for iPhone [US$30, iTunes link] stream over the 3G network. When the app was released last May, there was great moaning that the SlingPlayer Mobile app only worked on a Wi-Fi connection. That was in contrast to other versions of the Sling app running on other phones like the BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and some Palm devices -- all of which were allowed on the AT&T network. AT&T now says they have worked with the Sling Media developers, and found ways to reduce the bandwidth footprint. Getting it all up and running will require a new version of the Sling App, which should appear shortly. The app will be a free upgrade for current owners. The posted version was released in August of last year. A source at Sling Media told me this morning they were glad AT&T "finally saw the light." We'll keep you posted on developments, and we'll test the new app when it's online.
SlingPlayer Mobile 2.0 for WinMo gets finger-friendly
Sling has given the Windows Mobile community a little love this week with the release of SlingPlayer Mobile 2.0, blessing it with a totally redesigned "sleek and intuitive" interface and a handful of new features that bring it to parity with its counterparts on other platforms. First off, the UI's been reworked to make styli a thing of the past -- everything should now be usable with a finger -- and they've added multiple viewing modes for widescreen and zoomed content. You've also got support for Sling Accounts, an improved guide and DVR control, and fully-blessed streaming over both 3G and WiFi on any network. Anything running WinMo 6 or up with a touchscreen should theoretically work and it's a free upgrade from 1.6 -- only catch is that you need a Slingbox Solo, Pro, or Pro HD to use it (older models are being blocked, an annoying habit that we've seen with other recent SlingPlayer releases). It's available for download now.
Slingbox DVR streaming due for PS3, says Sling Media VP
Our buddy Leo LaPorte interviewed Jay Tannenbaum of Sling Media the other week on his Tech Guy Labs podcast live at CES, and reader Jason spotted a little bit of news that will be of interest to PS3 owners. The interview starts at about 33 minutes into episode 629, and in his chat with Leo at 33:35, Tannenbaum mentions that the Slingbox software allows you to stream DVR content to anywhere in the world, including "your phone, your laptop, and soon to even the PlayS -- uh, PS3." Leo responds the same way we would, with an incredulous, "Really?" And Tannenbaum answers in the affirmative. So, wow, there you go. Presumably, you'll still need a Slingbox to actually sling the media out to your console, and obviously there's no word yet of how the software would be delivered to the PS3 (on a disk like the Netflix app, or via a purchased program like the $30 iPhone app), but eventually you'll be able to watch your Slingbox media, even in 1080i, as Tannenbaum says later in the interview, on your PlayStation 3. Interested? Update: DustoMan in our comments says that Tannenbaum meant streaming Slingbox through the PS3's browser, as shown in these photos at CES. Still works, we guess, but not quite as groovy.
Sling's CES showing gives us a Touch of optimism
CES is officially under way so of course we got our hands all over the Sling Touch Control 100 in person and screwed up the DVR queue mightily over WiFi thanks to simple touch controls, then took control our imaginary Sony Blu-ray player with an overlay that matched the native remote functions. Reps confirmed to Dave Zatz that an Android Sling app is under development -- for owners of other phones, a Flash implementation of the mobile app is your most likely bet. Most tantalizing? SlingCatcher-style software running on plain-jane Broadcom boxes representing future TVs or set-top boxes that could ship with Sling functionality embedded in them. Given Sling's lack of acceptance on non-Dish content distributors so far, we can't help but wish for a Yahoo! or VUDU style invasion of third-party devices to come. Check the gallery for pics of all the hardware announced recently, as well as a video of the remote after the break. %Gallery-82043%
Sling gets in the remote business with the Sling Touch Control 100
Yes we agree, that is one fine looking touch screen remote, and yes that is real guide data via built in WiFi you see there. In fact it leverages SlingGuide which includes the ability to search for shows right on the remote. That beautiful screen is a 4.3 inch capacitive touch screen and features a 272x480 resolution. As expected, the Sling Touch Control 100 communicates via IR, but it can also use IP to control your DVR or other Sling devices. So yeah, it is pretty sweet, but of course there's a catch and for once it isn't the price. No, the problem is this is only available via your cable or satellite provider and we don't know about you, but our provider just isn't that cool.
