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SlingCatcher unboxing and hands-on
We knew the SlingCatcher was sneaking out into the wild, and hey -- we just snagged one at retail in Chicago. We're busy tearing into all the projector, Sling streaming, and media streaming features, but we figured we'd throw up the unboxing photos right away so you can get a feel for Sling's latest, long-awaited box.%Gallery-34821%
SlingCatcher now officially for sale
It's been over a year and half since Sling first announced the SlingCatcher, but the mythical streamer is finally, finally here -- it's now officially for sale on Sling's site and at other major retailers. You already know most of the details about the $299 box -- Slingbox playback, SlingProjector computer streaming, extensive codec support including XviD, eventual Sling.com content delivery -- so we'll just let you hit the order page, but rest assured we'll be tearing this thing apart when our test unit arrives.
Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD now shipping to Canada
Sling Media told us that its minty fresh Slingbox PRO-HD would be shipping to the Great North soon, and lo and behold, the promise has been kept. Effective immediately, interested Canadians can snatch one of these high-def slingers for $329.99 at Future Shop, Canada Computers and London Drugs (just to name a few). Wondering how this thing looks / works? Check out our hands-on!
SlingCatcher gets unboxed, our hearts beat ever faster
After seemingly endless delays, it looks like the SlingCatcher is finally making its way into the world, as evidenced by this grainy unboxing at the SlingCommunity forums. Sure, it looks exactly the same as the prepro boxes we've toyed with, but we won't lie -- we've been waiting for this box with breathless anticipation ever since it was announced at CES 2007, and combined with the recent launch of the Sling 2.0 software, the Slingbox PRO-HD, and the seemingly-imminent launch of the Sling.com video portal, Sling's ending the year strong. Click on for a few more pics, and don't worry -- we'll be blowing this thing out as soon as we get our hands on one.[Thanks, Christopher]
Sling Media's Clip+Sling strides into beta, release looks imminent
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-33523%
Sling Media starts shipping $300 Slingbox PRO-HD, Canada to get it soon
You already witnessed our unboxing and hands-on with Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD, and if you're anxious to know when you can grab one of your own, how's about right now? Sling has revealed that its $299.99 high-def box can be purchased this very instant from its website and other B&M retailers, and for Canadians feeling a touch left out, take heart -- you all will be able to purchase the unit "in the coming weeks" for $329.99. %Gallery-32638%
Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD unboxed and tested
There she is -- the long-awaited Slingbox PRO-HD. For high-def junkies who've been waiting ever so patiently to get their hands on this thing, we're thrilled to say that it was worth the wait. We've got a complete unboxing over at Engadget Classic along with some first impressions. Head on over and have a look.
SlingPlayer Mobile now UIQ-friendly, Windows version hits 2.0 beta
In case you haven't noticed, today's a pretty big day for Sling Media. Not monumentally large or anything, but decently sized, we reckon. Of course, if you're a placeshifter and a UIQ user, you may disagree vehemently. Announced today, said company has unveiled a SlingPlayer Mobile version compatible with the UIQ interface on Symbian OS phones from Motorola and Sony Ericsson. For those out of the loop, said app will give Slingbox users the ability to "watch and control their home TV from a network-connected mobile phone." In related news, the freshest SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 has launched as a public beta, and with it comes a live video buffer, "The Guide," SlingRemote and a bevy of different viewing modes. Take advantage of that broadband connection while you still can -- get to downloadin'![Via SlingCommunity]Read - SlingPlayer Mobile for UIQRead - SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 public beta
Sling Media's Slingbox PRO-HD / SlingCatcher up for pre-order
Check it, placeshifters -- two new must-have boxes have just popped up for pre-order on Sling's website and Amazon's online marketplace. Sling Media's awfully exciting SlingCatcher and the sleek Slingbox PRO-HD are now ready to be loved for $299.99 apiece, though neither site gives any indication of ship dates. Still, with the holiday season just around the bend, we'd expect to see 'em both out before too long.[Via ZatzNotFunny]Read - SlingCatcher pre-orderRead - Slingbox PRO-HD
SlingPlayer 2.0 enters public beta -- without Clip+Sling
SlingPlayer 2.0 was announced way back at CES 2007 (and, uh, re-announced this year) and it looks you'll finally be able to get a taste, public beta style -- but only a taste, since it's missing its most hyped feature, Clip+Sling. If you'll recall, C+S was supposed to let you nab up to 5 minutes of content and share it online with your friends, but it looks like only the local DVR features have made the cut, so while we're still excited about the new 60-minute buffer and EPG, it's not all we've been promised. On the bright side, the holdup isn't technical, it's legal, so once all the appropriate networked partnerships and contracts have been signed, you'll be clipping and slinging like there's no tomorrow. Other minor changes include a tweaked UI (skin support has been dropped) and (finally!) the death of Slingbox Finder IDs in favor of user accounts. Windows-only for now, with a video demo after the break -- let us know how you're doing in comments!Read - Slingcommunity announcementRead - Dave Zatz's take
DISH Network's DTVPal converter box goes retail at Sears
Although DISH Network's $59.99 DTVPal converter box went on sale late last month, you've had to order it via the DTVPal website or by phone... until now. The NTIA-approved (meaning you can use your $40 voucher on it) box will soon start surfacing in 511 Sears retail locations along with 194 Sears Dealer stores, meaning that you can actually get in your vehicle and pick one up should you choose to do so. For us introverts, we'd still much rather have a brown box dropped off at our doorstep, but oftentimes there's nothing like instant gratification.
DISH Network's $59.99 DTVPal now shipping
Heads-up, DTV holdouts. Your digital-to-analog converter box has arrived, and it's shipping right now. DISH Network's DTVPal (known as the Sling TR-40 in a previous life) can be snapped up as we speak from the DTVPal website or by phone. Best of all, the $59.99 box qualifies for the NTIA's coupon program, meaning that you can procure one for just $19.99 -- if your voucher hasn't expired yet, that is. For those still on the fence, you can check out a review of the box here.
DISH Network's DTVPal converter box gets reviewed
For those of you out there who have managed to hang on to your government-issued DTV voucher(s), this is probably the box you've been waiting for. CNET just wrapped up a review of the DTVPal (formerly known as the Sling TR-40), and overall, it couldn't find a whole lot to hate. The EPG was deemed "excellent," the analog pass-throughs were smiled upon and the "solid" reception seemed to delight. They did knock the "overcomplicated" remote and the lack of front-panel buttons, but in the end, those niggles didn't keep critics from calling it "a top choice" for folks on the hunt for a digital TV converter. Tracking one down before your coupon expires is apt to be the real challenge.
DISH Network's forthcoming DVRs get detailed: hints of Sling all over
Although DISH Network's previous quarter wasn't anything to write home about, it sounds like the satcaster (EchoStar, technically) isn't going to allow its set-top line to grow stale in the process. During the recent Team Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, DISH's CEO Charlie Ergen reiterated that it would be beaming out "more than 100 national HD channels" by the end of 2008, and he also made mention that the EchoStar 11 satellite would lift off in July. Most interesting, however, was all the talk about the new STBs. The forthcoming ViP 722 will be the first HD DVR from the outfit with loads of Sling technology built in -- not too shocking considering the recent acquisition. Additionally, the box is said to feature an all new interface and the ability to browse to (select) websites, double as a SlingCatcher and even handle Clip & Sling duties. There's plenty more where this came from, so be sure and hit the read link when you've got some spare time for reading.[Via GizmoLovers]
Updated SlingPlayer Mobile clients now available
Remember those refreshed Sling apps we mentioned not long ago? They've finished baking and they're ready for prime time (sorry, BlackBerry users, we don't mean you -- not yet, anyway). The players for Windows Mobile, both Professional and Standard editions, now rest at version 1.6 while the S60 player gets upped to 1.1; changes are relatively minor, but notable, the Nokia N95 8GB is now officially supported (even though the old player worked pretty well) along with a slew of new WinMo pieces and set-top boxes, video quality is improved on some devices, new channel logos are included, and some "under the hood tweaks." The update is available now and free for existing SlingPlayer Mobile users; newbs, meanwhile, pay a $30 one-time pop.
SlingCatcher delayed again, this time until "sometime in 2008"
We've been waiting to get our hands on the SlingCatcher ever since it was announced at CES in 2007 (and re-announced at this past CES) but it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer -- Gregg Wilkes, Sling's VP of sales, has said the product won't be released this quarter as scheduled, but rather sometime later this year. Sling hasn't made this announcement publicly, though: Gregg simply emailed a would-be customer his apologies, saying Sling was committed to providing a "compelling and enjoyable user experience and value proposition," and that the SlingCatcher is still being refined. He also mentioned that Sling's recent acquisition by EchoStar has gummed up the works a bit, but that "all indications point" to a SlingCatcher release in 2008. So reassuring considering the product is already a year late. We talked to our friends at Sling and while they wouldn't comment directly on the contents of the email, they did say the SlingCatcher will only be released when the company "is confident it's designed to our high standards." Yep, that's a delay. Full email exchange after the break.[Thanks, Christopher]
Slingbox SOLO gets reviewed
First spotted in FCC pics back in August, the Slingbox SOLO has finally hit the review circuit. Lacking the hardware-assisted HD streaming output of the just announced Slingbox PRO HD, the SOLO brings the original Slingbox Pro's HD inputs and VGA-res output to a dongle-less existence. The people at PC Magazine hooked up up the 'box and found plenty to admire in Sling's software and easy setup, pausing only to lament the short included ethernet cable and lack of WiFi. With its $180 MSRP, this Slingbox is a good option when your HDTV is far away, at least until the PRO HD hits the streets.
Sling Media's CES 2008 booth tour
We had a chance to check out all of Sling Media's new products already, but there's still nothing like walking around the booth to see people's reactions. The side by side demonstrations between the current Slingbox and the new Slingbox HD Pro were especially sweet. %Gallery-13117%
Hands-on with the EchoStar TR-40 and TR-50 converter boxes
Just like you heard from the press conference, EchoStar is showing off a couple of new analog converter boxes. While this kind of device doesn't have a place with DISH, splitting off EchoStar gives the company freedom to take on these ventures. First up, there's the TR-40 box with a built-in 7-day EPG, program search functions and VCR auto-tune timers. This device will be coming to you under both the EchoStar and Sling Media monikers for a penny under your $40 coupon; expect it in March. Second up is the TR-50, which adds in DVR functionality for both analog and digital (including HD) OTA. Step up to this model and you also get CC support, recording pop-up reminders, and a bevy of connectivity options for added functionality (Ethernet, modem and USB). No pricing info on the TR-50 for now, so EchoStar will be picking a number before the July availability.%Gallery-12930%
SlingCatcher and SlingModem hands-on
So we got a chance to check out Sling's new SlingCatcher and SlingModem, and while weren't actually able to flip the switch on the modem and have a pro cable installer got at it, the SlingCatcher was definitely running. Unfortunately for us, the unit was extremely pre-release, meaning the menus felt sluggish, the device crashed a couple of times, and it generally felt like there was a lack of polish. But the folks at Sling aren't really ones to disappoint with what they put out there, and since the Catcher isn't out until Q2 we're going to give it a pass for now.%Gallery-12833%%Gallery-12832%
