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Sling announces SlingCatcher (again), SlingPlayer 2.0 with Clip+Sling, and Sling Cable modem
Remember the SlingCatcher from last year? Through with the delays, it's finally back! But while we've been eagerly awaiting for its launch, Sling Media's obviously been hard at work on all kinds of crazy new products. Ready? Here we go.So the SlingCatcher. First up, we've finally got a price and date: $250, Q2. And yes, as we've long expected, it'll play just about every possible video format they can feasibly support out of box, including XviD, DivX, WMA, H.264, avi, mov, vob, etc. Also, unlike last year's launch, there won't be any external drive attachment -- users are expected to bring their own. Also launched with the Catcher: the SlingLink 802.11b/g adapter for $50, which is great and all, but the Catcher can't stream video files over your network (you're expected to manage your media with new SlingSync software or stream using the Projector software or another Slingbox), so it's not as practical or useful as it could be.Next up, Sling's new software suite: SlingPlayer 2.0 with Clip+Sling and Projector. The new player software has a few new noteworthy bits like an EPG, but the good stuff happens with the other bits: Clip+Sling adds a 60 minute timeshifting buffer á la a DVR recording a live stream, so what you're watching can be paused, rewound / fast-forwarded, and most importantly, grabbed and exported to Sling's to-be-released TV clip sharing service (hence the name Clip+Sling). Users can grab up to five minutes of video, which Sling hosts on co-branded pages that network owners can sell their own ads and merch on -- has TV clip sharing online finally found a way? Another hot new software feature is Projector, which acts like a software-emulated Slingbox, sending the contents of a box, window, or your entire screen to a Slingbox, SlingCatcher and TV, or another SlingPlayer.And, finally, Sling is announcing our old pal the SlingModem, originally outed in the FCC. While there aren't any cable providers yet announced, the SlingModem experience would completely simplify the process of adding a Slingbox to your life by putting it just outside your LAN.%Gallery-12825%
Sling announces SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry
Windows Mobile: check. Palm OS: check. S60: yep. So what's the giant, gaping hole left in Sling's coverage of mobile clients? BlackBerry, of course, and the company has finally confirmed what we already sorta knew -- that a SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry is officially in the works. Sling will be demonstrating its latest client at CES on a Pearl 8120, utilizing its WiFi connection (though 3G will work just as well) to stream down an endless barrage of mind-numbing content from the Slingbox of your choice. Look for it to show up on a BlackBerry near you "later this year" for a shade under $30. Hop on over to Engadget for a quick hands-on with the goods!
Sling Media's Slingbox PRO HD, SlingPlayer for BlackBerry announced
Sling Media's starting up this year's CES blitz early (like just about everybody else this year) with the announcement of the Slingbox PRO HD box and SlingPlayer client for BlackBerry cellphones. The PRO HD has the full complement of built-in HD inputs, but will actually pass through and stream out video in HD (1080i, to be specific) in real time, unlike the Solo and PRO (which lack the PRO HD's more advanced hardware-accelerated encoding, and stream closer to VGA res). And, of course, the BlackBerry client does as it says -- you can finally use your strictly-business handheld to watch mobile video on the go. The PRO HD will run you $400 when launched in Q3; BlackBerry will be $30 when it comes out "this year," if that's not vague enough for you. Get in line, Sling fans.%Gallery-12601%
EchoStar now officially called DISH Network
EchoStar, the company that always should have been called DISH, is apparently now and finally going by the name of their flagship product, according to fairly momentus SEC filing. Officially re-dubbed DISH Network, the EchoStar name will live on in DISH's spun-off holding company, cleverly called the EchoStar Holding Company; EHC will operate as an independent business intended to be not at all owned by DISH (yet it will still remain under DISH CEO Charlie Ergen's executive command -- make sense out of that one), and will continue running the former EchoStar's non-satellite businesses, like Sling Media. What's it mean to you, the consumer? Well, DISH-related posts you read on Engadget will be all the less (and yet somehow more) confusing, but perhaps most importantly the new chunked companies are more susceptible to an acquisition or further split-ups, but are also more limber in the market. In other words, unless you're a shareholder, we're guessing none of this will probably mean a ton to you, your satellite service, your Slingbox, or much anything else for the time being.[Via GigaOM]
Sling taking SlingPlayer to version 2.0
Shortly after hearing that SlingPlayer Mobile would finally be headed to the BlackBerry, we're now getting word that Sling Media is updating its SlingPlayer software to version 2.0. Unfortunately, no details have been doled out regarding specific platforms, and there's not even a changelog to speak of just yet, but it looks as the firm wanted to make absolutely sure you realized its Clip+Sling feature would definitely be showcased. Stick around, we'll be sure to keep you up to date with any developments.
SlingCatcher box reveals codec support: why hello, XviD
We honestly can't wait for Sling's SlingCatcher media streamer to be released, so we'll take any little scrap of info we can -- and these shots of the box are pretty tasty scraps indeed, because it looks like Sling's latest will have some sweet codec support: WMV, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 and XviD in a variety of file formats, including .VOB. Sadly, it looks like output maxes out at 1080i, but that's a small tradeoff for what looks to be one of the most flexible streamers on the market. Hit the read link for two more shots, including the codec list.
SlingPlayer Mobile coming to BlackBerry
As if we weren't already overwhelmed with Sling news lately -- what with the EchoStar acquisition, Slingbox SOLO launch, and SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian moving out of beta -- we've just gotten word that the company is working with RIM to develop a BlackBerry-compatible version of its client. Pocket-lint reportedly got the scoop straight from the horse's mouth, with European VP Stuart Collingswood confirming the joint effort but giving no indication of a release timetable. Besides S60, Sling also currently supports Palm and both the Smartphone and Pocket PC versions of Windows Mobile in the handset space.
Where's the Slingbox HD?
Late last night we learned that Sling Media has another box that is one step closer to what we want, but not quite there yet. Sure, built in component inputs are great -- even if the box can't encode HD -- but where is the QAM or ATSC tuner. With the release of the latest addition to the Sling Media family we are still left wanting, especially when we noticed that the UK version of the Slingbox Pro includes a DVB-T tuner. We suspect that it's coming when we consider that the new Sling site no longer showcases the Slingbox Tuner and with the rumors of a Sling cable device making its way through the FCC.
Sling's CEO on being acquired by EchoStar: "We are going to rock"
So now that the EchoStar acquisition is public, Sling Media's CEO, Blake Krikorian sat down with SlingCommunity's Matt Whitlock and talked about how the deal is going to affect the place-shifting upstart. In his usual candid way, Krikorian said Sling is going to stay independent, and while the company is obviously going to try and leverage Dish Network's huge install base and software library, it's not going to rule out deals with other content and delivery providers -- in fact, Sling will continue to work with EchoStar's arch-rival DirecTV on things like NFL Supercast. Sadly, there are no juicy product details, but Krikorian did say that "there's some interesting things we're going to be able to cook up." Overall, Krikorian seems incredibly stoked about the acquisition -- which probably means good things for all you place-shifting hooligans out there.[Thanks, Jeff]
SlingPlayer Mobile for S60 goes gold
Sweet, we can stop drooling from afar at 3's exclusive on the Symbian rendition of SlingPlayer Mobile -- and just in time, what with the N95-3 launch and all! Following Windows Mobile and Palm OS versions, the commercial version of SlingPlayer Mobile for S60 offers some exciting new features, namely support for WiFi and a full-screen landscape viewing mode that's sure to be a fan favorite. In the US, Sling is officially supporting the Nokia E65, N75, and N95 with the software, while Europe gets the 6120 and N73 as well. If you're lucky enough to have scooped an N95 in the US, hang onto your dimes -- Sling's putting a deal in place to offer the player to you free of charge -- but otherwise, pick it up for $29.99, $34.99 in Canada, or £19.99 in the UK.
Hands-on with Sling Media's Slingbox SOLO
Considering that the cat's out of the bag, we couldn't help but take the opportunity to get a closer look at the newest Slingbox. The unit boasted a small frame and plenty of ports, but it still rocked that tried and true Slingbox look throughout. Go on, check the gallery below to get up close and personal with the SOLO.%Gallery-7835%
Slingbox SOLO gets official, includes built-in component jacks
Earlier this month, Sling Media's Slingbox SOLO surfaced courtesy of the FCC, and now the firm's first box to be released with built-in component jacks is finally official. Granted, we already know that this FCC-exposed Slingbox is set to include these coveted ports as well, but this bad boy should be the first of the two to hit store shelves. Furthermore, it'll boast passthrough outputs to save you from scrounging around for a splitter, the ability to control a single set-top-box and support for incoming HD signals. Oh, and while the actual purpose of the built-in USB port has yet to be confirmed, we've all got external storage (and WiFi) on the brain. As for pricing and availability, look for this sucka to ship very soon for $179.99 in the US, $199.99 in Canada and £129.99 in the UK.
EchoStar announces Sling Media acquisition -- Sling totally "psyched"
EchoStar -- parent Co of Dish Network -- just announced intent to purchase Sling Media for a cool $380 mil. Not a total surprise given the similarities of those logos. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that EchoStar was an early investor in the people responsible for the Slingbox and SlingPlayer software. The acquisition, expected to be approved before the year is up, gives EchoStar access to more displays and more locations thanks to Sling's streaming solutions in and outside of the home. And Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and boss of Sling Media, reaction to the prospects of the new union? "We are psyched to make this announcement" as it "paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative products and services for our subscribers, new digital media consumers and strategic partners." Yeah bro, totally... like the SlingCatcher, eh dude?
Slingbox SOLO and Slingbox Catcher pass through FCC
Ok, we can tell you precisely nothing about the final version of the Slingbox Catcher (recently delayed) or the fresh new SOLO we're just now hearing about for the first time (thanks a LOT, FCC), but we can tell you they're both approved by the government for use in the US of A, and that usually means it won't be long until we'll see them on store shelves. Also, in case you didn't notice, they're referring to the SlingCatcher as the Slingbox Catcher now. Hmph.
Slingbox Pro with built in component jacks hits the FCC, Krikorian promises HD box for January
The Sling Media family have been quite the busy bees of late. First, the TV-transporting company has just gotten approval on a brand new, unnamed variation of the Slingbox, which forgoes the external Slingbox HD Connect cable used with the Slingbox Pro (that gives you component ins / outs) and instead includes a single set of component hookups right on the box. Additionally, during a Revision3 interview with Blake Krikorian (Sling Media's CEO) the venerable Om Malik managed to get Blake to let loose new about the now-rumored Slingbox HD, which (after some arm-twisting) Krikorian says is coming in "January," though in what year he wouldn't say. Honestly, if it's any later than 2008, it's too late.Read -- Slingbox FCC reportRead -- The GigaOm Show Episode 3 - Sling It, Baby
Sling's SlingCatcher pushed back to fall
If you're anything like us, you're probably wondering where the hell Sling's SlingCatcher home media streamer is. Well, we put it out there and heard back from Sling: apparently that summer launch was a little "aggressive", and the release has been silently moved back to fall. Bummer, because we were really stoked to fool around with this sucker. Ah well, as long as Sling isn't too worried about the Apple TV eating the SlingCatcher's lunch, we'll sit quietly like well behaved gadget nerds.[Thanks, Cole]
SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS goes gold
Concluding a rather lengthy beta (or at least it seemed lengthy to those impatiently waiting for it), Sling has finalized its SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS for retail. With Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6, and Palm clients now all widely available, carriers may want to get cracking at shoring up those HSDPA and EV-DO towers, because we have every intention of watching this football dude again and again. And again. Grab SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS -- officially supported on the 700p and 755p thanks to their 3G radios, though other models should work -- now for a penny shy of $30. Now if we could only get our hands on that elusive S60 client, we'd be all set.
Sling quietly releases the SlingLink Turbo 1 Port
Although we'd caught glimpses of it in the press photos for the SlingLink Turbo 4 Port, the existence of a 1-port version of Sling's 85Mbps powerline networking adapter was strictly rumor until today, when the eagle-eyed placeshifters over at SlingCommunity noticed that the $99 box was up for sale on Sling's website. You're looking at basically the same HomePlug 1.0-compatible box as the SlingLink Turbo 4 Port, but with only one Ethernet jack -- and no need to blow an extra $50 on three extra jacks at the head-end of a powerline setup. No word on whether these things actually pump bits at 85Mbps, but it's not like we can replace our rat's nest of CAT-5 at this point anyway.[Via SlingCommunity]
Major League Baseball still barking up Sling Media's tree
While some broadcasters are actually utilizing the Slingbox and appreciating its benefits, leave it to Major League Baseball to further alienate its dwindling fanbase. After cable customers were just barely able to get back in on the Extra Innings love, it appears that Sling Media is still being blacklisted in the eyes of MLB, as a recent interview with Michael Mellis, Senior VP and general counsel of MLB Advanced Media's offices reinforced the friction between the two. Most recently, Mellis and friends seem to be mulling a lawsuit against Sling, as he claims that the Slingbox "allows viewers to circumvent geographical boundaries written into broadcast rights deals," and moreover, had no shame in admitting that profiteering was at the forefront of their minds by suggesting that "if the league can't protect the rights it sells, that doesn't bode well for future contracts when it wants to resell the rights at higher margins." Reportedly, the CEA has indeed come to Sling's side by proclaiming that this case is a "classic instance of copyright owners trying to suppress innovation purely because it empowers consumers." Of course, we hope you don't let Mellis' words get you too riled up -- after all, he also stated that "there's no guarantee that Slingbox would be around next year as it's just a startup." Let the snickering commence.[Via CNET]
Slingbox and EV-DO: the low cost way to deliver broadcast news
While some news channels are busy busting out HD feeds of the six 'o clock rundown, San Francisco's CBS 5 is cutting costs in a huge way. By placing some 20 low-end cameras in various locales throughout the city, the station is utilizing Slingbox Pros and wireless EV-DO cards to beam live footage back to the station. According to a video interview with the news operations director, the traditional method of wheeling a fully-stocked van to the scene, begging for the FCC's blessing, and clogging up even more California roadways runs them "around $8 per minute." Their Sling-enabled system rings up at a measly $59 per month for each data card, and it also relieves them from having to purchase the $25,000 van-loaded rigs that many channels currently use. Of course, they admit that their money saving tactics aren't likely to remain exclusive for long, but be sure to hit the read link to see the interview and catch a few shots from the Slingbox on duty.[Via CNET]
