Slingbox
Latest
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%
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.
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%
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?
Microsoft adds Slingbox-like capability to its Media Center PCs
Microsoft, never content with just monopolizing one segment of the market, has decided to dip its big, scary toes into the Slingbox-ish world of anywhere-TV with a new piece of software for its Media Center PCs. Using the newly acquired (but not new) WebGuide component -- created by a gentleman named Doug Berrett -- you can now tune into your Media Center content from any place you have web access. The software actually goes beyond what Slingbox is capable of, giving you full control over your system remotely, allowing you to set record times, change schedules, and generally go buck-wild, even from a mobile phone or WiFi equipped PDA. Ballmer and Co. also added an ITV function to MC PCs, though apparently all it does is offer C-rate "internet" content for MCE users. Clearly, what's exciting here is WebGuide -- the software is free, and presuming you already have your system up and running, you could be "slinging" video around before you know it.[Via Cedia]
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.
NFL and DirecTV partner on streaming games
You can now watch NFL football over the interwebs, free from regional restrictions! Excited? We thought so -- here's what you'll need. First, sign up for DirecTV's Sunday Ticket ($269/year). Second, add in the "SuperFan" program (an additional $99/year). Third, you'll need a Windows PC (sorry Mac users). Once all that is squared away, you can enjoy watching live games webwide in Internet Explorer. Meh, says we, especially when you look at MLB.TV. Admittedly, the SuperFan package is required for HD delivery of the games on DirecTV anyways (which the internet feed definitely won't be), so chances are that football nuts may already have these packages lined up. The NFL is keeping tight control over their content, but this is a step in the right direction. Meanwhile, "misplacing" a Slingbox at your buddy's place in another region is looking better and better.
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
Skinkers LiveStation: P2P live TV broadcasting service demoed
In the live television streaming / placeshifting realm, Sling Media is likely the first name to come to mind, but now a new competitor is gearing up to enter the market sans the use of a box. Based on the Microsoft Silverlight platform, London-based Skinkers is in the early stages of readying a new product dubbed LiveStation, which looks to provide users with live television access on their internet-connected machine via a basic P2P setup. During an interview with Matteo Berlucchi from Skinkers, he did mention that the program would remain in beta for "the next few months" as kinks were gradually worked out, but also noted that it would be Mac and PC compatible when launch day comes. Go on, hit the read link to hear it from the developers mouth.[Via TechCrunch]
SlingLink Turbo 1 Port now shipping
We let you know about the SlingLink Turbo 1 Port from Sling earlier this month, a device which uses your home power cabling to route a Sling signal around your house, and now the device should be officially shipping. The four port variant is already out at retail, and today you'll be able to spend $99 on the single port variant -- instead of $149 for four -- to get a single device (Sling would probably suggest a SlingBox) in another part of your house all networked up.
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]
MLB backs off of Sling -- a little
Major League Baseball may not be happy about Sling Media enabling fans to stream out of market baseball games over the internet, but it is apparently backing off of plans to sue the company into oblivion, RIAA-style. Bob Bowman, president of Major League Baseball Advanced Media said in an interview that winning could be done with "good technology and good content, not lawyers". Following up on its decision not to freeze cable customers out of its Extra Innings package, baseball's new strategy seems to lean towards not irritating its best customers. While we're intrigued by their ideas, we're not subscribing to the newsletter -- yet.[Warning: subscription req'd for link]
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]
SlingPlayer for Mac 1.0 with Apple TV support
We've mentioned the SlingPlayer for Mac client several times since it was first publicly revealed back at Macworld and now Sling Media has officially released it after several months in beta. This version includes support for the Apple TV (as we mentioned before) and word on the web is that it is considerably more Mac-like than the early betas, supposedly sporting a revamped interface compliant with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines.So if you've been interested in a Slingbox for "placeshifting" video content across the internet, now might be a good time to pull the trigger. SlingPlayer for Mac is a free download from Sling Media.Thanks, Lee!
Mac SlingPlayer client v1.0 gets official
The day has finally come, Apple users -- your Mac SlingPlayer client is officially at v1.0 (and out of beta), and supports all of Apple's Human Interface Guidelines. Did we mention the Apple TV support? Yep, does that too. Get it while the gettin's good -- it's free, but as you well know, the box'll cost ya.
Sling Media wants to stream to iPhone
We mentioned a while back that Sling Media was working hard to add support for the Apple TV to their Sling Box placeshifting device. Now the company's CEO Blake Krikorian revealed at NAB that the company is courting Apple to allow Sling to offer their client software on the iPhone. This would effectively allow iPhone users access to their entire home media collection as connected to a Slingbox. Presumably, this would have to be over WiFi since the the iPhone's EDGE connection would be too slow for video. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Apple is not commenting on this. For my own part, I think this would be an absolutely killer feature for the iPhone, though I would not be surprised if Apple had in mind developing something in house rather than letting Sling offer their client (which already runs on Mac, PC, Windows Mobile, and Palm). [Via MacNN]
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Gadget of the Year
This is it, the moment you've been waiting for. After all these long months you can finally cast your ballot for the 2006 Gadget of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Wednesday, April 18th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best gadget in all of 2006 win! The nominees: Apple MacBook Pro, Dell 3007WFP-HC, HTC Hermes / 8525, Nintendo Wii, SanDisk Sansa E280R, Slingbox PRO, and Sony PlayStation 3. %Poll-368%
Sling Media working on compatibility with Apple TV
Dave Zatz, an employee at Sling Media, is confirming reports that they're busily bringing compatibility with the Apple TV to their cool Slingbox placeshifting device. The Slingbox connects to your home AV sources (cablebox, Tivo, DVD player, etc.) and your router, and allows you (via the SlingPlayer client) to watch that video stream anywhere in the world over the internet. It even includes an IR blaster that lets you control your source as if you were in your living room with your standard remote (which appears on your screen, like the Apple Remote to the right). Now the Slingbox Pro will apparently connect to your Apple TV (via the component outputs) giving you access across the internets, not only to your video, but to your entire iTunes library (via audio only mode) on your Mac, PC, Palm or Windows Mobile device. Nifty![Via Engadget]
