© 2014 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
These days, watching home TV on your MAC, PC, tablet
or smartphone is nothing new. Many cable providers offer an app that turns many
devices into a portable TV while you’re at home. Certain specific programming
apps are available, ie: HBO, to remotely watch that channel only. The trick is,
being able to watch all your home TV channels at any time and from anywhere in
the world, when you have Internet access.
Sling Media has been supplying streaming boxes since
2004. In 2007, EchoStar purchased the company and since then we’ve seen many
major improvements. At first glance, size is the most noticeable. The new
Slingbox 350, the one we tested, is about half the size of the original model.
Compression technology has been greatly improved allowing for slower Internet
speeds while still maintaining a stable, clear image. A broader selection of
viewing devices is now also supported. Installation is relatively fast and
simple. I’ll share a few tips about that later which will help with this
process.
The Slingbox 350 is the standard model and features
1080p high definition quality. It connects to your TIVO, DVR, cable set-top box
or satellite receiver via component or composite sources. It does require a
hard-wired Internet connection since it has no wi-fi feature. The Slingbox 500
offers all the same features and capabilities, but does also include, built-in
wi-fi, IR blasters, as well as a host of additional streaming options. No tuner
is supplied with either model. Your TIVO, DVR or cable box acts as your tuner.
(TIP: D-Link,
one of several companies with connection solutions, offers a series of
“POWERLINE” products that expand your wired network by utilizing your
electrical house wiring in place of running an Ethernet CAT 5 cable from your
router to the Slingbox. Simply plug one of two modules into a wall outlet next
to your router and the other near your Slingbox. http://bit.ly/1iVE8vu Netgear offers wireless Eithernet bridges that use
your wi-fi signal to convert back to a hardwired connection. http://bit.ly/1onHU5R A short CAT 5 cable at each end connects from the
Powerline or the bridge module to the Slingbox and to the router. Your Internet
connection is now made. Note: There could be a speed reduction using this type
of device, so a bit more buffering may take place. This type of device may also
be used for other Internet dependent gadgets when wi-fi is unavailable. http://bit.ly/1iVE8vu)
On the receiving end, the Slingbox
supports most Mac’s, PC’s, Smartphones and tablets. A computer is required for
the initial setup. Software for viewing on a computer is free, however on a MAC
you must have OS 10.8 or 9, with Safari 6+, Firefox 25+ or Chrome 30+ as your
browser. On a PC, Windows 7 or Windows 8 (Desktop mode), with IE 10+, Firefox
25+, or Chrome 30+ as your browser. Some of the published data may say
otherwise, but my tests support these requirements. To access the Sling on a
Smartphone or tablet you must purchase an app for a one-time fee of $14.99. No
app or fee is required when using a computer.
Cable hookup to the Slingbox is easy with
the supplied cables. Simply plug in the component video and the audio cables
from the output of your TIVO, DVR, cable box or satellite receiver to the
corresponding color-coded IN jacks of the Slingbox. Connect the Ethernet and IR
emitter cable along with the power cable and you should soon see the power and
Internet light lit, (upper front left), indicating all connections are active.
(TIP: The light under the horseshoe only lights up when
someone is accessing your Slingbox on line.)
At this stage it is advisable to depress
the RESET button, (right rear of the Sling’s power plug), for about 20 seconds.
This step is missing in the instructions, but was advised as an important part
of the setup process, by Tech Support. Tech support is excellent and available
by live chat, numerous on-line tutorials or by phone where the agent, with your
permission, can access your computer to aid in the installation should that
become necessary.
The Slingbox is a great device that works
exceptionally well. It does allow you to access your home’s live cable
programming, recorded TIVO programs, or, to schedule programs to be recorded,
and all with no monthly fees. A menu option allows you to access the remote for
the source device. All functions that are on that remote are controllable. I
have tested Slingbox on many devices both domestically and around the world and
it works well. Slingbox boxes are available in many countries and they
incorporate the TV standards of that country and are voltage compatible,
however, no mater what country a Slingbox is located in you have viewing access
on your Internet capable devices. Hookup from these viewing devices to your
flat screen TV is usually possible with the use of third party cables. Slingbox
is a great device for maximizing the use of your home television system when
you’re on the go.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: Sling 350 $179.95 ~ Sling 500 $299.99 ~ Netgear
N300 bridge $44.99 ~ D-Link PowerLine AV500 $59.99
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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