Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 ) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been looking at Slingbox for awhile now but was afraid to purchase the first generation product for fear of a tough installation. I am a business travel who finally decided to purchase a Slingbox now that the second generation product has been released. To say the least, I am not disappointed. I have (regular) basic/expanded cable with a coax cable protruding from the wall and a WiFi DSL setup. Installation was easy EXCEPT I had a problem installing the software onto my laptop using their CD-Rom Disc (Which is why I give this product 4 stars instead of 5). The CD does not contain the software download, instead it guides your PC to obtain the download over the internet. My laptop would download up to 90% of the software and then hang. I ended up having to retreive the download directly from the Slingbox Website (no big deal). Once installed, the software automatically configured my router so I could use my slingbox from the outside (from the road anywhere there is a high-speed internet connection). The picture is pretty good when I use slingbox from within my house. On the road away from home, the picture is considerably more distorted. In order to get a better picture, I need to shrink my screen. I watch my local news on the road and plan to watch my local sport teams. I love this product and it helps me make the most of my cable which I pay too much for! If you are a non-techie like me, BUY IT! Do not be afraid of the installation, it was easy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, allowing you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox Tuner The Slingbox Tuner is the perfect companion for your basic cable subscription. With the ability to watch and control your cable TV, the Slingbox Tuner ensures that you can enjoy your live TV entertainment anywhere you go. Turn every computer you use into a portable TV without the need to connect a coax cable! Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your basic cable TV (analog or digital, plus NTSC antenna) anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Tuner you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, or breaking news stories.
The Slingbox Tuner also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox Tuner is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel. No matter where your journey takes you, one thing is certain: You'll never have to take up an extra seat to bring your TV with you.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with Microsoft's Vista operating system. Vista-specific feature enhancements are expected to be available in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox Tuner, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, RF/coax cable, and quick start guide.

Click here for more information about Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )

Read More...

Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Slingbox Pro does an excellent job of streaming video from multiple sources (Tivo's, cable boxes, or satellite tuners, for example) to any internet-connected computer, anywhere in the world. If you have access to a fast internet connection, you'll be amazed at the quality of the picture and the sound.
Two issues:
1) The primary, defining feature of the PRO verison of the Slingbox is its ability to "sling" high-definition video across the internet to your laptop. It's unfortunate that the folks at Sling Media:
- saw fit to design the box to use a proprietary cable instead of the industry-standard HDMI cable that all HD component owners know and use, and
- failed to include their proprietary cable in the box with the Pro. When I buy a product for its PRO features, I shouldn't have to go back out and scavenge for a rare, $50.00 cable in order to use those features. This was a terrible oversight.
2) Be aware that you will not be able to use the Slingbox unless you:
- can plug it directly into your home network router, or
- purchase a $50-$90 wireless Ethernet "bridge," or
- purchase Slingbox's bizarre and expensive hardware solution for connecting the Slingbox to your router over your electrical wiring.
A PRO-level, premium product should be able to see and use a wireless home network connection, right out of the box; a trip back to the store to buy more hardware shouldn't be necessary.
The core product is great, and works better than advertised ... but this PRO package lacks what any pro would expect to find in the box. Be aware that, in addition to the Slingbox Pro, you'll need to buy:
- a home network router (if you don't already have one),
- a wireless G network bridge or the Slingbox networking product (if you don't have your router near your television), and
- a proprietary video cable (if you want to "sling" HD programming).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, a device that allowed you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home, or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox Pro The Slingbox Pro ensures that you can watch all of your favorite home theater entertainment anywhere you go, with the ability to watch and control up to three standard definition and one high definition video (via component connection) devices. Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Pro you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand.
The Slingbox Pro also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox Pro is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system. Future Vista-specific enhancements are expected in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox Pro, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, stereo audio cable, RF/coax cable, composite AV cable, S-video cable, remote control IR cable, and quick start guide.

Click here for more information about Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)

Read More...

Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 ) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In a large (brand new 5-bedroom, 3500 sq ft house) it works pretty well. NOTE: my specific objective was to support a SlingBox (original) with cable Internet elsewhere in the house.
I've used SlingBox and SlingLink Turbo in two different configurations:
1. SlingBox connected directly to my router; SlingLink supporting other wired + wireless computers elsewhere in the house via a wireless router.
2. SlingLink connected the Internet and SlingLink broadcasting to SlingLink supporting my SlingBox and XBOX 360 as "slave" devices.
The first configuration is better (obviously) because SlingBox can "broadcast" up to a full 2.5Mbps over a LAN connection. The second configuration is better for everyday use since I get maximum Internet bandwidth on computers.
Findings:
1. Internet speed test dropped from 18-19Mbps down / 2.5Mbps up (Comcast w/ SpeedBoost) to 2100Mbps down / 800Kbps up.
2. SlingBox over SlingLink drops to 1.2Mbps (video quality is a bit choppy vs. perfectly smooth otherwise). I've had it spike to 1.6Mbps over the LAN.
3. Additionally SlingBox over the open Internet (original intended use) maxes out at 600kbps, which is a hair below what it was without SlingLink in the middle.
4. The only real "issue" with SlingLink is probably due to home wiring (i.e. on a semi-related note I had to re-wire every cable jack and replace the primary splitter that my electrical contractor originally installed because the cheap original hardware was so bad that ).
5. Newer SlingBoxes (AV/PRO/SOLO) may be more tolerant of "spotty" Ethernet connections, considering they have newer H.264 compression chips.
All in all I'm happy. Wireline Ethernet isn't perfect and would probably work a lot better in a condominium or smaller house. A larger house would/could justify multiple cable modems.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 )

The SlingLink Turbo brings network connectivity to any electrical wall outlet, making it ideal for the modern living room with blisteringly fast speeds up to 85 Mbps. With four switched ports, it connects your Slingbox, game console, DVR, computer or anything with an Ethernet jack to your home network. Now you can run high-speed Internet through your existing electrical wiring with a simple plug-and-play connection. Plus, SlingLink Turbo is compatible with any home router.

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 )

Read More...

Slinglink Turbo 1PORT Enet Connection Bridge (SL 150-100) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Firstoff, I would say this device does what it is supposed to. Having used several powerline products like this, I will say that this one performs about as well as competing units. That said, there are few caveats I would point out. First, you're only going to get acceptable throughput when both sides of the link are on the same household circuit. This is especially true with older homes who may have gone through electrical upgrades (like mine). Also, your throughput will suffer when you use other electrical devices on the circuit. For example, my video gets choppy whenever someone turns on/off the bathroom light which is adjacent to the bedroom where I have this unit located. For basic internet usage this is not a big deal, but if you're streaming video to a media center like I am, it is somewhat of an annoyance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Slinglink Turbo 1PORT Enet Connection Bridge (SL 150-100)

Slinglink Turbo 1PORT Enet Connection Bridge (SL 150-100): Box Contents - 2 SlingLink TURBO 1-Port Units, 1 Ethernet Cable, and 1 Quick Start Guide. Plug/Powerline 85 Mbps technology. Network Interface - One RJ-45 (100BASE-T-Ethernet) and Electrical Plug (Powerline Ethernet. Power Line Networking Performance Standards - 85 Mbps Intellon Chipset. Power Supply - 100-230V 50/60Hz, Less than 5W consumption

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about Slinglink Turbo 1PORT Enet Connection Bridge (SL 150-100)

Read More...

SlingLink TURBO W1 Ethernet over Power Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had my home network on Slinglinks for a couple of years. Slingbox, Slingcatcher on my bedroom TV (don't have to pay the satellite company extra), wired internet in the garage where the wireless won't reach, as well as TV on an old laptop from the Slingbox, all very easy to set up. Sling makes stuff that just works, always easy to set up, and you don't have to be an IT geek to do it. I purchased this new Slinglink because I dropped one on a hard floor from about 4 feet while re-arranging some TV/DVD equipment, and it wouldn't work afterward. Yes, I tried smacking it again - no dice. But it was a good thing, because the new Slinglink Turbo is faster, and this was the connection to my Slingbox - eliminated the occasional stutter I had seen on my Slingcatcher-linked TV.
If you are interested in powerline networking in your home, go with Sling equipment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SlingLink TURBO W1 Ethernet over Power Adapter

If you're like most people, you don't have an Ethernet jack right next to your television. The SlingLink TURBO brings network connectivity to any electrical wall outlet. It can connect your compatible DISH receiver, Slingbox, game console, DVR, computer or anything with an Ethernet jack. And it's compatible with any wired internet router. Most DISH Network receivers have SlingLink technology built in, so you only need one SlingLink plugged into the wall near your router to connect your receiver to the internet. For your computer or other devices you will need a second SlingLink pluggeed in wherever you need network access.

Click here for more information about SlingLink TURBO W1 Ethernet over Power Adapter

Read More...