We quite liked the WDTV Play when we reviewed it back in February. The streamer is a step (or three) slower than the Roku and with far fewer apps, but brings several nifty tricks of its own including a fresh, customizable UI with Android-esque widgets. After receiving Sling’s monthly email blast, featuring promotional WDTV Play pricing, and inquiries from a pal maintaining an out-of-state apartment (where his children live) I figured it was time to fire up the SlingPlayer app.
The SlingCatcher may be long gone, but the dream of a television-based Slingbox endpoint lives on…. And the WDTV Play SlingPlayer app works exactly as you’d expect, relaying Slingbox video content from elsewhere in the home or cross-country (as I tested). Interacting with your remote set-top is of course somewhat sluggish and picture quality will vary dependent upon available bandwidth, but that’s the tradeoff for “real” TV Everywhere. One of WDTV Play’s most clever features is the ability to power up the box into a specific app – and I suspect my friend will put that to use as he continues to enjoy his Comcast subscription several states away.
Should you be similarly intrigued, Slingbox or no, the promo knocks $20 off the WDTV Play — click here and use coupon code WDTVPLAY20 to receive the $50 pricing (plus tax and $3 shipping).
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Do the remote play, pause, ff, etc buttons work with the slingplayer or do you have to use the onscreen and arrows? I have an old Sony Google TV that works OK but the remote integration doesn't work very well and since it's the keyboard remote in the first place it's just not good for holding in your hand and controlling..
Pretty sure they did so (slowly) - will double check and confirm tonight.
Update: Yep, I remembered correctly and the transport controls work. Of course, there's a decent amount of lag transmitting the signal and then waiting for the action to catch up with the buffer and/or rebuffer if needed. That's the nature of the beast.
Hey Dave, has WD TV and/or slingbox fixed the bug of constant disconnections with the sling app?