Slingbox Archives - Page 6 of 36

Slingbox 500 Now Streams… In Reverse (Blockbuster VOD)

Alluded to since launch, the Slingbox 500 ($300) has expanded its HDMI-output capabilities by introducing what we hope is the first of many apps. While historically Sling’s core competency has been beaming our home content outwards, this notable reversal pipes Internet content into the home… by way of Blockbuster On Demand. Blockbuster’s streaming service is equivalent to an Amazon Instant in allowing you to rent HD movies. However, they’re owned by DISH in the way Sling Media is owned by Echostar, and seems like a natural synergy.

The Slingbox 350 Giveaway

The current generation of Slingboxes arrived about one year ago and, now that I’ve finally begun organizing my gadget laboratory, we’re ready to pass along one of our two review units. Besides the questionable aesthetics, what sets apart the Slingbox 350 and 500 from prior models is the ability to stream in true HD and direct integration of IR-blasting capabilities to control your set-top (without the unsightly cable clutter). While we’re temporarily hanging onto the Slingbox 500, given whispers of compelling updates that we intend to cover, the WiFi-less Slingbox 350 is up for grabs and just as capably allows you to placeshift your home television content. And, unlike my TiVo Roamio Pro, the Slingbox supports out-of-home, PC, Mac, and Android streaming… in addition to Apple platforms (although mobile apps run $15/each).

The giveaway is open to Zatz Not Funny Facebook fans located in the US and you can enter using the embedded widget below. Please be aware that we did crack open the enclosure to identify the transcoding chip — proceed accordingly as we will not be held responsible for burning down your house. Good luck!

$22 To Take Your Slingbox or TiVo Mini Wireless

For many years, I’ve relied upon a small ASUS wireless bridge (WL-330gE) for a variety of blog and personal projects around the house. And, frankly, I’m long overdue for a 802.11n upgrade… especially as I consider a second TiVo Mini — in my kitchen, lacking both coax and Ethernet connectivity. I’d originally considered having Verizon wire me up with another FiOS TV jack but, after their recent rate increases, that’s off the table. Powerline is another option, and probably a safer bet than wireless, yet I remain firmly anti-clutter.

So I briefly took a look at ASUS’ latest and greatest portable router (WL-330N), which does indeed add higher speed, greater distance 802.11n capabilities — but at $47 it was a bit more than I cared to spend for this sort of product. Not to mention, configuration of my model has always been something of a pain. Enter the TP-Link TL-WR702N

The Slingbox 500 Review

Fellow tech enthusiast and DC neighbor Joel Ward continues his role as a Features contributor here at Zatz Not Funny. Beyond ZNF, Joel can be found at Joel Explains It All and @joelsef on Twitter.

We’ve been evaluating the Slingbox 500 ($300) at the Ward household these last few months. And the timing was good: We went on a week-long vacation, giving us the perfect chance to try out the truly remote access features of the Slingbox. We also played with it while traveling around town, which was fun—including watching Bill Maher at the pool and catching a preseason Washington Capitals game while at a Nationals game.

However, the best use case is travel. This thing is made for travelers. I’d say we probably aren’t the key demographic for a Slingbox as we don’t travel too much. Yet it’s still very nice to have this option available when we are on the road, or even just traveling around town and finding ourselves—or our kids—bored out of our minds.

Arris & Sling Media Launch Cable Slingbox

The previously unannounced Arris Slingbox that I had stumbled upon at the Cable Show is now ready for its closeup: Arris Group and Sling Media are introducing a new media streaming device that empowers service providers to offer live and recorded content for a comprehensive multiscreen experience for their subscribers…welcome to TV anywhere. The ARRIS MS4000 (Media Streamer … Read more

WDTV Play "SlingCatcher" On Sale For $50.

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 … Read more

Fox Loses Appeal Asking for Injunction Against Dish's 'Hopper' Ad-Skipper

Share Your Slingbox (now via Facebook)

Since we haven’t actually gotten around to an in-depth review of the newer HD Slingboxes or covered the current state of Sling’s webplayer (that has essentially replaced Mac and PC desktop software), we figured we should at least touch on this little nugget that Engadget turned up. In years and devices past, sharing one’s Slingbox … Read more