Mobile clients still incur additional fees and will probably continue to irk many (potential) customers, especially that lack of a universal iOS app. On the other hand, I had some trouble accessing my stream via Panera and was informed that the ability to change the port I communicate across isn’t currently available (not that I know it to be the issue). Further, the updated methods Sling uses to traverse the network means folks should no longer need to muck around in their routers with port forwarding. On the software side of the house, Slingbox configuration has been revamped – getting going is a much more efficient affair and even modifying settings while slingin’ via the browser has been streamlined – along with new guest access and a disconnect button. For example, the Slingbox 350 incorporates two IR emitters into the front (shown above) and one embedded on each side - meaning those old school IR eyes draped over your gear (or newer pyramid, pictured below) will be a thing of the past in many setups, including mine. But flooding the entertainment center with IR proves to be highly effective and helps clean up on the clutter of IR blasters. So we’re stuck with IR for remote control. Yeah, network control of our set-tops would be ideal, but there are just too many hardware manufacturers and most don’t offer network interfaces – open or otherwise. Taking a page from the Logitech Revue Google TV, another notable Slingbox enhancement is the inclusion of IR emitters. But it’s probably some of the best looking SD you’ve seen and I assume higher res clients are on the docket. Whereas tablet app playback, iOS or Android, is currently capped at 720p and smartphone app streaming resolutions are still limited to SD. However, the highest resolutions are reserved for full fledged computers via web browser and the SlingPlayer plugin (that requires Flash). And, let me tell you, video quality is very good (although obviously dependent on your bandwidth). So the most apparent change with these new 4th generation boxes, beyond the random form factors unrelated to prior generations or each other, is the ability to pump out 1080p video. But we were merely back burnered and they’ve returned with these two new placeshifters.īoth the vintage Slingbox SOLO and PRO-HD are capable of receiving high def video, yet the SOLO streams at SD resolutions and the PRO-HD is only capable of 720p output. Yet, as a subsidiary of EchoStar, I’d feared Sling would abandon retail in favor of operator integration and partner deals. Unlike your provider’s mobile apps and online services, there are no limited channel lineups or regional restrictions (much to their chagrin). Plug a Slingbox into your cable or satellite box, watch your DVR-ed shows or favorite sports team while on the road (or on the deck). As a refresher, Sling’s core competency is relaying the content you already pay for around your home or beyond … via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
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