I love my Slingbox, so much that it's become integrated as a part of my every day life. In fact, on every computer I own, I've configured SlingPlayer to start up with Windows! As I sit here, typing away on my keyboard while listening to the audio of my local news broadcasts through SlingPlayer, I thought it might be fun to look back at my original Slingbox Review before I share everything I've learned about Sling Media's latest state-of-the art Slingboxes. It hasn’t been much more than a year since Sling Media brought the original Slingbox to market in the United States, and so much has changed since then. They've added tons of new features, support for Windows based Pocket PCs and Smartphones, and have even launched the Slingbox in seven different countries.

In fact, it’s unbelievable how much the original Slingbox has changed! How Sling Media has managed to improve their creation solely through software and firmware updates is truly astonishing. SlingPlayer, the software application that completes the Slingbox experience has matured into a versatile, skinnable, and powerful entertainment application.

The New Hardware is Now

I suppose software can only go so far, and new hardware is necessary to further improve the place shifting experience. Keep in mind, nothing in their new family of Slingboxes is truly as revolutionary as the original. These new Slingboxes are more of an evolution, morphing the Slingbox into a more robust product line as the place shifting segment grows. The original “one-size-fits-all” approach to the Slingbox may have been fine for the early adopter, but wouldn’t hold as much appeal to the mainstream audience.

Don’t think for a moment that Sling has nothing new to bring to the table. The new Slingbox PRO improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way; from outright performance, to look and feel, to flexibility, and to HD support. While the Tuner and AV's single source limitation may be looked at as a step backwards from the original, it's important to recognize that a large segment of the market doesn't have three sources they need to access remotely. For many, everything they need is already wrapped in one set-top box that integrates DVR functionality, multiple tuners, and pay-per-view. And, let's not forget about folks that are happy with bare-bones cable service... or the ones that are perfectly content pulling in local networks from that huge antenna on their rooftop.

A New Level of Support

Sling Media is clearly thinking about the mainstream consumer, and if they’ve done anything revolutionary, it’s their approach to customer support. One of the biggest challenges “Joe & Jane User” face on their path to becoming “Slingers” is the initial setup. Children can use a Slingbox when it’s working, but if something goes wrong you need a networking degree to figure it how to fix it. Well, not any more.

The SlingPlayer

setup wizard now gives the option for users to start up a live chat session with customer support to ask questions and guide them through the process if they fail to successfully activate remote viewing, which is the hardest part of the setup. If that's not cool enough, you can allow the representative take control the wheel and set up everything up for you. But, perhaps what's most impressive is that either support option is completely free. If a customer needs help, Sling Media wants to be there to provide it, all without having to squeeze another nickel out of the customer.

This new interactive approach to support is being integrated into every support center they operate, and will be accessible even after you set it up. If you have a question, concern, or problem, getting help is easy. Interactive chat support is limited to the hours of the support center, so you won't be getting help at two in the morning. Just don't forget that SlingCommunity is up and running 24 hours a day, and your fellow Slingers from around the globe are open to helping you even during the strangest hours.

Ladies and gentlemen, our favorite little start-up is maturing. Their approach to customer satisfaction and new line of Slingboxes clearly reflects this.

A Review For Every Slingbox & More!

Without further adieu, I’m pleased to give SlingCommunity an in-depth look at Sling Media’s new Slingbox family: the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and PRO. Once you brush up on the new hardware, check out the performance review that takes a close look at how these new boxes stack up to their predecessor. Finally, as an added bonus, get a first look at how the Slingbox PRO handles HDTV programs using a prototype of the upcoming HD adapter!

Click a link below to learn more about Sling Media's new family of Slingboxes:

The Slingbox Tuner Review - An in-depth look at Sling Media's newest little Slingbox for those who have the most "basic" needs.

The Slingbox AV Review - It's small, fast, controls just about any external source, and will get you Slinging in no time.

The Slingbox PRO Review - The kitchen sink of Slingboxes. Accepts HD sources, multiple inputs, pass-thru for everything... the PRO has it all.

Slingbox PRO, Slingbox AV, and Slingbox Tuner Performance Review - Just exactly how does the new family of Slingboxes stack up to the original. Are they really better? Find out here.

First Look: Slingbox PRO HD Performance Review - Come get a sneak peak at the PRO's HD performance when used with Sling Media's upcoming HD adapter!

Which Slingbox is Right For Me? - In days past, picking out a Slingbox was easy. Did you want the Slingbox behind door number 1, door number 1, or door number 1? Now there's choice... come see which Slingbox is right for you!