Performance

Just because the Tuner is aimed at the casual TV watcher with an antiquated source, that doesn’t mean it holds anything back in terms of performance. Like its Slingbox AV and PRO cousins, the tuner streams over LAN at 640x480, capturing every nuance of the original source while streaming over your home network. This resolution is double that of the original Slingbox, which was capped at 640x240 in-network, and 320 x 240 out. When connecting from a remote location, the streaming resolution of the Tuner falls back to a more conservative 320 x 240, which requires less upstream bandwidth. You can manually set your encoding parameters to stream remotely at full resolution, but you'll need to disable SlingStream to do it. If you don't have a significant amount of bandwidth both upstream and down, disabling SlingStream is not recommended.

Remote performance isn’t much different than the original Slingbox using SlingStream. For most, the performance bottleneck hasn’t really been the hardware, but the upload bandwidth of your internet connection and current network conditions. If you’re slinging from a busy hotspot, or you only have 256K of upstream bandwidth at home, the end result won’t be as good.

In network performance is where the new Slingboxes really shine. The increase in resolution certainly makes for a better quality experience, but may serve as a hindrance to those with poor terrestrial or cable sources. True, you get more detail streaming at better resolutions, but more of the flaws associated with typical terrestrial and cable sources is preserved. Static, snow, and other forms of interference will show up more clearly now than before.

For more on performance read: "Slingbox PRO, Slingbox AV, & Slingbox Tuner Performance Review"

Final Thoughts

The Slingbox Tuner isn’t a huge step-up from the original Slingbox. Actually, it’s a step back depending on how you look at it. In some ways, it makes sense to separate the consumer base into groups that either have or don’t have an external device. Why confuse the user with A/V inputs and IR blasters when they don’t need them? The problem is that the integrated analog tuner has a limited life, considering analog broadcasting in the U.S. is scheduled to end in 2009. Basic cable may still be around for several years after, but as good as that works out, there’s truly no upgrade path available… shy of buying a Slingbox AV or Slingbox PRO.

The omission of integrated Wi-Fi for Tuner owners is of little concern, given that you’re not bound to the location of a set-top box. Most homes are pre-wired for basic cable services, and will most likely have access to your antenna or cable from the same area as your router.

If you’re an existing AV owner that subscribes to digital services, adding a Tuner is a great way to take advantage of your basic services. If you’re a basic cable or antenna user about to purchase your first Slingbox, the Tuner is an affordable way to start bringing live TV with you anywhere you travel. Of course, $179.95 isn’t much less than a Slingbox PRO, and giving yourself the flexibility to upgrade to an external tuner when the time comes is worth considering.

More Slingbox Family Articles

The Slingbox Family - Slingbox Tuner, Slingbox AV, & Slingbox PRO - The new Slingboxes are here, and SlingCommunity's got them all! Join SlingCommunity Editor Matt Whitlock as he takes an in-depth look at Sling Media's newest line of Slingbox products.

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!

<< Return to page 3 | Comment on this article

Page « Previous 1 2 3 4