Out of the box

For wired LAN setup, The Slingbox AV ships with the basics you’ll need to get everything set up. The package contents include:

• The Slingbox SOLO
• Audio/video cable (2)
• Ethernet Cable
• AC Power Cord
• IR Blaster

Styling

Slingbox SOLO serves up some pleasant surprises that differ it from the from the rest of the model lineup. Slingbox SOLO is physically bigger than the AV and Tuner, but has a much smaller footprint than the PRO… welcome for anyone that likes to hide the power of Slingbox behind their AV components or somewhere else out of sight.

The basic look from the current model lineup continues, as Slingbox SOLO carries the same trapezoidal shape of the AV and Tuner. However, SOLO has been given some welcome improvements in the glitz and glam department, sporting a new perforated brushed metal top that compliments the high-tech feel of the device quite well. If the finished units are anything like the pre-production model I received, the overall build-quality of the SOLO feels a bit nicer than the AV and Tuner, and much better than the PRO.

The front panel lights remain the same as all other Slinboxes: one for network, one for power, and one to indicate it’s actively streaming a signal. One new feature to the cosmetics is that SOLO has internal LEDs that light up the sides of the unit when the Slingbox is actively sending a signal. The effect is a disco-ball like effect as red light escapes through the perforation on the sides of the unit. Though I like the idea in concept, and it does look pretty neat the first time, it does might be slightly irritating to those who may be watching TV in a dark room if the Slingbox is out in the open. As I said, I like the ability to have it light up, but I’d also like the ability to turn them off as a courtesy to whoever may be at home.

AV Connections

Like Slingbox AV, SOLO is designed to control one external set-top box like a cable/satellite box or DVR. The back panel has one input covering the gamut of analog video connections, which includes composite, S-video, and component video jacks. Even though all three are present, there’s only one set of audio jacks, so it’s considered to be one input. In SlingPlayer, each video input is configurable as a different source, so like with the Classic and AV models, you could use the extra video inputs to monitor a video camera or surveillance device. You could also get creative with RCA Y cables to combine the audio from multiple devices, then power on each as needed, but if you’re to that point you may as well just buy the PRO for a little bit more.

Since it is only designed as a single source device, this also means virtual battles for the remote control might be common if you connect SOLO to a device often used by others in the home. For those with a single HD-DVR or cable box, you’ll want to be sure the box is not currently in use unless you want to watch the same thing as the spouse or other family member.

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