Slingbox SOLO Review: Hands On With Sling's Latest One Source Wonder (Page 4 of 6)
- Slingbox 101: Choosing Between the Slingbox PRO-HD and Slingbox SOLO - Which One is Right For Me?
- No Ethernet? No Problem! Powerline, MoCA, and Wireless-N Kits Compared
- Slingbox PRO-HD Hands-On Review
- Using the SlingPlayer Progam Guide to Easily Find and Change Channels
- Using the Slingbox for Surveillance and Security
Setting Up the Slingbox SOLO
The Slingbox SOLO setup is simpler than both the Slingbox AV and PRO counterparts thanks to pass-through connections and the lack of an external device needed for component video (HD Connect).
First, you’ll need to connect the audio/video cables from the source device to the Slingbox. For video, you can use either S-video, composite, or component video connections. Use component video if available, as it will give you a better image and will work better with high definition devices.
Once you have the audio and video cables connected, you’ll need to connect the IR blaster cable that makes it possible to control the device through the SlingPlayer software. The mini-plug connects to the IR port on the back of the Slingbox and the IR “eye” needs to be placed in front of the device’s IR receiver.
The final step is getting connected to your network router, and there’s a good chance your router is located in different room from your router. If so, you’ll need to pick up a Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridge or Powerline network extender to make the connection to your home network. Either option will set you back about 60 to 80 bucks.
Setting Up the Software
Once the Slingbox SOLO is wired into your sources and home network, you need to install the SlingPlayer software on your computer. SlingPlayer is compatible with just about any Windows 2000 SP4/XP/Vista/Mac OS X computer running on anything but stone-aged hardware.
One area Sling Media has always excelled is in customer support, providing an easy-to-use wizard interface that helps you get your Slingbox up and running.
In order to use Slingbox SOLO, you need to have SlingPlayer v1.5 or above, which is available for download from Sling Media’s support site. Version 1.5 (as of this writing) includes firmware version 1.0.13 for Slingbox SOLO. Sling Media is constantly improving the Slingbox firmware as well as the SlingPlayer application. If the player you’re using includes a newer firmware than what’s currently installed (as was the case for me), you’ll be prompted to upgrade. Fortunately, upgrading your firmware is quick and painless.
Configuring Your Source
At some point during the setup process, you’ll need to indicate what kind of device is connected to the Slingbox. Sling Media has done a tremendous job of adding support for products ranging from DVRs, to Cable/Satellite boxes, to DVD players, and beyond.
The Slingbox doesn’t have the remote control codes for everything, but they continually add new devices through software and firmware updates. You can find a list of currently compatible devices at Sling Media’s website.
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