Well, the time’s finally come: the coveted Slingbox PRO is hitting UK shelves (and internet stores). In the US and Canada, the Slingbox PRO’s been the flagship of Sling Media’s line-up for over a year now. So what does it bring to the UK market?

For those who haven’t heard of the Slingbox PRO, it’s regarded as the “step up” model in the range. I’d expect some people to have chosen one of the lower spec models in the range, and realised what a great product it is. Then, thinking that two Slingboxes would be even better than one, they’ll fancy an upgrade.

What’s So Great About the PRO?

The main benefit of the Slingbox PRO in the US and Canada was the addition of an HD-compatible port. To the confusion of the general public, this HDMI-shaped port wasn’t actually an HDMI port. Out of the box, the PRO was not HD-enabled at all. To connect an HDMI source, it required that you purchase the HD connect cable separately. This HD connect cable’s a thick wire with a junction-type box attached to it. The junction box contains component video (phono) inputs and outputs, along with also stereo audio (phono) inputs and outputs.

The great news in the UK is that the HD connect cable’s bundled as part of the UK package; this makes the Slingbox PRO UK model HD-capable straight out the box. This seems to be another sign that Sling Media’s prepared to alter its corporate strategy based on the local markets it’s shipping in.

This decision’s also had a lot to do with the recent release of the Slingbox SOLO in the UK. The Slingbox SOLO’s HD-ready out of the box, and it doesn’t require the extra HD connect cable; the inputs and outputs are within the case design. This is a much slicker way of delivering HD, not requiring the clumsy extra cable that needs to hang out of the back. Free or not, this bit of compromise makes Slingbox SOLO an attractive offering.

So what does the Slingbox PRO offer over the Slingbox SOLO?

The main thing, and possibly the killer application that makes it worth the extra price tag, is the inclusion of a Digital Terrestrial Freeview Tuner. Connect your Slingbox PRO to an aerial feed (preferably rooftop) and you can tune in all of the Freeview channels available via your transmitter. This connection’s again aided by having a pass-through connector allowing you to use one feed for both your TV and your Slingbox without any additional distribution amplifiers or signal sapping splitters.

Current owners of the Slingbox Classic UK have already been treated to this DVB luxury, as well as the obvious glory of Freeview digital television on the move. It also allows you to enjoy your TV experience without detriment to your family’s home viewing or the need of an additional set-top box, and no subscription’s required.

With the AV only enabled Slingbox SOLO, you’re required to connect a separate video source like Sky+ or its equivalent. When you connect to your Sky+ box you’re taking control of it; this affects anyone else who’s also watching that source. This can have its consequences; many a time my wife’s had an angry 4yr old shouting at the tele that Cbeebies has now turned into a Cricket match and that Daddy’s messing with the television again. Continued on page 2...

Page 1 2 Next »