Setting up the Slingplayer Software

Once the Slingbox PRO-HD is wired into your AV devices and home network, you need to install the SlingPlayer software on your computer. In the case of the PRO-HD, the all new SlingPlayer 2.0 software is required. At the time of this writing, SlingPlayer 2.0 is only available for Windows XP and Vista. Mac support is listed on the box as "coming soon," which shows the Mac version of the latest software isn't quite ready for prime time.

It's also important to note that the stated minimum requirements for SlingPlayer 2.0 (particularly for HD content) is far greater than the SlingPlayer of yore. You'll need a fairly fast machine, but anything made in the last few years should have no problems.

SlingPlayer 2.0 is available for download from Sling Media's support site. Don't be surprised if it instructs you to perform a "software update" on your PRO right out of the gate. Sling Media is constantly improving the Slingbox firmware (really, is the word firmware really that scary?) as well as the SlingPlayer application itself. 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.

Setting Up Your Sling Account

Another change to the Slingbox setup process is the addition of Sling Accounts. In the past, you connected to your Slingbox by the use of the Finder service, which required you to enter an extremely long, unique alpha-numeric string called the Finder ID. With a Sling Account, your Slingbox IDs, favorites, and channel lineup is all saved to your account online. Connecting to a Slingbox from any computer running SlingPlayer 2.0 is as easy as logging in. Best of all, everyone in your family can have an account, which means everyone can have their own favorites even on shared computers.

Configuring your AV Sources

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're continually add new devices. You can find a list of currently compatible devices at Sling Media's website.

Configuring Your Router

The last step to setting up a Slingbox is punching a hole through your router so you can access the Slingbox while you're away. This part is the most challenging, and is often where the non-technical throw their arms up in the air in confusion. Actually, it can be easy depending on the kind of router you own. If your router is UPnP capable, the setup assistant can "auto-magically" program your router for you.

If your router isn't capable of this (unlikely), you can still configure your router and Slingbox manually. Sling Media has made it a goal to help folks get past this step, which is one of their biggest roadblocks to mass acceptance. For one, Sling has put together an extensive list of routers (by brand and model number) that contains detailed, graphical, step-by-step instructions on how to configure it for a Slingbox. If your router is listed, there's a pretty good chance you'll be able to set it up on your own.

For those who's router isn't listed (or just don't get it), Sling Media is available to help in a variety of ways, including the option to initiate an online chat conversation with a Sling Media support representative that can guide you through the process, or direct help via phone. Of course, the friendly folks at Sling Community seem to never sleep, so getting help from fellow Slingbox owners is always an option for those who like to set up their gear in the wee hours of the morning.

If you're like me and would prefer to configure your Slingbox and router manually, you still have that option in the setup assistant.

Page « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »