SlingPlayer for TV is likely the most anticipated feature of the SlingCatcher. This single feature will revolutionize place shifting of television and other video programming. With SlingPlayer for TV you can now watch connect to your Slingbox from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a TV. I was fortunate enough to be part of SlingMedia's beta program for the SlingCatcher and got an early view of how the device works.

So let's get into the meat of it...

One of the newest and most controversial of SlingMedia features is the new SlingAccounts. SlingAccounts stores all of your login and password information for your Slingboxes on a secure server at SlingMedia. By simply logging in to your SlingAccount you have access to your Slingboxes from any instance of SlingPlayer. This same functionality now makes setting up the Catcher a breeze. During the initial setup of the SlingCatcher, you enter your login and password information. All your Slingboxes are automatically configured for you.

The SlingCatcher is controlled by the SlingCatcher remote. This is one of the most thoughtfully designed (and most unique physically) remotes that I have ever seen. It is able to incorporate just about any function in any piece of AV equipment. While the shape is unique it is surprisingly comfortable to use:

There is a power button for your TV and you can configure the volume control to control either your TV or your AV system. This is taken care of during the initial setup of the SlingCatcher (discussed elsewhere). The red, green, yellow and blue buttons are special buttons that mimic the controls of other remotes (like DirecTV) or have special functions for a particular device.

When you choose to view SlingPlayer over TV, you are presented with a menu of your available Slingboxes (see image). The navigation functions are very similar to that of the Tivo DVRs. You use the right arrow to move forward into new menus and the left arrow to move back. Select the Slingbox you want by pressing the right arrow and then scrolling up or down and you will be connected to the box and it will start playing. It is that simple.

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