Sling Media has been touting since CES that higher quality streaming from the Slingbox PRO-HD and SMB Network Streaming support were coming to a SlingCatcher near you sometime in the first quarter. That update came a day or so ago along-side SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0.2, which included the necessary firmware update for the PRO-HD to enable near-HD streaming to the Catcher. Let's take a look at these long awaited features and see if the long wait for HD and network streaming is finally over.

So what does the .57 upgrade have in store for you?  There's quite a laundry list, but here's the important stuff according to Sling:

Catcher Firmware .57 highlights:

1280 x 540 streaming from a Pro-HD

• Must have Pro-HD FW 1.2.100 (which is bundled with SP 2.0.2)
• 2MB+ network connection (LAN or WAN) for best experience
• Pro-HD input can be component or ATSC/QAM tuner (HD streaming is based on the aspect ratio of the content, ie 16:9 vs 4:3)

Network drive support using SMB 1.0 protocol

• Users can connect to shared folders from a PC (Windows XP, Windows Vista, MacOS X (10.5.x)
• User can connect to Network Attached Storage appliances that support SMB protocol

EU Language Support (French, Spanish, Italian, German

• User can adjust language in Settings --> Language menu
• Out of box setup, first screen shown is language selection

Misc Enhancements

• MPEG-1 (.mpg) playback now supported
• WMV1 codec files are allowed for playback
• Support for ATSC alternative audio tracks (to select: OPT > Audio)

Updating SlingCatcher to FW Version .57

To update your SlingCatcher to FW version .57, you'll need to make sure your SlingCatcher is connected to your home network and the Internet.

Navigate to the Settings Menu, and then scroll down the list to Check for Updates.

You'll be prompted to download and install the update. Highlight Yes and click OK on the remote control.

Since the update takes a few minutes to complete, go grab a snack and head over to SlingCommunity to read up on the update and join in on some discussions while you wait. 

Once the update is downloaded and installed, the SlingCatcher will reboot and you'll be ready to go.

  Page 2: Setting Up Network Streaming >>

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