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Sling.com Beta Testing Underway

According to an e-mail that found its way into several mailboxes yesterday, Sling Media took a step closer to the launch of the Sling.com online entertainment portal by opening it up to beta testers.

"Sling.com is a new online video portal that will give users access to a premier library of content from top TV networks, movie studios, sports leagues and websites. Combining professional programming, editorial expertise and social networking features alongside easy and logical navigation," according to the company.

While Sling's e-mail gave no clues as to whether or not Clip+Sling, the long-awaited feature that allows Slingbox owners to clip segments of shows right from their SlingPlayer and share it with others, is included in the early release of the portal. However, Sling Media's relationships with networks and other content providers should offer a bevy of entertainemnt options at launch.

Even more interesting is the inclusion of a web-based SlingPlayer, which will let Slingbox owners connect to and control their home television devices without a separate application installed. Not much is known yet about exactly how it works or what the limitations may be, but having a web-based alternative could be a huge convenience for Slingers.

It appears Sling Media is letting anyone sign up to become a beta tester, so if you're interested, head over to Sling.com and sign up.

Read More In: News, Rumors and Gossip Television Sports Sling.com and Clip+Sling

Discussion:    Add a Comment | Comments 1-10 of 10 | Latest Comment

October 3, 2008 7:06 PM

Sling Media wants folks to know Clip+Sling is coming, but not immediately at the launch of Sling.com.

Slingbox SOLO w/ ASUS Wireless Bridge streaming TiVo Series3
Zatz Not Funny!

October 3, 2008 8:58 PM

This sounds interesting, could make the Slingcatcher even more exciting if you can watch actual TV shows on it that are currently showing up on the Sling.com website.

Slingbox ProHD Slinging Comcast cable and HD via Comcast HSI using AirLink Powerline adapters; Slingbox Pro and Classic Slinging Sunddenlink Cable and D* HR21 via Sunddenlink HSI, using Linksys Gaming adapter. 2 Slingcatchers set up to use Slings.

October 3, 2008 9:40 PM

skiswm,
It would be great if they combine the catcher with Sling.com. I hope they do so.

Have a Sansa device or MP3 player, then check out The latest!
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October 4, 2008 5:32 AM

the question is whether they are going to block IP out of the U.S., like others do (nbc, fox, cbs, etc.). I understand that with apple, if you sign up while in the states, you can use it anywhere. Hopfeully the same will apply here. Anyone from sling can respond to that?

October 4, 2008 12:43 PM

Brandon C. said: skiswm, It would be great if they combine the catcher with Sling.com. I hope they do so.
They've informed me they will. But I don't think it'll happen at launch of Sling.com or SlingCatcher. No word on timing.

Slingbox SOLO w/ ASUS Wireless Bridge streaming TiVo Series3
Zatz Not Funny!

October 4, 2008 9:50 PM

Megazone on Engadget said that.
"Sling.com is initial geo-limited so most of the world won't be able to use it (sorry, that's the world of content rights) right away."

So US only for now. But he did also say that.
"SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry will be in beta before the year is out. iPhone is the next platform after BB."

I personally am looking forward to a BB player. :) Sorry iPhone guys... :)

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October 5, 2008 12:09 AM

Megazone - will the blocking work based on IP or the place where the account was open? So if I purchase the catcher in the U.S. and move it outside of the U.S. would it work? That's how it works for apple.

October 6, 2008 9:51 AM

I signed up for the Beta and when I try the "Live TV" portion of the site, it finds my Slingbox, but will not accept my password. Is this portion of the site operational yet? What might I be doing wrong?
Thanks.

October 6, 2008 10:13 AM

knucklesandwich said: I signed up for the Beta and when I try the "Live TV" portion of the site, it finds my Slingbox, but will not accept my password. Is this portion of the site operational yet? What might I be doing wrong? Thanks.
Did you miss the message on the sign-in screen instructing you to not discuss the beta publicly?

Slingbox SOLO w/ ASUS Wireless Bridge streaming TiVo Series3
Zatz Not Funny!

October 27, 2008 9:17 AM

What's the point of sling.com?
only a 'web-client' as far as I can see.
Then again... I am NOT living in the USA ... so why let non USA users beta test this?
nothing except the web-client works unless you are in the US!!
DEFECT!
DEFECT!
DEFECT!

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