Sling Community - Latest Articles

No Ethernet? No Problem! Powerline, MoCA, and Wireless-N Kits Compared

Matt Whitlock — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:03:14 GMT

Despite the ever increasing proliferation of devices and services that require a broadband connection to the Internet, the average home has one major flaw: no Ethernet. Even modern day new-construction often lacks the magic eight conductor cable strung to every room, meaning getting that connection to things like Slingbox, Xbox Live, and other web based devices can be a real challenge. Ethernet is the backbone of the network, and easily the fastest, most reliable way to network your devices. However, because most homes lack structural Ethernet wiring (and oftentimes adding it after the walls are buttoned up can be too difficult and/or expensive) a significant amount of effort has been put into creating devices that help you get network connections in other rooms using other means. Some rely on wireless technologies, while others rely on structured cabling common to homes. If you're stuck with a Slingbox or SlingCatcher in a room without Ethernet and you need to use an Ethernet bridge of some sort, you'll have to choose between one of three major technologies to get the job done: powerline, wireless, and coax. Here are three different plug-and-play Ethernet adapter kits (based on these different technologies I personally use) and...

Getting to Know the Web Based SlingPlayer for Mac Public Beta

NA9D — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:00:29 GMT

Sling Media has officially released a beta version of their web based SlingPlayer software for Mac OS X ! This player can be found by logging on to beta.sling.com and choosing the "Live TV" option (or go to: http://beta.sling.com/sling_player ). Both Safari 3 and Firefox 3 are currently supported. If you're a Mac owner, you'll want to take a little time to get to know this new web based SlingPlayer. Below I'll give a brief overview of the player, as well as give you a few configuration tweaks you might need. No Support for Legacy Slingboxes As is the case with the iPhone software, the 'Legacy Slingboxes' (meaning Slingbox models Classic, AV, and Tuner) are not supported on the Mac version of the web based SlingPlayer. It's important to note that unlike the iPhone SlingPlayer, they will not work at all in the new web SlingPlayer for Mac. As I write this, I have not determined a way to modify the plug-in to allow it. I've been told that the firmware on the legacy boxes is not compatible. These boxes will show up in your list of Slingboxes with a yellow dot next to them, but you will not be...

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone / iPod Touch Review

NA9D — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:29:12 GMT

It is one of the most anticipated and debated SlingPlayer applications ever. Many have questioned if it would ever see the light of day - Would Apple approve it? Would Sling develop it or support it? Well, SlingPlayer for the iPhone is finally here with an all new touch screen interfaceand automatic configurations via SlingAccounts. Unfortunately, SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone will only work over WiFi. I'll cover the basics of this cool new app and give you a sneak preview of what you'll find. SlingPlayer for iPhone Basics Upon starting SlingPlayer for iPhone / iPod Touch, you'll be asked to log into your SlingAccount (or once you are set up, you will automatically log in and start streaming). You don't have to use Sling Accounts, though it does make things a lot easier. To set up your Slingbox manually just hit cancel and you'll be taken to a screen where you can enter your Slingbox information either via Finder ID or IP address and port. One thing to note though is that you can only save one manually configured Slingbox at this time. SlingPlayer for iPhone heavily relies on SlingAccounts. If you are a Mac only user, it would be...

Member Review: SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry

jpmomo — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:12:12 GMT

I would like to provide a brief review of my experience with the SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry application. This review consists of the following components: BlackBerry Bold v4.6.0.167 (Platform 4.0.0.157) SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry (US) Version 1.0.0.2 Slingbox Solo Dish Networks VIP722 DVR with the HD package AT&T 3G network and local WiFi (802.11g) network I have used the SlingPlayer software on others devices in the past, including the Plam Treo Pro. I have been using the Slingbox Solo for a couple of years with laptops and desktop PCs. I have also started to use Sling.com to access my Slingbox from other PCs without having the SlingPlayer software loaded. My previous device was the Sony Xperia X1, which ran SlingPlayer alongside other mobile video sources, like MobiTV and Hulu. I recently started to use MobiTV on the BlackBerry and even tried Hulu from my older Xperia X1. I'll give a brief comparison of each, and to round things out, I'll also compare the experience for all of these like apps and services to the Sony Xperia X1. Like many folks in the SlingCommunity, I have been waiting for the release of a BlackBerry SlingPlayer to use on my BlackBerry Bold....

How To Create Custom IR Remote Control Files and Use Them in SlingPlayer

Alan Richey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:49:42 GMT

There's nothing worse than getting your brand new Slingbox out of hte box and set up, only to discover that your A/V device is unsupported. If you find yourself in this situation, you can now take matters into your own hands by creating and using custom IR remote files for your own gear.

SlingCatcher .57 Update - Near-HD and Network Streaming Arrives!

Matt Whitlock — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:16:14 GMT

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...

New Uses for Old Slingboxes: Build a 'Watch Anywhere' Baby Monitor

Matt Whitlock — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:37:38 GMT

Those who know me or follow my blog over at TechLore.com will attest, I have a fair amount of older gadgets and gizmos I've collected over the years. Some sit on shelves behind a glass door museum-style, but most would be surprised by the sheer number of old devices I've found new uses for. So, when the need arose to put together a nursery for my up-and-coming baby Slinger, I went to work putting a few of my older gadgets back into service. One of our goals was to have the option to monitor the baby visually, and after pricing out some $200+ baby video monitors, I decided to slap something together from several devices I already own that are no longer in use; most notably, the Slingbox Classic. The result is what my wife and I call "The SlingTot," a baby monitor accessible from around the world as well as at home. What You'll Need: A Slingbox A video camera with an A/V output. Night mode is required if you're planning on using it at night. Network accessibility or a Wireless internet solution Optional (but recommended) is at least one smartphone or PDA with SlingPlayer Mobile. Set up time:...

The DTV Switch - How It Will Affect Your Slingbox and SlingCatcher

Matt Whitlock — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:40:59 GMT

Just a few moments ago, every TV station in my home town shut down their analog transmitters and switched over to the all digital ATSC broadcast standard. In fact, had Congress not intervened a few short weeks ago, extending the cutoff date for the DTV switchover, every TV station in the United States would be doing the same... finally putting an end to a broadcast standard in use since the first television stations went on the air. Even though the new cutoff date has been moved to June 12th, it's estimated some 40% of the broadcast stations around the country will transition today, February 17th, 2009. Not all stations will switch today, so how and when the DTV switchover will impact you varies. None, some, or all could make the switch anytime between now and June 12th. By now, most Americans should have a clear understanding of how the digital switch will affect their televisions sets, as well as what they need to do to continue receiving free broadcasts once the switch occurs in their area. What may be less clear is how peripheral devices, like the Slingbox, will be affected. That's exactly what we're going to cover here. Which...