Sling Media wasn’t going to let CES 2010 pass by without letting the world know about their latest range of products aimed at giving you the ability to watch television wherever you are. Before I tell you about each individual item, there are two things that are common between them: the lack of wires, and high definition. These have played a big part in technology in general over the last decade, and they are also both areas in which I feel technology will advance in the coming decade.
As we know, Apple is not far off when it comes to wireless computing; the iMac able to operate with a single power cable. But for the rest of your peripherals, wireless still has a little way to go. Sling Media, on the other hand, is embracing wireless with open arms.
Slingbox 700U
In theory, you should be able to hook up a new Slingbox 700U to your existing Internet-connected set-top box via a USB port to allow you to watch HDTV from anywhere in the world via the online SlingPlayer. The catch is that you need to have a set-top box that has Internet access and available USB ports. The EchoStar 722K is one of these, according to the Sling Media press release. Such a set-top box can then be SlingLoaded to allow the streaming to begin.
Sling Receiver 300
The Sling Reciever 300 is to accompany your SlingLoaded™ box to stream your high definition content to any other television thats connected to your home network, thus limiting the need to run cables or buy a second set-top box for the additional TVs.
Sling Monitor 150
If you were thinking that none of your current TVs have Internet access, the Sling Monitor 150 may be for you. It’s a portable flat-screen display that can take a feed from your Slingbox 700U to allow you to watch anywhere in your home. It’s similar to the Sling Receiver 300, but without the need for your own monitor.
Sling Touch Control 100
I’m not quite sure where the numbering values for each of these products came from, but either way, this one’s the money maker. Well, at least the “wow” factor. It seems these days that your technology is only as cool as the remote it came with, so Sling Media evidently took a bit of time in the design and implementation of their touch-screen remote. The Sling Touch Control 100 works with the Slingbox, Sling Receiver and Monitor, as well as offering a solution for your other audio-visual devices providing it has a clear line of sight.
A nice collection of products, providing you have the current infrastructure to implement them. If you’re in the market to upgrade your home media setup, looking for Sling Media compatible set-top boxes and HDTVs with Internet access as an option may be worth it; we know how you like to stay ahead of the curve.
Products [Sling Media]
Unfortunately, as awesome as these look, they are currently only available through your service provider. So unless your video service provider is Dish or uses Echostar equipment, it may be a while before you will be able to get your hands on these. The best route would probably be to contact your service provider
I really like the remote!
I love how Sling is making the Slingbox 700U compatible with all kinds of providers. There is one in particular that takes streaming video to a whole new level. DISH Network, which is my employer, has the Sling Adapter, which is almost the same as the Slingbox 700U. It allows me to use the DISH Remote Access app to stream any of my recordings or even live TV to my iPhone 4. My favorite show is Top Gear, and I used to miss it constantly if I didn’t record it on my DVR. But now I can set my DVR from my phone and never have to miss it again!