Slingbox Video Showcase

The Slingbox is a TV streaming device that enables consumers to remotely view their cable, satellite, or personal video recorder (PVR) programming from an Internet-enabled computer with a broadband Internet connection. It is produced by Sling Media of San Mateo, California.

A Slingbox can redirect up to four live Audio/Video signals from a cable box, satellite receiver, DVR, or other Audio/Video source to the viewer's PC located anywhere nearby, such as in home or office, or, when using a broadband Internet connection, anywhere in the world. For copyright reasons, only one user can access the stream from a Slingbox at a time. This way of accessing content is known as placeshifting. However, unlike Sony's LocationFree Player, the Slingbox user is not required to obtain or pay for a new license, in order to stream to another computer.

A Slingbox connects a TV source (via coaxial cable, composite cables, component cables, or S-video cable) to an existing Internet connection. Digital video recorders and cable or satellite set top boxes can be controlled through a separate infrared (IR) cable that lets users change channels from the remote location. Software on a user's computer or mobile device connects to the Slingbox and provides the user interface for viewing the video stream and changing channels. Onscreen virtual remote controls are provided for controlling almost all connected device. Note that all control inputs are done in the slingplayer window via computer mouse.

There is no provision for use of hardware IR remote control units while watching slingplayer even if the PC has an IR receiver. This may be fine while watching on a laptop, but if you connect your PC running slingplayer to a TV, you must access the PC every time you want to change channel or skip your DVR...

Source: Wikipedia - Slingbox

Photo author: Kaptain Krispy Kreme from flickr.com