Showing posts with label internet tv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internet tv. Show all posts

Monday, August 20, 2012

Sling Media Slingbox AV (SB240-100) Review

Sling Media Slingbox AV (SB240-100)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been considering the Slingbox for quite some time. I decided to go ahead and buy one when Sling Media came out with this new model.
Installation was an absolute breeze. It was so easy I was shocked! I was watching DirecTV/TIVO on my PC within 5 minutes of opening the box. I have broadband internet which is quite fast. Full screen viewing on my 20" 16:10 screen is somewhat grainy and blurry, but definitely viewable. I prefer to use about 1/3 of my screen for the viewer (SplingPlayer) and the other 2/3 for other applications. Nice sharp picture quality with this set-up! Surfing the web while watching TV is no problem. Web pages still load quickly and video is still sharp/smooth. Haven't tried to download a large file while viewing yet.
SlingPlayer is great! Choose full screen, left/right side, or adjust as you see fit. When you choose left or right side your internet browser (or whatever application you are running) will snap into place to cover the rest of your screen automatically. Very nice user interface and many skins to choose from.
No matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection, you can watch your TV. I have Tivo which makes this device shine! I can watch my directv, watch anything that is recorded on TIVO, order pay-per-view, set up a program to record. Basically you can do anything that you can normally do with your DVR. The on screen remote control even looks identical to the real remote.
How is it different from the original Slingbox? I can't speak from actual experience since I don't own the original, but as far as the specs go there are some pros and cons.
The original Slingbox had a coax input. So you can hook up directly to analog cable or antennae. You can't do this with the SlingBox AV, but you can with the new SlingBox Tuner. The SlingBox Pro will do both analog and digital (and component HDTV).
The pros... The new SlingBox AV claims to have:
* SlingStream technology delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox
And the new SlingPlayer v1.4 for the Slingbox Tuner/AV/Pro provides:
* Improved video quality on the LAN: up to 4x the resolution of the previous SlingPlayer and over 200% speed improvement.*
* Adjust the SlingStream LAN video quality to match your particular computer and network conditions.
* Improved Setup Wizard: new screens are streamlined and easier to use.
* Improved Setup Wizard: direct access to customer support via real time chat. Relax and let our tech supports set up your router for you!
* AutoUpdate feature added to the Setup process ensuring users always install the latest software for their Slingbox.
* Users can rapidly cycle between Fullscreen (4:3), Widescreen (16:9), Letterbox, Windowbox and Pillarbox window modes to find the best fit for their video content.
* Full-screen improvements: If you put SlingPlayer in maximized mode it will stay there.
* Show/Hide player controls with one-click toggle. Just click once on the main player window to remove the controls when you aren't using them.
* Audio Visualizations added to Audio-Only mode. WinAmp AVS support means that users can add their own visualizations.
* Physical remote controls: SlingPlayer now works with remotes that support Microsoft Application keys. Now you can sit back and click on a real remote control to control SlingPlayer.
* SlingPlayer has a whole new look with the RedLine skin--just one more way to change the SlingPlayer to suit your tastes. With SlingCentral and other user contributed skins there are over 30 different skins available and more coming every month.
I won't miss the analog coax connection, I don't need it. If you need analog coax only then buy the SlingBox tuner. If you need both coax and digital devices then buy the SlingBox Pro (which will also give you component HDTV, but no HDMI).

On a final note, this unit is tiny. Much smaller than the original. It's about 1.5"(H) x 3.5"(D) x6.5 (W). Your gonna here some people call this thing ugly in appearance. It's not really that bad and it's so small that it can easily be hidden behind your other components or just pushed toward the back.
I'm a gadget freak and this is the coolest thing I've purchased in a long time!! Just buy one! This would make an awesome gift for anyone interested in computers and TV.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media Slingbox AV (SB240-100)

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, a device that allowed you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home, or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox AV The Slingbox AV is the perfect companion for your DVR, digital cable, or satellite receiver. With the ability to watch and control your favorite TV source, the Slingbox AV ensures that you can enjoy your TV entertainment--anywhere you go. Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox AV you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand.
The Slingbox AV also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox AV is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel. No matter where your journey takes you, one thing is certain: You'll never have to take up an extra seat to bring your TV with you.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with Microsoft's Vista operating system. Vista-specific enhancements are expected to be available in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox AV, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, composite AV cable, S-video cable, remote control IR cable, quick start guide.

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Live (Black) Review

NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Live (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Traditionally known for their routers and network devices, Netgear offically entered the growing home media player market this September with the Digital Entertainer Live. After owning the superb but ethernet-less Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player, I was looking for a device that could play all the 720p/1080i/p MKV videos directly off my D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure - NAS server and D-Link DNS-321. I didn't want to have to copy files off the network onto USB hard drives then walk them over to my media player just to play them on my TV. After testing this device for several hours, I am disappointed and can say that the EVA2000 is definitely not ready for prime time.
First is the question of what resolution this device actually supports. It is not listed here on Amazon, in Netgear's press release, or on the product specifications page, and no mention is made on the box except the phrase "HD TV media player". Netgear is perhaps deliberately vague on this point. If by "HD", they mean being able to connect to an HDTV, then that is true. If they mean "HD" as in 720p/1080p, then it is not true.
Despite having HDMI out, this device does not output at 1080p at all. It also doesn't play 720p files as far as I can tell. Every one of the hi-res MKV's I tested off my external hard drive failed (18 random movie files @720p and 1080i, H.264 encodes), producing an "unable to display video of this resolution" error. Similarly, the AVI's and WMV's at 720p that I tested also failed. As far as I am able to determine, it can play only up to 480p. I tried a 720x400 .MKV that did play, so Matroska support is working, but I was unable to fast-forward or rewind the file. Other low resolution .AVI files, .MP4's played without an issue.
The device did not recognize any MKV's off my NAS through UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). MKV files on my other server, running Twonky (DLNA software) did show up, however, they could not play since they were 720p.
Next is the lack of subtitle support, or non-Western character sets. The supported system languages are German, English, and French. No Unicode support means filenames and folders will be illegible, showing up as empty squares instead (see picture in gallery).
For internet TV, this product works as described. YouTube and other streaming videos work flawlessly. You can watch videos from all over the world. There are literally hundreds of free internet channels listed, divided by world region. I tested a few CCTV channels (China), Aljezeera English, an Indian channel, Odoroku.tv (Japan), C-SPAN, some Spanish channels, as well as some random others. Almost all of them worked without a hitch, after a brief period of buffering (length depends on network conditions). A few sites couldn't be reached, or failed to buffer and kicked me back to the channels menu. Again, because these are free sites streamed from the web, picture quality is very low, though watchable and a nice option for those who don't want to watch them on their computers. You can bookmark them for fast retrieval. I found the variety of sites listed here to be a pleasant surprise. They represent a wide range of interests and are from all over the world. (These are all free sites you can access from your computer also.)
The picture quality is usually terrible, however, since most internet videos are low-res videos (320x240) that are heavily compressed. When blown up 5x or more to fullscreen on your HDTV, the compression artifacts will be much more apparent and you'll see a lot of macroblocking and pixelation. On a smaller, non-LCD TV, this might be acceptable.
Because you'll be spending a lot of time pushing buttons to navigate around, due to no keyboard or mouse, I've included a series of screenshots to give you a better idea of how the interface works. Remote control response time can be sluggish, so you'll be seeing the revolving dial a lot. Worse is that you can't hit "Back" on the remote to cancel a read command. You have to wait until it finishes trying to read the file or network. During web streamed videos, I couldn't fast-forward. Searching for videos was easy through the onscreen keyboard, but overall I found the interface clunky and not all that attractive, made worse by that spinning dial that popped up with almost every command I pushed.
Lastly, is the lack of an optical output. For wireless, you will need to buy the dedicated Netgear wireless kit. A third party USB wireless dongle (AirLink 101 AWLL6070 150Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN USB 2.0 Adapter) I tried did not work.
To sum up, this product fails to meet expectations and went back to Amazon Returns after 2 days. It is NOT capable of hi-def playback. It only plays back standard def video. If you enjoy watching blocky internet streams on your TV and don't care about hi-def, then maybe this device would be of value. There is no way to select stream quality from the sites that offer HD streams.
At $150, with no gigabit Ethernet, no optical out, and no hi-def, this product does not compete favorably against other devices already on the market or soon to be released, like the WD TV Live ($120), which adds network support to the already solid and popular WDTV; or the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+HD ($135) and ASUS O!Play - TV HD Media Player ($99), which, like the WDTV Live, is networked and plays 1080p.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR Digital Entertainer Live (Black)

Play your movies, music and photo collections stored on USB storage devices and computers right on your TV. Enjoy YouTube and other Internet video LIVE.n vao voas the loghsl geo Loreum ebspom thleo lakdyog alkdoeon vao voas the loghsl geo Play movies, video, music and photos stored on USB drives, computers or NAS Enjoy YouTube on your TV, without a computer Watch pay-per-view new release movies on-demand without a subscription Watch Live Internet TV from around the world via VuNow (1-year service included) Browse and play popular movies and shows from Hulu, Netflix, Amazon VOD, CBS, CNN, and ESPN and more using PlayOn on your PC. (free trial in box) Search for Internet video using key words Works with older TVs and new HDTVs Easy to use remote control Wirelessly connect to the Internet by using the Digital Entertainer Live Wireless USB Adapter

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller Review

Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller
While I think the price point should have been closer to $200, I am overall very satisfied with Google TV, using the Logitech Revue box and keyboard. I am an Android phone user as well and the OS used in Google TV is very similar. The set up was easy and intuitive. One note: You do need an HDTV, high-speed internet (wired or wireless), and a cable box with HDMI cable inputs to take full advantage of all Google TV has to offer. And while the box comes with 1 HDMI cable, you will need at least one more. I am not completely sold on using the keyboard to control the DVR, although it is possible. There is a free Harmony app for Android phones (iPhone coming soon, I believe) that is an added bonus.
I won't be getting rid of my laptop, but will be using it a whole lot less! If you use the internet for games, Facebook, searching, shopping, photos, videos, etc., then having quick access to that using the full Google Chrome browser while in your living room, is a no-brainer. I enjoy the integration of my DVR content with internet searching, if I search for "Desperate Housewives" it shows me not only my recordings on the DVR, upcoming shows in the guide, as well as related websites and other references. Neat. I like the Pandora application so I can listen to music through my stereo, surf the web, and watch the local news in picture-in-picture, all at once.
I look forward to having more application options (Google is aggressively pursuing developers to create apps for Google TV like they do for the Android Marketplace). I think a very basic app they should have included out of the box is Weather.com to quickly pull up the local forecast. When an app market is available and as other enhancements are added (updates over the internet), this will soon become the perfect product, until then, it's very fun and I'm glad to have it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller

Logitech Revue with Google TV turns any TV into a smart TV. It brings together TV, the full web, apps, movies and more and puts control of it all at your fingertips.

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 ) Review

Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been looking at Slingbox for awhile now but was afraid to purchase the first generation product for fear of a tough installation. I am a business travel who finally decided to purchase a Slingbox now that the second generation product has been released. To say the least, I am not disappointed. I have (regular) basic/expanded cable with a coax cable protruding from the wall and a WiFi DSL setup. Installation was easy EXCEPT I had a problem installing the software onto my laptop using their CD-Rom Disc (Which is why I give this product 4 stars instead of 5). The CD does not contain the software download, instead it guides your PC to obtain the download over the internet. My laptop would download up to 90% of the software and then hang. I ended up having to retreive the download directly from the Slingbox Website (no big deal). Once installed, the software automatically configured my router so I could use my slingbox from the outside (from the road anywhere there is a high-speed internet connection). The picture is pretty good when I use slingbox from within my house. On the road away from home, the picture is considerably more distorted. In order to get a better picture, I need to shrink my screen. I watch my local news on the road and plan to watch my local sport teams. I love this product and it helps me make the most of my cable which I pay too much for! If you are a non-techie like me, BUY IT! Do not be afraid of the installation, it was easy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, allowing you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox Tuner The Slingbox Tuner is the perfect companion for your basic cable subscription. With the ability to watch and control your cable TV, the Slingbox Tuner ensures that you can enjoy your live TV entertainment anywhere you go. Turn every computer you use into a portable TV without the need to connect a coax cable! Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your basic cable TV (analog or digital, plus NTSC antenna) anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Tuner you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, or breaking news stories.
The Slingbox Tuner also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox Tuner is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel. No matter where your journey takes you, one thing is certain: You'll never have to take up an extra seat to bring your TV with you.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with Microsoft's Vista operating system. Vista-specific feature enhancements are expected to be available in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox Tuner, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, RF/coax cable, and quick start guide.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )

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Monday, August 1, 2011

Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender with DVD Review

Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender with DVD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My initial impression are (1) if all you want is a media center extender to do what it is intended to do, then this is definitely the purchase you should make; (2) do not expect anything other than just the media center function and dvd function, that's all your going to get; (3) if the video, music, or picture is not supported by windows media connect *** AND HAS THE CORRECT BITRATE*** it is not going to play; (4) even if your media center pc can playback a file doesn't necessarily mean the extender will play it back, all the processing of the file is done on the extender and the only codecs that get supported are those listed in windows media connect.
I was expecting better codec support from Linksys, but it looks as if Linksys only has their name on the product. It really should have Microsoft on it. You don't need a Vista PC for playback of the dvd function. For you people that like to encode video on your computer and are thinking about using an extender to view it, be careful which format you choose. If it not listed as a supported file by windows media connect you can best believe it is not going to play.
The wireless worked pretty well. I have wireless-n and video playback was great, but navigating through the menus with wireless was sluggish. A wired connection was more responsive but still a little sluggish. Startup time until you get to the main menu is between 30-40 seconds. The unit is absolute noiseless. Even the dvd drive is quiet during playback, fastforwarding and rewinding.
This purchase was not for me. Like i've said many times before, you'll only be satisfied if your files are supported in windows media connect formats. I could not get WMV files to playback, but I could get WMV9 files to playback. I tried a DivX file in a AVI extension and it played fine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender with DVD

Sharing your photos, music and movies on your computer with friends and family has been made easy by the DMA 2200 Media Center Extender from Linksys. The device allows you to view digital photos, movies and high definition programs on your TV, and listen to downloaded music on your home theater sound system. It even enables accessing digital content and Internet services from your Microsoft Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate Media Center PC and wirelessly stream it to your home entertainment system. Its single learning remote helps you to easily navigate menus. The media extender uses existing high-speed Wireless-N home network and includes built-in upscaling DVD player.

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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100) Review

Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Slingbox Pro does an excellent job of streaming video from multiple sources (Tivo's, cable boxes, or satellite tuners, for example) to any internet-connected computer, anywhere in the world. If you have access to a fast internet connection, you'll be amazed at the quality of the picture and the sound.
Two issues:
1) The primary, defining feature of the PRO verison of the Slingbox is its ability to "sling" high-definition video across the internet to your laptop. It's unfortunate that the folks at Sling Media:
- saw fit to design the box to use a proprietary cable instead of the industry-standard HDMI cable that all HD component owners know and use, and
- failed to include their proprietary cable in the box with the Pro. When I buy a product for its PRO features, I shouldn't have to go back out and scavenge for a rare, $50.00 cable in order to use those features. This was a terrible oversight.
2) Be aware that you will not be able to use the Slingbox unless you:
- can plug it directly into your home network router, or
- purchase a $50-$90 wireless Ethernet "bridge," or
- purchase Slingbox's bizarre and expensive hardware solution for connecting the Slingbox to your router over your electrical wiring.
A PRO-level, premium product should be able to see and use a wireless home network connection, right out of the box; a trip back to the store to buy more hardware shouldn't be necessary.
The core product is great, and works better than advertised ... but this PRO package lacks what any pro would expect to find in the box. Be aware that, in addition to the Slingbox Pro, you'll need to buy:
- a home network router (if you don't already have one),
- a wireless G network bridge or the Slingbox networking product (if you don't have your router near your television), and
- a proprietary video cable (if you want to "sling" HD programming).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called "place shifting" technology, a device that allowed you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home, or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs. Compare Slingbox models.
Slingbox Pro The Slingbox Pro ensures that you can watch all of your favorite home theater entertainment anywhere you go, with the ability to watch and control up to three standard definition and one high definition video (via component connection) devices. Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Pro you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand.
The Slingbox Pro also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.
How it Works Slingbox Pro is a small device that connects to your cable box to redirect the TV signal to the computer of your choice--providing high quality video, no matter the distance, so long as there is a high-speed Internet connection. This technology also allows you to access and control your TV from anywhere--and your TV doesn't even have to be on.
SlingMedia's patent pending SlingStream technology delivers the smoothest and best video quality possible. SlingStream delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox. SlingStream is powered by a programmable engine that is capable of running the latest video compression algorithms. SlingStream dynamically adjusts to changes in network conditions, video content, and Internet bandwidth.
At Home, At Work, or on the Go At home, Now you can watch TV in whatever room in the house you choose. Say goodbye to the days of having to watch your child's favorite DVD over and over again. Now you can watch your soaps in the laundry room. You can watch your fix-it shows in the garage. Or you can watch your cooking shows in the kitchen. You'll never get stuck having to watch shows you don't want to now that you're in charge of what's on, when it's on, and where it's on.
Now that you can access your TV wherever you have your computer, the clock won't be the only thing worth watching at work. You can watch your news and business channels to stay updated. You can catch the big game while tending to business. Or, you can watch your favorite shows during your downtime. In any event, work will never just be business as usual.
With the SlingBox you can travel to another country and actually understand the programs. You can visit the in-laws and not get stuck watching The Weather Channel.
Ready for Vista SlingPlayer software is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system. Future Vista-specific enhancements are expected in early 2007.
What's in the Box Slingbox Pro, SlingPlayer CD-ROM, AC adapter (100-240V 50-60Hz), ethernet cable, stereo audio cable, RF/coax cable, composite AV cable, S-video cable, remote control IR cable, and quick start guide.

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Click here for more information about Sling Media Slingbox PRO (SB200-100)

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 ) Review

Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 )
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
In a large (brand new 5-bedroom, 3500 sq ft house) it works pretty well. NOTE: my specific objective was to support a SlingBox (original) with cable Internet elsewhere in the house.
I've used SlingBox and SlingLink Turbo in two different configurations:
1. SlingBox connected directly to my router; SlingLink supporting other wired + wireless computers elsewhere in the house via a wireless router.
2. SlingLink connected the Internet and SlingLink broadcasting to SlingLink supporting my SlingBox and XBOX 360 as "slave" devices.
The first configuration is better (obviously) because SlingBox can "broadcast" up to a full 2.5Mbps over a LAN connection. The second configuration is better for everyday use since I get maximum Internet bandwidth on computers.
Findings:
1. Internet speed test dropped from 18-19Mbps down / 2.5Mbps up (Comcast w/ SpeedBoost) to 2100Mbps down / 800Kbps up.
2. SlingBox over SlingLink drops to 1.2Mbps (video quality is a bit choppy vs. perfectly smooth otherwise). I've had it spike to 1.6Mbps over the LAN.
3. Additionally SlingBox over the open Internet (original intended use) maxes out at 600kbps, which is a hair below what it was without SlingLink in the middle.
4. The only real "issue" with SlingLink is probably due to home wiring (i.e. on a semi-related note I had to re-wire every cable jack and replace the primary splitter that my electrical contractor originally installed because the cheap original hardware was so bad that ).
5. Newer SlingBoxes (AV/PRO/SOLO) may be more tolerant of "spotty" Ethernet connections, considering they have newer H.264 compression chips.
All in all I'm happy. Wireline Ethernet isn't perfect and would probably work a lot better in a condominium or smaller house. A larger house would/could justify multiple cable modems.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sling Media SlingLink Turbo Powerline Kit ( SL200-100 )

The SlingLink Turbo brings network connectivity to any electrical wall outlet, making it ideal for the modern living room with blisteringly fast speeds up to 85 Mbps. With four switched ports, it connects your Slingbox, game console, DVR, computer or anything with an Ethernet jack to your home network. Now you can run high-speed Internet through your existing electrical wiring with a simple plug-and-play connection. Plus, SlingLink Turbo is compatible with any home router.

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