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The Slingbox won awards back in 2006 for being a truly innovative product that streamed your home TV (eg satellite box or DVD player) to any internet-connected PC.
You simply hook it up to your video source, download the software on a PC and watch TV as if you were at home. The Pro version comes with up to four inputs (including HD) and faster streaming.
The HD input isn’t HDMI, but rather a proprietary HD Connect socket - an adapter is included to connect Component HD sources. You can’t stream in HD (the Slingbox Pro scales it down to 640x480), but it looks better than standard Freeview.
While the original (renamed Slingbox Classic) could only muster 2.5Mbits/sec streams, the new Slingbox Pro can reach 8Mbits/sec. Full-screen video therefore looks great over a Lan, but with most broadband upstreams under 500Kbits/sec, this increase doesn’t help when viewing over the internet.
The Slingbox Pro does, however, feature improved algorithms that boost picture quality online. It’s not a huge step up from the Classic, and quality will depend on your connection, but it’s certainly watchable.
The device retains much of the appeal of the Classic - not least its sheer ease of use and the ability to download the client software for free (Sony’s Locationfree rival was crippled by the company charging for each installation). However, unless you need the extra inputs or aren’t happy with the quality over your Lan, there isn’t a huge incentive to upgrade. There’s still no wireless, which means you’ll either need to trail an Ethernet cable to your router or use a powerline or Wifi adapter.
At just under £200 it’s also expensive. If you’ve no need for the HD or extra inputs, a Solo version is available for £149, while the Classic can be picked up for under £100 while stocks last.
See also:
A new challenger for the impressive Slingbox 19 Jun 2007
All Home EntertainmentTags: TV Streaming
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