What's in it for me
Significant benefits, nominal costs - huge Winner
www access to live feed of my Fox TV, no ongoing fees!
I also saved big $$$ on the LAN 4 port network board which everyone needs
I pay subscription for online access to TV shows (mainly sports), they are zoned access either in Australia or Abroad so I have to pay another subscription when I'm abroad or go to the local pub or hotel that has a feed.
With Slingbox I get ALL these TV shows and much more, the savings pay for the Slingbox in the 1st year.
Dynamic benefits
At Home: Access via LAN (local area network) or wifi - no cost (within your network = no download usage / no cost)
- If you have a work/study room you'll be connected to your home media (TV/Audio) and tune in for free
- Retire to the swimming pool or relax in bed and watch the TV on your iPad
Outside on the WWW is subject to bandwidth and 3rd party charges based on download use.
.
Pic right: Slingplayer view on desktop .
Viewing apps
FREE APPS- Desktop, it's no longer supported as they created a webpage portal however it works fine for use within your home network (lan/wifi)
- WWW portal to access the stream from any internet connection
- Facebook player app
NOT FREE- Smartphone iphone - about $10
- NOT FREE iPad app about $15
We roadtested all, each has minor variations of controls otherwise they have the key features of on screen remote control, options for screen size and quality.
My preference is the Pop out window in the www portal because you can resize to almost any size.
Roadtest slingbox
Oct 2013: We bought 2 older models: "Solo" (slings 1 device) and "Pro" (slings up to 4 devices ie., dvd, audio and the like)
We also bought the high speed 4 port network board with AWESOME results! $99 (normally $180)
Simply plug into an existing power utlet and instant LAN cabling throughout the building .. saves thousands on LAN network cabling.
Road test 28/10/13 BTS skytrain station Siam
Using an iPad and the Slingbox iphone app I connected to my slingbox and watched live feed of OZ TV, I then jumped on the skytrain and watched more TV while we skooted along the skyline through Bangkok and enjoyed a smooth transmission.
The Slingbox iPad app does not support Slingbox PRO so we connected to the SOLO
If you don't have intention to sling multiple devices then "Solo" will be fine which connects to all Slingbox viewing apps including facebook whereas Slingbox Pro does not connected to apps for iPad or facebook. Pro does have an adapter for HD but unless you have sufficient bandwidth
For and against
Solo model (1 device)
Test with connection to Foxtel standard box:
Result: Perfect: control of all channels
remote viewing devices:
- Desktop app = Ok - very clear, easy to change screen size,
- Facebook app = OK, not so many options
- iPhone app and iPad app, very good quality and easy to change size and stream quality
- Web portal = Ok, easy to change options
Pro model (4 devices)
Test with connection to FOXTEL IQ:
Result Perfect: control of all channels
I'm not a tech head so I have not yet tested on other devices such as DVD and Audio system, I'm only interested in accessing the TV/Fox
Remote viewing devices:
- Desktop app = OK - very clear and easy to change scren size
- Facebook app = no: not designed for pro
- iPhone app = OK, easy to change quality iPad app = No: not designed for this app
- Web portal = Ok, easy to change options
Quality: excellent depends on bandwidth, easy to switch between devices
Both the Solo and Pro are OLD models and now heavily discounted ($140 to $190) though the Australian distributor.
If your chasing the basics the Solo or Pro are fine, if your into perfection you might want to buy the latest tech products which are $500
2014 January - now purchased the new Slingbox 350 - roadtest pending
Slinglink Turbo network board
An absolute must buy are the high LAN speed 4 port board
The 4 port board is a stunning winner.
No wiring, plug in to any power point for a LAN connection (some instances it may not work based on the electrical system of your building)
normally around $190 but on sale with a Solo or pro for $99
We bought 2 and plugged them into different rooms with instant success.
LAN connection with no wiring, No install costs, just plug it in and go. You could use wifi but LAN is 3 to 4 times faster so why not
Even if you do not want the Slingbox you should buy their turbo network board, it's not only a way low price it's exceptional speed compared to others.
Slingplayer FACEBOOK................
What Sling achieves
