Sling Media Slingbox Pro-HD
Manufacturer: Sling Media Part number: SB300100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Sling Media Pro-HD streams live TV to your PC or smartphone--but for most users, its excellent HD-capable picture quality will be diminished when accessed outside of the home network.
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CNET editors' review
Sling Media Slingbox Pro-HD price range: $263.84 - $299.99
- Reviewed by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/24/2008
- Released on: 09/24/2008
The good: Streams home TV and other audiovisual sources to any broadband-connected Mac, Windows PC, Windows Mobile, Palm, or Symbian device in the world; streams HD video (bandwidth permitting); no host PC or monthly charges required; easy-to-use software; controls almost all cable and satellite boxes and DVRs; superb video quality over home network, good video quality via the Internet; simple, straightforward setup.
The bad: Cell phone/PDA viewing software costs extra; no built-in wireless networking support; monopolizes most AV sources during viewing; best video quality requires ample bandwidth and muscular PC.
The bottom line: The Sling Media Pro-HD streams live TV to your PC or smartphone--but for most users, its excellent HD-capable picture quality will be diminished when accessed outside of the home network.
When Sling Media released a trio of second-generation models in the fall of 2006, the Slingbox Pro was at the top of the line. Unlike the entry-level Slingbox AV, the Pro had pass-through outputs, an analog tuner, multisource capability, and the capability to accept high-definition video sources. Unfortunately, it also came with a handful of caveats: while it could accept HD video, it downconverted that to 640x480 for streaming--and you needed to invest in a $50 dongle if you wanted to use a component video (HD) source. It was also an ugly maroon color, ensuring that it contrasted with everything else in your home theater equipment rack. The third-generation Slingbox Solo appeared the following year, co-opted nearly all of the Pro's key features, making the need for an upgrade to the Pro even more apparent.
Almost two years to the day since the Pro was released, its replacement is here: the Slingbox Pro-HD. The new model fixes nearly all the annoyances of the older version, and brings it up-to-date for the upcoming DTV transition. Specifically, component inputs and outputs are onboard (no more dongle); the unit can now stream "HD" video (or, at least, better than 640x480) to remote PCs; the enclosure sports a much improved look and feel; and the unit even boasts a built-in digital TV tuner. As with the original Slingbox Pro, most of this will be overkill for the majority of users who just want to stream their live TV or DVR to their PC or smartphone--for that, the Slingbox Solo will more than suffice. But for home theater enthusiasts and hard-core gadget-heads who need remote access to multiple audiovisual sources and want the best-quality video streaming to other rooms in their home, the Slingbox Pro-HD may well be worth its $300 price tag.
Stream your TV anywhere
Before we focus on the specifics of the Slingbox Pro-HD, let's take a broader look at the Slingbox technology as a whole. The Slingbox lets you stream your home TV programming to your broadband-enabled computer, smartphone, or to a SlingCatcher receiver that's hooked up to another TV. Both the Slingbox (source) and the device running the SlingPlayer software (receiver) need to be connected to high-speed broadband networks--a cable or DSL line, a 3G wireless network, or a home network--but the distance between the two isn't a factor. As long as you're getting normal broadband access speeds, you can watch your Slingbox playback anywhere--be it in another room of the house or halfway around the world, literally.
The following devices can receive live streaming video from a Slingbox, using software that's freely available at Sling Media's Web site:
Windows PCs: Windows (2000, XP, or Vista) machines, including ultramobile PCs (Version 2.0 of the Windows software is currently in beta, and offers a built-in program guide and buffer not currently found on other platforms)
Apple Macs: Mac OS X (10.3.9 or later, for PowerPC or Intel machines).
The Slingbox can also stream to a variety of cell phones and handhelds that are Wi-Fi or 3G wireless-enabled. The mobile software for each platform is available for download for a one-time $30 fee (after a free 30-day trial period). The license is interchangeable between platforms, however, so you can effortlessly transfer from, say, a Windows Mobile to a Symbian phone just by typing in your serial number.
Windows Mobile phones and handhelds: Many (if not most) recent touch-screen and non-touch-screen Windows Mobile handhelds and smartphones.
Palm OS phones and handhelds: The PalmOS version of the SlingPlayer works on the Treo 700p, Treo 755p, and Centro.
Symbian: The SlingPlayer software is available for higher-end phones running both the S60 (Nokia) and UIQ (Sony Ericsson) versions of the Symbian operating system.
Sling has publicly demonstrated a BlackBerry version of its software, which is scheduled for release by the end of 2008. The company has also shown a "proof of concept" iPhone version, which is also in development--but we wouldn't be surprised if Apple, seeing it as a competitor to iTunes, doesn't allow it to be released on the App Store. In other words, even if Sling eventually makes a great version of its player for the iPhone/iPod Touch, there's no guarantee that Apple will let it see the light of day.
The other viewing option for watching Slingbox playback is the forthcoming SlingCatcher. Long delayed, it appears it will finally be released later this fall. The SlingCatcher is a hardware SlingPlayer that you connect to your TV. So you could connect a SlingCatcher to your bedroom TV, and use it to access the DVR in your living room (which would, in turn, be connected to a Slingbox) to watch live or recorded programs. Doing so would require just a network connection in the bedroom, not a cable or satellite hookup. That's the theory, anyway--we'll see how it works in practice once the SlingCatcher is actually released.
Design of the Slingbox Pro-HD
The Slingbox Pro-HD looks like an elongated version of the older Slingbox Solo, with the extra space needed to house the myriad AV jacks found on its backside. It sports the familiar Slingbox trapezoidal design, but the Pro-HD's metallic black and gray housing looks far more attractive than its inexplicably red-colored predecessor. Except for the three red indicator lights on the front face, all the action is around back. There's no power switch, either--once plugged in, the Slingbox is designed to be always on, just like a cable modem or router.
The Pro-HD's rear panel boasts multiple sets of inputs and outputs, so it can sit innocuously between your cable or satellite box (or DVR) and your TV, and soak up signals from three sources: one for a standard definition (composite or S-Video plus stereo analog audio); one dedicated high-definition source (component video plus analog stereo or digital coaxial audio); and one RF coaxial video source. The RF source can be either analog (antenna or cable) or digital (ATSC antenna or QAM cable, including full high-definition). Using the SlingPlayer software, you can toggle between the inputs at the touch of a button. (In fact, you can really have two analog AV sources--one on composite, one on S-Video--for a total of four video sources, but they'll either need to share an audio input, or one will have to be sans audio--such as a security camera, for instance.)
The component video connections of the Slingbox Pro-HD have no trouble processing HD video (720p and 1080i, but not 1080p). An HDMI connector would've been nice, but that would introduce pesky copyright protection and digital-rights management issues. Nevertheless, be aware that some cable boxes can't support parallel HD video output (simultaneous HDMI and component video), so if you already have the cable box connected via HDMI, you might need to use component (passed through the Slingbox to the TV).
Setup
We ran our HD DVR through the Slingbox's inputs using the component video cables and the digital audio cable; then we connected the Slingbox outputs to our TV. We also connected an RF cable to the Slingbox, and ran it to an antenna. We left the standard-definition inputs open, but serious gearheads could add one or two more. (It's worth noting that Sling includes pretty much every cable you'd need: component, composite AV, stereo audio, RF, S-Video, and Ethernet.)
In addition to connecting the Slingbox between the cable/satellite box and the TV, you'll also need to connect it to your home network. With no built-in Wi-Fi, the only choice is the wired Ethernet connection. If you don't have a network cable in the vicinity, you'll need to opt for a wireless bridge or power-line networking interface. We've had much better luck with the latter, which sends network traffic over your home power lines. Sling offers its own SlingLink Turbo products, or you can opt for similar models from Netgear, Linksys, and the like.
Once you have the Slingbox base station wired up and ready to go, you'll need to install the viewing software on a PC (Windows or Mac). The initial setup must be done within your home's local network. The software follows a bulletproof, wizard-style install path; if you have a plug-and-play router, the whole process should take just a few minutes. The latest iteration of the SlingPlayer software setup includes a setup wizard (which steps you through settings on more stubborn routers) and a great video-optimization wizard (which automatically calibrates the software settings to your PC's CPU and graphics card). While home networking products always introduce some level of complexity to the setup process, the Sling software is about as good as it gets for guiding even newbie users through the gauntlet.
Streaming performance
Once it's up and running, the software gives you a video window not unlike that of QuickTime or Windows Media Player, just with channel-changing controls. If you've connected the Slingbox to a TiVo, a cable or satellite box with a built-in DVR, or even a DVD recorder, you'll also get video-transport controls: pause, rewind, fast-forward, and so on. Version 2.0 of the SlingPlayer (Windows only, so far) is far improved from earlier iterations. It includes a 60-minute buffer, a built-in onscreen programming guide, and compatibility with online Sling.com accounts (which provides a central repository for your Slingbox serial number and password--useful if you've got multiple boxes, or access them from multiple devices). The buffer lets you rewind, pause, and fast-forward on the PC itself--eliminating the delay you get when communicating with a DVR through the network.

The best thing about the software (including older and Mac versions) is the onscreen remote control. Essentially, you're getting a nearly identical version of the handheld remote of whatever set-top box the Slingbox is connected to. During testing, we were able to toggle between the DirecTV HR20, the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD (cable), each of which had their corresponding remotes available on the screen. The obvious upside is that there's no learning curve--if you can use your home remote, you can use the SlingPlayer software, as well.
When using an over-the-air antenna or QAM digital cable, you get a generic remote (just a keypad) for changing channels. The SlingPlayer pulled in a current program guide for the over-the-air channels, but not for the QAM channels (the ones you get when just plugging your cable line into the Slingbox's RF jack). When using both configurations, however, we were still able to have access to plenty of digital and HD channels.
The SlingPlayer software automatically optimizes viewing quality to available bandwidth via an algorithm called SlingStream. Of course, the quality is largely dependent on the available network bandwidth. To see the SlingPlayer Pro-HD max out--deliver true HD video--you'll pretty much need to be on a home network (watching the downstairs TV while you're upstairs, for instance). While on a LAN, we were able to get a stunning picture, with the player streaming at speeds up to 8,100Kbps.
While it didn't quite deliver Blu-ray levels of detail, it was the first streaming experience we've seen that really outshined DVD. Watching a Discovery HD Theater documentary on the National Air and Space Museum revealed excellent resolution, with few instances of stair stepping or jaggies; the same was true for a recorded HD episode of Arrested Development. Motion was mostly smooth, but there were a few hiccups. It's important to note that your viewing device (laptop or desktop) will need better-than-average horsepower and video processing to keep up with these HD streams. But the experience was far better than we got from the earlier Slingbox Pro, which had its output limited to 640x480. (The Pro-HD can theoretically push out a full 1080i HD signal.)

Unfortunately, remove your laptop from the home network and then access your Slingbox on the Internet, and it's a different story. Because the Slingbox is limited by your home's upstream bandwidth, you'll get far reduced picture quality--assuming you've got the normal, less-than-spectacular broadband speeds available in most of the U.S. (We usually got around 400Kbps to 500Kbps from our cable modem.) Don't get us wrong: it's still usually a very watchable picture, but it skews more toward a YouTube video than a DVD. Of course, if you've got a premium Internet connection--something like Fios--you may well be able to ratchet up the picture quality to something closer to what you'd be seeing on an internal network.
When watching on a cell phone or handheld device, the same bandwidth concerns apply. But because those devices have such small screens (compared with a computer's monitor), the resulting image looked even better. We tested the SlingPlayer Mobile software on a Sprint Mogul, and it was effectively a miniaturized version of the PC experience. What's better, of course, is that you can use the handheld or cell phone service much more often and in many more locations than you could from a desktop or laptop PC. Just be sure you have an unlimited-usage data plan on that smartphone, or you'll have a nasty surprise at the end of the month when the bill arrives.
Available in the fall of 2008, the SlingCatcher will also be able to view streams from a Slingbox. The advantage here is that you could access your living room DVR while watching, say, your bedroom TV--and do so in high-definition.
Limitations and caveats
The Slingbox is not perfect. Like all previous models, the lack of integrated Wi-Fi will be a sticking point for some users (the power-line adapters work perfectly, but they require an extra expense). Furthermore, the Slingbox is only as good as its device support. And while its catalog of supported devices is excellent overall, you'll be out of luck if it's missing the remote codes for your primary video device.
Meanwhile, the mobile client is hampered by some of the obvious limitations of the small screen: the miniaturized versions of your EPG and channel labels, or onscreen text such as sports scores, news crawls, and stock quotes, may just be flat-out unreadable on many devices. The finer details of some quick-moving videos, such as hockey pucks and baseballs, will also be hard to discern.
It's also important to realize that the Slingbox is only as good as the source device to which it's attached. Most users will find a DVR to be the best source, offering access to the full panoply of live TV channels, plus anything already recorded. And the Slingbox also means you'll never have to worry about forgetting to record your shows, either--just log in from your PC or your phone to schedule recordings and change whatever settings you like.
The bigger issue for most users isn't Sling's fault, but it is an important limitation of the Pro-HD--and all other hardware-based place-shifting devices. Because the Slingbox is piggybacking off of the output of the cable or satellite box, it's monopolizing the attached box whenever it's active. So if you dial in remotely and switch to ESPN to watch a baseball game, anybody watching the TV will be forced to watch that channel as well. Likewise, if they switch back to another channel, the Slingbox feed will change, too. The notable exception: this constraint does not apply to the RF input. Because that input uses a built-in tuner, a remote viewer can flip channels at will, and it won't affect a cable/satellite box on the other input.
Finally, don't expect to share a Slingbox key with friends and family to use simultaneously. By design, the Slingbox only supports streaming to one client at a time (be it a PC desktop or a mobile device).
Competing products and services
The Slingbox is far from the only game in town when it comes to streaming your home TV to a remote location. The Sony LF-V30 LocationFree TV delivers similar functionality to the Slingbox. It one-ups the Sling with built-in wireless and the capability to stream TV programming to PSP gaming handhelds, but it can't stream at HD resolutions, and its third-party software for streaming to Macs and Windows Mobile devices doesn't measure up to the SlingPlayer. Meanwhile, Monsoon Multimedia offers several Hava media streamers, which include built-in wireless networking capabilities, the capability to stream to multiple clients on a LAN concurrently, as well as some limited integration with Windows Media Center PCs. The Havas offer streaming to Windows PCs, Windows Mobile smartphones, and some Symbian (Nokia/S60) smartphones. A version of the Hava software is also used in the Pinnacle PCTV To Go HD Wireless and Archos TV+ products.
Moving beyond hardware, there are a growing number of options for copying and syncing video media from your PC to a handheld--the most notable being Apple's video-enabled iPod and TiVo To Go. But that's just transferring previously recorded media to a portable playback device. If you want live, real-time video, your options are limited. Those with newer mobile phones can opt for live 3G streaming subscriptions such as MobiTV and V Cast but will be restricted to the few channels offered by each provider. And anyone with a Media Center PC should check out Orb. The free software and service is notable for offering remote access to virtually any PC-based--photos, music, and so forth--through most devices with a Web browser, including PCs,
Conclusion
All in all, though, none of those competing products delivers as good an experience as the Slingbox. It's one of the few gadgets that add value to all of your other tech investments--including your cable/satellite service, your DVR, your home network, your laptop PC, and your handheld device. The Pro-HD is the new cream of the crop, and is recommended for power users who want the best video quality when streaming to other rooms of the house, or for those who need access to multiple devices or antenna feeds. But if you just want to watch your TV over the Internet, you're probably better off going with the Slingbox Solo instead. It delivers much of the same functionality, but at half the price.
User reviews
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Brilliant Product
Pros: The Pro is a dream to setup, and as an over the air digital tuner. I also have a sling catcher in my other apartment so I only need one Cable subscription instead of two.
Cons: The phone software is extra.
Summary: Fabulous - highly recommended.
Summary: Fabulous - highly recommended.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Picture quality is amazing on the PC
by kwei813 on December 15, 2008
Pros: We love the product for streaming live sports. and it works great with SlingPlayer 2.0.
Cons: We have some issues getting it to work with the Time Warner Scientific Atlanta set top box.
Summary: Great for those that travel and those that want to catch sports live AND have a PC and/or a mobile device that's compatible with the Sling mobile software.
Summary: Great for those that travel and those that want to catch sports live AND have a PC and/or a mobile device that's compatible with the Sling mobile software.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Product great, dependent on signal strength
by garyg51 on November 2, 2008
Pros: I have owned the Slingbox HD for a couple of years. Great product but the quality of the picture is very much dependent on the signal strength. On my home network, the picture is great. At a hotel, it depends on the signal.
Cons: No wireless connection.
Summary: I do use the Slingbox to monitor my house using security cameras and a DVR and for that purpose it is great. I also use it on my smartphone and ...
Summary: I do use the Slingbox to monitor my house using security cameras and a DVR and for that purpose it is great. I also use it on my smartphone and again as long as you have a strong signal, 3G in my case, it works really good.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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An HD Slingbox...finally!!
by broskowski on October 23, 2008
Pros: HD quality given enough bandwidth, QAM digital tuner for free over the air digital channels (keeps me from monopolizing my living room TV), no more HD Connect Cable, new software buffer and EPG
Cons: No HD streaming to Mac yet, still lacks HDMI
Summary: I was highly impressed with the quality of this Slingbox. I upgraded from the Pro to this and am glad I did. Even at 800 kbps, I was able to ...
Summary: I was highly impressed with the quality of this Slingbox. I upgraded from the Pro to this and am glad I did. Even at 800 kbps, I was able to stream in HD. I had to adjust the stream rate, but it did come in HD. Also, the QAM tuner is a great option if you worry about controlling your set top box while your family watches it from home. I typically am watching a game or local news, so I'm able to get those channels with no issues. All in all, I recommend.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very cool device that actually works as advertised
by caliraftdude on September 25, 2008
Pros: Easy to setup and configure (monkeys could set this thing up...), high quality video locally, respectible video abroad, client app installs and works well, decent security measures/features.
Cons: Sling Link (different, but possibly necessary product) is sketchy, wireless device app install was confusing, support initally lacking - better now, wireless bridge would be nice, 'remote' operation sometimes requires patience.
Summary: There is not a lot for me to add or disagree with the CNET review - its honestly right on the money. I have owned one since Christmas last year ...
Summary: There is not a lot for me to add or disagree with the CNET review - its honestly right on the money. I have owned one since Christmas last year and like it a lot. Setup for the application and device is very, very simple. It?s pretty much a plug-it in and go experience with no hassles. I have had HD for as long as you could get it and currently use DirecTV for a provider. The "piggyback" worked the first time and player connection to the slingbox was easy enough to let my dog handle the operations.
I had several experiences with this device which may go beyond what most users will do. I have SBC DSL - which imho is crappy at best - however my line is rated at 768 up and 6M down. At work, which was in town in SJ - the device worked very, very well and I didn't miss a single hockey game (GO SHARKS!). It was NOT HD when used like this, but was widescreen and worked very well. For the next 6 months I worked all over in Asia (Korea, Thailand, Japan) which would put my playoff viewing in jeopardy.. I am happy to report that I was able to follow games in all three countries as well as Narita and Suvarnabhumi airports. The only problem I ever had was when the dolts at DirecTV decided to upgrade firmware and locked up the SAT device (a reboot mechanism here would be cool - but not a ding imho). Sometimes the ?remote? operation is a little clunky with delays ? but it does work and allows full control (like setting the dvr to record something you forgot about before you left for a foreign country).
The mobile player install was not real obvious to me (I had a blackjack II at the time). Later, I finally figured out that you needed to download the install file to your laptop and install from there - even though a mobile website and download area exists. Why not allow me to browse on my mobile device and install directly? Regardless, there was an extra cost and condensed video on my phone didn't seem worth the effort and time I spent with the noob tech support guy on email.
The Sling Link (Ethernet over power) has worked pretty well for me but as I try to press higher rates (NAS media server and PS3 Media player - HD video rips) I am finding it doesn't have sufficient bandwidth (15.8 MBps..). This is no reflection on the Slingbox - but if you use the mechanism to route network traffic - download the utility and look before filing complaints. Wireless here (as stated in the review) would provide another solution and would be nice as an option. The Support guy I worked with this for this problem was very helpful and a vast improvement over my first experience.
Overall - I think for in-house viewing this system is fantastic. I have even watched movies out by my pool when it was too warm or I just didn't want to be inside. When away from home - a DVR is a cool piece of technology but sometimes being able to see "your game" is very, very cool ? especially watching NHL playoffs in Seoul. The technology works although having at least 768 up would be advised.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No HDMI. Expensive. Can't use WiFi. Do NOT buy it
Pros: I Don't know...I guess in theory, one should be able watch your DVR on your laptop. Neat idea.
Cons: No HDMI, poor customer service. Has to be near router or you have to buy a network extender ~100.
Summary: As above + ~10 hours of using various audio, video, network cables to get it set up.
I may look into again if they get HDMI. Spent ~300 on the slingbox, ~...Summary: As above + ~10 hours of using various audio, video, network cables to get it set up.
I may look into again if they get HDMI. Spent ~300 on the slingbox, ~100 on network extender = expensive1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worked for 2 weeks (total)
by State-Guy on December 3, 2009
Pros: It does work well (when it works)
Cons: This thing ate 3 cable box's in the two, single (separate) weeks of operation...I still don't understand how. It now only gets 1 channel, only when unconfigured. Tech support only succeeded in locking me (and themselves) out of the box for $29.95.
Summary: Bought 01 Aug. 2009 and it worked great. Went on an international trip and had stopped working before I got off the plane. Returned in mid Sept. to replace the ...
Summary: Bought 01 Aug. 2009 and it worked great. Went on an international trip and had stopped working before I got off the plane. Returned in mid Sept. to replace the cable box three times (all pre-tested of course), the third one held and left for Europe again. Stopped working almost a week to the day. Called home and had the cable box bypassed, running straight basic cable from the wall and it would not get any channels...not one...after multiple configurations. Every once in a while I click on the "Sling Box" icon to either amuse myself or get pissed off, depending on the day. And one time...I got a channel!! It was public access, and nothing else worked, but this was promising!! I attempted to reconfigure the box yet again and was astonished to find that I received the first basic channel only when the "Ant In" was left unconfigured which does not allow the remote control function (its not configured). As soon as I entered the cable company info. (easy, COMCAST is the only provider) the single channel was again lost only to return when the configuration was erased. Again, either looking to get amused or pissed off...I called tech support who informed me that their "services" would cost $29.95 which I paid. After 25 minutes and getting my password and log-on info, the tech informed me that there was a network problem and that my $29.95 had been exhausted. I attempted to log back into my Sling Box only to find that I could not connect to the unit because the password (auto saved by my computer) was now invalid. The P.O.S. locked himself (and me) out of the box, claimed it was a network issue, and took my $29.95 for NOTHING. Now I cannot even view my single public access channel that I had previously. The only thing that saves me is the VPN I created so I can tunnel back to the States and watch HULU with a US I/P address. I do certainly know computers, it is just a flawed product in my case. I know several people who highly recommend this product and it has worked flawlessly for them, maybe it's just my unit. Anyhow, I am returning for X-mas and maybe I can get it working for another week to get the total cost of use down to about $100.00 a week. Then again, I may smash this piece of crap to pieces just as enthusiastically as the Tech Support jack off that ran with my money.
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One of the best technological inventions ever!
by mom0423 on October 13, 2009
Pros: You can watch the television service (directv account) that you pay for and see it when you are away from home. Great for college kids who don't want to miss local news/sports.
Cons: It took this long to develop such a wonderful item.
Summary: LOVE IT! Very easy to set up, easy to use. SO glad we got it!
Summary: LOVE IT! Very easy to set up, easy to use. SO glad we got it!
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Hardware exceptionally unreliable
by ingvymcwawa on October 11, 2009
Pros: When the product works, it usually works pretty well.
Cons: Have had to replace the unit twice in less than nine months and the software "updates" often create more problems than they solve.
Summary: I would strongly recommend NOT purchasing a Slingbox HD Pro, as the hardware is exceptionally unreliable. I purchased my HD Pro in January 2009 and I have already had to ...
Summary: I would strongly recommend NOT purchasing a Slingbox HD Pro, as the hardware is exceptionally unreliable. I purchased my HD Pro in January 2009 and I have already had to replace it twice. In both instances a hardware error causes the vertical hold on the picture to go completely nuts and, within a day or two, the HD Pro will stop streaming video all together.
Since I live overseas, installing a new Slingbox requires me to find a friend to enter my apartment (which I still keep in the US) and reinstall an entirely new unit.
In other instances, Sling's software often creates numerous problems too. Their most recent update is painfully slow to boot up. A number of times, it has automatically reprogrammed my Slingbox settings to those of one of the units I have had to replace. This means, that I have to keep my most recent serial number and account settings with me all the time (particularly if I am traveling) so I can reset the entire system regularly.
On another occasion, my Slingbox stop working and I was told by technical support that a firmware upgrade was required. Although their technical support has the ability to upgrade your firmware remotely, they will not do so. Their rationale is that the install may have problems which will cause your Slingbox to stop working and will require you to restart the process again. When I told them that my Slingbox isn't working anyway, so the worst thing that can happen is that I am stuck in the exact same situation as I am right now, they still refuse to do it. Again, I had to call a friend to come to my apartment to upgrade the firmware.
To summarize: Their hardware is shoddy, their software updates unreliable and their technical support not so good.
I strongly advise against buying this product, especially if you are away for long periods of time! -
DON'T BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!
by 1stsfdoc on May 1, 2009
Pros: Great idea
Fantastic When the product worksCons: After 90 Days - They tell you you have to pay for Tech Support
Summary: This is a great product, received for a Christmas present and worked well for a couple of months, then I get a problem with remote viewing and they tell me ...
Summary: This is a great product, received for a Christmas present and worked well for a couple of months, then I get a problem with remote viewing and they tell me to fix it I must purchase a tech support package for them to help me! This was never mentioned in the literature and I am very disappointed. I am a tech savvy guy and understand there are cost but the free period should at least be 1 year.
Have a issue with remote viewing...the product works fine on my home network.
This is a great example can take a 4 star product and turn it into a 1 star product that makes someone go to this length to warn others!!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sling Media
- Part number: SB300100
- Description: The Slingbox PRO-HD is the first ever HD-streaming Slingbox. With the Slingbox PRO-HD, you can watch and control multiple devices - including your standard or high-definition DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, or DVD player - from anywhere in the world on your computer or mobile phone. And your high definition programming streams in HD quality for an amazing picture. With the Slingbox PRO-HD you can watch your favorite HD shows and sporting events from anywhere.
General
- Width 13.3 in
- Depth 5.6 in
- Height 2.4 in
- Weight 4 lbs
Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
Connectors
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Coaxial Digital Output Yes
Digital TV Tuner
- Digital TV Tuner Type ATSC DTV / QAM
- Tuner Qty 1
Network & Internet Multimedia
- Functionality Digital audio broadcasting, Digital video broadcasting
- Connectivity Wired
- Connectivity Protocols IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet)
System Requirements Details
- System Requirements Details - RAM 1 GB - HD 150 MB, - RAM 1 GB - HD 150 MB, - RAM 1 GB - HD 150 MB, PowerPC G4 - RAM 1 GB - HD 150 MB
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Antenna ( F connector ) - Rear, 1 x RF output ( F connector ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) - Rear, 1 x ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Rear, 1 x Remote control - Rear
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories IR blaster
- Cables Included Network cable, Video / audio cable, S-Video cable, Component video cable, Audio cable, Antenna cable
Power
- Type External
Manufacturer info
- Sling Media
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sling Media products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.slingmedia.com/index.html
- Phone: 650-378-4411
- Fax: 650-378-4422








