Slingbox 500
Manufacturer: Sling Media Part number: CNETSLINGBOX500
Where to buy
*Total price for the Slingbox 500 are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.
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Slingbox 500 price range: $269.99 - $325.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 12/21/2012
- Released on: 10/14/2012
The good: The Slingbox 500 streams video from your TV or DVR (or any analog source) to your PC, tablet, smartphone, and some streaming boxes at resolutions up to full 1080p HD. IR blasters are built into the box’s body, eliminating the need for annoying extra external wires. There are no monthly charges or fees. Unlike the step-down Slingbox 350 model, this one adds Wi-Fi and HDMI support, as well as the ability to stream photos and videos from Android phones and iPhones.
The bad: At close to $300, it's fairly expensive. Smartphone- and tablet-viewing apps cost extra. It duplicates some of the features found on TV anywhere apps you may already be using. As always, streaming capabilities are only as good as your home bandwidth.
The bottom line: While you'll pay a premium for its extra features, the Slingbox 500 is an excellent way to watch your TV or DVR video content anywhere.
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Write Review Showing opinion 1 to 1 out of 1
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10 stars
Great Product using with iPhone, iPad, and Mac & PC's
by M-Gibson on April 12, 2013
Pros: Very clear and super fast and easy to connect
Installation was easy
Built in wifi is great
Cons: Setup was simple, but there is no way to customize network settings
Summary: I've been a Slingbox owner since day 1. I had the first Slingbox with Comcast and a FTA satellite receiver (coolsat 5000 and 8000). Loved it immensely. Then came ...
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Summary: I've been a Slingbox owner since day 1. I had the first Slingbox with Comcast and a FTA satellite receiver (coolsat 5000 and 8000). Loved it immensely. Then came the Slingbox HD used both with Comcast and for DirectTV. Slingbox HD worked great with the iOS apps and the Apps have been updated with new features. I love how the remotes show up on the iPad version of the apps.
Now the Slingbox 500, built in wifi is great, i no longer need to power my powerline adapter as the wifi is now included. Really easy to setup with my DirecTV HR21-100 receiver. I have Comcast high speed internet with an Airport Extreme. I can pull up the DVR menu easily with the on screen remotes as they are exactly the same as the real life remotes.
HBO seems to kick up HDCP copy protection over HDMI so make sure you run component cables from the DirectTV box to the slingbox to avoid issues. This is not the fault of the Slingbox. I know HBO GO app is a nice solution for the TV shows and movies but being able to watch live boxing events away from home really helps. Going to a friends house who doesn't have HBO and hooking up my ipad to their TV brings fight night with me.
Yes the apps for the tablets and phones have to be purchased separately(unless you buy the iPhone version which works on the iPad but stretched) but people that 'ding the review' the product because they have to pay for the app should be ashamed of themselves.. Sling has made consistent improvements with the apps over time.
Make sure you have unlimited data if you use it over 3G/ 4G LTE connections or be on wifi, if you use it on a tablet or smartphone.
You can find best deal of the Slingbox 500 at: Multiroomdigitalmusicsystemreviewsbuy.com/buy-slingbox-500/
I like the built in IR blaster as I no longer have to run the wires for the IR blaster anymore.
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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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show Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sling Media
- Part number: CNETSLINGBOX500
- Description: Turn your new high-resolution tablet or smartphone into a TV. The elegant Slingbox 500 delivers stunning picture quality, Full HD at 1080p. New simplified setup on your TV screen, HDMI and built-in Wi-Fi make it easy to get started.
General
- Type of product TV streaming adapter
- Compatibility iPhone,
iPad,
Android phones and tablets - Dimensions (WxDxH) 11.4 in x 4.9 in x 2.2 in
- Weight 1.2 lbs
- Additional features Full HD viewing at 1080p,
Compatible with the SlingPlayer app on popular platforms,
SlingProjector
HDMI upgrade,
Video out/TV interface Network & Internet
- Connectivity Ethernet
- Functionality Digital video broadcasting,
Digital photo playback Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
Connections
- Connector Type Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
Composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Rear,
Network ( RJ-45 ) - Rear,
- Rear,
- Rear,
- Rear
Remote Control
- Type Standard remote control
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Composite video cable,
1 x Component video cable,
1 x HDMI cable,
1 x Stereo audio cable,
1 x Ethernet cable,
1 x IR emitter cable Dimensions & Weight Details
- Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight 11.4 in x 4.9 in x 2.2 in / 1.2 lbs
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