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SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone Update Submitted to App Store

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:46:47 +0000

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone version 1.1 has submitted been submitted to Apple for approval to the App Store. Improvements are:

True 16×9 wide-screen support (thank god!)
Improved remote control interface
Faster speeds channel changing, initial connection, and remote control response

Sling Media claims a completely separate version of the application has been submitted for outside of the USA that also has support for using over 3G. Thanks AT&T, everyone outside of the USA will enjoy 3G Sling streaming. Of course if you own a BlackBerry Bold or Windows Mobile on AT&T, you can also stream your Slingbox over 3G!

Live TV on Sling.com Now Available for Mac Users

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:58:54 +0000

Sling.com now has a beta plugin for Mac OS X to watch live TV with only your browser. Works with the following Slingbox Pro, Slingbox Pro-HD, Pro, Slingbox Pro Solo. Users with AV, Tuner, or Classic can take advantage of a special upgrade offer by visiting http://slingmedia.com/go/upgrade Requirements:

Intel-based Mac

10.5 OS or higher

Safari 3 (sorry Safari 4 beta is not yet supported) or Firefox 3

1GB free RAM

You'll need the latest Slingbox firmware to run Web-based SlingPlayer for Mac. To update your Slingbox Software, connect to your Slingbox from the desktop SlingPlayer (PC or Mac). Remember, this sneak peek is running beta software. Not all final features and functionality are present in this release. Sling recommends closing all other important browser windows while streaming, just to be safe. In my tests it is still quite buggy and is a work in progress.

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone Now in App Store

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:43:49 +0000

a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ih7am9uD07M&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewSoftware%253Fid%253D309280605%2526mt%253D8%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30">SlingPlayer Mobile, $29.99 is now available for download from the U.S. iTunes App Store. Although it is WiFi only, I have to say Sling nailed the UI.

AT&T Takes Blame For SlingPlayer Being WiFi Only

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:51:41 +0000

AT&T is now saying it rejected SlingPlayer for iPhone on their 3G network due to concerns over bandwidth.

"Slingbox, which would use large amounts of wireless network capacity, could create congestion and potentially prevent other customers from using the network. The application does not run on our 3G wireless network. Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service. We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs. That said, we don't restrict users from going to a Web site that lets them view videos. But what our terms and conditions prohibit is the transferring, or slinging, of a TV signal to their personal computer or smartphone. The Slingbox application for the iPhone runs on WiFi. That's good news for AT&T's iPhone 3G customers, who get free WiFi access at our 20,000 owned and operated hot spots in the U.S., including Starbucks, McDonalds, Barnes & Noble, hotels, and airports. AT&T is the industry leader in WiFi."

SlingPlayer for iPhone is already "live" in the U.K. iTunes Store. It is expected anytime now in the U.S. store. It will be selling for $29.99 for WiFi ONLY which is a bit high for the App Store, but the same price that it sold for other mobile platforms. I will be buying it as soon as it arrives.

SlingPlayer for iPhone Coming Tomorrow

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:03:39 +0000

According to several websites including Engadget, SlingPlayer for iPhone will finally arrive between 12:01 AM and 6:01 AM EDT tomorrow morning. It will be WiFi ONLY and will cost $29.99. Some will be happy, some will be sad, but life will go on. Apple and/or AT&T took serious bandwidth that this type of app would impose on the HSPA network. I guess WiFi only was the only choice for now to get approval. Possibly this could be lifted to include 3G at some other time in an update. Sling Media has decided to lift the ban on older Slingboxes they originally claimed, with the caveat that they won't be officially supported if you run into trouble.

Sling Media Updates SlingPlayer for Mac

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:10:31 +0000

While Slingbox owners wait and wait and wait for SlingPlayer for iPhone and SlingPlayer 2.0 for Mac users, Sling delivers a small update for Mac users. Sling Media's SlingPlayer for Mac 1.0.8 is a software player/controller for its Slingbox streaming hardware line. The software includes SlingStream streaming with dynamic adjustments for bandwidth, SlingRemote remote control (with support for controlling Apple TV, a Mac with Front Row, or an iPod in an Apple Universal Dock), and more. This release includes improved video quality, hybrid tuning support for the Slingbox PRO-HD, improvements to the Slingbox Setup Assistant, rapid switching among view modes (full screen, wide screen, letterbox, windowbox, pillarbox), and a one-click toggle to show/hide the player controls. SlingPlayer for Mac is available for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and up (Universal Binary). Sling Media has bundled the latest Slingbox firmware versions in 1.0.8, which should help alleviate some headaches for Mac only households that have, say, a SlingCatcher and the constant reboots the older firmware loaded slingboxes had? SlingPlayer 1.0.8 brings hybrid scanning for the PRO HD, allowing users to scan a cable coax input for analog and Clear-QAM digital channels simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy both SD analog and HD channels your provider may offer. It's unclear when this functionality will be available to PC owners. Also, PRO HD owners using the digital coax input will now also be able to switch audio channels for stations broadcasting multiple audio channels, common for shows that are offered in more than one language. Though it may seem like nothing compared to the long awaited features 2.0 offers on the PC, its better than nothing I guess!

AT&T Errors on Claiming Error on SlingPlayer?

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:14:11 +0000

AT&T has quietly updated its cellphone fine printed terms of service to again potentially ban devices like the Slingbox on its 3G network. Having initially pulled earlier changes in what they claimed was "an error," after customer outcry. AT&T has yet again modified the terms to specifically prevent "redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers." It's not evident whether the phrasing refers to any PC-like device, which could include smartphones, or if it only involves using 3G for the outgoing connection.

While most common uses for Intranet browsing, email and intranet access are permitted by your data plan, there are certain uses that cause extreme network capacity issues and interference with the network and are therefore prohibited. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation . . .downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices....

Slingbox users has been waiting over a month for SlingPlayer for iPhone app to be approved without a response from Apple, which is partnered exclusively with AT&T in the US. Other phones like the BlackBerry Bold also on AT&T, already has use of SlingPlayer on 3G. So what gives? AT&T hasn't commented on the change as of yet. Is it time to organize with pitch-folks in hand and march on Apple and AT&T yet?

SlingPlayer for iPhone Progress?

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:38:56 +0000

Sling has announced via their website the progress of SlingPlayer for iPhone which they claim has been submitted and awaiting approval.

AT&T New TOS Starts Firestorm with iPhone Users – UPDATE

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:48:37 +0000

AT&T has decided to tweak the terms of service for its wireless users taking aggressive steps to manage network traffic. These changes forbid streaming, filesharing and data tethering. This could effect currently available apps already installed on many iPhones. iPhone owners already a bit upset with Sling's move yesterday that looks like forced upgrades and now wondering about SlingPlayer Mobile which was expected to launch anytime now in the App Store. As the Public Knowledge Policy Blog points out, the AT&T Wireless terms of service now explicitly prohibit “downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, customer initiated redirection of television or other video or audio signals via any technology from a fixed location to a mobile device, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices.” Sling Media spokesperson Jay Tannenbaum has commented via email to NewTeeVee, “Even with high quality of the stream that we provide we have never really encountered any complaints about exceeding the 5gig cap. What we strive to do is offer the best quality while shielding the user from carrier bandwidth constraints.” AT&T has announced that they will offer subsidized netbooks as part of Internet at Home and On the Go, that will have built-in 3G wireless capabilities. It seems this change in the TOS was timely due to this netbook announcement. So this one should be fun to watch as it develops! UPDATE: That was fast. AT&T has basically said, "You thought we were serious!"

SlingPlayer for iPhone Only for Newer Slingbox Owners

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:29:47 +0000

In a move that will surely piss off many of their customers, Sling Media has just announced that the SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone app will ONLY work with newer Slingboxes! Seems it will work with Slingbox Pro, Slingbox Solo and Slingbox Pro-HD ONLY. I note here that the beta version of SlingPlayer for iPhone worked fine on older Slingboxes as well as the BlackBerry and Windows Mobile versions. Greed? Maybe. At least they are offering a $50 upgrade incentive for Slingbox Classic, Slingbox AV, and Slingbox Tuner customers. I doubt this will make the owners of these units happy however. I lucked out as I own a Slingbox Pro.

Sling Media is encouraging customers who own these earlier versions of Slingbox to upgrade to Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD to take advantage of next generation software and services that will only be supported when using the most current Slingbox and SlingLoaded products. Future software includes the highly anticipated SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone software launching soon. Current Slingbox functionality will not be affected if you choose not to upgrade, but software like SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone and future services yet to be announced will only be supported for customers using Slingbox SOLO and Slingbox PRO-HD products or forthcoming SlingLoaded products. See the page here: http://www.slingmedia.com/go/upgrade

UPDATE Via Sling Community: Looks like Slingbox PRO owners will get the best of both worlds. For starters, the Slingbox PRO will work with SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, and if you call Sling to inquire about an upgrade, it seems you'll also get to take advantage of the sweet $50 rebate. Omission of the PRO from the page apparently wasn't intentional, and will be corrected soon. I suggest if you have a Slingbox Pro you would like to upgrade, call Sling Customer Service. Sling Media Slingbox PRO-HD is selling for $239.42 with free shipping at Amazon and the Sling Media Slingbox SOLO for $139.95, both with FREE shipping.

SlingPlayer, Skype and Sirius XM Coming to App Store

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:00:34 +0000

With the App Store soon approaching 30,000 apps for the iPhone the criticism, usually from non- iPhone users, gets a little silly. They love to point to the small, mostly free or cheap "fart" apps. I have owned a Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Nokia devices and usually find the apps on the iPhone to be superior. Apple's strategy with developers for the iPhone is surely working as the iPhone has more apps at better quality than most any other mobile platform. The 3.0 SDK release will deliver much more robust and more advanced apps by the end of this year. Soon, a native Skype, Sirius XM and the long awaited SlingPlayer will be in the App Store for download. These apps release are imminent, maybe in the next few days. Next on board should be several turn-by-turn GPS powered mapping apps Check out my favorite iPhone apps.

Another SlingPlayer Demo for iPhone

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:29:57 +0000

More on SlingPlayer for iPhone expected after March in the App Store. Looks awesome.

Sling Founders Slip Out The Door

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Sling Media co-founders Blake and Jason Krikorian, as well as Sling Media Entertainment Group President Jason Hirschhorn and Chief Creative Officer Ben White, are all leaving the company, just a little over a year after its acquisition by Echostar for $380 million. Question is what does this mean to the future of the Sling products? Sling recently announced at Macworld that SlingPlayer for iPhone and Mac support for latest SlingPlayer 2.0 was coming.

Sling Media to Demo at Macworld – UPDATED

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:23:50 +0000

Sling Media will be demonstrating a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone at Macworld today. Sling Media claims it will deliver SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone to Apple for certification in Q1. Price to be determined. Sling Media is also unveiling a prototype of a new SlingPlayer for Mac HD which allows Slingbox PRO-HD users to stream HD to their Mac desktop or laptop computer. The new SlingPlayer for Mac HD is a web-based version of the SlingPlayer software that will be accessible from Sling.com, Sling Media's recently launched video entertainment web site. I hope we see this soon. As a Slingbox owner these are iPhone and Mac apps I have been waiting for. UPDATE: Demo video from Macworld 2009. To be submitted in March to the App Store to be used over WiFi and 3G. No price set yet. Looks great.

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone Coming Soon?

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:17:42 +0000

One of the most anticipated apps for the iPhone is SlingPlayer. Here is a beta running on the iPhone. Perhaps it could be demoed at MacWorld next month. No word yet when it will appear in the App Store or if it will run on WiFi only or be allowed to run on 3G network.

SlingPlayer Update for Mac Released

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:16:19 +0000

Sling Media has released an updated SlingPlayer 1.0.6 for Mac users. This is NOT the 2.0 SlingPlayer Mac users may be waiting for as that is supposedly still in development. This update is still worthwhile however, especially if you own the new Slingbox Pro-HD. Good news for Verizon FiOS users as this version actually contains the FiOS remote skin! Release Highlights:

Improved video quality
Online Slingbox registration added; plus users can store their Slingbox ID online for easy access
Improved Slingbox Setup Assistant: New setup and configuration screens are streamlined and easier to use
Users can rapidly cycle between Fullscreen (4:3), Widescreen (16:9), Letterbox, Windowbox, Pillarbox modes
Show / Hide player controls with one-click toggle

Sling.com Soon Going Beta

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:24:55 +0000

Sling Media has about to launch a beta of its upcoming online TV portal to include full-length television content through various partnerships. Sign up for the beta here. Is this the Joost and Hulu killer? I have no idea, but it does look compelling especially since I have a SlingCatcher on pre-order. Slingbox owners get to watch your home cable, FiOS, satellite, off-air, DVRs, Apple TV and DVDs players on their computers and mobile devices. Add a SlingCatcher and you can watch in HD on remote TVs. With SlingCatcher you will be able to watch Hulu, YouTube and Sling.com content as well!

Slingbox Pro-HD Now Shipping

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:09:30 +0000

Sling Media began shipping the new Slingbox Pro-HD $299.99, this one can stream true HD either over your local network or if you have at least a 1.5 MB upload capacity (like FiOS), over the Internet. The device is capable of streaming HD content from your cable, satellite or over-the-air as it features its own ATSC and ClearQAM hybrid tuner and will pick up either 720p or 1080i. Mac users must wait until SlingPlayer 2.0 is available for HD streaming as this updated software is only available on Windows with the Mac version coming later. The soon to ship SlingCatcher (I have pre-ordered one) can also play the HD stream for the new Slingbox Pro-HD. When using the Slingbox Pro-HD for Internet streaming the video is downsized to fit either remote PCs (depending on bandwith) or 3G-equipped smartphones. Slingbox Pro-HD also can stream or sling, other sources such as an Apple TV, Macs, DVRs and Windows Media Center PCs. Slingbox Pro-HD connects to your network via Ethernet, but can be used with Sling's powerline adapter or a third-party wireless bridge. Set up, like all Sling devices should be fast and easy.

SlingPlayer Finally Updates Verizon FiOS Remote

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:58:54 +0000

I have long complained that the on-screen remote for the desktop SlingPlayer did not contain a proper Verizon FiOS remote. In fact they actually removed the older Verizon Remote from the player leaving us Slingbox users with Verizon FiOS with a horrid generic remote control. I have been allowing readers to download the older missing remote file with instructions to replace it for sometime. Well the good news is contained in SlingPlayer 2.0 software they have finally added the correct remote that matches the one Verizon uses for FiOS. The bad news is that SlingPlayer 2.0 is for Windows only right now. With no date for the new SlingPlayer for OS X there is no reason to look at that ugly remote anymore. I am offering the VerizonFiOS remote file for download and instructions to install it on you Mac running the older SlingPlayer.

Pre-order SlingCatcher Today

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:31:20 +0000

After an extremely long time Sling Media is finally ready to ship SlingCatcher $299 and you can pre-order now. If you own a Slingbox, SlingCatcher is a no brainer. Why pre-order? Sling claims limited supply and that SlingCatcher may sell out fast. You can pre-order SlingCatcher from this Amazon link and help support ReelSmart at the same time.

SlingPlayer 2.0 Beta for Windows Arrives

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:19:05 +0000

SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 Beta was released with some nice updated features like new program guide, buffering, and some DVR type functions. Where is the Mac and iPhone version?

SlingPlayer for iPhone in Development

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:54:26 +0000

Sling Media has confirmed that SlingPlayer for the the upcoming iPhone is in development. A demonstration by Sling of SlingPlayer Mobile will take place 10 AM local time on Monday in San Francisco at the Starbucks at 120 4th Street, across from the Metreon shopping center for the beginning of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. See video.

SlingPlayer Mobile Gets Updated

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:52:02 +0000

Sling Media today released three updated versions of SlingPlayer Mobile improving video quality, adding more handsets and more. SlingPlayer Mobile for PocketPC (1.6), Windows Smartphone (1.6), and Symbian S60 (1.1) are each available for download. SlingPlayer Mobile allows users to view content from and control their home television from their mobile phone. The upgrade to the new version is free if you already own SlingPlayer Mobile, otherwise the client can be had for a $29.99.

Sling Catcher Vaporware Again?

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:39:52 +0000

I have been to so many trade shows where the marketing for a product was so hyped only to find out that it is just vaporware that either never ships or ships years later losing its edge. So may be the case Sling Media. Sling could learn a thing or two, or should I say "one more thing" from Apple and Steve Jobs who rarely announces any product that is not ready to ship. SlingCatcher is a set-top box I have written about before, which brings video content from a Slingbox to another TV. SlingCatcher also lets users project Web content to a TV screen, either wired or wirelessly, through a software application called SlingProjector. So where is it? Sling Media, now owned by EchoStar Communications, hyped the SlingCatcher at CES 2007 announcing a release date which came and went, and yet again at CES 2008 with a floating Q2 time frame. Don't hold your breath. Seems that SlingCatcher will not appear in Q2 and may be lucky to show up in 2008. Gregg Wilkes, vice president of sales for Sling Media recently answered a frustrated customer's e-mail that the goal to release the device during the second quarter of this year will not be met. "Will the catcher ship in Q2? No. We are upgrading the user experience and making enhancements to the feature set. These may or may not all ship at the same time. Will the Catcher ship in '08? All indications point to this happening in 2008." I sure have to wonder if we will see SlingPlayer 2.0 anytime this year or an iPhone version? Customers that are frustrated from waiting what may end up being two years, may now be looking closer at competitor products like HAVA.

SlingCatcher Demo

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:50:05 +0000

We have been waiting for SlingCatcher for a long time. Sling Media is promising a release early this year. SlingCatcher will be able to bring video from any Slingbox or your Windows PC (and hopefully Macs one day) directly to your HDTV. Check out the demo.

SlingPlayer 2.0 & Sling PRO HD Demos

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:41:53 +0000

SlingPlayer 2.0 is expected sometime early this year (Q1 2008) bringing significant new features, including an integrated EPG, Clip+Sling, 60 minute buffer to pause and rewind streams, and more. No actual date for release yet and expect the Mac version to take a little longer. Looks great. New Slingbox is coming that will replace the current Slingbox PRO called the Slingbox PRO HD. Offering higher quality H.264 HD encoded high definition video making the video quality far better than the current Slingbox models. In order to see the better quality outside your home network Sling Media suggests a high upload speed of like FiOS offers.

CES 2008: SlingCatcher Demo and Other Sling News

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:26:50 +0000

Sling Media introduces SlingCatcher again. Availability is said to be Q2 at $249 this time. You may remember that this may sound familiar as they did this at last year's CES. We may actually see this one ship. Sling Modem, which is a Slingbox and a Cable Modem combined into one and SlingPlayer 2.0 was also introduced. Sling Modem would need to be installed via your ISP provider with its main advantage being your Slingbox would located outside your NAT router. SlingPlayer 2.0 will be a free update to new and existing Slingbox customers available in Q1. The software update will add an electronic program guide showing your TV lineup, and will also include a 60 minute video buffer letting you pause, rewind, and fast forward video without sending a signal over the internet to your personal video recorder at home. The software also includes the new Clip+Sling feature that will let users share brief video clips online with friends. No word on when we'll see SlingPlayer 2.0 for Mac or mobile devices.

CES: Sling Going HD and Blackberry

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:49:45 +0000

With the Consumer Electronics Show [CES] starting on Monday the announcements are starting of the new gadgets we all love. Sling Media has today revealed their CES announcements with the Slingbox PRO-HD, a new high-end version media hub and that Sling is developing SlingPlayer Mobile for the BlackBerry. The Slingbox PRO-HD adds a native ATSC/QAM tuner for over-the-air HD broadcasts and is one of the first network media hubs to stream 1080i HD video around the home to Macs or PCs running SlingPlayer software. Slingbox PRO-HD located on a connection with a very high upload speed (like Verizon FIOS) will have to ability to stream out at near-identical quality, claims Sling Media. The PRO-HD still maintains the HDMI input of the original PRO and includes matching inputs and outputs for all its analog connections for larger home theater setups. Sling expects the PRO-HD in the spring at $400. Hopefully, they deliver it on-time, not like Sling Catcher that we are still waiting for. SlingPlayer Mobile for the BlackBerry will allow Blackberry owners with a 3G or Wi-Fi connections join the Sling party and stream a live TV feed to their device with basic control like channel changing. The BlackBerry update will be available sometime in 2008 for $30. Hoping they do the iPhone next!

Sling Going to EchoStar for $380 Million

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:40:51 +0000

Sling Media makers of the Slingbox is being acquired by EchoStar Communications, which owns satellite provider Dish Network for some $380 million. EchoStar is no stranger to Sling as they were an early investor with a $58 million in investment. Sling will remain intact as a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar, according to Blake Krikorian co-founder and CEO of Sling Media.

FiOS TV and the New SlingPlayer for the Mac

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:06:46 +0000

Sling Media has recently released the new updated SlingPlayer 1.03.201 for the Mac. You may want to read this before you download and install the update if you use it on a Verizon FiOS TV connection! The new SlingPlayer "includes many audio performance and quality improvements and also adds some new virtual remotes and a new version of firmware for your Slingbox. There are also some UI fixes and general bug fixes" according to Sling Media. But for FiOS customers it is missing the Verizon Remote skin that the prior versions had. My guess this is an oversight not to include a remote skin that was in the prior version. It appears that the current Windows version of SlingPlayer 1.4 has this same oversight. This Verizon Remote skin is not perfect, as it is the older remote for the Motorola boxes that Verizon uses. But is the best skin right now that Slingbox provides for FiOS! Sure beats the other choices you get for controlling your FiOS TV viewing. Before you download the new version of SlingPlayer you will want to grab the Verizon Remote skin from the older SlingPlayer before you overwrite it with a new version. If you already lost your remote by upgrading you can get the skin from another computer that has not been upgraded or an older SlingPlayer for Mac version. If you are stuck and can not find the Verizon Remote, contact me and I can send you the file you will need. This is how to get the Verizon Remote skin from the older version of SlingPlayer for Mac. Right click (Control + click) on the SlingPlayer Application icon in your Applications folder. From the pop up contextual menu choose Show Package Contents. Now lest dig into the applications package. Click on Contents -> Resources -> Remote and now copy the verizon.spr file to your desktop (just drag the file while holding down the Option key). This is the remote skin. Now you can update the player if you want, keeping the verizon.scr file in a safe place. After updating the SlingPlayer on your Mac you will need to add the verizon.scr file to the same location on the new SlingPlayer app that has been updated. This is the file the new SlingPlayer is missing that contains your Verizon Remote. OK, Windows users that are missing this Verizon Remote. Here is what you can do. Go the Programs -> SlingPlayer -> Remote and add the same verizon.scr file. Now launch SlingPlayer and connect to your Slingbox connected to FiOS. Under the Slingbox Menu -> Remote Control switch to the Verizon Remote and it should work fine. Hopefully, Sling Media will fix this in a future versions. Be real nice if they give us a skin that looks like the current remote Verizon FiOS TV is using.

Sling the News and Save says San Francisco TV Channel 5

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:41:06 +0000

According to a c|net story, San Francisco's CBS 5 is cutting costs by placing some 20 low-end cameras throughout their city, utilizing Slingbox Pros and wireless EV-DO cards to "sling" the live footage back to the station. According to a video interview with the news operations director, the traditional method of wheeling a fully-stocked van to the scene, begging for the FCC's blessing, and clogging up even more California roadways runs them "around $8 per minute." Their Sling-enabled system rings up at a measly $59 per month for each data card, and it also relieves them from having to purchase the $25,000 van-loaded rigs that many channels currently use. To watch a video, click here.

Sling Your Apple TV

Stephen Antonucci — Sun, 06 May 2007 04:13:40 +0000

Two products I really like are Sling Media's Slingbox and the new Apple TV. Boy, I was in geek heaven when Sling Media recently updated their SlingPlayer software allowing both of my favorite devices to work together. I could not wait to get this up and running. I purchased Sling Media's HD Connect cable to add to my Slingbox Pro so I could connect the Apple TV. I have had a Slingbox Pro for quite awhile now, first using it with analog cable using the built-in tuner by simply connecting a RF cable to the Slingbox. Then I upgraded to Verizon's FiOS TV and was happy to see that my Slingbox Pro could easily connect to the FiOS Motorola STB (set top box). I just connected an S-Video and RCA audio cables to the Slingbox Pro and placed the included IR sensor in front of the FiOS Motorola STB. Now I have added my Apple TV to this setup.

SlingPlayer for Mac Reaches 1.0 Supports Apple TV

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 21:03:14 +0000

Sling Media announced the immediate availability of SlingPlayer for Mac Version 1.0, a software client for Slingbox customers who want to view their Cable TV, Satellite TV, Over-the-Air or Apple TV on their Mac. The look of SlingPlayer for Mac, Version 1.0 is a bit different from the beta I have been using, featuring a more Mac-like interface that has photo-realistic remote controls. SlingPlayer has the ability to program favorite channels with a full range of viewing modes including a full screen modes. I am very excited to see that Sling Media has added support for Apple TV with the Slingbox PRO. You will need to add the Slingbox HD Connect Cable for Slingbox Pro ( HD200-100 ) to stream and control an Apple TV. I have already placed an order for the $49 option to add my Apple TV along-side FiOS TV to my Slingbox Pro. Slingbox also supports any infrared Mac desktop or laptop (need $19 Apple AV adapter) or iPod in a Universal Dock.

Sling Media Working on Apple TV Support

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:18:56 +0000

Sling Media, maker of the SlingBox, has confirmed that it is working on making the streaming device compatible with the Apple TV. This feature would allow the combination of the Apple TV and a SlingBox to stream any media in a user’s iTunes library across the internet, and more importantly to any phone supported by the SlingPlayer software — including Windows Mobile, Palm OS, and Symbian devices. “It is definitely something we will support,” said Brian Jaquet, a Sling Media spokesman. I can't wait! Two of my favorite devices may soon be working together.

SlingCatcher – Place-Shifting To Come to Your TV

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:59:45 +0000

On what may be the eve of Apple shipping the Apple TV, I thought I might share this info on Sling Media's forthcoming SlingCatcher that was announced at CES 2007. The SlingCatcher is poised to ship in mid 2007 and will allow Slingbox owners to "sling" or stream their live TV to regular television sets either in your home or remotely over the Internet instead of only PCs, Macs, and mobile phones.

SlingCatcher Will Send Web Videos to TV – Updated

Stephen Antonucci — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 22:00:33 +0000

Sling Media Inc. will unveil SlingCatcher at CES, although they say it will not be available until the middle of the year. The price should be about $200. The SlingCatcher is a new set-top box, which actually does the reverse of the Slingbox. The SlingCatcher will send multimedia from the Web to your TV, whether it's a slideshow from a photo-sharing site, clips from a video sharing site, or films downloaded from an online movie service. SlingCatcher will hook up to your TV and must be connected to your home computer network. To accomplish this SlingCatcher will work with the free SlingPlayer media software that has to be installed on a laptop or desktop computer to convert digital media formats into video and audio playable on televisions.

SlingPlayer for Mac OS X Public Beta Released

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:44:04 +0000

Sling Media has finally released SlingPlayer for Mac OS X in beta, after what seemed like some false starts. Sling Media first showed SlingPlayer to the public at MacWorld last January.

SlingPlayer For Mac OS X Coming Soon?

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:29:37 +0000

Found this video on YouTube showing the promised SlingPlayer for OS X. SlingCommunity Editor, Matt Whitlock, interviews Brian Jaquet of Sling Media while at the Digital Life show in New York in hopes of getting some information on the upcoming SlingPlayer for Mac OSX, and included in the video interview is actual footage of SlingPlayer Mac in action!