New Slingboxes spotted out in the wild

OUR REVIEW OF the Slingbox back in July noted that the first iteration of product arriving from Sling Media was a polished first stab at A/V streaming 'place-shifting' technology, and came complete with a multitude of features whilst being an all-round decent performer - if not a tad expensive.

Fortunately, even after a decent first showing, Sling Media isn't resting on its laurels and has launched a new range of three Slingbox devices - the Slingbox PRO, the Slingbox AV, and the Slingbox Tuner.

Slingbox Tuner

The Slingbox Tuner is specifically for people who have a standard analog cable connection and will retail in the U.S. for $179.99.

Slingbox AV

The Slingbox AV is aimed at those have a DVR, digital cable, or satellite receiver, and don't need to control any other A/V sources. It's very similar to the original Slingbox. It will also retail at $179.99.

Slingbox PRO

The much larger Slingbox PRO is the top-of-the-line model, with additional inputs and outputs so you can control up to four A/V sources. It will retail at $249.99.

Additionally the Slingbox PRO can utilise the new Slingbox HD Connect cable (at a rather hefty $49.99 addition) which allows a component-sourced high definition signal, in 16:9 aspect ratio and resolutions of 720p or 1080i, to be passed through for transmission by the PRO box.

Sling Media is also providing a 'SlingLink' to easily connect your Slingbox at the A/V source to your router, via ethernet over power line technology, and also Sling-playing video software for mobile phones - which is probably a little harsh on the telephone bill.

We should shortly be getting our hands on review samples, and will bring you our thoughts on the newly updated product line as soon as humanely possible - a good excuse to play with some new gadget and watch TV at the same time.

More here at the Sling Media site. µ