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Installing and Setting up your Slingbox
  • Can more than one viewer watch TV from the same Slingbox simultaneously?
  • A Slingbox can only send content to one device at any given time. However, the Slingbox PRO-HD includes an internal tuner, so for standard cable (coaxial) inputs, you can set up your Slingbox to watch your TV, DVR, or other A/V source while a remote user watches standard cable (or vice versa).
  • If I only want to use my Slingbox to watch TV on my compatible mobile phone, do I still need to set everything up on a PC or Mac?
  • Yes. In order to correctly configure the Slingbox, you must install the software on a PC or Mac and follow the setup assistant. When configuration is complete, you can use SlingPlayer Mobile software on your iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, or Palm OS phone to watch and control your home TV. While the software for your PC or Mac is free, SlingPlayer Mobile is available from Sling Media for $29.99. SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone and iPod touch is only available from the iTunes App Store. SlingPlayer Mobile for Android is only available from the Android Market.
  • My TV is in a different room than my broadband modem and router. How am I supposed to connect the Slingbox to it?
  • If stringing a cable across your living room floor doesn't appeal to you, check out the SlingLink TURBO. It turns any electrical socket into an Ethernet jack. SlingLink comes in pairs. Plug one into a power socket and your router in the room where your router is located. Plug the other SlingLink into another power socket and your Slingbox. The SlingLink creates a network connection using the electrical wiring in your home.

    You can also use a wireless gaming adapter to connect the Slingbox to your router, much in the same way a gaming console is connected to the Internet.
  • Do I need a static IP address for my Slingbox?
  • No, the Slingbox can find your IP address if it is dynamically generated. Don't worry if you don't know your IP address or whether it's static or dynamic. The Slingbox features a locator service that seamlessly and easily allows you to connect to your Slingbox at the touch of a button.
Using your Slingbox
  • What do I need to get started?
    1. Broadband cable or DSL high-speed Internet connection (recommended upstream network bandwidth of 3 Mbps for HD viewing, 600 Kbps for SD viewing, 150 Kbps for a mobile phone).
    2. Home network router.
    3. If your TV cable connection is located in a different room than your Internet connection, you also need a SlingLink or other Ethernet bridge.
    4. Windows PC or Mac computer.
    5. If you want to watch your TV on your mobile phone, you need to purchase the appropriate version of SlingPlayer Mobile for your iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, or Symbian phone, and you need a 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi connection.
  • How do I set up the Slingbox?
    1. Connect your TV or video source to the Slingbox.
    2. Attach the remote control IR cable so you can control your TV from your computer or mobile device.
    3. Connect the Slingbox to your network router.
    4. Connect the Slingbox to a power outlet.
    5. Configure your Slingbox at www.slingbox.com/getstarted. If you wish to watch on a mobile phone, install the SlingPlayer Mobile software on your compatible mobile phone.
    6. You are now ready to watch your TV at www.slingbox.com.
  • What are the minimum system requirements to operate my Slingbox?
  • Minimum PC Requirements:
    • HD Video: Intel 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo class processor or equivalent with 2 GB of RAM. Video acceleration support desirable on graphics card.
    • SD Video: Pentium 4 class or equivalent with 256 MB RAM
    • Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 with latest updates
    • Browser Support: Internet Explorer Version 7 or higher, Firefox Version 3 or higher
    Minimum Mac Requirements:
    • HD Video: Intel 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo class processor or equivalent with 2 GB of RAM.
    • SD Video: Intel-based Mac with 2 GB of RAM
    • Operating System: Mac OS 10.5.7 (Leopard) or later
    • Browser Support: Firefox Version 3 or higher, Safari Version 4 or higher
  • Can I change channels and access my DVR programming?
  • Yes. Using the on-screen remote control, anything you can do at home with your remote control, you can do from a compatible computer or mobile phone equipped with an Internet connection.
  • Can I use the Slingbox with a wireless router?
  • For the most reliable, highest-quality video experience, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended. If you still want to connect your Slingbox to an existing wireless network, use a wireless Ethernet bridge or wireless gaming adapter, similar to the method used by gaming consoles for network connectivity. If your laptop is connected to the same wireless router, your Slingbox experience is now very mobile in and around your house -- take your laptop into a room that doesn't have a TV and enjoy!
  • Can the Slingbox record shows to my computer's hard drive?
  • No. The Slingbox sends live video from whatever source you connect to it. You cannot use the Slingbox or SlingPlayer software to record the video. However, you can use the SlingPlayer software to "remote" control your DVR to record shows and, of course, watch shows that are already recorded.
  • Do I need to leave my TV or source device on in order to use the Slingbox?
  • No, there is no need to leave your TV on, but you do need to leave your set-top box or A/V source on. As long as the Slingbox is connected to the A/V source, it sends the TV or other video content to you.
  • Do I have to carry the Slingbox with me?
  • No, simply hook the Slingbox up inside your home and leave it there. Watch at www.slingbox.com or use the SlingPlayer Mobile software on your compatible mobile phone to access your Slingbox to view and control your home TV and its programming from anywhere that you have an Internet connection.
  • What happens if I am using the Slingbox and someone at home is watching TV at the same time?
  • In most situations, both of you are watching and controlling the same device. However, the Slingbox PRO-HD includes an internal tuner, so for standard cable (coaxial) inputs, you can set up your Slingbox to watch your TV, DVR, or other A/V source while the remote user watches standard cable (or vice versa). Also, many customers connect the Slingbox to a secondary TV source in another room to avoid remote conflicts.
  • Are there subscription fees?
  • No. You can watch your TV and its programming on your compatible cell phone, laptop or desktop with no monthly subscription fees. Watching at www.slingbox.com on your PC or MAC is free, and SlingPlayer Mobile software for your supported phone is $29.99 (one-time fee). However, in order to watch TV on your cell phone using a 3G or 4G connection, you do need a data service plan from your carrier, for which you may have to pay an additional fee.
Supported Devices
  • What audio/video devices are compatible with the Slingbox?
  • The Slingbox supports over 10,000 popular devices and models, including:
    • DVRs
    • Satellite Receivers
    • Cable Set-Top Boxes
    • DVD Players (such as Pioneer, Samsung, Sony)
    • VCRs (such as Aiwa, Hitachi, JVC)
  • Will the Slingbox work with my cable box, satellite box, or digital video recorder (DVR)?
  • Most likely, yes. We support more than 10,000 devices that use infrared (IR) remote controls. If your device is not supported, please let us know and we will work to make sure it is supported in the next version of SlingPlayer software. NOTE: The Slingbox only works with IR devices. RF (radio frequency) controlled devices are not currently supported.
  • Does the Slingbox PRO-HD send true high-definition (HD) signals?
  • Yes. The Slingbox PRO-HD allows you to watch and control your HD content via component inputs. The Slingbox and SlingStream technology adapt the compressed video to match the available network and Internet bandwidth to provide the best possible video quality, whether running on a supported computer or compatible mobile phone. The Slingbox PRO-HD allows you to access both your SD and HD channels seamlessly, and the HD component video content results in a picture that looks great.
  • What do I need if I want to view high-definition video?
  • You need a Slingbox PRO-HD, a Windows PC or Mac, and a home network that meets the minimum system and network bandwidth requirements. The Slingbox SOLO does not play HD video.
  • Can I watch my TV on a Mac OS-based computer?
  • Yes, all Slingboxes are compatible with Mac OS-based computers…and work with your Apple TV, too.
  • What do I need to watch on my mobile device?
  • Our SlingPlayer Mobile software is compatible with iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Palm OS devices. SlingPlayer Mobile supports any type of Internet connection on your mobile device, including 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth-based connections. SlingPlayer Mobile software costs $29.99 (one-time fee) and you need a data plan or Wi-Fi connection on your mobile device.
  • Can I use the Slingbox with a PSP?
  • Not at the present time.
  • Can I use the Slingbox with an Apple TV, an iPod, Front Row, or the iPhone?
    • Apple TV
      You can watch or listen to your Apple TV at www.slingbox.com. With the Apple TV, you need the Slingbox PRO-HD to access your favorite TV shows, movies and music on a PC, Mac, or iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian or Palm OS smartphone.
    • Macintosh with Front Row and an Apple Remote
      You don't need the Apple Remote to watch at www.slingbox.com, but your Mac must have a built-in infrared port and Front Row software installed on it. If your Mac came with an Apple Remote, it probably has a built-in infrared port. The Slingbox SOLO and PRO-HD can be used with a Macintosh with Front Row.
    • iPhone
      SlingPlayer Mobile is available for iPhone and iPod touch.

If you currently own an original Slingbox, Slingbox AV or Slingbox TUNER, you are eligible to receive $50 off a new Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD.  

Router not close to your TV? Transform any wall outlet into your network hub—without bothering with installations or ugly wires.  

SlingPlayer Mobile (sold separately) lets you watch and control your TV and all of its programming on your compatible mobile phone. 
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