Slingbox Pro Hands On Review

We just got the Slingbox Pro in house today and in just under 20 minutes we were totally blown away. We have reviewed this product in the past and we have tested out the Monsoon Hava product so we thought we knew what to expect. From the minute we fired up the software we were amazed at not just how easy the setup was, but how easy it was to set up the remote streaming.

With the Hava we spent a long time trying to configure our router and their software to allow us to stream our TV, but we never really got it to work. With the Slingbox Pro we had it streaming over the Internet in a matter of minutes and we never once needed to mess with our router. It seems the people over at Sling have really put together a well thought out easy to use software package that just works. You don't need to fight it, you just follow the instructions and you have it running the way you want.

The box has an interesting approach to doing HD where they have an HDMI port on the back of the box, but it doesn't work as a straight HDMI port. You need to buy the HD Component Dongle which allows you to use component cables to get your HD fix. What kinda sucks is that this dongle cost another 50 bucks so after you spend nearly 200 bucks on the Slingbox Pro you then need to spend another 50 to enjoy HD quality. We would have rather them increase the price of the box and include the cable then ship it separately and make the process of streaming HD content more complicated then it needs to be.

The software that comes with it is very slick. Very well designed and full featured with a clean look and easy to find controls. Like all placeshifting software you have the ability chose what type of TV receiver you have and it will configure its software to match. It will present you with a screen that shows you a small window with the video output from your TV( assuming it was able to connect ) and the option to pass a few standard TV commands like channel up to test if the connectivity between the Slingbox and the cable/satellite box is working. Once you figure out which setting to choose ( with some of the cable providers there are multiple options for which box they use so you might have to do some guess work ) you basically have a working Slingbox. You now can sit back and enjoy your TV whether it be from within your house or on the road.

We tested the Internet streaming right away and with about 5 minutes of effort we had a near perfect signal being streamed over the network. All we need to provide the tester was the IP of our office and the password of the box and they were viewing our TV signal as if they were sitting in our living room, well except for the 10 second delay. The 10 seconds are used to buffer the packets we assume so as to make the cleanest possible viewing experience for the remote user. They have really worked hard on making this part of the experience perfect. We were really impressed with the quality of picture after it left our office. Audio and Video came across crisp and clean. Granted there is a delay but unless you are watching the Slingbox next to a live TV you will never know so it isn't a big deal anyway.

So in conclusion we find that the Slingbox Pro to be a phenomenal product with the complete package when it comes to features you want in a placeshifting device. With easy setup, clean interface and amazing performance we would have to say that this is the best of bread when it comes to streaming your TV signal around the house or around the world. This would make a great gift for anyone that loves TV and either is on the road a lot of might work in a home office without a TV.

Pick one up at Amazon

November 30, 2007

Slingbox Pro Hands On Review