New Slingbox streams HD

 

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By Barry Collins in Las Vegas

Posted on 7 Jan 2008 at 19:35

Sling Media has unveiled a new version of its Slingbox device that is capable of streaming HD content both in and outside of the home.

Click here for our full coverage from CES 2008

The Slingbox Pro HD, which has been officially launched at CES 2008, will stream content from a HD source - including satellite or Freeview receivers - to PCs or laptops around the home.

Sling also claims that owners with a broadband connection of 1.5-2Mb/sec or faster will be able to stream the HD content outside of the home, to a laptop in a hotel room, for example.

The high-end device, which will replace the existing Pro model, supports both standard and widescreen aspect ratios, and boasts four integrated audio-video inputs and outputs. It will cost around $400 when it's launched this summer, and a Sling Media spokesman told PC Pro that the device will definitely be launching in the UK, although wouldn't confirm exact UK pricing.

Catching up

Sling is also demonstrating its previously announced SlingCatcher device, which allows you to stream content from one television source to another. So, for example, if you record a programme on your Sky+ in the living room, you can stream it to a televison set in the bedroom with an attached SlingCatcher.

When coupled with the new Pro-HD, SlingCatcher can even stream HD video from one television set to another.

The SlingCatcher also includes an integrated USB port, so that you can plug in an external hard drive and watch videos or digital photos on the connected television. Additionally, it can stream content from your PC or laptop.

Sling Media first announced this product last year, but the company has now set a firm launch date of Q2, at a cost of $249. The Sling Media spokesman wouldn't confirm a UK launch or price, however.

Blackberry support

Finally, Sling has also released a Blackberry version of its Sling Mobile software, allowing Blackberry owners to stream their home TV to the device.

The demonstrations running on the Sling stand at CES were fairly impressive, with little picture break-up and clear sound. However, the picture quality hangs on the strength of the data connection, and unless you've got a cast-iron data deal from your mobile network, streaming video could prove very costly indeed.

Click here for our full coverage from CES 2008