Where's the Slingbox HD?

Late last night we learned that Sling Media has another box that is one step closer to what we want, but not quite there yet. Sure, built in component inputs are great -- even if the box can't encode HD -- but where is the QAM or ATSC tuner. With the release of the latest addition to the Sling Media family we are still left wanting, especially when we noticed that the UK version of the Slingbox Pro includes a DVB-T tuner. We suspect that it's coming when we consider that the new Sling site no longer showcases the Slingbox Tuner and with the rumors of a Sling cable device making its way through the FCC.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 27th 2007 1:16PM]

Personally I don't think we're going to see another tuner-type box. The market for ATSC devices is too small - we've seen ATSC DVRs, etc, flop in the market. And our lovely cable industry means a clear-QAM-only tuner is nigh-worthless, you'd need CableCARD to access most content. And then I bet you wouldn't be allowed to stream it without DTCP-IP.

The Tuner itself apparently never sold well - people went for the AV and PRO. I just don't think there is enough demand for a place-shifting tuner box. I bet most people with the PRO aren't even using the tuner. People who use ATSC or HD digital cable almost always have some box that can be connected to the Slingbox - ATSC tuner box, cable box, TiVo, etc.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 23rd 2007 4:31PM]

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/11/23/black-friday-giveaways-part-13-slingbox-pro-hd-connect-cabl/