The Slingbox Pro HD review addendum
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Oct 31st 2008 11:15AM
posted Oct 31st 2008 11:15AM
Although not everyone agrees that an internal ATSC and QAM tuner is useful if you have component inputs, we do. For starters, it adds another source to bring the Slingbox Pro HD up to three, but also it makes the thing useful without the need to rent a STB from an HD provider. We were really happy with the performance of the ATSC tuner, it didn't have any problems locking into the stations in our area and the guide data in the Sling Player 2.0 software matched up perfectly. We wish we could say the same thing for the QAM tuner, though.
Not only did the scan take forever, but although it obviously recognized all of our channels, it didn't match the channels up with the guide. So every single channel shows up as 10.1 "No Guide Data." And then, to add insult to injury, there is no way to match up the channels manually. This isn't our only gripe about the new guide feature though -- the other real issue is that the favorites feature is pretty useless. First off, we should be able to edit which channels show up in the guide at all, but we could at least accept the favorites as they stand if they were made the default option when you tune in for the first time or change sources. The only other problem we had with the internal tuner was the fact that we are forced to choose from ATSC, QAM or analog; and switching between the three options requires a rerun of the Setup Assistant. Ideally we'd be able to mix and match at least two of them to improve the variety of channels available -- like QAM channel 10.1 and analog ESPN, for example.
Streaming HD
Aside from the audio video sync issues we mentioned in the initial review, the quality of streaming HD over our local network looks great at about 5Mbps. Unfortunately, the results streaming over the internet weren't as hot. We know, we know -- the internet can be slow, but our isn't. In our tested environment we were lucky enough to have FiOS's 20/5 service and see 5Mbps of upload throughput on a regular basis. Of course we understand that the speed of our link, and the end to end throughput on the internet are two things entirely, but perhaps we're just a little too spoiled by the Slingbox. Let us explain.
While one of the most impressive things about the Slingbox is its ability to make the most of the throughput that you do have, when it comes to HD, things aren't as good. For whatever reason, you have to manually set that you want to stream HD over the internet -- which is anything but intuitive -- but when you do this and your throughput drops, rather than just switch to SD, the viewing experience gets unacceptably choppy. Sure, we can go into the settings and set it to stream in SD, which certainly does the trick, but that is hardly the Sling Media experience we've come to love. That being said, streaming HD over the internet is pretty cool and we found that if you can maintain at least 2Mbps of throughput, the experience is very enjoyable -- though we are still a little annoyed that the HD streaming is Windows only. The only other disappointment -- that is apparently coming soon -- is streaming HD to the Sling Catcher, which is currently VGA only.
Wrap-up
The good news is that every one of our issues with the Slingbox Pro HD are with its software, and based on Sling Media's track record, we'd be very surprised not to see them resolved in short order. But honestly, we're really splitting hairs here -- after all, we're still amazed that it's possible to stream quality HD over the internet using affordable connections from everyday providers. So there's still little doubt that the Slingbox Pro HD is a must upgrade to any true HD snob.
So, HD is not really usable when traveling? I guess I'm not shocked, but it does substantially hurt the value proposition of the product. The only reason I could personally see buying it over the non-HD-streaming version would be so the wife could watch HDTV while I'm playing video games, and I'm not sure that's worth $400.
Is it worth $300?
Slingbox is very cool but annoys my family at home when I change channels on them and upload speeds pretty crappy from my DSL so I started using http://parkmytv.com which is a 'hosted tv' service for place-shifting devices. I sent them my box and for $49/mo I now have super fast bandwidth ie. video quality, no channel conflicts and free reboots if it locks up. It's a beta currently but accepting limited new customers, was lucky enough to get in and lovin it.
Sounds like a sly way to promote this parkyour whatever thing. 49/month are you kidding!!!!
Yeah and I'll also take one of those credit cards with a $300 limit with a $195 activation fee and an annual fee of $95. Do you smell a sh#$ ? Oh know, that's just what RIPOFF smells like.
Wow, can't wait to see this "business" get sued by cable co's. The legality of Sling is based on the fact that you're watching your OWN TV, not some guy random person's. Unless this business is purchasing a cable plan for each person I don't see how it will last.
Does this work well when trying to access your DVR in another room? If so, do you need a network connection in the room of the second tv? Also, do you need your computer in the exact room as the sling phone? Lastly, does this work with Windows and all programs such as MLBTV? I know they had a previous slingbox issue.
I'll take it! Merry Christmas
I need a Sling for my broken heart...
placeshift the neighbors DVR to my house
I'll take it!
want one.
Could use this alot, big tv, nothing to watch on it :(
gooooooooooo dawgs sick em!!!!woo
I like turtles
I want!
gimmeeeeee, gimmeeeeeee, gimeeeeee!
I would love to win one of these suckers.
i would love to win this..
man i never have luck with this...but worth a try every time!
I'd love to win this, thanks for the giveaways.
Suhweeeet! Comment, comment, no comment.....
ooh. i would love to win o.o
this would go great with my new hdtv
I'll give it a good home.
pick me please
I'll give it food.
I need a new toy
Merry Holidays!
Happy Holidays :)
merry christmas and I want one
me
Good !!!
I need it!!!
Looks like an awesome arrangement. Can't afford it, but I think it's just what I've been looking for to stream HD torrents from my homemade server. Maybe they'll cut it in half for next year.
I travel outside of the US a good deal - you can ONLY stand the CNN International channel so much ))))) This is PERFECT - HD or not )))
I travel i need it !
I want it!
Sign me up Scotty
I want!
Slingbox is cool.
If this comes to my home, it will finally take any doubt over Santa's existence away.
I WANT IT!
I want to stream HD!
illoed
Oh man, I'd love an upgrade to my original Slingbox!
Anyone have any experience tailgating with one of these?
Yes Me Please!
there are old maids in my popcorn
Yummy.
Cheers
I'll take a freebie....