Review: Slingbox - essential TV hardware
What is a Slingbox?
The Slingbox is a state of the art box that plugs in to the back of the TV, redirecting (they call it "placeshifting") the TV signal - meaning you can view this placeshifted footage from anywhere.
So this allows me to watch TV from anywhere?
Absolutely. You install the Slingbox in your TV setup and install the client on the devices you wish to use and hey presto - TV anywhere.
How?
It taps into your internet connection to push the signal across the internet on demand, so you wouldn't want it going out all the time over your primary connection because I'm sure the bandwidth would be munched like popcorn chicken. But considering you're only likely to use it while you're out and about it's not really a problem.On a mobile device
Lauren is able - through the specifics of her mobile contract - to have a free permanent internet connection over GRPS. This means that she has 24/7 access to Windows Live Messenger and free TV on her mobile phone, so whenever she has signal she's able to watch TV using our TV license and ADSL connection.
Removes the need for TV's
In our house we're limited for space and collect computer hardware, so we have laptops and desktops left-right-and-centre and very little room for extra TV's. I discussed building a media centre PC to serve my collection of media files as well as use MythTV to record/manage TV. I'd also VNC my way around the house if I wanted to watch TV from any other room than the living room.
However, using Slingbox I'm able to watch and control the TV signal from any device with the client installed.
Conclusion
Clearly it's a must-have item if you like TV and find yourself wishing to have it on the move. It can be had for ?150 third party or you can negotiate with 3 (the mobile network) the same way Lauren did. In my honest opinion I think you should buy one, they're amazing. Read more about it here on the official site.
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