Comments on: More Enjoyment From Your Talking Toaster: The Slingbox Solo Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: CJ Rox http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41765 CJ Rox Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:50:32 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41765 Wes - I think my original response was cut off (too verbose). Short answer: yes John and George can watch separate channels on my system because my DVR has its own tuner. I experimented and yes, my TV shows TNT ("Leverage") while my on-line Sling account allows me to view CBS ("Wheel of Fortune"). This is due, though, to the capability of my DVR. The SlingPro (mine is the Solo) has a separate tuner but even with that I don't think Mary would be able to see CNN on her computer. Hope that makes sense, following link has some info: http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/36952/Slingbox-101-Set-Top-Boxes-Tuners-and-the-Family-Battle-for-Control/ (have to keep my comment short) Wes – I think my original response was cut off (too verbose). Short answer: yes John and George can watch separate channels on my system because my DVR has its own tuner. I experimented and yes, my TV shows TNT (“Leverage”) while my on-line Sling account allows me to view CBS (“Wheel of Fortune”). This is due, though, to the capability of my DVR. The SlingPro (mine is the Solo) has a separate tuner but even with that I don’t think Mary would be able to see CNN on her computer. Hope that makes sense, following link has some info:
http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/36952/Slingbox-101-Set-Top-Boxes-Tuners-and-the-Family-Battle-for-Control/
(have to keep my comment short)

]]> By: CJ Rox http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41752 CJ Rox Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:44:45 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41752 Wes - re your question on the multiple tuners and multiple users -- I have a tuner on my DVR (Panasonic DMR ES35V) and of course one in the TV itself. The SlingBox PRO does have a tuner, but mine is the Solo which does not. However, my DVR allows me to by-pass the DVR tuner's output so on my TV I can either watch via the DVR or via the TV tuner (this also means I can record one channel on the DVR and watch another on my TV). Since my DVR's primary output goes to the SlingBox, with my setup and hardware John can be watching TNT on the TV set while George can watch CBS on the computer. I'm doing that experiment right now as a matter of fact just to confirm -- the TV is tuned to TNT ("Leverage") and the SlingBox (actually the DVR) is tuned to CBS ("Wheel of Fortune"). The nice thing about my DVR is that when I turn it on (via the SlingBox over the internet) it automatically is in the DVR tuner mode. So I can log into my SlingBox, turn on my DVR, and change channels without affecting anyone watching the TV set. Hope that makes sense. In answer to your three-way viewing option, since the Pro only has one tuner, I don't think Mary would be able to watch the third channel on her computer. This article has a little bit of information on the multiple tuner options: http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/36952/Slingbox-101-Set-Top-Boxes-Tuners-and-the-Family-Battle-for-Control/ Interesting questions, though. Wes – re your question on the multiple tuners and multiple users — I have a tuner on my DVR (Panasonic DMR ES35V) and of course one in the TV itself. The SlingBox PRO does have a tuner, but mine is the Solo which does not. However, my DVR allows me to by-pass the DVR tuner’s output so on my TV I can either watch via the DVR or via the TV tuner (this also means I can record one channel on the DVR and watch another on my TV).

Since my DVR’s primary output goes to the SlingBox, with my setup and hardware John can be watching TNT on the TV set while George can watch CBS on the computer. I’m doing that experiment right now as a matter of fact just to confirm — the TV is tuned to TNT (“Leverage”) and the SlingBox (actually the DVR) is tuned to CBS (“Wheel of Fortune”). The nice thing about my DVR is that when I turn it on (via the SlingBox over the internet) it automatically is in the DVR tuner mode. So I can log into my SlingBox, turn on my DVR, and change channels without affecting anyone watching the TV set. Hope that makes sense.

In answer to your three-way viewing option, since the Pro only has one tuner, I don’t think Mary would be able to watch the third channel on her computer.

This article has a little bit of information on the multiple tuner options:
http://www.slingcommunity.com/article/36952/Slingbox-101-Set-Top-Boxes-Tuners-and-the-Family-Battle-for-Control/

Interesting questions, though.

]]> By: CJ Rox http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41749 CJ Rox Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:06:06 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41749 Fred - re your question on the power adapter - the model is Ktec KSAFF055400W1US and it appears that it can support dual voltage though the plug is a standard US 120v (non-grounded) type. The adapter's specs (also see support.slingmedia.com/get/KB-005673.html) follow: INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.8A OUTPUT:5.0V 4.0A Fred – re your question on the power adapter – the model is Ktec KSAFF055400W1US and it appears that it can support dual voltage though the plug is a standard US 120v (non-grounded) type. The adapter’s specs (also see support.slingmedia.com/get/KB-005673.html) follow:

INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.8A
OUTPUT:5.0V 4.0A

]]> By: wes http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41702 wes Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:37:31 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41702 How many tuners does the slingbox have? Can someone at home watch channel A while I on the computer watch channel B on the computer at the same time? if the box has two tuners, can John watch live TV on channel A, George watch live TV on channel B on the computer, and Mary watch recorded shows on the DVR on another computer? How many tuners does the slingbox have? Can someone at home watch channel A while I on the computer watch channel B on the computer at the same time?

if the box has two tuners, can John watch live TV on channel A, George watch live TV on channel B on the computer, and Mary watch recorded shows on the DVR on another computer?

]]> By: Fred http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41651 Fred Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:34:27 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41651 Cobin, Does your Sling Box Solo have dual voltage power input (i.e. 120-240V 50-60Hz)? Thanks Cobin,
Does your Sling Box Solo have dual voltage power input (i.e. 120-240V 50-60Hz)?
Thanks

]]> By: Matt http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41623 Matt Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:09:49 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41623 It's not about "files", its about watching live tv from your home cable/satellite/etc., on any computer connection around the world. This is not a computer network. It’s not about “files”, its about watching live tv from your home cable/satellite/etc., on any computer connection around the world. This is not a computer network.

]]> By: Reg Ridley http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41581 Reg Ridley Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:06:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41581 I have been useing it for a long time on my compuyer's (2) and my cellphone Treo Pro. Works great. Love it!! I have been useing it for a long time on my compuyer’s (2) and my cellphone
Treo Pro. Works great. Love it!!

]]> By: tivoboy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41579 tivoboy Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:54:29 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41579 Just a note here. One DOES NOT need to have any client software on a pc, or mac to view and access the slingboxes, just go to sling.com, login with the account you setup and boom, you have full access to everything as if it was on the client application. this is nice for accessing from computers which haven't allowed application install (there IS a browser object to be installed) and also for people like parents and friends who want a quick way to access your slingbox, without doing a bunch of downloading and installing and configuring. Just a note here. One DOES NOT need to have any client software on a pc, or mac to view and access the slingboxes, just go to sling.com, login with the account you setup and boom, you have full access to everything as if it was on the client application. this is nice for accessing from computers which haven’t allowed application install (there IS a browser object to be installed) and also for people like parents and friends who want a quick way to access your slingbox, without doing a bunch of downloading and installing and configuring.

]]> By: Sandee Cohen http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41577 Sandee Cohen Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:33:17 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41577 Oh, I forgot the other use for my Sling Player on my iPhone. When I'm washing dishes I set the iPhone to MSNBC and then stick it in my pocket. Once again, this is a place where there isn't a TV. And I don't really need to see the video while I'm doing dishes. (In fact, there is even a setting in the Sling Player for audio only which saves on bandwidth.) And you'd be surprised how little on the news requires video. Oh, I forgot the other use for my Sling Player on my iPhone. When I’m washing dishes I set the iPhone to MSNBC and then stick it in my pocket.

Once again, this is a place where there isn’t a TV. And I don’t really need to see the video while I’m doing dishes.

(In fact, there is even a setting in the Sling Player for audio only which saves on bandwidth.)

And you’d be surprised how little on the news requires video.

]]> By: Sandee Cohen http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41576 Sandee Cohen Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:29:17 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41576 I've been using a Slingbox Solo for over three years. I couldn't go on trips without it. The best part is recording the regular shows I watch in NYC and then watching them the following night in Japan, Australia, Hawaii, or where ever I am located for work. I also use the Slingbox t add a TV to my bedroom for those times a cold has me laid up at home. Instead of paying the cable company for another receiver and moving a TV into the bedroom, I just snuggle up in bed with my computer and NCIS. Finally, most of the shows I record and watch on the Slingbox are NOT on Hulu or even DVD release. For instance, I love the SyFy channel showings of First Wave, which has never been on DVD or Hulu. I did set up a friend's Slingbox and had terrible problems getting her router to work. (No such problems with my Airport Extreme.) So she can only watch her TV when home. Fortunately she doesn't travel as I do. She wants it just for the extra TV in the bedroom. I don't know about poor picture quality. Having never seen the Slingbox feed on Windws, my expectations are much lower than others. I’ve been using a Slingbox Solo for over three years. I couldn’t go on trips without it. The best part is recording the regular shows I watch in NYC and then watching them the following night in Japan, Australia, Hawaii, or where ever I am located for work.

I also use the Slingbox t add a TV to my bedroom for those times a cold has me laid up at home. Instead of paying the cable company for another receiver and moving a TV into the bedroom, I just snuggle up in bed with my computer and NCIS.

Finally, most of the shows I record and watch on the Slingbox are NOT on Hulu or even DVD release. For instance, I love the SyFy channel showings of First Wave, which has never been on DVD or Hulu.

I did set up a friend’s Slingbox and had terrible problems getting her router to work. (No such problems with my Airport Extreme.) So she can only watch her TV when home. Fortunately she doesn’t travel as I do. She wants it just for the extra TV in the bedroom.

I don’t know about poor picture quality. Having never seen the Slingbox feed on Windws, my expectations are much lower than others.

]]> By: Cobin Rox http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41567 Cobin Rox Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:48:57 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41567 David - good point on the MAC - this review was geared to PC's. Todd - the deciding factor for me on the SlingBox is that I don't have to have my computer at home turned on. Plus, if I had a newer DVR I could setup last-minute programming while on the road, and, finally, I can have access of up to 80 or so near real time talking lamps (channels). I also connected a security camera up through it and can check in on my backyard as the neurotic need arises (which is often). Again, though, I think this is a matter of choice for the individual -- for me (a TV nut but not a movie nut) the SlingBox just seems like the better alternative. David – good point on the MAC – this review was geared to PC’s.

Todd – the deciding factor for me on the SlingBox is that I don’t have to have my computer at home turned on. Plus, if I had a newer DVR I could setup last-minute programming while on the road, and, finally, I can have access of up to 80 or so near real time talking lamps (channels). I also connected a security camera up through it and can check in on my backyard as the neurotic need arises (which is often). Again, though, I think this is a matter of choice for the individual — for me (a TV nut but not a movie nut) the SlingBox just seems like the better alternative.

]]> By: Todd Clay http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41548 Todd Clay Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:44:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41548 Seems to me you'd be better of using sites like Hula or using a free product like Orb that allows you to access whatever files you would like from your home network/computer or even setting up a FTP/HTTP server to get access to files left at home. Seems to me you’d be better of using sites like Hula or using a free product like Orb that allows you to access whatever files you would like from your home network/computer or even setting up a FTP/HTTP server to get access to files left at home.

]]> By: david queen http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/24/more-enjoyment-from-your-talking-toaster-the-slingbox-solo-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41536 david queen Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:51:38 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19419#comment-41536 Works great on my Macbook Pro if I use boot camp and run windows. The software works on Osx but the picture is aweful. The exact same hardware and connections on a LAN has Windows XP version with a nice picture at 4800Kbps and an unusable mess on OSX with 380Kbps. This appears to be a common issue if you read the mac slingbox forums. No offical replies ofcourse. Works great on my Macbook Pro if I use boot camp and run windows.
The software works on Osx but the picture is aweful. The exact same hardware and connections on a LAN has Windows XP version with a nice picture at 4800Kbps and an unusable mess on OSX with 380Kbps. This appears to be a common issue if you read the mac slingbox forums. No offical replies ofcourse.

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