Any Slingbox users out there?

wherediditallgo

I'm thinking about getting one for Christmas - I haven't had a new gadget in ages, & I've got £150 to spend on something nifty. :j I've got virtually no idea how they work or what they're capable of, so if you've got one I'd appreciate you letting me know the pros & cons of them. I'm particularly interested in the tie-in with my broadband connection (as I'm concerned it might strip my monthly allowance) & any storage & recording capabilities. Thanks.

C_Ronaldo

They let you watch say sky tv(or VM) on a pc or laptop with an internet connection, you could go on holiday in the uk set your sky box to record what you want to watch and you can take you laptop with you and watch what was recorded via the laptop as long as theres internet access, you can also watch tv sky(or VM) as well,

i may be wrong but i think thats how it works

watch this, http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox

Doublespresso

I have one and it's great, but be aware that the quality of the streamed Video is still not top quality as it mainly depends on the Broadband speed (upstream from your home), but good enough for watching regular TV football etc.

japsybapsy

Doubleexpresso,

Can I ask what your upload speed is? I read that the minimum should be 256kb/s and was wondering what sort of quality you get at that speed? Is fast movement blurred? Is it only watchable if the image doesn't change much?

Thanks

Doublespresso

My upload speed was 256kb/s and it was so so watching form a hotel room in France, but the again the quality can be affected by many other factors.

A smaller window will make the quality more watchable.

Overall, I would say that if its for occasional watching TV, to catch up etc, then it does the job very well, but juts be aware that the technology is not quite there yet for high quality Video streaming.

wherediditallgo

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to get my broadband connection upgraded to unlimited, but once that's sorted out I'll be getting one.