Turn Your PC into a Personal TV

The rules about watching television have just changed. Sling Media’s new Slingbox provides a simple way to watch your favorite shows on your computer…from anywhere in the world.

Any computer running Windows 2000 or XP, Windows based PDA’s, or smartphone that has an internet connection can now be wired into your home’s cable, satellite, DVR, antenna, or video camera to provide streaming live video. No more missing sporting events because you’re stuck at work. Your local news is only a click away regardless of your location. The Simpsons will still be on at 8 p.m. on Sundays, even if you’re in Australia.

The Slingbox transmits the signal from your television to your PC over any distance. The SlingRemote provides a way to change the channels on your TV while watching programming on the SlingPlayer, an interface that allows you to watch the shows transmitted by the Slingbox. The SlingLink provides an add-on that will create an Ethernet link to your home’s router, even if there is not an Ethernet jack in your television room. Installing the Slingbox is simple. It can be connected to up to three video signals through the box’s coaxial, S-video, and composite inputs.

The tiny Slingbox, created by Sling Media, is a rectangular box that can sit atop your television or cable receiver. It packs a powerful punch for something that’s only 1.5 pounds and is 10.6” x 4” x 1.6”. If wireless internet is available, the box can connect through that. Overall, it is an easy to use product that can supply countless hours of entertainment, giving you one of the comforts of home even when you can not be there. Price: $199.99. More information about the Slingbox can be found at www.SlingMedia.com.