IPTVspecialist

Tested by PalmAddicts

Its a happy week for Android smartphone owners, who want full-time access to their home-based media. Sling Media has released the Android version of their terrific SlingPlayer Mobile application: the junior sibling of their PC-based flagship app.

What is it?

For those unfamiliar with SlingPlayer, its simple:
SlingPlayer is the remote client for the Slingbox appliance; which lets you remotely access any piece(s) of home entertainment devices you have it hooked up to (Cable Box, DVR, DVD Player, etc.).

You can access it on your computer via an internet connection; and, from your phone via your wireless carrier's network; or WiFi. The Slingbox then 'slings' the content you have selected from your devices, over the internet, and out to your SlingPlayer for your viewing pleasure.

Example 1) : You're on the train home from work, and the World Cup match has already started. Sit back, and let your Slingbox 'sling' it out to the SlingPlayer Mobile on your phone.

Example 2) : You're on vacation, its a rainy day; and, the hotel cable doesn't get your kids' favorite shows.
Use SlingPlayer to watch whatever is on at home; or, episodes of the shows that you have recorded/saved on your DVR. You don't need a 'season pass' to MLB Online, NFL Network, or the various extra subscriptions that you would otherwise have to buy from your cable or satellite provider.

Bottom Line: you never have to pay additional subscription charges to access the media content you have already paid for.

How to use it

SlingPlayer Mobile's interface was completely redesigned, to provide ease-of-use on smartphones.

Launch SlingPlayer Mobile on your phone, and bring up the Directory. It will show the Slingboxes connected to your network. There are Slingboxes available for both regular and HD systems.

The MISC controls let you choose which of your home-based devices to access. It also lets you turn it on/off and access its native Program Guides, menus and options (Favorites, Widgets, etc.)

The Keypad lets you key in the channel you want to view; or, select from the last 6 channels you viewed (which are listed at the top of the keypad). This is a huge improvement over previous versions of SlingPlayer Mobile; which made you scroll through the actual on-screen guides from your home-based devices (sometimes, at an agonizingly slow pace).

NOTE: the images in this review are actual screenshots of SlingPlayer Mobile, installed on a Motorola Droid, capturing un-paused television broadcasts.

The most interesting re-imagining of the interface is in the 'Remote Control' mode. Rather then try to provide a virtual D-pad, Sling's architects designed smartphone-centric controls and workflows that give you full navigation, without sacrificing viewing real estate.

The new controls make is simple to navigate in four directions, backwards, through pages and then to make your selections.

From the Remote mode, touch the four colored buttons at the bottom of the screen; and, the controls interface changes.

Most modern remote controls have color-coded buttons dedicated to frequently-used functions, in order to streamline workflow. Sling Media hasn't missed those either. Along with the colored 'quick' keys, the left side of the screen provides controls to record the show you are viewing, information on the show, or to cancel a recording you had already begun.

The SlingPlayer Mobile Menu gives you quick access to:

1) cable/satellite/fiber optic program guide

2) DVR (with full controls)

3) Aspect (letterbox, HD, regular)

4) Other devices you have connected

5) Disconnecting the SlingPlayer from your home network.

Why Sling, instead of iTunes?

The last time I reviewed SlingPlayer Mobile (2007), this was a common question from readers. At that time, most potential users had nothing faster then DSL for their home networks; and, none of the wireless carriers' networks could provide enough bandwidth for throughput. Finally, most smartphone processors and screens couldn't do justice to whatever image was managing to get through. As a result, the SlingPlayer experience was not nearly as satisfying as iTunes; regardless of having access to your full menu of cable/satellite programs.

Three years later, its a lot different: most home networks have broadband speeds; and, wireless networks are 3G plus. Smartphones boast big, hi-res screens and screaming processors. So...why wouldn't you prefer to take your Comcast/DirecTV/FIOS in your pocket; instead of paying iTunes for copies of shows you already have on your DVR?

The next-gen Slingbox/SlingPlayer/Mobile solutions provide a remarkable way to squeeze a lot of extra entertainment, information and plain old value out of your technology investments. If you are thinking of television-on-the-go, I don't know of anything that can compare to the Sling experience.

That's it...I'm off the bloody soapbox!

PJ Arts, New Jersey