SlingPlayer Mobile Beta Now Available for Smartphones

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.slingmedia.com/us/slingbox/spm-sp.php' target='_blank'>http://www.slingmedia.com/us/slingbox/spm-sp.php</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Due to popular demand, we are extending the SlingPlayer™ Mobile experience to Windows Mobile Smartphone devices. With a navigation-focused user interface, SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Smartphone now lets you watch your Slingbox on smartphones without touch-screens and stylus. If you have a Windows Mobile Smartphone, check out our BETA version."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20060526-SlingMobileSmartphone.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Now you can place-shift your favorite TV shows on to your Smartphone thanks to the Slingbox and the SlingPlayer Mobile. Sling Media has released the Beta version of the SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Mobile Smartphones with Wi-Fi or EV-DO based data connectivity. Which means users of T-Mobile SDA, i-mate SP5 and Motorola Q will be able to enjoy their TV shows anywhere and everywhere. The minimum data bandwidth requirement of 120 Kbps puts me and other fellow Cingular 2125 users out of luck, as we will have to watch our TV shows the old-fashioned way - in front of the TV. :-( On a related note, Mike is currently working on the SlingPlayer review. He would have published it by now, but he mentioned that he's been getting distracted by all the TV shows he is able to watch now. :lol:

[Mike Temporale]

The minimum data bandwidth requirement of 120 Kbps puts me and other fellow Cingular 2125 users out of luck, as we will have to watch our TV shows the old-fashioned way - in front of the TV. :-(

Actually, you're not out of luck at all. You would be surprised at what this can do. I won't say much more. You'll have to wait for my review. But don't write it off based on that requirement. :wink:

[AdamaDBrown]

The minimum data bandwidth requirement of 120 Kbps puts me and other fellow Cingular 2125 users out of luck

Says who? I got in excess of 120 Kbits on my Cingular 2125 review unit. I actually got as high as 170 at points. I'd dare say that 2.5G can handle video decently.

By the way, Kris--greetings from a fellow Western New Yorker, about 30 miles south west of you.

[Rocco Augusto]

im really looking forward to this review :)

[Kris Kumar]

The minimum data bandwidth requirement of 120 Kbps puts me and other fellow Cingular 2125 users out of luck

Says who? I got in excess of 120 Kbits on my Cingular 2125 review unit. I actually got as high as 170 at points. I'd dare say that 2.5G can handle video decently.


I have seen 140-150 Kbps at times. But there are times it dips below 100 Kbps. It remains to be seen how well SlingPlayer can buffer the content. That is why I am eagerly waiting for Mike's review.

Also, folks, please don't get me wrong, I want this thing to work over EDGE. I was merely highlighting what was stated on the Sling Media Web site.

Some of the other video streaming services like the MSNBC one hasn't worked well on the 2125 with EDGE. In fact the only way to get it to work is to select the low bandwidth option. Which doesn't work out great either.

By the way, Kris--greetings from a fellow Western New Yorker, about 30 miles south west of you.

Howdy!

I wonder how many SPT readers are in the Western NY region, we can plan on having a regional meet. :-) Mike might also be able to join us. And Jerry can fly in. Or better - how about SPT readers summit at Nick Tahou's, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Tahou_Hots) the home of garbage plates?! :lol:

[Rocco Augusto]

...Or better - how about SPT readers summit at Nick Tahou's, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Tahou_Hots) the home of garbage plates?! :lol:

mmmmmmmmmmmm, garbage plates :drool:

[flodis]

I dont have a Sling account.. Is there any chance I can use this mobile player anyway?

[Mike Temporale]

I dont have a Sling account.. Is there any chance I can use this mobile player anyway?

No. You need your own slingBox for it to connect to. If you don't have that, then the player is of no good to you.

Edit --> Wait, what do you mean by sling account?

[Wireless]

Anyone with a Cingular 2125 or SDA and want use the new SlingMedia Player Software for Smartphone, COME ON DOWN!! I can assure you it works just fine. I am using it as we speak and watching The Oxbow Incident with George Peppard and Sophia Loren. The quality is excellent . I am using it over TMOBILE EDGE. I am located in Wash DC market and usually get a solid 135 to 155 kbps average connection speed.You are going to love it. And do not let the screen size fool you, it is VERY viewable.

In all fairness to Mike, I have said enough. He is spending time away from his Memorial Day to do a proper review, I shouldnt come on here and detract from his efforts. I just didnt want anyone with a Cingular 2125, TMOBILE SDA, to not try it based on that "Minimum Requirement". You will be VERY IMPRESSED with it. You can download the BETA from LINK below in CODE box. Remember, it requires a registered SlingBox to make this all happen. Click on the Link Below to get started, you won't be sorry. NOTE: Take your time and read the instructions. This is not one to just "Throw On". Also have your Finder ID handy.

[/url]http://www.slingmedia.com/us/support/downloads.php#BETA[url]

[dornier]

Hi everyone,

I purchased a Sling Box today, upgraded the firmware and downloaded the smartphone beta. I'm running a T-Mobile SDA (USA version with the hump) and I first tried Sling Player Mobile with the standard Edge connection. I never had less than 125 kbps and as high as 213 kbps and the picture and sound was great! I'm very impressed. I have used Orb with an ATI Wonder Elite card and it's been hit or miss with mostly miss. Sling works great! I drove several miles while listening to a movie and it never dropped out. Unlike Orb, I haven't seen a buffering pause at all. I need to play with this more, but so far I'm impressed.

By the way, I was unable to try the wifi connection. I have two wireless routers which I use so I can connect the SDA to my broadband connection. My SDA doesn't like my main wireless router and therefore have it connected to the second router. Sling Player doesn't find the sling box when I try this connection. Hopefully I will have a chance to try the wifi connection in the next couple of days at one of the local free hotspots and I will report back.

So far like I said, I'm impressed!

GP

[Kris Kumar]

So sounds like the Sling Media's EV-DO and Wi-Fi requirement is on the high side and EDGE works! Awesome!