The Slingbox SlingPlayer continues to expand its compatibility with the announcement of SlingPlayer for Android tablets. The tablet market is still growing dramatically, with Android-based devices currently offering large, high-resolution screens, high-performance hardware and excellent video quality. So who wouldn't want to take the power and convenience of the DVR on-the-go on one of these babies?
The award-winning SlingPlayer software makes it possible for us to essentially watch our TV--our home TV, as long as it is connected to either a Slingbox SOLO or PRO-HD model--anywhere we can access high-speed internet (3G, 4G or Wi-Fi connection, best to check your mobile device and service provider for your specific connectivity options). We can watch live broadcasts, change channels, operate and program the DVR, scroll through the latest program guide and more, all via a compatible tablet running Android 3.0 or later. Digital cable boxes, satellite receivers and DVD player can also be accessed remotely, along with music channels and video on demand.
New to this particular version of SlingPlayer is a redesigned program guide to more easily browse available content even while watching TV, uninterrupted. This is also the company's first mobile player to display a full, custom remote control that looks just like the one that came with your home theater component. It's a little like the food replicator in Star Trek: The Next Generation--"Earl Grey, Hot"--but for remote controls instead of food and beverages.
Again, we will need the Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD hardware in the home in order to capture and transmit our local content to us over the internet or some network. Owners of Slingbox PRO, Slingbox AV, Slingbox TUNER or Slingbox Classic must upgrade, since these legacy boxes do not have the capability to stream at the Android tablet's higher resolution
The previously available SlingPlayer for Android phones will work in "Compatibility Mode" on the Android tablets. This older application can stream from all Slingbox devices, but it does not offer the higher resolutions of the Android tablet app.
We were curious if there will be a DISH-specific version of this new application (DISH Network is the parent company of Slingbox), or if it arrives ready to work with DISH's current crop of Sling-loaded DVRs, but our query into DISH HQ remained unanswered at press time.
The SlingPlayer app for Android tablet is on sale now via the Android Market for $29.99.
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