SlingCatcher SlingModem

Sling Media very early Monday heated up the challengers to the Apple TV and other media hubs with a finalized announcement of the SlingCatcher, its first device designed to bring computer content to a TV. Using a feature named SlingProjector, the device can output any video on a computer to a TV -- including web video or even video from a Slingbox accessed from the Internet, says the company. A USB connection lets it manually load video or else provides an 802.11g Wi-Fi connection as an alternative to the built-in Ethernet jack. The long-delayed SlingCatcher now has a formal release window and should ship in the spring for $250.

The SlingCatcher comes in tandem with a new version 2.0 of its essential SlingPlayer software: the revision adds Clip+Sling options of grabbing highlights from live TV and sharing them with others on the web. The second version of SlingPlayer also brings an electronic program guide and a healthier one-hour video buffer, and should be available for free before the end of March to anyone with a Slingbox.

Sling is finishing the announcements with its now confirmed SlingModem. The device adds Slingbox functionality to a cable modem, saving users the trouble of buying two separate devices. Details are short, though releases are expected to vary by cable providers in the US and elsewhere.

By Electronista Staff