If you've ever used an Editor's Choice Slingbox Solo, then you know the best part about it is being able to remotely tap into your cable box to watch live and recorded TV anywhere in the world. You also know that the worst part is the setup; there are so many cables for connecting inputs, outputs, and IR blasters—it's a mess and headache.
On Thursday, however, Dish Network launched a Slingbox customized for two of its receivers. The new Sling Adapter connects via USB and only USB for fast and simple plug-and-play setup.
The Sling Adapter looks completely different from any Slingbox; it literally looks like a small, maroon grill with a USB cable attached to it. It's a hair thinner than my Motorola Droid (see slideshow) and twice the weight (9.76 ounces). Its exact dimensions are 0.5 by 7.86 by 3.86 (HWD).
The Sling Adapter is only compatible with two Dish Network receivers, the VIP 722 and 722K, though Dish Networks's newest receiver features a built-in Slingbox (the Editor's Choice Dish Network ViP922 SlingLoaded DVR)). Setup is dead-simple, within five minutes of plugging the Sling Adpater into our VIP 722 receiver, I was able to watch live TV from my computer. There's nothing to set up on the receiver, you just have to make sure the receiver is connected to the Internet via a wired Ethernet port.
There's no dedicated application to install on your Mac or PC. Dish Networks has integrated the Slingbox software into its Web site so when you log-in, you can view TV from any Internet Explorer or Firefox Web browser; you just have to install a plug-in. The video quality is spectacular, but we have an extremely fast Internet connection in the PC Labs, so your video quality will be reliant on the speed of your Internet connection. The interface is also great; the layout makes it easy to browse the listings grid, look at your DVR recordings, and even toggle between playing back TV on the Web or on your TV. There are also Slingbox apps for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7.
The Sling Adapter goes on sale today at 8am Eastern for $99 via dishnetwork.com.