January 3, 2008 9:00 PM PST

Sling goes high-def: Slingbox PRO-HD

by John P. Falcone

Slingbox PRO-HD

The Slingbox PRO-HD: True high-def video streaming--at least on a home network

(Credit: Sling Media)

Sling Media has unveiled the Slingbox PRO-HD, the first version of its video place-shifting boxes designed to stream true high-definition video. The catch? Due to the massive bandwidth requirements, HD video can't be streamed over the Internet--just to other locations on a home network. Still, that means that PCs running the SlingPlayer software--or TVs attached to Sling's soon-to-be-reannounced SlingCatcher--should be able to view a high-def stream at up to 1080i resolution with 5.1 surround audio. (To date, some Slingbox models have been able to accept HD video, but the output stream was limited to DVD-level standard-definition resolution.)

Watch the Slingbox PRO-HD video on CNET TV.

The Slingbox PRO-HD will be loaded with a full range of inputs and passthrough outputs. Although it will lack HDMI (thanks to copy-protection restrictions), the PRO-HD will include NTSC, ATSC, and clear QAM tuners. The newest Slingbox is scheduled to be available in the third quarter of 2008 for $400.

On Sale Now: $298.00 - $299.99
View the latest prices for Sling Media Slingbox Pro-HD

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (4 Comments)
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by hoozerdaddee January 4, 2008 12:25 PM PST
Cant wait to see what this thing is like. I've been thinking about getting a Slingbox.
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by hammc January 4, 2008 12:48 PM PST
I think this really cool.
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by kmchattie January 10, 2008 2:29 PM PST
What good is this thing if it won't output HD video? And if it lacks HDMI it is useless. Whoever thinks this is a good device either doesn't understand what this review said or doesn't care...
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by spacejunkiehsv July 7, 2008 11:10 AM PDT
kmchattie... The Slingbox Pro-HD will output up to 1080i. That isn't 1080p, but it is still considered to be HD video by most people.
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