Slingbox SOLO for $79.99 + $5.00 shipping
Today, we the infamous Department of Minor Annoyances chose Todd Mullins to be our victim.
Expect it to die in about a year from bad capacitors. Probably sooner since this is a refurb. I had 2, and both did the same. Slingbox uses cheap parts on the solo.
As for when it worked, it was great. You'll want as high upstream at the source as you can get. 1mb worked good for me. Downstream still works OK even at ~300kb, but the higher the better.
You can fix the problem yourself by soldering in a new capacitor, which I will probably attempt some time, but I don't know how to solder yet.
Has anyone used one of these?
Do you need a really robust connection at both ends or just the transmitting end?
http://www.amazon.com/Sling-Media-Slingbox-SOLO-SB260-100/dp/B000VXKD8K
Yup, many bad reviews. Looks like the company itself is pretty much hated.
@scottman54: nuts.. based on that I will have to pass then...
I've had one for over two years with no problems whats so ever. Works great with my Razr Maxx for streamin my home DVR right to my phone. I never turn it off. Software is easy to load right off the website. I love mine. This is a great price too!
Used mine for 2 years before it just recently died. It was great for watching TV during lunch at work. Son also used it to watch TV while at college for those channels he didn't get there.
A friend used it for TV in a vacation cabin.
There are apps for the iPad, iPhone, and Android (I think).
I still use the Slingbox Classic that I bought from Woot in '07. I replaced the AC adapter last year because it made a loud buzzing noise. Otherwise, it's been working fine.
Yay! I was just thinking about how I don't get enough TV time, and wish it were more convenient than my DVR...
Wait, what?
I've been using a Slingbox for years - started with an A/V, now have a Solo. I used it while in Iraq between June and December of last year over a feeble 256K connection. The picture was pretty crappy at that speed but I was able to read my TiVo menus. I would hardly call 256K "robust". Of course, the better the connection - including the uplink from your provider - the better the picture.
I would certainly recommend it.
I have many Slingboxes and my Slingbox Solo did fail with a bad cap. The power supplies failed on a couple other slingboxes as well. That said when they work they work well and I still use them daily.
@jmhsrv: I got mine from Woot in '10 and it still works just fine. I don't have robust Internet service at all (my ISP is RCN in Chicago and I have the lowest tier; I typically watch either on my Android phone on T-Mobile or using the phone as a hotspot for my Xoom) and it works well. I don't watch sports -- things like the Daily Show and the Simpsons. Sports might be tough to watch. Sitcoms are good; animated shows and talking head-type shows (like TDS) are very good.
@editorkid: Hey thanks.. I was actually going to use it exclusively for sports so with that said I am still going to pass on this deal..
Too bad this didn't come up two days ago. I just ordered a replacement power supply for my ancient Slingbox Classic.
Slingbox is great for watching your TiVo (or other DVR) while traveling.
Sports are not an issue. I am able to watch sports on my SOLO with no issues. It looks the same as other programming.
I picked up a used one off amazon for $90 with no attempted refurbishment. My impression was the quality issues had been corrected with this generation, an older model I owned suffered a capacitor issue and no recourse was offered by sling media. No additional software required if using google chrome. 30 minute rewind feature no matter the source if viewing on a pc. 4500 kbps when viewing on home Wireless and very acceptable when viewing off site from a Charter home connection. $15? Kindle fire app download. But you have to pay for the software each time, you cannot use a serial from an aneroid purchase to download the apple ipad one.
@jmhsrv: You should be good as long as you have a minimum of 256 Kbps download where the Slingbox is located and a minimum of 128 Kbps upload from the receiver location.
I've been slinging for years with no problems at all. I think my Solo is 2-3 years old and it works like a charm! I'd recommend jumping at this price.
Hmm. I've been looking for a solution like this, but I don't really care about watching stuff on my tablet. I want to watch on another TV in the house (or occasionally, a computer). Too bad Roku doesn't have a Slingbox app.
@jackofallgames42: There is a SlingPlayer app currently available for Boxee Box and Logitech Revue that will allow you to receive your Sling feed on another TV.
You can also use video out on your tablet or computer to put it on the television.
I've had one for a few years now. So long as you don't expect very high quality, this works well even on slower networks. We had no problems "finding" our slingbox across country, and in town. We've moved it from California to Ohio, and back again a few years later and each time our account found it with no problems. Note that the iPhone and iPad apps are expensive ($30 I think), so we just use the iPhone app on both the iPhone and the iPad.
We had a need for this when my wife and I had to be 3000 miles apart so we could watch shows "together". If you, too, have a need for this, it is well worth the money. Now we barely use it since we are at home when we want to watch TV.
in for one. i know how to solder so ill just fix the capacitor if needed.
I have had one since they came out many years ago. LOVE MINE. I started out with the basic model, but upgraded to the SOLO recently so I could sling to my iPhone and iPad.
NOTICE-- I NEVER HAD ONE GO BAD, for me they have been as solid and dependable as anything I have ever owned.
If you are using it to sling video within your own network the speed and quality of your internet bandwidth is not an issue... your internet can be down but this little guy will continue slinging from point A to B.
Yes, it's true that HULU and other streaming services make this a less valuable device, but having it as an added tool is totally worth it.
BONUS POINT -- using iPad app on the go to remotely tell the DVR at home to record something.
Still running the A/V I got as part of the Amex Wishlist promotion back in 07. It's been solid, used many times by me and my friends to watch TV remotely.
Not a fan of the company, though, and that's why I've never upgraded. They had a TON of units die on them due to the bad caps, but never did anything to make those users whole. They insist for every client on any platform, so you're buying over and over again wherever you can't use a browser. They made a big stink about their 'Free Sling client for the Revue' - when in fact all it is is a browser redirect and a plugin for Chrome.
The real kicker is the insistence to not support the A/V whenever they feel like it. On the mobile clients, you get a warning message that it's not supported, but the thing works. On the TV clients (Revue and Roku) they make a full-stop the second they see an A/V.
I'll stick with my A/V. If you're buying one, I'd recommend going with a warranteed unit, can't trust Sling.
As alluded in my last comment - I have mine connected to one of my TiVo's. Although I am in Kuwait, I can control my TiVo as if I am sitting in front of it.
I used one of these in late 2009 for about a month in Washington DC to watch my Windows Media Center (at home in California), and with 384kb upstream data, it was not that great, but it was watchable. About equal to an average Youtube video, I would say. I liked that the box had two video inputs. I used one for the Media Center and the other for a security camera outside my house.
I purchased a slingbox pro HD on sale last year. If you get a squaretrade warranty on it you can get your money back if it does fail. The 3 year warranty was $38.
As for the viewing, they recently upgraded their apps and its brought these improvements from just 6 months ago:
+Can watch in HD if you have the Pro HD version even if not in same network
+Mobile App is MUCH improved and incl guide. The quality is excellent compared to what it used to be.
+More responsive remote interface and detection of connection speed is more accurate
+Use it lots!
My Complaints
-The remote button delay takes getting used to but it cant be expected to be like using a true remote.
-The Mobile Apps are an additional $30 for both the tablet version and phone version. They are NOT cross compatable so you have to buy both if you want to watch on both. I hate this but I use both.
-Watching sports is choppy except on the best net conn and it will sometimes delay if a lot of screen movement.
When I open the Slingbox channel guide, it automatically scrolls down to the bottom five times but then it's fine after that. The problem is with the latest Slingbox software because it never happened before that. There hasn't been any software updates for my Classic for a long time so this bug doesn't look like it's going to get fixed. Anyone else have this problem?
I'd recommend getting one at this price - I've paid over double for 2 of these Solo's and a Slingcatcher. After 1.5 years of using the solo to stream my home cable tv overseas to Asia - my solo's capacitor bulged and needed to be replaced. I tried to solder a new capacitor to the board, but it didn't work... Because I couldn't live without one, I purchased a replacement at Best Buy full price. At this price, I'd get one if I didn't have one.
I paid $30 for the software to watch on my iPhone - and have it on my laptops and netbook (which I use for traveling and watching home sports teams at overseas hotels).
I've had my slingbox av for over 4 years and it's still working. upgrading it to the sling solo so I can use it w/logitech revue and roku
Some folks call it a slingbox. I call it a Kaiserbox uh-huh...
I don't see anywhere that you also have to pay $30 for the app to watch it on your phone or tablet...
@cowbear:
The power-supply-failed-issue hit my Slingbox classic that I got from woot so many years ago.
A quick search on ebay led to a new $4 (all-in) power supply which has performed flawlessly.
The slingbox is one those toys that you will absolutely love if you think you might enjoy it. It and my IPod are my two favorite toys...
So with this one it's not HD? How's the picture quality? I would hook it up to the tv in my bedroom and mostly watch it on my laptop while the kids dominate the main tv. Also, what is the best option for a wireless bridge?
There's this new thing out called, "Torrents?"
A few months ago, I would have jumped on this upgrade from a SlingBox AV. I've really been disappointed in SlingMedia's practices though over time. I liked the official application over the web interface; they charge $30 for each client across my iPad, iPhone, and Android tablet; and apparently these units have a habit of dying. I really liked my SlingBox AV until the iPad version and Google TV applications stopped supporting it.
Instead I'm going to wait a little longer to upgrade and see how the upcoming Simple.tv box works out: https://www.simple.tv/. You do have to bring your own hard drive but this one will have DVR capabilities too. I am already annoyed though that they are going to charge $5 a month if you want to stream over the web, plus it is twice the price of this (but the apps for devices are free).
I'd rather just pay a big lump sum, and get everything else free forever. Is that too much to ask?
My Solo is connected to my security cam DVR; I have an HD Pro on my FiOS box. Both work great.
@thegreenhornetvskato: There is this old thing called the law.
I'm kind of surprised that so many people have had bad experiences with Slingbox equipment and the company. I ended up getting a Hava device several years ago. The device itself still works but they were painfully slow with getting up with mobile technology. They had no app for it at all for the longest time. Many people complained they were going to switch to Slingbox. Then they did a name change to Vulkano and put a mobile app for their new product. That free app works for my old Hava.
@scottman54: You are right on with this. About a year and a half ago I bought a woot refurb of this item (assuming that they would have replaced the faulty capacitor in the refurbs-since it was a known issue)- it lasted a little over a year and it was done. I didn't want to give my business back to Slingbox, so I bought the Vulkano flow, http://www.amazon.com/Vulkano-Flow-Mobile-Device-Viewing/dp/B004M189OM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330870126&sr=8-1
which is essentially the same device. Except it's $99 new and does not have the stigma of the bad capacitors. In addition, this device has built in WIFI. I don't use the WIFI part, I just use it through my LAN (and wireless router) and it works great. The picture is more fluid than the slingbox. Vulkano has other models HD, hard drive...in case anyone wants those features, but I just needed the basic.
@dustin18: Vulkano mobile apps are $13 for android or apple
@firefox91: I just got the vulkano flow, after my Slingbox solo died (after having it a year). The Vulkano flow is a definite improvement over the slingbox solo in terms of product performance (the picture streams better and looks better when set up in exactly the same manner), options and price. It may not be perfect, but it's definitely better.
Mine that I had 6 years ago was EPIC! It lasted roughly 3-4 years before it started to make a really high pitch noise. Probably exactly what @scottman54 was describing. In addition - the units get REALLY HOT!! so keep it in a well vented area. Previously before the updates everything ran off of an app that you had to install from their website. It did steal from the upload on my connection when anyone outside of my LAN hopped on. Only permits 1 connection at a time per unit. My friend loved being able to watch star-trek next generation from the bathroom using his laptop in 2006. Which was about the most action this puppy saw. Later on sling-box released another update that forced all users to use their website platform when browsing the sling-box (instead of using their app). HATED THEIR UPDATE!
SOLO only has 1 coax connection. Which is truly all you need. Mine produced a little bit of noise and static on my TV that connected to it. Not sure if everyone experienced this or just me.
Long story shorter - wont buy again because of their update.
Continued:
If you try to follow the help pages you get different information and things you cannot do. It is like the help just gives you random answers; nothing connected to what your problem is.
If you have a working slingbox, DO NOT upgrade the firmware. I am sure that killed the one I am trying to get working now.
And, man, if you have a problem, they love to force you to the "paid help". Of course if it is like the forum help. Good luck!
One poster reported the person on the other end hung up when he asked for a supervisor.
More to come
********* New Information *****
I wrote the above last June. Just a week ago I was at my daughter's and had to rearrange her network. Sure as $hit the sling solo didn't make it through the change. It took me two hours of going through the "setup" process. I would do identical steps but the setup software would give me entirely different options sometimes. I finally got it almost working but I couldn't get the "remote" to appear. My daughter got on her iPad and the remote came up for her. That sling now works but only through her iPad. Any other computer, including one wired to the same router cannot tune it because of no "remote".
It is so frustrating to try to go through the setup steps and part way through something takes you to a whole different set of steps. Even though you did nothing different.
Pete
I have been involved "managing" five slingboxes (son, daughter, mine, two for friends). I have concluded that if it works, good for you but if you have problems you are in for a never ending battle.
I originally got a slingbox when it was still an independent company and they worked flawlessly. Then they were bought out by one of the satellite TV companies and it has been downhill ever since.
If something changes, like I got a new router, I could not get the slingbox to work. I discovered that it would not accept an IP address from the new router. I had to force my new router to go back to the old IP Address to make it work.
If you go to the forums, forget it. I placed a question in February and got a reply from Sling in May. And it made no sense. They were telling me I had a firewall problem when the problem had nothing to do with firewalls.
To be continued to overcome 1000 character limit
One more thing that the Vulkano Flow can do that the slingbox can't is broadcast to multiple PC's simultaneously. You have to be watching the same show of course, but you can be watching it throughout the house. Why is this important you may ask? Ask my wife. She feels the need to keep the kitchen mediacenter, Livingroom mediacenter and basement mediacenter all on simultaneously while she is doing housework. She hated the fact that you can't do that with slingbox, and loves that the new vulkano flow can. Who am I to complain, my underwear is clean and my wife is happy- life is good.
I purchased one in late 2008/early 2009 and it´s still alive and kicking, connected to the TV at my parents' house in Pennsylvania. When something goes wrong it can be a pain to set back up again, but my mom is usually able to figure it out without any real tech expertise on her part. I've moved to South America since I bought it and it is GREAT for those times when I just want to sit on the couch, turn on the computer, and watch US programming. Thinking about buying a new netbook (it worked great on my old one) to try to get some kind of permanent hookup to an actual TV vs. my 15" notebook I have now...
@cowbear: same here and I think I've had mine even longer.
Like scottman54, I warn you to do your research before buying this. I too had problems with bad capacitors and got banned from sling media's forums for simply asking when the problem was going to be fixed. The problem occurs after the expiration of sling's warranty (they bought el cheapo capacitors that are not expected to last more than a year and by the time users determine what the problem was, they would be out of warranty). Check the reviews on amazon.com for an eye-opener on the shoddy construction of the SOLO (and while you're at it, the customer service).
@cesinco: Right on.
Stats
- Added
- Added By
- wootbot
- Clicked
- 27908 times
- Commented On
- 64 times
- Expired
- a year ago
- Viewed
- 17698 times
- Voted Against
- 17 times
- Voted For
- 227 times
64 Comments add a comment
Sort By: