How to Use a Slingbox
Watching your favorite TV shows, sporting events and other programming doesn't have to occur only when you're sitting in front of your TV. In fact you can watch those shows from anywhere in the world if you have a Slingbox and the required Slingbox software for your respective devices. Slingbox is a fun and exciting way to access your DVR from anywhere at anytime and all you need is a broadband connection to get started.
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Things You'll Need
- Broadband connection with minimum upload stream speeds of 256 kbps
- Mac or PC
- Broadband cable or DSL high-speed Internet connection (Minimum Upstream Network Windows Mobile, Palm OS or Symbian PDA can all be used instead of a PC)
- Network router
Instructions
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1
Check your system compatibility. You must be running a Windows OS with at least a 1.3 GHz processor and 1GB RAM or a PowerPC® G4/G5 800 MHz or Intel processor and 1GB RAM minimum. There are several other requirements listed on the SlingMedia FAQ page.
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2
Connect your Slingbox audio/video out port to your DVR or TV audio/video in source. Then connect your Slingbox to your home network or router either through a cat5 cable (recommended) or over your home WiFi network. Turn on your Slingbox.
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3
Go to the Slingmedia website and follow the instructions to install the Slingbox software on your computer or phone.
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4
Connect to a broadband connection with an upstream network that can reach speeds of at least 256 kbps and launch your Slingbox software (dial-up will not work).
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5
Turn on your Slingbox software and choose the connection you would like to use. The controls on your Slingbox will mimic the available controls of your connected device. For instance, you will see the DirecTV controls if you are connected to its DVR setup, while you will see standard TV controls if you choose to simply watch television.
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6
Disconnect your Slingbox software when you are finished watching your shows, movies and sporting events. The programs will remain on your DVR unless you tell them to delete.
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Tips & Warnings
Over 5,000 different cable box and satellite DVR units are supported by SlingMedia. Check with their FAQ page, linked to in the Resources section below, to ensure your system is compatible.
