Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Slingbox Pro does an excellent job of streaming video from multiple sources (Tivo's, cable boxes, or satellite tuners, for example) to any internet-connected computer, anywhere in the world. If you have access to a fast internet connection, you'll be amazed at the quality of the picture and the sound. Two issues: 1) The primary, defining feature of the PRO verison of the Slingbox is its ability to "sling" high-definition video across the internet to your laptop. It's unfortunate that the folks at Sling Media: - saw fit to design the box to use a proprietary cable instead of the industry-standard HDMI cable that all HD component owners know and use, and - failed to include their proprietary cable in the box with the Pro. When I buy a product for its PRO features, I shouldn't have to go back out and scavenge for a rare, $50.00 cable in order to use those features. This was a terrible oversight. 2) Be aware that you will not be able to use the Slingbox unless you: - can plug it directly into your home network router, or - purchase a $50-$90 wireless Ethernet "bridge," or - purchase Slingbox's bizarre and expensive hardware solution for connecting the Slingbox to your router over your electrical wiring. A PRO-level, premium product should be able to see and use a wireless home network connection, right out of the box; a trip back to the store to buy more hardware shouldn't be necessary. The core product is great, and works better than advertised ... but this PRO package lacks what any pro would expect to find in the box. Be aware that, in addition to the Slingbox Pro, you'll need to buy: - a home network router (if you don't already have one), - a wireless G network bridge or the Slingbox networking product (if you don't have your router near your television), and - a proprietary video cable (if you want to "sling" HD programming).