GadgetReview

I totally missed this, but Sling Media’s SlingPlayer iPhone app is now available in the iTunes App store for $29.99.  The app allows you to control and watch your DVR’s contents right on your iPhone.  Initially AT&T rejected the application due to concerns of network congestion since the app’s first iteration allowed users to stream video over both 3G and WiFi.  This version, though, only allows users to stream video over WiFi, hence the approval.

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Echostar unveiled their latest box with built-in SlingBox and DVR functionality yesterday, the T2200S.  Unlike previous Echostar boxes, though, this one will work with cable (Echostar owns Dish Network) and includes a DOCSIS cable modem, a 1TB hard drive and dual-tuners.  So, for those that invest in this mighty DVR, you’ll be able to enjoy your recorded or live programming from any where in the world assuming you’ve got a high speed Internet connection and a laptop or cell phone.

Sounds like EchoStar will sell the T2200S wholesale to the cable companies who will subsequently lease them to consumers for a monthly fee.  Although mass production of the box starts in Q4 of this year I wouldn’t expect to see them offered from your local cable operator until mid 2010, if not later.

Full release after the ‘leap’ …Continue reading: Echostar T2200S Is The First SlingBox Loaded DVR Box For Cable

During our time at CES, Echostar saw it fit to announces some pretty astounding and cool news: they unveiled a DVR box with a built in Slingbox, called the VIP 922.  What’s this mean?  Those who sign up with the satellite TV service provider (they’re competitor is DirecTV) will not only get access to an HD DVR box with a 1TB hard drive, but a DVR box whose content can be accessed from any where in the World.

You see, thanks to the built-in Sling technology and hardware, the die hard TV fanatic will be able to tap into their box at home and stream their recorded media to a myriad of devices (laptop, iPhone, Blackberry) anywhere they’re located assuming they have a broadband connection.

Without seeing an on hand demonstration it’s hard to say, but it sounds like Echostar has also thrown in a remote with a UI and form factor which is similar to Panasonic’s Easy Touch Remote Control; something we saw at CES.

The Dish Network VIP 922 will be available later this Spring.

Check out the other features offered:

• News feeds located on the home screen, giving viewers instant access to national news, weather, sports, and stock quotes.
• Ability to organize channels by channel name or number.
• 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p support.
• Internet-delivered DISH On Demand including 1080p content.
• Ability to move one day in the guide while browsing full screen EPG or partial EPG.
• Connections to home networks via Ethernet, HomePlug Turbo (the next generation of HomePlug that allows for faster in-home transfer of content using home power lines), or WiFi (with optional WiFi adapter).
• Powerful search capability across all available video sources, including IP, VOD, satellite or DVR.
• Intuitive timer creation and DVR management, allowing users to categorize programming by groups (video source, title, genres) or by content description (date, length, ratings and more).
• Ability to load photos, MP3s and selected Internet content.
• Future upgrades such as photo sharing, movie ticket purchases, family calendars, instant messaging, streaming audio, and the ability to transfer content within a home network.

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