As a TV streaming device, Slingbox is powerful equipment that encodes video into VC-1 format to make it possible to transmit over the Internet. Because of this, Slingbox allows users to view and control their home cable or satellite system and personal video recorder via a networked computer.
The tight competition between Mac computers and Windows PC's paved the way for the availability of numerous software titles for both platforms. This means that you can also set up a Slingbox on a PC. However, if you have a Mac and you want to set up Slingbox, this can be done in a few simple steps.
•Connect Slingbox to the router and the video sources. The number of video sources to which you can connect the Slingbox depends on the Slingbox model that you have. Setting up your Slingbox on a Mac requires you to connect the Mac to the same router. You can either use a physical Ethernet to connect the computer to the router, or go for a wireless connection.
•Install the software on the Mac. Insert the installation disc included on your Slingbox package into yoru Mac’s optical drive. Make sure you are logged in using an administrator account. Otherwise, you will need to enter an admin-level username and password when installing software. In case you have misplaced the installation disc, you can go to the Sling Media website at slingbox.com or slingmedia.com and download the installer.
•Input the information for every video source. You will now need to enter the details about each video source you are going to connect to the Slingbox. Provide the necessary information such as the model of the video source, in order to properly access the virtual remote control. In the event that you do not find the model among the list, you can opt to choose a similar model or choose the “Other” option.
•Create a shortcut for the SlingPlayer software. Instead of having the need to open the folder where the application is stored, you can simply create a shortcut for the SlingPlayer software and add it to your dock or desktop. With easy access, you can quickly open the SlingPlayer software whenever necessary. Simply drag the icon from the Applications folder onto your dock. Or, right-click on the dock icon, and click “keep in dock.”
•Open SlingPlayer. Once you have opened the SlingPlayer software, test the connection of the video sources to your Slingbox. To make sure that the video inputs are working properly, cycle through the inputs. In case you experience difficulty in getting video from the input sources, check if the video connection and the cable are positioned correctly. Make the necessary adjustments and try again.
Slingbox makes it easy to control video inputs using a computer. This way, you will no longer have to control each and every device individually. The software is also available on several mobile platforms, such as Android OS, BlackBerry OS, iOS, Nokia Symbian OS, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile, which enables users to control and view videos even when mobile.
