Slingbox Classic – stop fighting over the TV remote!

The Slingbox Classic is not a new release, but is a great device. You can access a TV, set-top box, DVD or DVR over your home network or remotely by accessing it through your ADSL router.

I took one home last week and had it set up within 10 minutes of getting in the door.

I used the provided SCART connection to attach it to my Sky box (it also has a coax connector to connect directly to your terrestrial TV aerial).

To connect to your home network, the Slingbox has an RJ45 connector - my ADSL router is the other side of my living room, so I plugged an old 54Mbps wireless router instead.

Then I downloaded the latest SlingPlayer software for my laptop from Sling Media's website, installed it, and detected the Slingbox over my WiFi network.

You also need to stick the provided sensors near the IR section of your set-top box to capture/transmit remote control signals.

During the configuration process, you can enter the make and model of your set-top box – this gives you access to a replica on-screen version of your remote control.

Soon I was flicking through Sky channels in my home office while the rest of the clan were transfixed to their daily dose of soap operas on Freeview in the living room.

The image quality is very good – I was surprised at just how good it was. I could just get Sky+, but I'm fed up of waiting until everyone has gone to bed to catch up on my favourite programs. If you are in a similar boat to me, the Slingbox Classic could be the answer for you.

This post was contributed by eXpansys plc, the owner of the eXpansys brand, the largest wireless technology online retail business in Europe and the USA.