14 DAY TRIAL // SlingPlayer, the application that allows users to watch and control their home TV and DVR on their iPhone or iPod touch, has been promoted to version 2.0. The new release adds high quality streaming, and a new programming guide.
To stream in High Quality (HQ) mode outside their home, users need at least 800 kbps of bandwidth from their Slingbox to the iPhone when using a Wi-Fi connection, according to Sling Media. At least 500 kbps is required when on 3G.
In order to see available bandwidth within SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, customers are instructed to tap the SQ button, then the Options button, and look to the left corner to see the current bandwidth.
“You can test your home upload speed by using a web site such as www.speedtest.net on your home computer,” Sling Media explains. “test download speed at your current location by using the free Speedtest iPhone app.”
It also notes that the total bandwidth available to SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone is limited to whichever is smaller (current upload / download speed).
“If you don't have enough bandwidth for HQ mode, you can improve your viewing experience by pressing the SQ button to stream in Standard Quality,” Sling Media adds.
As noted above, Sling Player 2.0 also adds the new Program Guide.
The release notes also include a few important notes for those planning to upgrade their experience, with Sling Media pointing out that those who have a Slingbox SOLO or a Slingbox PRO-HD won’t be able to connect to their Slingbox until they upgrade their Slingbox Software to the latest version (2.1.80 for PRO-HD and 2.1.110 for SOLO).
To do so, customers must visit http://setup.slingbox.com on their computers.
Also noteworthy is that users with the Slingbox Classic, Tuner, AV, and PRO can stream with this update, but they can’t use the High Quality (HQ) video mode, according to the developer.
Still, those who own one of these Slingbox models will be able to enjoy SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone in Compatibility mode on the iPad, Sling Media said.