for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

NFT: Anyone still using Slingbox?

BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/15/2017 9:55 am
I am about to purchase a used Slingbox 500 and I have been reading reviews on the Apps available, and they are really bad. Just wanted to know if this is even worth purchasing if the App doesn't completely work.
Still using it myself  
BigBlue89 : 2/15/2017 10:04 am : link
Are you talking about desktop apps, or mobile apps?
Mobile Apps  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/15/2017 10:11 am : link
I am primarily getting it so I can use this small TV in another part of my house with no cabel box via Roku apparently you need to use an Iphone app to use the roku.

Is the desktop functionality still good?
...  
26.2 : 2/15/2017 11:00 am : link
I haven't been using mine as much b/c comcast allows me to watch almost everything online anyway now.

I have found that all the sling box apps work best when the slingbox is connected to ethernet instead of a wifi set up.
Have one I bought 4 years ago.  
jogo1 : 2/15/2017 11:00 am : link
It's barely functional. When it does work, it only lasts for about 15 minutes at a time before losing connection. Every time I try reconnecting it forces me to watch a 15-30 second ad. It also recently stopped working when the cablebox is connected to both the TV and the slingbox at the same time.


Maybe the recent models are better, but I wouldn't recommend.
I recently got an amazon firestick  
Old Dirty Beckham : 2/15/2017 11:04 am : link
Not impressed at all
Apps  
BigBlue89 : 2/15/2017 11:29 am : link
To 26.2's point on here, it really does work better if you can run an ethernet wire to the box.

For the mobile apps, I use the $15 paid version and it works great. I haven't tried the free version, so not sure if there's a difference.

The desktop apps are good, though I haven't used them in a while. They are free though: http://www.slingbox.com/Products/Slingplayerapps.aspx
RE: Mobile Apps  
NYG27 : 2/15/2017 12:01 pm : link
In comment 13361580 BigBlueDownTheShore said:
Quote:
I am primarily getting it so I can use this small TV in another part of my house with no cabel box via Roku apparently you need to use an Iphone app to use the roku.

Is the desktop functionality still good?


If you have the Roku, why would you need Slingbox? Do you have a remote to control the Roke? If not, the iphone app has a feature where you can use the app as a remote and control the Roku.
RE: ...  
NYG27 : 2/15/2017 12:04 pm : link
In comment 13361640 26.2 said:
Quote:
I haven't been using mine as much b/c comcast allows me to watch almost everything online anyway now.


I'm not a fan of Comcast overall but I'll give them props for including the Netflix add-on. I like their Netflix app better then the one on my smartv or Roku.
I use one  
Don in DC : 2/15/2017 12:09 pm : link
I have it hooked up to the FIOS TV receiver at my house in Bradley Beach, and use it to watch NY sports remotely at my house in DC and or when I am on the road.

With it, I can watch the Knicks, Mets or Giants on my tablet, phone or laptop anywhere that I have internet access (including through the cellular network), or I can cast the signal from my phone onto my bedroom TV through my Roku device.

It's a pretty slick way to watch all the games I care about without paying for the NBA package or MLB package, and I am even giving up the Sunday Ticket for next season as well.

I find that the connection is as good as the internet connections involved. If the Slingbox has a solid WiFi signal, and your have a good signal on your phone or tablet, the connection is stable and works very well. If either signal is weak, it doesn't work well at all.

Hope this helps.
Loyal Slingbox user since 2011  
EliIsEliteX2 : 2/15/2017 12:47 pm : link
I am on my second slingbox now (slingbox HD) and I think its a great product. I use it mainly when traveling. I can airplay the stream from my ipad to my apple tv and watch Giants, Rangers and Yankees games in Israel. I also spent six months in Australia and used it all the time. A 1pm Giants game airs at 4:05am Monday morning in Australia.

I have a dedicated cable box solely for the slingbox so nobody is bothered by its use.

The mobile app works great on my phone and ipad. I find the desktop app gives me trouble every once in a while.

Hope that helps!
I love my Slingbox  
jpennyva : 2/15/2017 12:49 pm : link
We occasionally have a problem with the app but as another poster noted, it may very well have to do with the internet connection. We have our Slingbox connected to our Verizon Fios cable box with an ethernet cable. We watch it from the app using either our phone or tablet and also by casting from the app (phone or tablet) to our Rokus on other TVs throughout the house or while traveling.

One problem that seems to occur most often is the app will think another app is trying to access Slingbox and may disconnect because of that issue. But usually I just reconnect and it's fine. I also live in DC and am hoping that a relative in NY might be willing to set up a Slingbox for me so that I will be able to watch NY-sports so I actually plan to get another one soon myself.
RE: RE: Mobile Apps  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/15/2017 12:59 pm : link
In comment 13361729 NYG27 said:
Quote:
In comment 13361580 BigBlueDownTheShore said:


Quote:


I am primarily getting it so I can use this small TV in another part of my house with no cabel box via Roku apparently you need to use an Iphone app to use the roku.

Is the desktop functionality still good?



If you have the Roku, why would you need Slingbox? Do you have a remote to control the Roke? If not, the iphone app has a feature where you can use the app as a remote and control the Roku.


Seems like it works like Chromecast, as you must be using your phone app and then project it on the roku. Which to me seems ass backwards.

Has anyone here updated and used the iPhone App in the past month?

The reviews I have read, say that the App is basically not functional after the most recent update.
Here is what the instructions say - ( New Window )
Try this kodi is great.  
shelovesnycsports : 2/15/2017 1:05 pm : link
You're welcome.
Link - ( New Window )
Buy a Raspberry Pi, Cana Kit  
I Love Clams Casino : 2/15/2017 1:07 pm : link
Download Libre Elec and then Kodi.....lots of streaming services
I  
blue42 : 2/15/2017 1:40 pm : link
used the mobile app a bunch of times this past fall doing the LAX tour with my son. It worked great. Most schools had guest wi-fi so it was easy.The sling in general is a great product.
I  
blue42 : 2/15/2017 1:44 pm : link
should add Chrome doesn't seem to work as well as Firefox or IE with my sLing...not sure if it's same for all users.
RE: Buy a Raspberry Pi, Cana Kit  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/15/2017 1:51 pm : link
In comment 13361796 I Love Clams Casino said:
Quote:
Download Libre Elec and then Kodi.....lots of streaming services


Using it to watch and listen to the news in the morning. Also, want to be able to bring my small TV outside when its nice out.
Back to the Corner