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Anyone tried this device or a SLINGBOX before? What is your impression? How did you find it to be of benefit?
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I am using this product in my current set up. It is an AMAZING product.
I noticed last night that Sadoun has a couple of these listed on eBay right now, so I decided to post a short review. Since this thread already exists, it seems to be a perfect palce.
I am using a rebadged version of this product from Pinnacle (
PCTV To Go HD Wireless). It is missing a built-in TV/cable tuner but is otherwise identical in hardware and operation.
I have never tried a SlingBox, but the wireless version of HAVA has two major advantages over a SlingBox:
1)
It can connect to your network, local PCs and the Internet
wirelessly.
2)
Windows sees it as a built-in TV tuner (even when it is in another room).
So, you can hook it up to your satellite receiver and view or
record it's programming ANYWHERE in the world (or in another room).
Setup was extremely easy. If you have tried setting up media streaming devices before, you have probably run into network configuration problems. Well, if you download the latest software for it first, the setup and configuration is totally painless.
Video quality is excellent. In my setup, the signal travels wirelessly in this fassion:
STB (living room) --> Wi-Fi Router (office) --> Media Center PC (bedroom).
Considering the two wireless hops across three rooms and two floors, I am amazed how well this thing works. Before, I had problems streaming a static file from a "hardwired" PC to my media center PC. This device sends a LIVE picture with no problems even while other downloads are happening through the router and even VoIP phone calls are made.
The recording capability is great. Microsoft Media Center PCs have a built-in recording capability. Because this device "impersonates" a TV tuner, you get immediate recording capability. Just find your shows in the PC's TV Guide, select a single episod or the whole season and off you go recording the programming.
And have I mentioned that you are doing it wirelessly on a PC that does not have a built-in TV tuner???
If you don't have a Media Center operating system (MCE), the device's software can take care of watching and recording for you. The upside of using this software is that you pretty much get FULL control of your STB's functions. With the Media Center, you can only change channes (which is in most cases sufficient). But I do not think there is any kind of program guide outside of MCE.
To say that I highly recommend this device is an understatement. I recommend the wireless version, of course. However, if your router can be placed near the device, you might be able to get away with a non-wireless model.