Slingbox and Tivo Series 2 Setup

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I have a series 2 Tivo which is able to record two programs simultaneously (I mention that because I am not at home and am uncertain as to the exact model). About two years or so ago when the Slingbox was first introduced, I purchased a wireless router which, at that time, was necessary for connecting the Slingbox to the home network. I never purchased the Slingbox and am now reconsidering it. Is that device, which I still have lying around somewhere, still necessary or is it somehow built into the newer Slingboxes?

Also, what would be the wisest model to purchase since I see that now there are several models? Thank you for any advice on this.

[greg_burns]

They are finally taking preorders for the Slingbox PRO-HD (http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox-prohd). Wouldn't benefit you with an S2. But if you wanted to buy for the future... ;)

Myself, I have a Slingbox Solo (http://www.buy.com/prod/slingbox-solo-slingbox-slingbox-solo-solo-sling-sling-media/q/loc/111/205679959.html). It does not have wireless built-in (don't think any do) so it must be within wired range of something to connect it to your LAN.

[davezatz]

TIt does not have wireless built-in (don't think any do) so it must be within wired range of something to connect it to your LAN.

True, none have integrated wireless. However, a simple gaming adapter or more complex wireless bridge will do the trick. I currently use an ASUS model that runs maybe $60 or so. I also have used Sling's powerline solutions with good results.

[ZeoTiVo]

What will be done with the Slingbox - that would help us all be more specific

but yes, Solo or Pro would work just fine with the TiVo DT model you have.

you can also preorder slingcatchers now as well.

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What will be done with the Slingbox - that would help us all be more specific

but yes, Solo or Pro would work just fine with the TiVo DT model you have.

you can also preorder slingcatchers now as well.
Thanks all for the replies, this is a great forum. ZeoTivo, I would like to watch recorded programs remotely (i.e. CNBC) using my laptop at Starbucks etc. and have more control over the content (replaying a segment or something I did not understand). I would also like to avoid the $100+ subscription fee that I already incurred once subcribing to CNBC.

One potential problem I may have is that I have 1.5 Mbps download but only about 400 to 500 Kbps upload using AT&T DSL (according to Speedtest.net). Would that be enough to watch non-sports type programs?

Slingcatchers? I will Google for it.

[ZeoTiVo]

One potential problem I may have is that I have 1.5 Mbps download but only about 400 to 500 Kbps upload using AT&T DSL (according to Speedtest.net). Would that be enough to watch non-sports type programs?

Slingcatchers? I will Google for it.

my brother-in-law loves Nascar but they moved to Switzerland fo work. I had a lifetimed series 2 240 model just doing bedroom duty so he bought a slingbox pro and I hooked it up. He says the quality is good over there and I have a typical upload speed of 400 to 450K. Upload is the key factor and I think you will be ok. One trick is he records shows at medium quality so there is less picture data for the slingcatcher to work on.

you will not need to worry about slingcatcher though. That I will let my BIL know about since he can then hook it up to his TV and eliminate the PC hooked up to the TV.
For you - using the laptop eliminates any need for the slingcatcher.
Note the slingplayer 2.0 beta is out. Main feature for it is a buffer on the laptop itself as well to allow more pause/rewind functionality while still receiving the video from the Tivo to buffer ahead.

[davezatz]

One potential problem I may have is that I have 1.5 Mbps download but only about 400 to 500 Kbps upload using AT&T DSL (according to Speedtest.net). Would that be enough to watch non-sports type programs?

That should be fine for the default 320x240 streaming. Once I start seeing 600-800, I will tempt fate with 640x240 though you probably should have at least 1000Kbps.

Not sure if Zeo's trick to record at medium would have much impact as Sling encodes on the fly and the content is pretty similar.

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I finally purchased the Slingbox Solo and had it up and running in a few minutes with the Ethernet cable. I haven't figured out the NetGear wireless bridge I purchased a year ago when I planned to purchase the Slingbox but I don't think it will be a problem. It seems that I have to make some modification to the router before it will connect to the Slingbox. Thanks so much for your advice and help here, I am in Starbucks at the moment enjoying the new device. It's amazing how well it is able to control the Tivo and how stable the software is. I'd like to be able to improve the streaming quality a bit when I'm watching live TV (depending on the channel) but the recorded programs are totally acceptable.

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I was having a problem with one channel which was not coming through clearly yesterday, others came in a lot better. Today that channel (CNBC) is coming through beautifully live via internet access in a Starbucks. This Sling Media technology, combined with the tivo, is a definite winner. Though I'm relatively late to the party, I appreciate the almost bug free nature of the Slingbox Solo. Someone mentioned Sony's TV Anywhere to me before and I didn't look into to it as well as I maybe should have; but, Slingbox (like Tivo) seems to have it's heart in this, and it is it's core business.