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Sling Media Slingbox User Manual

Slingmedia slingbox digital media reciever: user guide
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  • Page 2 © 2005 Sling Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Patents pending. Slingbox, SlingPlayer, SlingStream, and SlingBar are the property of Sling Media, Inc. All other products and services, screen images, logos, trademarks, and movie quotes are the property of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Connecting a cable box, satellite receiver or a DVR ... 13 Connecting your antenna or analog cable (no cable box) ... 15 Connecting other Audio/Video devices ...16 Connecting multiple Audio/Video sources to the Slingbox ... 17 Connecting the Slingbox to your home network ...18 Connecting the Slingbox power adapter ...19 3: Installing the Slingbox Software ...21...
  • Page 4 Troubleshooting remote viewing setup ...68 Resolving remote viewing failure ... 69 Optional networking connections ...81 Using wall-plug bridges ... 81 Connecting the Slingbox to a wireless network ... 82 Restoring the Slingbox to factory settings ...83 FCC and Specifications ...85 FCC Statement ...85...

  • Page 5: 1: Introducing The Slingbox

    If your DVR can do it, your Slingbox can view it. All you need to do to watch your Slingbox from afar is to use a computer loaded with the SlingPlayer application. Start it up and connect to your Slingbox at home. You’ll be watching your TV in no time.

  • Page 6: How To Use This Guide

    How to use this guide This user guide provides details about using your Slingbox so you get the most out of your new television experience. The guide includes step-by-step instructions for using your Slingbox. If you haven’t already, refer to the Quick Setup Guide for an overview of the connection process.

  • Page 7: Package Contents

    Package Contents Make sure you have received the following items with your Slingbox. See “About the included cables” on page 8. • Slingbox • 2 Audio/Video cables • Ethernet cable • Coaxial cable • Quick Setup Guide System Requirements • Windows XP Home/Pro/MCE •...

  • Page 8: Important Safety Instructions

    Do not block the ventilation holes on top of the Slingbox. The Slingbox requires adequate ventilation. Do not place the Slingbox in a cabinet or built-in installa- tion unless sufficient ventilation is provided. Do not place anything on top of the Slingbox, including another Slingbox.
  • Page 9 Servicing. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all ser- vicing to qualified service personnel. Refer to www.slingmedia.com/support for servicing information. Damage requiring service. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: •...
  • Page 10 This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 11: 2: Connecting The Slingbox

    2: Connecting the Slingbox About the connections Connecting the Slingbox is easy, and takes just a few minutes. Refer to the Quick Setup Guide before reading this chapter. This chapter provides additional information and instructions. You connect your television source (antenna, cable, satellite, DVR) to the Slingbox, and then connect the Slingbox to your home network.

  • Page 12: About The Included Cables

    About the included cables You probably won’t need to use all of the cables included with your Slingbox. The way in which you connect the Slingbox depends on the type of entertainment and networking equipment you want to connect. Here’s a little information on the cables included with the Slingbox.
  • Page 13 IR Control cable The Ethernet cable connects the Slingbox to your router. If the cable is not long enough to reach your router, you can pur- chase a longer cable or use optional network bridges. See “Optional networking connections” on page 81 for information about using wall-plug or wireless bridges.

  • Page 14: Rear Panel Connectors

    • Antenna/Cable In: Connect the incoming antenna or analog cable TV source directly to the Slingbox. You may also use this connection if your cable box, satellite receiver or DVR does not have available S-Video and/or A/V outputs.

  • Page 15: Connecting Your Audio/Video Source To The Slingbox

    Important: See “Sharing an Audio/Video source” on page 12 if your cable box, satellite receiver or DVR does not have available outputs. Tip: All three of the Slingbox A/V inputs are available for use: Antenna/Cable In, S-Video In and A/V In. However, you can only set up one input during the initial installation of the SlingPlayer software.

  • Page 16: Sharing An Audio/Video Source

    Complete this step if you have to remove the cable or cables currently connecting your cable/satellite box or DVR to your TV to include the Slingbox in your setup. You may need to do this if your device has only one set of outputs. This connection passes your television source through the Slingbox and back to your television.

  • Page 17: Connecting A Cable Box, Satellite Receiver Or A Dvr

    If you have a cable box, satellite receiver or a DVR, connect this device to the Slingbox, as shown below. 1. Connect your cable box, satellite receiver or DVR to the Slingbox. Choose one of the connections below based on the available outputs on your cable box, satel- lite receiver or DVR.
  • Page 18 Connect the IR control cable The IR control cable allows the Slingbox to act as a universal remote, controlling the device you connect to the Slingbox. It works with your cable/satellite box or DVR, and many other devices. Make sure you place your Slingbox close enough to your device so the IR control cable can be attached to the front of your device.

  • Page 19: Connecting Your Antenna Or Analog Cable (No Cable Box)

    TV, you will need to use a coaxial splitter (not included) to send your TV source to your TV and to your Slingbox. See below if you have a cable modem sharing the cable line. Using a cable modem If you have a cable modem, you may be able to receive your basic cable channels from the same coaxial cable that supplies your Internet connection.

  • Page 20: Connecting Other Audio/Video Devices

    Connecting other Audio/Video devices One additional advantage of the Slingbox is the ability to stream more than just your television pro- gramming. The Slingbox can control many DVD players, VCRs and CD players. Yes, you can even listen to music from your CD player.

  • Page 21: Connecting Multiple Audio/Video Sources To The Slingbox

    Connecting another A/V device 1. Connect the additional TV source or other A/V device to the available Slingbox input. IMPORTANT: If you connect an external A/V device, you must also attach the extra emitter from the IR control cable to the front of the device so it can be controlled.

  • Page 22: Connecting The Slingbox To Your Home Network

    The Slingbox works with any high-speed Internet connection or broadband home network. You must have a router to use the Slingbox. The Slingbox comes with an Ethernet cable. If it’s not long enough to reach your router, you can use a longer cable, or one of the optional connections shown on page 81.

  • Page 23: Connecting The Slingbox Power Adapter

    Connect the supplied power adapter to the Slingbox and to an electrical outlet. When plugged in, the Power light on the front of the Slingbox comes on, and then the lights on the front of the Slingbox will blink a few times as the Slingbox starts up.
  • Page 24 Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 25: 3: Installing The Slingbox Software

    3: Installing the Slingbox Software Once the Slingbox is connected you are ready to install the SlingPlayer software, which you will use to watch your Slingbox. This chapter provides an overview of the installation process. Click the Help button at the bottom of each screen if you need assistance during setup.

  • Page 26: Slingplayer Software Installation

    SlingPlayer software installation Follow these steps to install the software for your Slingbox. 1. Insert the supplied CD into your computer. If the InstallShield Wizard does not automatically start, run the “Install.exe” file on the installation CD. 2. Follow the on-screen steps to complete setup. If you connected the cables correctly, the video from your television source displays during setup. Recheck your connections if you don’t see video.
  • Page 27 Once the SlingPlayer software is installed, you need to set up the SlingPlayer to work with your A/V source and your router. Double-click the Launch SlingPlayer desktop shortcut if the setup screen below does not appear. 1. Click the top button to set up your Slingbox for the first time. 2. Click Next on the “Welcome” screen and follow the on-screen instructions.

  • Page 28: Slingplayer Setup Steps

    2. IR (infrared) control setup: If you connected a cable box, satellite receiver or DVR, you will select its remote code so the Slingbox can control the device using the supplied IR control cable. Be sure that the IR control cable is fully inserted into the Slingbox IR connector and that you have placed the emit- ters over the IR sensor on your device before completing these screens.

  • Page 29: Audio/Video Setup

    Audio/Video setup If you properly connected the cables from your television source to the Slingbox, and connected the Slingbox to your router, you will see the video from your TV source on the setup screens. Refer to the Quick Setup Guide or click the Help button if you don’t see the video.
  • Page 30 Video connection to your Slingbox On this screen you choose what you connected to your Slingbox. • Choose External box if you connected a set-top box or other device to the Slingbox. • Choose Internal tuner if you connected an antenna or analog cable directly to Antenna/Cable In on the Slingbox.
  • Page 31 A/V devices to the remaining Slingbox inputs. If, for example, you connected your cable box or DVR to Antenna/ Cable In on the Slingbox, you can later connect a DVD player to A/V In and switch between these two inputs while using the SlingPlayer.
  • Page 32 Here is where you can adjust the video picture coming from your Slingbox. Adjusting these Slingbox settings does not change your television or external device's audio/video settings. However, every user who watches this Slingbox views it with the adjusted settings. • Brightness: darken or brighten the video.
  • Page 33 It’s important that you choose the correct device, so its remote control code can be used by the Slingbox. Using the IR control cable, the Slingbox will test the communication with your device. Also, the SlingPlayer remote control displays the buttons for the device you connected to your Slingbox.

  • Page 34: Ir Control Setup

    IR control setup The Slingbox attempts to communicate with your external device on this screen using the supplied IR control cable. The test is per- formed using a button that will communicate with your device. Click the button beneath the video window to test the IR connec- tion.
  • Page 35 Enter or select a channel beneath the video window and then click Change Channel to test your settings. If the channel does not change, adjust the settings and try again. Click “The Slingbox changed to the correct channel” If the chan- nel changed, and then click Next. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 36: Name And Password Setup

    “My Slingbox.” If you have more than one Slingbox in your home, give each a unique name so they’re easily recog- nized. Click Next after you name your Slingbox. Tip: Name your Slingbox “El Duderino” if you’re not into the whole brevity thing. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 37 Passwords The Slingbox offers two levels of password protection. You must enter each password a second time to verify entry. • The first allows you to require entry of a password to view your television using your Slingbox. • The Administrator password is used if you want change the settings associated with your Slingbox.

  • Page 38: Remote Viewing Setup

    Remote viewing setup If you plan to watch your Slingbox outside of your home network, check the box on this screen. Otherwise, click Next to conclude setup. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 39 SlingPlayer setup steps Configuring your router Your router must be configured if you plan to watch your Slingbox outside of your local network. To watch your Slingbox remotely, a “port” must be opened on your router. Opening a port is often called “port forwarding.”...
  • Page 40 Once you find your router's setup screen, you will need to enter the port number and IP address displayed under “Your Slingbox Information.” Consult your manufacturer's user manual or Web site for more information on configuring port forwarding.
  • Page 41 SlingPlayer setup steps Setup complete This is the final setup screen. Click Finish to complete the setup process. See “4: Using the Slingbox” on page 41 for information about all of the Slingbox features. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 42: Installing The Slingplayer Software On Another Computer

    Updating the SlingPlayer software New software is available for your Slingbox from time to time. You will see a message when new software is available. Exit the SlingPlayer if it’s currently in use before loading the new software. Installing the SlingPlayer software on another computer 1.
  • Page 43 “NAT Table,“ “SUA/NAT,“ “Virtual Servers” or “Port Mapping.” 3. Add a new port and enter the port number for your Slingbox. The Setup Wizard attempts to use port 5001. However, if another device on your network is using port 5001, make sure the Slingbox uses an unassigned port. It is recommended that you choose a number higher than 5000 for the Slingbox.
  • Page 44 Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 45: 4: Using The Slingbox

    43 for a description of the controls. SlingStream The Slingbox streaming feature, called SlingStream, is specifically designed to address varying network conditions in order to optimize your video playback experience. SlingStream automatically provides the best possible video experience at any given time, although you can also manually change the settings.

  • Page 46: Watching Your Slingbox

    Watching your Slingbox inside your home is as easy as starting the SlingPlayer and pressing start. Starting the SlingPlayer Double click the Launch SlingPlayer shortcut on your desktop. If you have only one Slingbox, click start and you will be watching TV right away. If you have more than one Slingbox in your Slingbox Directory: 1.

  • Page 47: Using The Slingplayer Application

    See “SlingPlayer controls” on page 44 for a description of each item. Slingbox Name Status Display Control Mode Indicator Favorite Channels Start/Stop Remote Control Slingbox User Guide Volume Slider Mute Using the SlingPlayer application Window Controls Buffer SlingPlayer Options Streaming Bitrate...

  • Page 48: Slingplayer Controls

    Refer to the SlingPlayer Help screens for more information. • “Locating” appears briefly while connecting to your Slingbox. There may be a connection problem if it remains visible for a long period of time. Refer to the Sling- Player Help screens for more information.

  • Page 49: Using The Window Controls

    • Minimize: Dismiss the SlingPlayer from the screen and move it to the Task- bar. • Maximize: Display the SlingPlayer so it fills the entire computer screen. • Close: Close the SlingPlayer application. Slingbox User Guide Using the SlingPlayer application Dock Right Minimize...

  • Page 50: Using The Slingremote

    Using the SlingRemote The SlingPlayer remote control displays the buttons for the device you con- nected to your Slingbox. If you connected a DVR, you can play your recorded programs and control the action. You can even schedule recordings right from the SlingPlayer.
  • Page 51 • Automatic (default): When you select any remote control button, the Slingbox automatically toggles into and out of Control Mode to give you fast response. • Manual: If you click the Control Mode button, your Slingbox will remain in Control Mode until you click it again. This is helpful when you are spending a lot of time controlling a device, such as rewinding a video.

  • Page 52: Using The Slingbar

    The width of the SlingBar is adjustable by clicking and dragging on the edge of the Sling- Bar window. Keyboard shortcuts are also available to quickly move the SlingPlayer around the screen. Move your mouse over an icon or button to see its equivalent shortcut. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 53: Viewing The Slingplayer Full Screen

    You can watch your video full screen by clicking the maximize icon on the upper right of the SlingPlayer. While viewing full screen, the Slingbox streams your TV signal at standard TV resolutions, which are much smaller than your PC/laptop display. Viewing your Slingbox at larger resolutions may look blurry depending on your network connection and your computer’s video capabilities.

  • Page 54: Using Favorite Channels

    You can add as many favorite channels as you like. Now whenever you want to tune to a favorite channel, just click it. If you have a mouse with a wheel button, you can quickly scroll through your favorite TIP: channels by pointing to the Favorites area and moving the wheel up or down. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 55: Adding Your Own Favorite Channel Logo

    • To remove all of your favorite channels, right-click any channel and select Remove all channels. • To move a favorite channel to another location, right-click the channel and select either Move channel left or Move channel right. Slingbox User Guide Using favorite channels...

  • Page 56: Using Multiple Slingbox Audio/Video Inputs

    Using multiple Slingbox Audio/Video inputs All three of the Slingbox A/V inputs are available for use: Antenna/Cable In, S-Video In and A/V In. However, you can only set up one input during the initial installation of the SlingPlayer software. Once you have completed the Setup Wizard for the first time, you can connect additional A/V devices to the remaining Slingbox inputs.

  • Page 57: Viewing Your Slingbox Remotely

    Viewing your Slingbox remotely When you first set up your Slingbox, you were asked if you wanted to enable remote viewing. This must be set up before you can watch your Slingbox outside of your home network. See “Changing the network settings” on page 58 if you did not do this during the initial setup of your Slingbox.

  • Page 58: Using The Slingbox Finder Id

    2. Click the Slingbox you want to set up and select Edit Properties. 3. Click the Connection tab. The Slingbox Finder ID is on this screen. Enter this number when you want to add a new Slingbox to your directory. See “Adding another Slingbox to your directory” on page 55.

  • Page 59: Adding Another Slingbox To Your Directory

    Viewing your Slingbox remotely Adding another Slingbox to your directory Your home Slingbox is automatically added to your directory when you install the SlingPlayer software. Follow these steps to add another Slingbox to your directory. Adding a Slingbox using its Finder ID 1.

  • Page 60: Making Changes To Your Slingbox Settings

    Making changes to your Slingbox settings You can make changes to your Slingbox after it is set up. There are a few reasons why you may want to do this, for example: • You want to change your Slingbox name or password.
  • Page 61 4. Click the Change button within the Slingbox Settings category and follow the on-screen steps. Note: To change only the password, skip the step to rename your Slingbox. Tip: If you have more than one Slingbox, give each a unique name, so they’re easily recognized.

  • Page 62: Changing The Audio/Video Settings

    4. Click the Change button within the Audio/Video Setup category and follow the on-screen steps. It’s not just video: Whatever your TV source provides at home, you have access to using the Slingbox. If you receive music channels with your cable or satellite service, tune to the channel you want to listen to and enjoy your music wherever you go.

  • Page 63: Updating The Slingbox Firmware

    1. Select Slingbox Directory from the View menu. 2. Select the Slingbox you want to change and click Edit Properties. 3. Select the Slingbox Configuration tab. 4. Click the Change button within the Update Slingbox Firmware category and follow the on-screen steps. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 64: Slingplayer Menus And Settings

    • Remote Control: Access all of the remote controls for your device. • Control Mode: See “Control Mode” on page 47. • Video Input: Switch to another Slingbox input. See “Using multiple Slingbox Audio/Video inputs” on page 52. • Registration: Register your Slingbox.

  • Page 65: Help Menu

    Help menu • Topics: Access all the help information for the Slingbox and SlingPlayer application. • Technical Support: Connect to the Customer and Technical Support Web site. • Check for Updates: Get the latest software for your Slingbox. • About SlingPlayer: See the version of the SlingPlayer software you’re using.

  • Page 66: Slingplayer Options

    • Enable Fast start enables you to immediately enjoy video after remote com- mands (e.g., changing the channel) without rebuffering. • Original Settings: If you have made any changes to the settings on this screen, selecting this button returns those settings to their defaults. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 67: Video Picture Settings

    Even if you have attempted all of these remedies, your computer may still not fully support VMR9. This, however, will not adversely affect your Slingbox view- ing experience. VMR9 is not a required feature to use your Slingbox. The SlingPlayer delivers excellent video quality with or without it. Original Settings If you have made any changes to the settings on this screen, selecting this but- ton returns those settings to their defaults.

  • Page 68: Encoding Settings

    Encoding Settings You may never need to adjust the streaming characteristics when using the Slingbox. However, you can fine-tune the SlingStream based on the type of content you’re currently viewing. These are the three TV profiles to which you can optimize the streaming experience: •...

  • Page 69: Connection Settings

    Connection Settings Some corporations use firewalls to prevent access to certain outside resources on the Internet. If you have trouble using your Slingbox from the office, this might be the reason. If you’re having trouble connecting to your Slingbox, try to connect to a Web site from which video is playable.

  • Page 70: Advanced Settings

    • When checked, the SlingPlayer automatically saves the Slingbox ID for a given Slingbox in your Slingbox Directory any time you connect to a new Slingbox. If you uncheck this option, you will have to manually add a Sling- box to your directory when you want to access it remotely.

  • Page 71: Appendix A: Additional Setup And Installation Assistance

    Slingbox as an “intruding device.” If this occurs, you need to change your security software settings to allow the Slingbox as a device on your net- work. See page 69 for information about adjusting your firewall software settings.

  • Page 72: Troubleshooting Remote Viewing Setup

    Troubleshooting remote viewing setup To view your Slingbox remotely (outside of your home network) you need to open a port on your router. During the Setup Wizard, if you selected “Fully-Automatic UPnP” mode, the software attempts to open a port on your router automatically. If you were unable to use Automatic mode or you selected Manual mode, you must open a port on your home router prior to activating remote viewing.

  • Page 73: Resolving Remote Viewing Failure

    Internet or Finder Service problem If either your Internet connection or the Slingbox Finder service is down, you will not be able to watch your Slingbox remotely. You can verify this is the problem if the following error message displays: “Unable to connect to the Slingbox Finder.
  • Page 74 Solution: If you see such a warning, you need to grant or permit access for your Slingbox to work properly. If you accidentally block the SlingPlayer software, consult your firewall documentation or support Web site to grant access to the SlingPlayer.
  • Page 75 No open port on your router A port must be open on your router to watch your Slingbox remotely. By opening a port on your router, your router allows access to your Slingbox when you attempt to watch your Slingbox from a remote computer. If the port is not open, your router does not allow outside access, as shown below.
  • Page 76 • If you have a Voice-over-IP (VoIP) server in your home, it may also act as a router. In this case, the VoIP server is actually your primary router. In a multiple router home where the Slingbox is connected to a secondary router, as shown below, you need to open a port on both routers to watch your Slingbox remotely.
  • Page 77 Troubleshooting remote viewing setup YOUR CURRENT STATUS: If you properly completed the network steps during the Setup Wizard, port-forwarding is now set up on your secondary router, as shown above. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 78 If you do not perform one of these two steps, your secondary router’s IP address may change, for example, in the event of a power failure. If this occurs, you will have to reconfigure your primary router again for remote viewing of your Slingbox.
  • Page 79 5. If the Setup Wizard successfully set up your secondary router, it assigned a port number (the default is 5001). You may have also assigned ports on your own. Open the same ports you opened on your secondary router, with one change... 6. Instead of opening these ports to the IP address for your Slingbox, open these ports to your secondary router’s public IP address. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 80 Example: • Your Slingbox has IP address 192.168.1.237, and port 5001 • Your secondary router is located at 192.168.1.1 • Your secondary router has a Public IP address of 192.168.10.2, and a gateway of 192.168.10.0 Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 81 Troubleshooting remote viewing setup Your secondary router, correctly configured. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 82 This is how your setup will look once a port is open on your secondary router. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 83 Troubleshooting remote viewing setup Your primary router must ALSO have a port forwarding entry, which should look like this. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 84 This is how your setup will look once a port is open on both of your routers. Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 85: Optional Networking Connections

    • Use wall-plug bridges, which use your existing in-home electrical outlets to connect devices to your network. These wall-plug devices—also known as Home- Plug or Powerline bridges—are easy to set up and use with the Slingbox, requiring no new wires. Wall-plug bridges provide better performance than wireless networking.

  • Page 86: Connecting The Slingbox To A Wireless Network

    Make sure to follow the installation instructions that come with the equipment that you purchase. Important: If your router requires MAC address authentication, you may need to add the Slingbox’s MAC address to your router administration screens. The MAC address is printed on the bottom of the Slingbox.

  • Page 87: Restoring The Slingbox To Factory Settings

    Certain situations may require you to restore your Slingbox to factory settings. For example: • If you replace the router to which you originally connected your Slingbox. In this case, the Slingbox was set up to work with your original router and now needs a new IP address from your new router.
  • Page 88 Slingbox User Guide...

  • Page 89: Fcc And Specifications

    • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 90 Power requirements 6V/1.6A Inputs RCA audio (L/R) Composite video S-video RF/Coaxial Outputs RCA audio (L/R) Composite video S-video Device control IR emitter Network RJ-45 Ethernet Display (3) front panel LEDs: Status Network Power TV tuner NTSC (built-in) Slingbox User Guide...
  • Page 91 100VAC to 240VAC Input Frequency Range 47 Hz to 63 Hz Input In-rush Current 50A Max Input Current 0.45A Max Output Voltage Output Regulation 5.7~6.3V Output Load Range 0~2.0A Output Ripple & Noise 60mVMax @20MHz BANDWIDTH Slingbox User Guide FCC Statement...
  • Page 92 Slingbox User Guide...

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Slingplayer v1.0.4.107

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