Sling Media‘s Slingbox, a gadget that allows TV place-shifting via the internet, got off to a good start with what amounts to a rave review by influential WSJ columnist Walt Mossberg, who wrote that “place shifting of TV shows takes a big leap forward.” The product also gets thumbs up reviews from CNET and PC Mag, along with a gush by LiveDigitally.com
But Mike Langberg at the Mercury News told readers (reg.req.) across Knight-Ridder that it’s not worth the $249 or the hassle: “Tech geeks will be impressed by how well Slingbox works, given the obstacles in its path. Everyone else will dismiss the product as over-priced and under-performing in a market filled with cheaper and better alternatives.”
Upshot: This probably appeals to many of the same people who wanted the first DVRS and were willing to pay and put up with any technical hassle. It’s generations (in gadget time) away from ubiquity but it taps into a desire and a growing need for portable media. Don’t want to make your own DVD so you can watch the contents on your TiVo (NSDQ: TIVO) away from home? Want to watch the Tour de France but your hotel room doesn’t get OLN? Traveling during May sweeps? Slingbox will let you watch via your own home TV and that’s powerful enough to part some people from their money, especially those already paying serious money for cable or satellite.
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