This Slingbox Swings Both Ways

Although the Slingbox “place-shift” tech has been out for a few years, the new Pro HD model steps up its game to the realm of high def. If you have an HD cable or satellite rig at home, the Slingbox will stream your TV and video content (including anything on your TiVo or DVR) in a native HD signal to your laptop, smartphone or any Web-connected device. When will HD cell phones hit the market? Who gives a shit. Pick up the Sling and you’ll be ready for the little bastards. You will need a fairly stout connection (around 1.5Mbps upload speed) for the Slingbox to pump out pure HD signal. But not to worry, the device automatically steps down the quality of the stream to work with whatever janky network you’ve got. Whether you want to watch HD or can only manage a standard signal, you’re good to go. Step up your A/V nerd game when the Slingbox HD Pro hits the market (around $400) this fall. www.slingbox.com