Slingbox connection: switching between Slingbox ID and IP address in SlingPlayer 2.0.2 for Windows

Note: This is an advanced topic.

When you set up the SlingPlayer software on your computer to connect to your Slingbox, you can provide two different ways for SlingPlayer to locate your Slingbox:

• Slingbox ID - A unique 32-character alpha-numeric number that identifies your Slingbox uniquely;
• Direct Connection (Internet Protocol (IP) address) - using the IP address of your home router, along with the port through which your Slingbox gains access.

Under some circumstances, advanced users might want to switch this connection method. Previously, you'd just switch connection methods in the Slingbox Properties box (above).

But starting with SlingPlayer 2.0.2, you must do it another way: by adding a second entry for that Slingbox to the Slingbox Directory. The second entry contains the alternate connection method, so the result is two Slingbox Directory entries for one Slingbox ... one that connects via Slingbox ID; the other than connects via WAN IP.

Don't understand what this is? Go watch TV

If you're not sure what this all refers to, you probably don't even need to worry about it. Connect to your Slingbox and watch your TV!

Creating a second (alternate Slingbox connection) entry in the Slingbox Directory

To add a Slingbox alternate-connection entry to the Slingbox Directory:

1. From the SlingPlayer 2.0 menu, choose Slingbox Directory from the Connect menu.
   The Slingbox Directory box opens.
2. Click to select the Slingbox that you want to work with, then click Edit.
   The Slingbox Properties dialog opens.
3. Note which method you're currently using: Slingbox ID or Direct IP.
1. If you're connecting via the Slingbox ID method, you need your router's WAN IP address and the port that your Slingbox is using. Your ISP gave you your WAN IP address; you can get the port number by clicking the Info tab at top of the Slingbox Properties box. Wait for the settings info to appear, then look under the LAN section for the port number: fifth line down, just under Gateway IP. It's usually 5001. Be sure to look in the LAN section, not the WAN section!
2. If you're connecting via the Direct IP method, click the Info tab at top of the Slingbox Properties box and wait for the settings info to appear. Click to highlight the top line, Slingbox ID. The Slingbox ID also appears at the bottom of the window, where you can select and copy it.
4. Click Cancel to close windows until you get back to the Slingbox Directory window.
5. In the Slingbox Directory window, click Add.
   Note: You must be logged into your Sling Account for the Add button to be available.
6. In the dialog box that opens, set up the new connection method by pasting the info you collected (above) in the Slingbox ID field, or in the Direct Connection settings.
7. Click OK to close the dialog boxes and save your changes.

You now have two entries: one configured to connect via Slingbox ID, the other via Direct IP address.

Note: For the Slingbox alias, we recommend that you use the same name as the original entry, but for easy identification, try appending that with "- IP" or "- SID" (for example).

How do I find my Slingbox ID if it's been "erased" using the Direct IP method?

Choose About from the Help menu, then click the Info tab. It's on the top line.