Items that you need to begin watching your TV with a Slingbox

What specifically do I need?

• A Slingbox
• SlingPlayer software for Windows or Macintosh
• A router, or a combined modem/router
• A Windows or Macintosh computer on a home network with a high-speed Internet connection
• An audio/video source
• Optional: A handheld computer that's supported by SlingPlayer Mobile software

Here are the details.

Slingbox

Your Slingbox can be any of these models:

• Original Slingbox ("Slingbox Classic")
• Slingbox TUNER
• Slingbox AV
• Slingbox PRO
• Slingbox SOLO
• Slingbox PRO-HD

SlingPlayer software for Windows or Macintosh

The current versions of SlingPlayer software are always available from the Downloads section of our web site. There's a link to the Downloads section on this page.

A router, or a combined modem/router

The key requirement is that you have an available Ethernet port on your router. You’ll also need to have administrative rights to your router or modem/router, so that you can change the settings.

A Windows or Macintosh computer on a home network with a high-speed Internet connection

Your computer should already be up and running on a home network for the initial configuration. However, after you’re done with configuration, your home computer does not need to be on when viewing your Slingbox remotely. When you're viewing at home, your computer's processor and installed memory determine the quality of the video that displays. (Internet Viewing picture quality is unaffected by your home computer; the computer you're using to watch your TV is always the one that matters.)

An audio/video source

You've gotta have something to watch! So you'll need an audio/video source to connect your Slingbox to. Usually this is:

• A cable or a satellite set-top box;
• A digital video recorder (DVR, such as a TiVo);
• A DVD player
• Any other A/V device

Optional: A handheld computer that's supported by SlingPlayer Mobile software

If you'd like to watch your TV using your handheld computer or smartphone, and there's a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for your device, first make sure that your device is up and running with a data plan (you'll need to be able to access the Internet). Then check our Downloads page to see which version of the SlingPlayer Mobile software is best for your handheld.