Your Slingbox works fine until you turn on your TV. Then suddenly, there's no video in SlingPlayer.

Yes, this problem can seem more than a bit mysterious. What's causing it may be a copy-protection scheme that's built into some set-top boxes.

This scheme is called Selectable Output Control or SOC. It's activated when your TV is connected to your set-top box with an HDMI cable and you then turn on your television. Without you knowing it, SOC then turns off all output from the other analog ports (Component, Composite, or S-Video). SOC is used in some set-top boxes by some service operators (such as some cable companies). It turns on and off without any intervention from you.

This is supposed to prevent you from attaching something to your set-top box and then recording programs. The problem is that it also prevents your Slingbox from getting video to stream, so SlingPlayer has no video, regardless of the platform (Mac, Windows, Watch on Slingbox.com, or SlingPlayer Mobile).

To verify that this is the problem, try this:

1. Change the definition on the set-top box from high-definition (except 1080p) to standard-definition.

2. Check SlingPlayer (any platform)

• If you can then see your TV's video in SlingPlayer, then the problem is probably caused by SOC, though some set-top-boxes always disable analog output if a digital connection is present.
• If you still can't see your TV's video in SlingPlayer, then the problem may be due to another type of copy protection. For more information on that problem, see the related article to the right.

You can help us gather information about this Selectable Output Control issue by completing the short survey below.

	Your TV service provider * Please enter the name of your TV service provider (Cable, satellite, etc. company) Type of service provider * Cable Phone Company Satellite Manufacturer of your set-top box * Note: The manufacturer may be a different company than your Service Provider. Check your set-top box. The manufacturer's name may be on the front or on the bottom of the box. Model number of your set-top box * Your service provider's video package (if you know it) Many service providers have different levels of service packages. These often have names like, "Gold," "Silver," "Premier," etc. The outputs that stop working when HDMI is used * The component outputs are green, red and blue. Composite outputs are red, white and yellow. The S-Video output is usually black. Component Composite S-Video Does the Slingbox start working if the resolution on the set-top box is changed (excluding 1080p)? * Yes No TV Brand * Choose one: GEHitachiLGPanasonicPhillipsRCASamsungSamsungSceptreSharpSonyToshibaVizioOther Comments (Optional)

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