The Basics:
The Sling Media Slingbox is sold in the packaging shown below. You get a good look at the product, and a good deal of information on its features and specifications. On a unique item like this, all the text and images you can get will be helpful. This isn't your every day gadget, and I learned a good deal about what it was truly capable of just by reading the box.
 
The package includes all of the following items:
» Slingbox
» SlingPlayer CD-ROM
» Quick-start guide
» Power adapter (100 - 240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, 0.45 A)
» Coax cable
» Two (2) composite Audio and Video RCA cables
» S-video cable
» Network cable
» IR emitter
The slingbox itself is a rectangular brick of plastic as shown below...
 
The top of the Slingbox features a bunch of text describing what it can do for you, and to me this looks just a bit tacky. All of the letters are actually perforations in the housing, no doubt for ventilation, but I feel it takes away from the sophistication of the unit.
On the front face of the unit it has a "Sling" logo that lights up when in use, as well as two green LEDs that indicate network connectivity and power. The back of the device is where you find all of the connections. From left to right in the above right image we have the following connections: power, IR connection, network, s-video out, A/V out, antenna/cable in, s-video in, A/V in, and a reset button.
From the list of connections it is clear that you can do a few things with the Slingbox. Not only can you watch/control TV, but it is obvious that you can watch other sources thanks to the s-video and A/V connections. Additionally, since there are in and out connections, you can send the signals on the Slingbox out to local displays, and not just to networked PCs. These features add a great deal of flexibility to the device, and make it even more appealing.
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