“Time shifting” has been around since the VCR, which is simply watching a program other than at the time it’s broadcasted (taping it for later). Well if you’re only 20-something years old, then the VCR and time shifting have been around just as long as you have. “Place shifting” is the new catch phrase buzzword. So what the heck am I getting at here?
CompUSA has the Slingbox Personal Broadcaster by Sling Media for presale on it’s website. Place shifting with the Slingbox means watching where you want as well as when you want, “time and place shifting”. With a Slingbox, I can watch my home TV (I have Direct TV), or my TiVo’d shows (I also have TiVo) on my computer, anywhere in the world that has a decent internet connection. This greatly anticipated set top box already has a spot in my entertainment cabinet, it’s just a matter of time now. I would pre-order this beauty, but going down to CompUSA and picking one up would put me in a sling much faster. Keep a sharp eye out for this one.
Hi, I exchanged email with you last year about your experience with LocationFree TV. I had a chance to borrow one of these Sony units for 3 hours before returning it. I was disappointed. I’d be interested in your comparison between Sling, Sony’s Location Free TV and ORB. The concept of my media anywhere I am is definately powerful… The question is if this is a real technical possibility or just a toy. Apple’s Quicktime started with postage stamp size video and now look where it is… Where on this path is the technology behind “My media where I am”?
=Alan Dundas
alanjudy@yahoo.com