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At-Large Recorder is already working with SlingPlayer 2.0, so that’s one option, but I suspect they will use a different technology (Flash?) for their media service. Once we get our beta invite and try it out, we’ll let you know what we discover.
As far as the service goes, here’s our take. The Clip-and-Sling idea is moronic – I sincerely doubt people will take the time to make clips of TV shows, and also people will be less than likely to watch them. Of course, people DO this already in YouTube, but the effort involved in this acts as a natural filter for presenting interesting things to viewers. if it’s too easy to make clips of TV shows, there will be a lot of noise. Also – being tied to the content owners may limit the flexibility of end-users to make compelling clips. We’ll have to see how the service evolves.
However – if they can provide LiveTV over the web, I can see that as being a game changer. And with the new SlingCatcher boxes coming out which let your TV become the viewing hardware for any Sling stream, we may finally get true IPTV. This will open the floodgates for other similar services, as nobody wants to be left behind.
Posts Tagged: slingbox
Download Videos from Sling.com
Clip & Sling II
A quick correction on my previous post regarding Clip & Sling. I went back to the main Sling booth again and learned the following:
1. You can record up to 2 minutes from any source without a content redistribution contract. However, your clips are only accessible to you.
2. All recorded clips are automatically uploaded to the Sling server. There is no local file storage for your own clips.
The concept of “fair use” is still foreign to these guys. By playing the content owners game, they are digging themselves into a hole for the future.
Clip & Sling – The Ugly Truth
In keeping with my unhealthy obsession with Slingbox, I talked to a representative today here at CES regarding their “recording” feature in the upcoming SlingPlayer 2.0 called Clip & Sling. As we suspected, it’s not pretty.
Turns out Sling has had to reach content redistribution deals with EVERY TV content owner on the planet for this feature. Each content owner must explicitly give Sling permission to record, and then sets the time limit – some may allow 15 seconds, some four minutes, etc. No agreement: no recording.
This is an INSANE amount of work for a feature with dubious value to customers. From our perspective it’s great news, as SlingPlayer 2.0 will NOT have any significant recording options.
At-Large Recorder (and every other Applian product) is all about recording for personal use. You’ve paid for the content already, you can record it. Just don’t redistribute it to others.
Techware Slingbox Hosting Service
In spite of the fact we’ve been dissed by Sling in the past, I continue to be fascinated with the SlingBox, and how it disrupts the media business.
The latest cool service is the Techware Slingbox Hosting Service. These guys will host a Sling Box for you, and let you stream cable TV from Wisconsin to anywhere in the world. It’s not cheap at $45/month, but it appears legit as far as not redistributing cable TV or satellite feeds.
If you’re a Packers fan, for example, this is one great way to catch all the action. Not sure how pleased the NFL is with this arrangement though.
You can read more about it here.
Sling Media’s Clip and Sling
Sling has finally announced their “recording” solution for Sling Box owners – “Clip and Sling”.
I don’t think it placates any of the hundreds of people who come to us looking for a way to record their Sling streams on their PC. But it does have some “gee whiz” appeal.
*sigh*
Engadget weighs in on Sling Encryption
This article is a party-neutral summary of the At-Large Recorder and Slingbox device encryption issue.
It’s always a delight to read well-written articles. Way to go Engadget!
PC Mag Editor not happy about Sling Encryption
From Stu, one of our best customers and sources of information:
Jim Louderback, the editor of PC Mag, made a mention that his favorite add-on no longer works. He was referring to your Slingbox recorder. This was done on his podcast – What’s New Now? (July 21)
Looks like Sling is going to be facing more competition – not just from Sony’s LocationFree, but also new companies called HAVA and AirEpoch. It’s going to be hard to maintain the encryption policy, especially if the competition is open to recording.
I predict that there will be a permanent recording solution for Slingbox devices by January 1, 2007. Or even earlier if they want to HAVA good Christmas season.
Another great reason to record Sling streams
Here’s an At-Large Recorder customer who used At-Large Recorder and Slingbox to record closed-circuit surveillance video:
“I love the software and it helped catch a break-in at my house. Turned it over to the authorities.”
– Art Gimpleton
This is one example of a very good use of recording technology via a vis Sling.
Fight for your right to record
I posted this on the Sling Community forum, and liked it so much, I decided to share it with you. It’s in response to why it’s such a big deal about Sling encrypting their stream. I feel it expresses what Applian stands for as a company really well.
Why should anyone care? It’s important to fight for your right to make recordings for your personal use. If you have a TiVo, imagine a world without it. Or what if ripping MP3s from a CD became illegal? Every so often, a piece of horrible legislation is proposed to curb your personal recording rights, and so far, none have passed. Even if you don’t own At-Large Recorder, you have a vested interest in retaining the status quo vis a vis your rights to record.
So far nobody’s been able to come up with a good law-based explanation why being able to record your Sling stream is illegal, or puts Sling in any legal risk. Granted there is the desire for Sling not to do more to rock the boat with the Content Owners, but recording and place-shifting are really two distinct, separate issues.
You’re already paying for your Cable or Satellite TV. You can record it via TiVo or your PC and copy it to your iPod. You should be able to do the same with your Sling stream.
Sling and Applian in PC Magazine
We’re still hoping Sling comes up with a way to work with us so their customers can make recordings for their personal use.
In the meantime, PC Magazine has hooked onto the story:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1991289,00.asp