For the television aficionado, the Slingbox can be quite a useful product. But it isn't for everyone—it has its limitations and isn't designed to work in every country or with every operating system. This page was created to help you discover whether or not this is the piece of technology for you.

Macintosh

Slingbox does not presently work with OS X, though Sling Media plans to support Macs sometime in 2006. However, with Apple's Boot Camp software, Windows XP can now be installed on Macintosh computers that contain an Intel chip, which suggests that the SlingPlayer could be installed on a Macintosh.

Linux

Slingbox is not designed to work on Linux machines.

Video Formats

Initially, the Slingbox was only designed for use with NTSC signals, which are primarily used in North America. A PAL-format Slingbox is slated for release in 2006, and third-party NTSC/PAL converters have been reported to work with varying degrees of success.

Multiple Users

The Slingbox can only be accessed by one user at a time, to stay in compliance with copyright laws and to ensure that you aren't broadcasting your TV programming to anyone who has the SlingPlayer on their computer.

Recording Content

The Slingbox is not designed to record TV programming—its only purpose is to stream any content, be it a live broadcast or a recording, from your TV source to a computer.

Community

Not surprisingly, an engaged community has built up around the Slingbox, made up of users both old and new, who are a constant resource to community members seeking information on the Slingbox. Located at slingcommunity.com, this group works with Sling Media to disseminate updates about the product.