Slingbox Networked Video
The Slingbox from Sling Media is a dedicated piece of hardware that connects to virtually any A/V source and is used to stream the audio and video to any networked device, including anywhere on the Internet. Watch and control your cable box or DVD player from anywhere in your house right from your computer desktop. Set up a wireless laptop anywhere within reach of your wireless access point and have instant videos. Connect with a supported cell phone or PDA from anywhere in the world and access the content on your DVR.
Intriguing as this sounds at first, I can see some potential drawbacks. It sports inputs for baseband audio, composite video, S-video, and RF. In my mind, it really could use a Firewire input as well so content that is already digital can stay digital and avoid the analog intermediate step. My Comcast DCT6412 STB has its Firewire output enabled and the pictures coming from it are spectacular when displayed on my laptop’s screen.
Next, most broadband connection upload speeds are a fraction of their download side, so you need a higher-end Internet connection to get decent quality remotely. On a related note, you also need a static IP address to access it from outside the home. Again, static connections usually carry a higher price tag.
Nevertheless, several people over at Engadget who have bought the unit and left comments had very positive things to say about it. For $249, it might be worth a look.