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EchoStar is set to launch its SlingModem – a product that combines a standard Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) cable modem and a Slingbox at a Cable Show trade event in New Orleans next week. The device incorporates the place-shifting capabilities of Sling’s popular Slingbox, which allows television content to be transmitted from a consumer’s TV set to any location with an Internet connection. 

The SlingModem observes the DOCSIS 2.0 specification and can be used like a typical high-speed-data modem that connects to the Internet. Moreover, it also includes Sling Media’s proprietary video-encoding technology, which enhances traditional TV programming and makes it suitable for streaming to PCs and Internet-capable mobile devices – in one efficient housing. 

EchoStar is said to be working on other products and services for cable operators and would probably launch them this year.

Via [Crave]

Looking to keep its promise of delivering newer versions of its SlingPlayer Mobile software, Sling Media has made updates available for download on their web site today. And not only did they update three currently existing versions of their software client, but they also added support for a few new devices, namely the Nokia N95 8GB, the Treo 500v, and the Samsung i760. Streaming has also been optimized on select handsets, and one such is the Sprint Mogul. Interestingly enough, though, the SlingPlayer Mobile software client on the Palm OS has not been upgraded yet like the other clients.

To download the latest version of SlingPlayer Mobile, all you have to do is log on to Sling Media’s web site and click on the appropriate links. You won’t be needing to fork out any money because the download for the upgrades are free, unless of course if you’re not already an existing customer, at which case you’d have to pay $30 per handset. And don’t forget you also need a Slingbox set up in your home (or any place you stay) for all this to work. So unless you do and you’re willing to pay for the hardware (and software, for new customers), don’t be dreaming up about this right now, thinking that things will magically appear out of nowhere. More info available at the following links.

Download [Sling Media] Via [Crave]

It seems that Sling Media is planning to have a very busy year, with support coming to more and more devices. Dave Zatz has confirmed that they (Sling Media) have an iPhone SDK, but where they decide to go with be another story and an actual player has not been confirmed to be in the works yet. According to Dave “we know it’s [iPhone] a hot platform and we’ll see what our options are.” Sounds like it would be a smart move.

In addition Sling Media, just yesterday confirmed the upcoming SlingPlayer support for the Symbian UIQ, Nokia N95 8GB and also confirmed they still have the previously announced Blackberry player in the works. Assuming it all goes according to plan, it look like we geeks could have our choice of mobile phone and not have to worry about Sling Player support.

Via [CrunchGear]

Sling has announced their upcoming release of SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian UIQ. With no specific date for launch, the SlingPlayer Mobile is expected to be available this summer and will support the Sony Ericsson P1i, P990i, W960i, W950i, M600i and the Motorola MOTORIZR Z8.

In addition Sling also has some good news for Nokia N95 owners, the current version of the SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian S60 also has an update in the works, look for that sometime in the Spring of 2008.

A specific release date has not yet been announced, however we will be looking for more information to come during CTIA next week.

Read [Sling Media]

Sling has announced the SlingPlayer Mobile for Blackberry. More information will be available during a demonstration during CES, however we do know that the SlingPlayer Mobile for BlacBerry is on track for a release “later this year” and will set you back $29.99. The demonstration at CES is going to be using the Pearl 8120, no word yet on whether the player will support other BlackBerry models.

As like other SlingPlayer Mobile clients, users will be able to stream recorded content to their BlackBerry using either the cell network or an available Wi-Fi connection.

Read [SlingMedia]

Sling has announced the Slingbox PRO-HD, bringing you flexibility to view your HD content around the house. The PRO-HD will feature multiple inputs and outputs including a digital audio and digital ATSC/QAM tuner. With the PRO-HD users will be able to stream 1080i, 5.1 surround content to a computer in the house or using the SlingCatcher the content will be able to be passed off to another HDTV in the house. Streaming to a remote computer will be possible but will require a fast internet connection such as FiOS.

The Slingbox PRO-HD is scheduled for a release in Q3 2008 and will retail for $399.99.

Read [SlingMedia]

If you can’t go to the game, bring the game to you. That is what Slingbox did for the Berkeley football fans. California athletics sent the scoreboard feed from Washington State’s Martin Stadium directly to the Memorial Stadium scoreboard in Berkeley for a “broadcast” of this game between the two schools.

Now only if I was able to stream my college class back in the day.

Via [Zatz Not Funny]

LocationFree TV, Sony’s answer to the Sling Box, is currently only available on PCs, certain LCD monitors, and Sony PSPs but that is going to change. It seems that they are not going to go down quietly to some small CE company, Sling Media. Sling recently announced support for Macs and handheld devices and plans to support these locations too. Sony announced this past Tuesday that it licensed its LocationFree technology to Kaga Electronics, which will port the technology to the Mac OS X platform. Customers will be able to enjoy “LocationFree” with Windows Mobile and cellular phones as well, Sony added.

“As telecommunications infrastructure advances, Sony will increase licensing of ‘LocationFree’ software in order to expand the number of compatible products,” the company said in a statement. “This will create a life style where TV and video content can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.”

Read [Extreme Tech]