Don't buy the Sling HD connect cable - more accurately referred to as a component video adapter - if you're eager to get your Slingbox Pro broadcasting HD quality, since it won't do that. Instead, buy it if you want to connect multiple sources to your Slingbox, since the 4-way IR blaster that's included means you can actually take advantage of the full input capability of the Pro. I take a star off on both how this has been mismarketed and how it should have been included with the Pro, but it's a must have if you're going to truly take advantage of the Pro's capabilities.
The Slingbox is a really neat toy, but they've done a semi-unethical job positioning the Pro and this adapter as HD "compatible" in an attempt to catch on to the HD upgrade wave. Some of it isn't their fault, as bandwidth is a huge issue. Think of it this way: compressed high definition video in 1080i runs somewhere in the 8-10 GB/hour range, with uncompressed video directly from over-the-air stations running quite a bit higher. Even the fastest current cable modems - let alone DSL - would have problems keeping up with that, and with uploading generally limited to 1/10th that speed to prevent you from running a file server, it's a moot issue, which is why the Slingbox limits remote uploads to 320x240. And while you can get closer to the required speed on a LAN and the Pro transmits 640x480 video over it, it'd probably take $600 more of hardware for the Slingbox to process a 1080i stream - and while Slingbox is neat, it's certainly not $1000 neat.
So the Slingbox downrezzes any HD signal you send into it. Whether or not connecting a HD component to this adapter results in improved output depends a whole lot on how well your DVR or TV already downrezzes to 480i, which also makes sense: an expensive piece of hardware like that generally has better electronics to do so. Generally, the best reason to buy this for the HD input capability alone is if you have an oddball HD source, like my DVHS VCR which doesn't display menus in certain resolutions. Otherwise, it's a crapshoot as to whether or not you'll get improved video even within your LAN. (Outside of it you probably won't notice the difference much either way.) And by the way, even though the port looks like it accepts an HDMI input, the adapter only accepts component video inputs - although at least it includes a set of component video cables so you can pass through the signal if you need to without spending any more than you already have.
The reason you buy this, though, is that the Pro is very good at streaming 4 separate devices - but while you can connect 3 devices without this item, you can only control 2 with the IR blaster that comes with the Pro. I spent a while trying to figure out a workaround for this, looking into such things as 3/32" Y cable splitters connecting to 1/8" plugs and looking into finding another brand of IR blasters since Sling won't sell you a second one. Then I hit my head against the wall once I realized this includes a 4-prong IR blaster. Basically, buy this cable set if you plan on taking full advantage of the Pro's capabilities to remotely control more than 2 devices - or get a headache.
No real excuse for Sling Media not to include this with the Pro and not to explain it to the consumer properly, but such is life. Sling Media HD Connect Cable for Slingbox Pro ( HD200-100 )
This rather expensive addition adds 1 additional RGB input into the sling. If you have an ACTIVE RGB output on your cable box or DVD you can use this input.
It converts 1080i 720p 480i and 480p into sling compression. From there it is really just 16:9 standard definition with moderate to very high compression. I am unsure if it will accept 1080p.
Don't expect HD on your computer.
If you need the extra input you can use it. There is a mild improvement in looking at an HD signal using this rather than the S Video input from the cable box. The biggest difference is that the sling handles the 16:9 better with this cable (it doesn't just enlarge it to fill the frame) but sends it as anamorphic format then expands it back to 16:9
This eliminates sending letterboxed images that further reduce resolution.
It handled changes from 720p to 480i well although it takes a second or 2 to figure it out.
Overall,if you want mildly better 16:9 video and one more input you need this connector.
The connections offered on this cable could just as easily been made available on the Slingbox HD unit itself. Making this cable necessary to connect component devices was done purely to create an "add-on" sale. Nevertheless, it solves the problem and does its job.
This is a must-have accessory for your new Slingbox Pro. It is a shame that SlingMedia did not include this cable with the Slingbox Pro. This is something that I'm sure a lot of folks don't realize until they go to hook up their component video source to their SlingBox... Oh well, enough about that.
This cable is very well made. Its construction is very solid. The input/output connections are very clearly labelled. The cable is essentially a small dongle that connects to the Slingbox via an ~12 inch cable with an HDMI-like connector. The component interface to your Slingbox is proprietary so you need to purchase this cable if you want to connect component video to your Slingbox Pro.
The cable comes in a very stylish box. SlingMedia obviously takes great pride in their products to provide such nice packaging.
This cable includes the following items (this was a great surprise):
- One dongle cable as described above
- One set of 3-conductor male-to-male component video cables
- One set of 2-conductor male-to-male stereo audio cables
- One 4-headed IR blaster cable. This cable can be used in place of the 2-headed IR blaster cable that comes with the Slingbox Pro. This allows you to easily control up to 4 devices.
You essentially connect this cable between your audio/video source (ex. Cable box or DVR) and your HDTV. Note: You have to keep your Slingbox powered on otherwise the signals do not pass through this dongle to your HDTV. This shouldn't be a problem since the Slingbox is designed to be left powered on continuously.
Nice job Sling! - Online Communication - Internet Tv - Sling Media - Networking'
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