CES 2006: Slingbox TV player coming to the UK

7 January 2006 16:19 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Slingbox, the US device that allows you to watch television from your home anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet-enabled PC is coming to the UK this year.

A spokeswoman told Pocket-lint on the Sling Media stand at CES in Las Vegas “A PAL version that supports Sky will be available in the first half of the year”.

Sling Media started a limited Beta program for the European market beginning in November and is working to thoroughly test the Slingbox to ensure compatibility with various satellite and cable set-top-boxes around the world. The company is also finalizing distribution plans, and will have pricing and availability information in the second quarter.

“We made a concerted effort to focus on the US market first, building our retail channel and customer base here”, said Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of Sling Media.

Slingbox, is a fairly groundbreaking piece of kit. Launched in America last year the device works by connecting the Slingbox jointly to an internet connection and your television.

The Slingbox then redirects the TV signal from any cable box, satellite receiver, or digital video recorder like a PVR to any computer of your choice to watch on the go.

The accompanying PC software will even allow you to change channels and stream content when you connection speed isn't to great thanks to video optimisation technology bundled in the box.

The company didn't mention a price for the UK or an exact release date, but we expect it will wait until CeBIT in March to make a further announcement.

We will keep you posted.