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Connecting to your Slingbox out of the LAN is very simple if you have a router that can support UPnP, (Universal Plug and Play), which most modern routers do. This enables the Slingbox to configure the router to open the necessary ports and then communicate with the Slingbox servers automatically so that when you type in your Slingbox name it can always be found. Those, who wish to set things up manually however, can do so. I tested on Windows Mobile too, using an HTC Touch, and for some reason was forced to manually enter in the full Finder ID as well as my Slingbox name, which took a stupid amount of time. Once done though, I was again impressed with the quality over Wi-FI , with a full, smooth and pleasingly detailed image.

All in all, it was nice to be reunited with the Slingbox, and I found that it has nicely moved on in the year since it first launched. The lack of wireless is a shame in one sense, but does actually simplify things once you've got round the problem and ensures reliability. You also need to be sure that you need all those inputs, other wise the SOLO might be the better choice. The Slingbox classic can still be picked up but production has ceased, so it will disappear before too long. Having multiple inputs at my disposal though really enhanced the product, though if you're sure you'll only want to Sling from one source, then the new, cheaper and more stylishly designed Slingbox SOLO will suffice. Personally, not having Freeview would be a deal breaker for me, but the choice is there.

Verdict

The Slingbox Pro has improved on the original in every respect. It's smarter on the outside, and smarter on the inside too. The increase in inputs adds flexibility, specifically the addition of component input. The increase in maximum quality is tangible, and platform support is good too, on Windows, Mac and some smartphones. The Slingbox Pro is a class act, and a great way of distributing your TV.

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