SlingCatcher to deliver web and PC digital media to TV

January 18, 2008 –Sling Media announced a new product called the SlingCatcher at the CES 2008 show, which will enable the delivery of web and PC/Mac digital media to a TV located in the home, as well as placeshifting favourite TV programming.

The SlingProjector application included with SlingCatcher will enable users to wirelessly project any website or digital video/audio format onto their TV.  “Current ‘digital media adaptors’ only provide subsets of the digital media experience we have come to love on our PCs and Macs,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Sling Media. 

“The beauty of the Internet is its totality and diversity.  Hence the notion of providing subsets of it on the TV screen just doesn’t cut it.  In keeping with our reputation of providing uncompromised and empowering solutions to consumers, the SlingProjector application enables you to enjoy a full-blown web and digital media experience on the TV.  Essentially, anything that can be viewed or played on my PC can now be slung to my TV via the SlingCatcher’s SlingProjector feature.”

The SlingCatcher will also include a SlingPlayer for TV application, enabling users to move TV content around the home or access content from the home remotely via a TV, without the need for a PC or Mac in the process.

“From the very beginning our customers have asked why we didn’t offer a product that allows them to watch their home TV via the Slingbox on another TV,” commented Mr. Krikorian.  “For instance, Slingbox customers have shown a desire to access their living room DVR on every TV in the home.  The SlingCatcher enables them to do just that.”

The SlingCatcher also has the ability to download or stream content directly from the Internet without the need for a PC to serve the content.  Sling reports that it is currently discussing partnership opportunities with content owners to create and deliver their offerings directly to the TV via the SlingCatcher.

The SlingCatcher will include standard-definition and high-definition AV outputs to connect to a TV including HDMI, component, S-Video and Composite video, as well as analogue and digital audio.  The device also features integrated wireless and a standard Ethernet jack, and will be available from the middle of this year for under $200.