Sling Media has announced the release of SlingPlayer for Mac, software that enables Mac users to watch their TV on the Mac. SlingPlayer works in cooperation with the Slingbox, a “placeshifting” device that lets you watch your TV on your computer over a local network or the Internet. SlingPlayer is a free download.
Slingbox comes in three different varieties — a basic device that lets you watch basic cable programming; the Slingbox AV, which lets you watch and control digital cable, satellite or DVR programming; and Slingbox Pro, which lets you configure up to four home theater devices. SlingPlayer for Mac supports all Slingbox hardware. In all three cases, the devices stream content to your computer (or select mobile devices), so you can watch TV while you’re away from home.
SlingPlayer for Mac supports more than 5,000 AV devices, and includes support for the Apple TV, AT&T U-verse and TiVo Series 3 DVR. It also works with iPods.
Sling Media’s Web site still listed SlingPlayer for Mac OS X as a beta version as Macworld posted this article, and the download also identifies itself as a beta. The company has been offering public beta releases of SlingPlayer for Mac for some time. Sling Media has announced the release of the “final” SlingPlayer 1.0 for Mac, however, so it is expected to be available for download shortly.
System requirements call for a G4/700MHz or faster (including Intel), 512MB RAM, Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, 100MB hard disk space, 1024 x 768 resolution and Ethernet network connectivity or 802.11a, b or g Wi-Fi networking.