EchoStar, today announced its entry into the cable industry with the introduction of a CableLabs Certified SlingModem.
With the SlingModem, customers can watch and control their TV programming on any Internet-connected computing device just as they would in front of the living room television. The Slingbox determines what kind of device you’re using (PC, Mac, or mobile device) and provides the information to SlingStream, which configures the appropriate video quality and bandwidth parameters.
Earlier this year EchoStar spun-off from DISH Networks. EchoStar then purchased Sling Media and is now pursuing OEM relationships with cable operators worldwide.
SlingModem is a DOCSIS 2.0-certified cable modem with a built-in Slingbox. By connecting the device directly to a coax cable input or set-top box, subscribers can also receive live or recorded television on any Internet-connected device.
SlingModem is the first product from EchoStar and will be sold to cable operators. EchoStar is working on a variety of other products and services for cable operators to be introduced later this year.
There are a growing number of options for moving media from your PC or cable connection to a handheld. Apple’s video-enabled iPod can utilize Apple TV. There’s also TiVo To Go, Sony’s LocationFree TV, Orb software and the new Netflix $99 VOD box from Roku.
Cable operators are enabling their own wireless delivery channels. Echostar bought their own nationwide 700 MHz channel at the recent FCC auction, while Comcast and Time/Warner have a piece of the nationwide Mobile WiMAX network being built by Sprint and Clearwire at 2.5 GHz while Cablevision plans to build a WiFi cloud around New York City.
Engadget has a good roundup of news at The Cable Show in New Orleans this week.
.gif)
