Alessandro
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Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA
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|  #1 Posted on 27.8.12 0944.37 | Instant Rating: 4.63 | Simple question (I think), but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on their website ...
Our cable box is hard-wired into our modem, but our computer accesses the internet over our wireless router. Now, the set-up states that you need to install the Slingbox software on a computer on your wired router ... So, do I need to plug a computer directly into the modem, or can it still work over the wireless network?
Also, does the computer need to be in constant communication with the Slingbox (effectively acting like a "server"), or is that just a one-time thing to set up the software and then the computer can be taken out of the equation?
My new inappropriate catchphrase: Vinegar, please!
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| | Promote this thread! |           | thecubsfan
Scrapple
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| #2 Posted on 27.8.12 1028.43 | Instant Rating: 9.28 | I don't have a slingbox, but this page says
After you’re done with the setup via Slingbox.com, your home computer does not need to be on when viewing your Slingbox remotely.
That sounds like it's a one time thing, so you probably can connect via wireless connection on your computer.
What you may need (this is where someone who actually knows should interrupt) is to directly connect the Slingbox to the router during the setup to get it on the wireless network.
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| #3 Posted on 27.8.12 1627.37 | Don't know if they have changed things in the two years since I set mine up, but at that time it had to be connected directly to the router using ethernet cable or thru some sort of ethernet bridge. I chose the bridge route since my router and u-verse box that I wanted to connect the slingbox to were in different rooms.
Even though I'm fairly technical, I still had to make one call to customer support. But they were very helpful. Seems like I had to modify the port that the wireless uses or somesuch.
I have watched my home TV using laptops (PCs and Macs), iPhones, and iPads via the slingbox with very little trouble. | Alessandro
Lap cheong
Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA
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| #4 Posted on 29.8.12 1220.59 | Instant Rating: 4.63 | Of course, now I just stumbled upon this page on the Slingbox site ...
N/S = Not Supported. This browser/system combination is not recommended for use with the current Setup or Watch features of Slingbox.com.
Since we use XP and have no plans on upgrading anytime soon, that puts a big-ass fly in the ointment 
Of course, this page mentions using XP ... So if it just "not recommended", or will it not work?
Ugh, so confusing ...
My new inappropriate catchphrase: Vinegar, please!
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| Mr. Boffo
Scrapple
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| #5 Posted on 30.8.12 0108.48 | Instant Rating: 8.21 | | Probably a chance that it won't work, and tech support won't help you if it doesn't. | Alessandro
Lap cheong
Since: 2.1.02
From: Worcester MA
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| #6 Posted on 30.8.12 0830.07 | Instant Rating: 4.63 | Well, got the Slingbox, ran it through the cable box and plugged it into the wireless router; the computer actually recognized it and installed the necessary software ... and just as we were at the point of success, we get the "No Video Signal."
Everything else works, the virtual remote on the computer can turn the cable box on and off and change channels, but there's no picture/sound ... However, my brother (who's taking another business trip to England, hence the desire to set up a Slingbox in the first place) was able to get about five seconds of video running before he got the same error message, so I assume that means all the inputs/outputs are correctly plugged in.
This page makes it sound like it could be a TV signal problem rather than a weak internet connection (which I thought might be a problem caused by the wireless router) ... So close and yet so far!
UPDATE: Well, tried it again last night (after plugging and unplugging the component cables to make sure they were securely screwed in), got the "No Video Signal" message again ... However, then I tried the "Pop Up Player" - which plays the video in a smaller screen, for some reason - and I was able to watch everything (SD channels, HD channels, stuff on the DVR) for like 15 minutes! I was even able to switch back from the pop up window to the "full" screen, and it continued to work.
My brother tried it over in England this morning, and the same thing; got the "No Video Signal" message initally, then switched to "Pop Up Player" and that got things working ... so I guess the moral of the story is that Slingbox service can be, um, inconsistent? I guess?
(edited by Alessandro on 31.8.12 0849)
My new inappropriate catchphrase: Vinegar, please!
PWALD | LOYT | BAB
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