Slingbox

Besides the neat name, this TV accessory is at the top of every gadget-guy's wishlist. It offers some geeky fun, and maybe even some practical applications.

The Slingbox attaches to your televsion source (basic cable, set-top-box, or DVR) and puts the content on your home network. You can access the content from any other connected computer on the network. For example, you can watch TV on your laptop after wirelessly connecting to your home network. But wait, there's more...

You could also use your laptop on the road to watch your TV (or recorded progams on your DVR) just by connecting to your home network through any broadband internet access. From anywhere in the world. But, that's not all.

You can also control your television source from your laptop - change channels, view your list of recorded programs, fast-forward, pause, etc.

And if that doesn't just make your credit card sweat pennies... You can also access your Slingbox from your Windows Mobile or Palm* device. With at least EVDO bandwidth you could watch TV from anywhere you have phone coverage. There is mobile support for PocketPC and Symbian phones, too.

I don't have a phone (or the necessary data plan) to play Sling content but I do have a Palm TX so I convinced myself to order the Slingbox AV. The best excuse I could articulate was, "I really want to watch the baseball game. But, being the selfless guy I am, I don't want to interrupt your Wii Fit sessions, Dear." Voila, baseball on my PDA. Anywhere in the house. Lame, huh? But that's my line. And I'm stickin' to it.

Google Slingbox and see how many college students are watching their parents' cable programming from the dorm. Miles and miles from home. Now there's some real justification for the $115 Slingbox.

Wireless HDTV at Last!

The HDTV peripheral I've been waiting for most looks to be coming soon. It appears the Belkin FlyWire will be the first on the shelves.

This device eliminates the audio and video wires running to your TV with a switch/transmitter attached to your set-top-box, game console, etc., and a receiver attached to (or mounted to the wall near) your television.

I'll be watching reports when the FlyWire hits the streets and hoping for competition (lower prices).