Slingplayer "by Q1"

[acosmichippo]

http://www.slingmedia.com/go/iphone

The planets are aligning...

[psylichon]

Isn't it already Q1? So this means by the end of April... they hope? What's the holdup?

[acosmichippo]

sling media has problems coding for macs, i think. the mac version of their software is always months behind the windows (or other) releases.

[up10ad]

Uh, Dave, Q1 is the first quarter of the year, or since we have 12 months, that would be the first three, which ends in March. They have 31 days or so by my count. And that video is toooooo coooool. I can stop thinking Orb.

[psylichon]

Regardless, seems an odd way to put it seeing as how we're well along into Q1. Shouldn't they say "by Q2"?

[acosmichippo]

if i understand it correctly, the fiscal year for business is past january.

could be wrong, though.

still, the point is it's coming. good enough for me.

[acosmichippo]

from wikipedia:

1st Quarter: October 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008
2nd Quarter: January 1, 2009 – March 31, 2009
3rd Quarter: April 1, 2009 – June 30, 2009
4th Quarter: July 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009




stupid business folks gotta change it all around. so it looks like we're currently in Q2, so they're saying it'll be released by NEXT Q1 (october).

[psylichon]

Considering how long they've been talking about releasing this, I wouldn't really get too excited about anything they say at this point.

[acosmichippo]

oh, i know.

the fact that they'd even put a date on it is a little surprising. The optimistic view would be that they have a good enough start on it to know that the worst-case would be october this year.

here's hoping.

[chris]

I never thought they'd get approved, but then I saw their "app preview". Notice the WiFi symbol. I'm betting it goes out WiFi only. If I'm in a WiFi area, I usually have my laptop or don't have a need for SlingPlayer. Glass half full or half empty. Guess it depends.

[acosmichippo]

i don't see why they wouldn't allow it for 3g... orb streams over 3g as well as a lot of other media apps.

and at this point, i really don't think it was apple or ATT denying them approval... i think they just really have problems developing for apple/mac products.

[chris]

i don't see why they wouldn't allow it for 3g... orb streams over 3g as well as a lot of other media apps.

and at this point, i really don't think it was apple or ATT denying them approval... i think they just really have problems developing for apple/mac products.

Give me SlingPlayer and StarPlayr...I'll be a happy camper. (and it'll make shopping with my wife easier)

[Youngbinks]

I just got super excited. I will be quite annoyed if it is WiFi only, but whatever.

[hopmann]

I talked to the guys at the Sling booth at CES this year. They said it would be out by the end of March for the iPhone...

[up10ad]

I talked to the guys at the Sling booth at CES this year. They said it would be out by the end of March for the iPhone...
That meets the Q1 deadline and gives them 29 days to go. I just felt a tingle go up my leg.

[acosmichippo]

But, strictly speaking, Q1 isn't until October.

I see what you're saying, but that's too logical.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Now, Slingmedia says that they're submitting the slingbox app to the AppStore by the end of Q1, not that it will be available by that time. I see all sorts of possibilities for delays before this app is out and ready for purchase and download.

I can get the Slingbox Solo on sale right now. but I don't want to buy it if the app is never approved or isn't out until September or whatever...

[psylichon]

Geez. Vaporware city. Anyone wanna place bets on which comes first for the iPhone... Slingplayer, C+P, or MMS?

I bet on C+P

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Geez. Vaporware city. Anyone wanna place bets on which comes first for the iPhone... Slingplayer, C+P, or MMS?

I bet on C+P

I have workable copy & paste already -- I'm happy now...:smile:

[Youngbinks]

And I've got mostly working MMS. SlingPlayer is what I need.

[ksennette]

I had a Treo 750 and a Nokia N95, and The Slingplayer Mobile worked very well with 3G on both phones.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Well, I went ahead and ordered a Slingbox Solo from Newegg (on sale for $149). If the app never appears, I can sell the box...

[skipere]

I think this app might never happen . Either they have major bugs and cannot resolve or violate Apple term of services. It took too long to bring it to market. Orblive really good and kick butt.

[bulls6pack]

I think this app might never happen . Either they have major bugs and cannot resolve or violate Apple term of services. It took too long to bring it to market. Orblive really good and kick butt.

Why do you say that? They said they were going to submit the app at the end of Q1 (March 31st) and wait to hear what Apple has to say. Which I recently read that the app approval process usually takes about 7 days. So that would put the Slingplayer Mobile app in the app store by about April 7th. Why do you think it's a dead deal?

[ant7701]

slingmedia is too big of a company to not keep at it to make it perfect. Besides.....the slingbox itself is perhaps the greatest invention since the microwave so i'll wait for it rather than waste my money on orb.

[skipere]

I follow both Slingmedia and Orb for as long as both said something about I phone App.
I own both Orblive and slingmedia box. The Orb team are geat group of people , they actively work with community to send Orblive out to the market . Sling on the other hand are very disappointing. They dragging their feet on all measure. It is worse when they bought out by other company. Call it a hunch , nothing concrete, that's all.

[acosmichippo]

I agree they do have problems developing for apple products. But since they have printed it on their website, I think we have to assume they have something resembling a final product.

If it is a situation where they can't write an app without violating the sdk tos (but I don't think it is), then they should have an easier time with the 3.0 software.

[psylichon]

Submitted to the appstore

http://www.tuaw.com/2009/03/26/slingplayer-for-iphone-submitted-to-app-store/

[chris]

I'm calling approval for WiFi only making it minimally useful.

[psylichon]

Hey, if Orb's doing it, they would have to grant it to Sling as well, as long as they kept the bandwidth requirements the same as Orb (which is amazingly efficient for the quality, I think)

[psylichon]

Geez. Vaporware city. Anyone wanna place bets on which comes first for the iPhone... Slingplayer, C+P, or MMS?

I bet on C+P

By the way, as of over a week ago, I could C+P with my stock iPhone. Still can't get MMS working, nor will I ever, apparently, on my V1 :tounge:

[acosmichippo]

so happy right now...

...getting the ol slingbox outta the closet right now...

[PapaST]

I'm not familiar with Slingbox quality over a mobile device. Does anyone know what the quality is like? Are we talking as good as watching a movie from iTunes or is more like YouTube quality?

[bulls6pack]

By the way, as of over a week ago, I could C+P with my stock iPhone. Still can't get MMS working, nor will I ever, apparently, on my V1 :tounge:

How's that? You jailbroke your phone, or have you found another way?

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

How's that? You jailbroke your phone, or have you found another way?


Copy & paste is an integrated feature of the 3.0 beta firmware.

[bulls6pack]

Copy & paste is an integrated feature of the 3.0 beta firmware.

My bad! I didnt know he was running the beta firmware. As far as the Slingbox app, Im pumped. Hopefully this passes the approval process with no problems.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

My bad! I didnt know he was running the beta firmware. As far as the Slingbox app, Im pumped. Hopefully this passes the approval process with no problems.

I bought a Slingbox Solo specifically for the app release, so I'm pretty happy as well.

[nyc_rock]

Apple would garner a lot of negative pub if they dont approve this......quickly.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Apple would garner a lot of negative pub if they dont approve this......quickly.

Do you really think Apple cares about negative publicity?

[acosmichippo]

As the marketing types say... Any publicity is good publicity.

[chris]

Apple would garner a lot of negative pub if they dont approve this......quickly.

I for one wouldn't count on their policies being driven by public perception. While it would create a minor stir in tech forums such as this one, it's a blip on the PR radar for a company the size and scope of Apple.

[bulls6pack]

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this, I will be strongly considering a new phone this summer if this app is rejected.

[ant7701]

I'm not familiar with Slingbox quality over a mobile device. Does anyone know what the quality is like? Are we talking as good as watching a movie from iTunes or is more like YouTube quality?


quality on my htc was perfect. Literally.....no lag as long as I had a good signal. And even the slight imperfections I had with clarity was also due to the HTC's screen type and size, nothing like the iphone screen so I can't wait for this app. Seeing the anouncement on slingmedias website 2 months ago is the ONLY reason I broke down and bought the iphone. Banking on the fact that I could watch most of the upcoming baseball season :)

[acosmichippo]

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this, I will be strongly considering a new phone this summer if this app is rejected.

why would rejecting an app make you WANT to buy a new iphone?

[bulls6pack]

Because I have a Slingbox, I want my tv on my phone, and if iphones cant do it, there are other phones out there that can.

I didn't say anything about buying a new IPHONE, I said phone.

[up10ad]

Dang, pay attention hippo! ;)

[acosmichippo]

how was i supposed to know he meant a new NON iphone?

especially with all the talk of a new iPhone released this summer...

[nyc_rock]

Do you really think Apple cares about negative publicity?

Yes, yes I do. Why else would they now release copy and paste? You dont think they were tired of being rediculed? End of the day, they are in business to make money and pissing off their best customers is not a real good way to go. And many many customers WILL be pissed off if Apple should reject this.

[acosmichippo]

If apple rejects it, it MAY be because it's just a bad app.

But there won't be any way for us to know.

[psylichon]

Maybe Sling should add some jiggle or fart ability.

[nyc_rock]

If apple rejects it, it MAY be because it's just a bad app.

But there won't be any way for us to know.


Thats possible, but its not like Sling is new at this. Thier programs run fine on Winmo, Symbian, Palm and Blackberry. Not to mention, they have been working on the iphone version for quite a while.

[up10ad]

If apple rejects it, it MAY be because it's just a bad app.Hey hippo, From all I have read it's kinda hard to tell just why Apple rejects some apps, but do you think they make determinations of whether an app is 'good' or 'bad' in making a decision of whether to approve it or not? From what I have seen they approve a lot of junk apps.

[acosmichippo]

By "bad app" I mean more along the lines of poorly written. While fart apps are "bad" in the sense that they're immature and useless, I'm sure they're coded just fine (only because it would be difficult to mess that up).

But i'll be honest, I'm not a huge app user, so I don't know first-hand how many apps apple lets through that don't work very well... I just assumed that's one of the reasons there's an approval process to begin with.

[up10ad]

Hmm, I guess that could be true, but I bet the main reason for the approval process is to keep out apps that violate the App Store terms. For example, Apps for things as benign as Craig's List have to omit searching for 'personals' because they sometimes are a bit too risque for Apple. There are loads of aps that are so poorly written that they crash regularly, especially v1.0. I'm betting Apple's focus is on content over performance or proper coding. Heck, they have let some developers blatantly plagiarize other devs apps and done virtually nothing even when notified except to suggest the developer get an attorney. They are enforcing their rules but doing nothing to screen for quality, price or consumer/developer protection. Just MHO.

...and to stay OT, I can't wait for it to be released!

[acosmichippo]

yes, it was a presumption on my part.

i guess they don't want to get into the "why was my app declined, but THAT one wasn't" gray area. Or, given the recent developments on their attitude toward developers, they just don't want to spend any labor on it.

[PapaST]

I reread this thread trying to figure out if it will be wifi and 3G or just wifi. I guess at this point we still don't know. I'm a gnat's eyelash away from buying a pro HD but won't if it doesn't do 3G.

[PapaST]

Screw it... I order an HD Pro Slingbox anyways. We'll see what happens. Amazon has it for about $50 off.

[ant7701]

AGGGGRRRRRRHHHHHH I cant wait any longer......MLB starts on sunday!!!!!!!!!!

[bulls6pack]

So let me get this straight.....You have to have a newer Solo for it to work? How much newer? I bought mine about a month or two ago. Is that considered new enough? If not, I wont be a happy camper!

[hydro94530]

So let me get this straight.....You have to have a newer Solo for it to work? How much newer? I bought mine about a month or two ago. Is that considered new enough? If not, I wont be a happy camper!

If you bought an actual Slingbox SOLO then your good. The old models weren't called that.

[acosmichippo]

as far as i know it should work on any slingbox model - new or old.

[bulls6pack]

Good, I was about to get angry.

[hydro94530]

as far as i know it should work on any slingbox model - new or old.

If you go to their home page at the bottom, there's a link that offers a $50 credit towards upgrading to a newer slingbox. The only old one that will work is the slingbox Pro, all the other old ones won't work, according to their site anyway.

[bulls6pack]

What's it been now, 11 days? I wish it would get approved already!

[PapaST]

my slingbox doesn't get here till Friday so I don't mind waiting... hope it's worth it.

[minimalposter]

If you go to their home page at the bottom, there's a link that offers a $50 credit towards upgrading to a newer slingbox. The only old one that will work is the slingbox Pro, all the other old ones won't work, according to their site anyway.

Actually both the Solo and the slingbox Pro will work with the iphone app. The older models are not going to be supported. That includeds the AV model which was sold as recent as 3 months ago :(


Sling Media is encouraging customers who own these earlier versions of Slingbox to upgrade to Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD to take advantage of next generation software and services that will only be supported when using the most current Slingbox and SlingLoaded products. Future software includes the highly anticipated SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone software launching soon.

[PapaST]

Doh!... got my slingbox today. They better approve that mofo. ;)

Setup was fairly easy but I was disappointed that the HD Pro doesn't have HDMI... ??? what's up with that?

Interface is nice and clean and the software if pretty intuitive. I like how it can download your guidelists and has little picture icons for each channel.

Interested to see what kind of quality we'll get over the iPhone (whether it's wifi or 3G)

[acosmichippo]

i'd like a Pro to hook up three devices, but all of my stuff is HDMI (except my satellite). They're really behind on adopting it as the standard... no excuse for it, really.

[iStealth]

What's it been now, 11 days? I wish it would get approved already!


Me to, I keep checking macrumors and tuaw for an update......

[MaverickC17]

Does anyone know if SlingPlayer for the iPhone is going to work over 3G?

[acosmichippo]

nope.............

[iStealth]

Bump - When's this thing going to get approved already?????? Aggghhhhh!

[iStealth]

Does anyone know if SlingPlayer for the iPhone is going to work over 3G?
I think they plan for it too, but not sure if Apple or AT&T have that in mind.

[ant7701]

I dont see why not. slingplayer has worked on all cell phone carriers for a while now without wifi just fine, including AT+T. They better not limit it just because it's an iphone with wifi..

[iStealth]

I dont see why not. slingplayer has worked on all cell phone carriers for a while now without wifi just fine, including AT+T. They better not limit it just because it's an iphone with wifi..

Yep but I just have a bad feeling about it....

[Youngbinks]

I also have a feeling they are going to try and make it WiFi only. So annoying and ridiculous.

[soilsample]

Even if they make it wifi only, we should be able to work around that.
On a jailbroken phone of course......
I had my phone using Orb when it first came out and only showed video on wifi. You have to ssh into the phone and change some code. It was not difficult.

I guess it could take some time if you go to 3.0 and it's not jailbroken.

[psylichon]

I had my phone using Orb when it first came out and only showed video on wifi. You have to ssh into the phone and change some code. It was not difficult.

Orb works all the way down to Edge speed (although pretty miserably for video). I think this fact alone would make a wifi-only Slingplayer pretty freakin' lame.

[Eragon]

http://mobilitytoday.com/news/sling_iphone_rejected.html

[bulls6pack]

Hope this isnt true!

[iStealth]

I also have a feeling they are going to try and make it WiFi only. So annoying and ridiculous.
Yeah kinda like skype......

[acosmichippo]

*IF* it was rejected because ATT thought it would eat up bandwidth, it MAY be because the iPhone slingplayer was designed to play at a higher resolution than other phones.

again, *IF* that is the case, sling could easily modify it to use lower resolution over 3G, and higher over wifi (like some internet radio apps do)... or (worst case scenario) make it wifi only.

assuming Sling makes necessary changes, i don't see how this app could be denied again without some serious iTunes competition conspiracy going on.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

There's an update on BoyGenius to the effect that Sling has stated that Apple hasn't even talked to them. So where is all this other news coming from?

[acosmichippo]

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/04/15/slingplayer-for-iphone-rejected-at-atts-request/

an "anonymous tipster".

[psylichon]

This is gonna raise hell. There's no reason for it.

[Youngbinks]

Ugh how annoying. Give us the damn app already.

[soilsample]

I know that orb is available even over edge.
There was a time when orb VIDEO was only wifi, you could do music and pictures over 3g or edge.

The point is IF they approve the app for wifi only, we can work around the issue.

[Eragon]

There's an update on BoyGenius to the effect that Sling has stated that Apple hasn't even talked to them. So where is all this other news coming from?

They don't have to. Remember Netshare? Apple didn't even have the common courtesy to inform the author that the app was pulled from the iTune's store at AT&T's request.

[iStealth]

*IF* it was rejected because ATT thought it would eat up bandwidth, it MAY be because the iPhone slingplayer was designed to play at a higher resolution than other phones.

again, *IF* that is the case, sling could easily modify it to use lower resolution over 3G, and higher over wifi (like some internet radio apps do)... or (worst case scenario) make it wifi only.

assuming Sling makes necessary changes, i don't see how this app could be denied again without some serious iTunes competition conspiracy going on.

Yes but with Apple, nothing suprises me anymore..... I think they like to be "big brother" for the iPhone.

[wildturkey]

WTF if this is true I'm done with AT&T.....I hope Apple doesn't work out an extension with At&t SCREW THEM.....They rejected two of the apps i was really looking forward to Starplayr and now Slingbox. The only reason I bought a slingbox was for the iphone now Im out like $250. Anyone want to buy slingbox solo PM me please. I know sirius radio works through pocket tunes but this is BULL ****!!!!!!

[up10ad]

WTF if this is true I'm done with AT&T.....I hope Apple doesn't work out an extension with At&t SCREW THEM.....They rejected two of the apps i was really looking forward to Starplayr and now Slingbox. The only reason I bought a slingbox was for the iphone now Im out like $250. Anyone want to buy slingbox solo PM me please. I know sirius radio works through pocket tunes but this is BULL ****!!!!!!
I don't think your ire should be directed solely at AT&T. This situation couldn't develop without Apple's cooperation and participation. Can you imagine any other smartphone manufacturer (read BB or any WinMo device) censoring and limiting the apps that would run on them? It is rooted in control, which is based on greed.

[soilsample]

Well
If apple/AT&T slam the door on sling, maybe they will go underground and offer this as a cydia app.
I'd buy it from whatever source makes it available.

[iStealth]

I don't think your ire should be directed solely at AT&T. This situation couldn't develop without Apple's cooperation and participation. Can you imagine any other smartphone manufacturer (read BB or any WinMo device) censoring and limiting the apps that would run on them? It is rooted in control, which is based on greed.
Yes - but if it weren't for AT&T wireless would Apple really care. I don't seem them limiting things thru wifi..

[hydro94530]

Some expanded info on the subject:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/04/16/slingplayer_for_iphone_may_be_facing_opposition_fr om_att.html

And just to add, if the whole U verse thing is true, AT&T can go to hell :)

[PapaST]

Good info... thanks hydro. The U-verse slant sounds plausible.

[hydro94530]

Good info... thanks hydro. The U-verse slant sounds plausible.

Yeah I could easily see AT&T doing this so they could have free reign on the iphone with their own version of a slingplayer/box type of set up.

[dturner]

http://www.148apps.com/news/slingbox-app-rumor-debunked/

Is to work over 3G as well as wifi.

[hydro94530]

http://www.148apps.com/news/slingbox-app-rumor-debunked/

Is to work over 3G as well as wifi.

That makes me a feel a little better, but it's still all so vague as far as "no news" and why it's taking so damn long. Guess we keep waiting.

[dturner]

That makes me a feel a little better, but it's still all so vague as far as "no news" and why it's taking so damn long. Guess we keep waiting.
Yeah, I should have added that even though it has "rumor debunked" in the title it still should be considered a rumor. But it is encouraging.

[Youngbinks]

A rumor that it is able to work on 3G is better than nothing. I'm still annoyed it hasn't yet been approved however.

[ant7701]

everythings a rumor......NO real source has released any hard info. So for today.....I will keep my fingers crossed at all times.

[acosmichippo]

That's the problem. It's been over two weeks. We should have a straight answer one way or the other.

[hydro94530]

That's the problem. It's been over two weeks. We should have a straight answer one way or the other.

I couldn't agree more.

[psylichon]

The longer it goes, the worse it looks, in my opinion.

[Youngbinks]

I'd have to agree. It seems as if Apple is trying to be ultra rigorous and the longer it takes the less positive I feel it's going to meet approval.

[acosmichippo]

Well, look at it this way... If there was some sort of big-business conspiracy to keep sling out of the app store, don't you think it would have been denied immediately? IOW, I don't think they'd sit around for two weeks debating the matter when they've had 4 months to weigh the consequences.

Something fishy's goin on...

[psylichon]

I would bet it's a bandwidth/CPU usage thing. Tell me this... what format does Sling use to throw to other mobiles? I'm betting they've never had to stream something "iTunes-compatible" before, and they're having trouble getting the bandwidth down.

I have absolutely nothing to base this on other than boredom.

[acosmichippo]

certainly a valid thought. Add-in the fact that the iPhone is the highest-resolution mobile screen Sling has made an app for, it could definitely be a bandwidth problem.

still, it doesn't take 2 weeks to measure bandwidth.

[ant7701]

I dont think so. Just because the screen is better.....doesnt mean its gonna download faster or stream faster. Plus the 3g network is fine streaming slingmedia to other phones on the AT+T network so....I'm stumped on what it could be. Other than AT+T worrying about the massive quick increase in bandwidth being used once it drops. Might cause them to stall for maintence or something. Xbox has the same issues....whenever a highly anticipated game comes out and thousands of people buy it and log on all withing the same day or week.....they can't handle it. And xbox's live service ends up shutting down to compensate and maintain regularity.

If you ask me.....its AT+T being dicks about it when they charge $30 a month for unlimited data....but holding us back on things like this

Or just apple nit picking everything like they usually do and asking for 99% of the profits

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I would bet it's a bandwidth/CPU usage thing. Tell me this... what format does Sling use to throw to other mobiles?

I believe it's WMV.

My personal belief is that the Sling app is merely going through the normal approval process and is just taking longer than many of us would like. I just read about a $0.99 game that took five weeks to go through the queue...

[ant7701]

CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.slingcommunity.com/blog/entry/35045/SlingPlayer-Mobile-for-iPhone-Still-Awaiting-Approval-Despite-Rumors/

makes me feel a whole lot better right now :)

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.slingcommunity.com/blog/entry/35045/SlingPlayer-Mobile-for-iPhone-Still-Awaiting-Approval-Despite-Rumors/

makes me feel a whole lot better right now :)

See the thread I posted yesterday:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/third-party-applications/slingbox-rejection-rumor-is-false-46290.html

[ant7701]

ahh....new thread in different forum, ok well thanks for the info. Still waiting like everyone else. :)

[acosmichippo]

I dont think so. Just because the screen is better.....doesnt mean its gonna download faster or stream faster.

it can. Purely a hypothesis on my part. If sling decided to stream the full 320x480 (iphones resolution) at a high enough FPS to the iphone, it would exceed the resolution of other streaming to mobile devices they've done by far.

[ant7701]

yeah but its a signal that its sending....not resolution. i dunno....mine is just a guestimate too :)

ohh...and fps is based on your phones or pcs cpu and not the amount of bandwidth being streamed

[acosmichippo]

I think you're confused. :)

The amount of data used by the sling application will depend on three main things: size of the image (resolution), how often that image changes (fps), and compression (video format).

[ant7701]

I understand that but how does the data usage increase because the screen is larger. Its still the same signal being sent thru the internet just on a larger screen. and FPS means your phones cpu would be able to display them faster and clearer....not sucking more data. Thats why if your fps sucks......for lets say a pc game....its slow, choppy and bogs because it can't handle the amount of frames being broadcasted. It doesnt only allow less frames because your video card can't handle it.

[acosmichippo]

there isn't a "signal" like over the air TV. The application fetches data from the internet. I'll admit, i'm not hip to the details on how it's done exactly, but it's possible that sling codes applications for mobile devices to fetch the highest possible quality for that specific device. iPhone has a bigger screen than any other device sling has coded for. Bigger screen = more pixels = more data.

and in general, internet video streaming apps often lower the framerate (FPS)to accommodate the internet connection. Less frames = less data.

[up10ad]

Here are my thoughts on the matter (as if you cared).

The amount of bandwidth used by the mobile device it only dependent on the proprietary encoding performed by the sending server, in this case, the Slingbox. It controls FPS, compression and size (pixels).

According to Sling Media, when it receives a connection request it dynamically adjusts video quality to provide the best possible viewing experience. It functions by taking into account a variety of factors, including network bandwidth, receiving device characteristics, video content, and the type of video input. SlingStream automatically adjusts compression level, video bit rate, frame rate, and other settings to create a continuous quality video experience regardless of the connection type, whether it's LAN, Internet, or even wireless from your mobile phone.

So, the bandwidth used is dynamic. How much is it on an iPhone? It will depend on whether it is operating on WiFi, 3G or Edge. It will use less for each respectively. It will also depend on what is being sent; action such as football requires more than more slow-paced presentations.

Bottom line is that the Slingbox controls the bandwidth by constantly adjusting the fps, compression and other variables. Screen size is only relevant in that it is one of the 'device characteristics' that is taken into account when encoding. However, the size difference over other mobile devices is minimal when compared to the other variables that go into the dynamic compression algorithm.

Should AT&T be concerned?

Given that Sling performs this same dynamic adjustment of bandwidth used for ALL devices including mobile devices already running on their network, I see no reason for AT&T to have more of a concern for the iPhone. They are probably concerned because of the sheer numbers of iPhone users, and that a much larger percentage of them will probably make use of the technology. This could impact their network.

Some of the above comes from Sling media and the balance is from my personal experience encoding video streams for several web sites. The main advantage Sling has is the dynamic adjustment of the encoding variables (bit rate/CBR/VBR, frame rate) based on device and input. I have to pick the codec to use and adjust the variables to get a specific balance of output file size versus quality; Sling does this on the fly.

[acosmichippo]

I agree with you. I was just fishing for other possible explanations.

[ant7701]

ahh.....ok well in any case....i called up slingmedias main headquarters last night and was placed on hold for a half an hour or so....i'll be calling again today to try and give some input on getting this passed. I also emailed apple with somewhat of a rant (when I first read it was declined) but I recommend that everyone starts contacting both including AT+T just to express our concern. May help....

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Good Lord, it has been what? Three weeks since Sling submitted its app?

I know we are an impatient lot, but calling up Sling and emailing Apple isn't going to speed up the process.

Quite a few apps have taken longer than this to get approved, so everybody just take a step back, take a deep breath or any other mystical way to achieve relaxation, and chill out. :smile:

[dturner]

Quite a few apps have taken longer than this to get approved, :smile:
Some Apps have taken 5-6 weeks to go thur the process (I wonder how long the fart apps took?). Anyway I am sure there are details that need to be worked out so when the app hits the store, it is a good one with no bugs. I am far from a developer, but I would guess that there is a lot to getting this right the first time.

[iStealth]

CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.slingcommunity.com/blog/entry/35045/SlingPlayer-Mobile-for-iPhone-Still-Awaiting-Approval-Despite-Rumors/

makes me feel a whole lot better right now :)

All I need is a little reason for hope!:laugh2:

[hydro94530]

Couldn't find anything through Google searches, but has anyone heard of any updates? I'm wondering if maybe it's on hold until 3.0 comes out.

[iStealth]

I don't know but I am losing hope since it is taking soooooo long.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Don't lose hope; it'll get here...

[acosmichippo]

Look at it this way... It probably takes a longer time to approve an app than it does to deny it.

[iStealth]

Look at it this way... It probably takes a longer time to approve an app than it does to deny it.
True..........

[hydro94530]

I give up... for now. I think it's probably on hold until 3.0 is released. Or denied for good, who knows.

[acosmichippo]

i have faith that IF it gets denied, we will know. somehow.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I think you guys are getting hot and bothered over nothing. It's not that unusual for an app to take this long to get approved by Apple. There are $0.99 apps out there that have taken as long as this.

You're just overanxious because you really want the Sling app. So do I!

[Youngbinks]

Yeah but waiting is no fun. No fun at all. I wouldn't be really surprised if they did delay the release until the 3.0 firmware goes mainstream.

[psylichon]

I'm afraid this might be the final nail in the Sling app's coffin...

http://www.savetheinternet.com/blog/2009/04/29/att-quietly-updates-its-wireless-plans-again/

funchords Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Engadget points out that AT&T’s TOS has simply reverted to its former restricted glory. It’s true. Here is the history of the changes of that particular paragraph (the restrictive language is in ALL CAPS):

Prior (end of 2008):

…but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, REDIRECTING TELEVISION SIGNALS FOR VIEWING ON PERSONAL COMPUTERS, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited.

March 31st:

…but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, CUSTOMER INITIATED REDIRECTION OF TELEVISION OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO SIGNALS VIA ANY TECHNOLOGY FROM A FIXED LOCATION TO A MOBILE DEVICE, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited.

April 4th:

…but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited.

April 29th:

…but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, REDIRECTING TELEVISION SIGNALS FOR VIEWING ON PERSONAL COMPUTERS, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited.

As we can see, AT&T has now re-restricted television signals as it had prior to March 31st. But, again, this is beside the main point: The Internet is about openness, not restricted-ness. Rather than playing with words, the whole paragraph should be taken out.

[acosmichippo]

...downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers, web broadcasting, and/or for the operation of servers, telemetry devices and/or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition devices is prohibited."

so then we should expect Orb to be banned from the appstore soon as well?

[psylichon]

Shhhhhhhhh!

[acosmichippo]

f*ck ATT, btw.

[ant7701]

so what does that mean........everyone who has AT+T already with a slingbox on lets say a blackberry will just stop working?

again....im not gonna jump the gun yet. It will arrive....I hope. Its just gonna be a long dragged out process.

[acosmichippo]

it means ATT thinks they can do whatever the hell they want.

[sleeks]

EDIT: I did some more reading and I think this maybe doesn't mean anything.....however, I could see ATT trying to limit sling to wifi only.

We'll see.

[toothdoc]

why would att deny iphone?? ive had sling on my windows mobile for as long as i could have it. whats the difference?? i have att service too...so how can att deny apple and ok windows mobile?? dont think so....unless they stop windows mobile slingbox too...

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I don't know whether or not he's right, but one of the mods at the sling community forum posted his insight into this matter:

"I think what you have to look at here is the fine detail of the language. If you are using an AT&T data card for your main internet connection at home (or wherever), you are already prohibited from doing things like running a file server, running a mail server, etc. What the language did NOT prohibit was streaming data FROM a Slingbox. The language specifically probits the REDIRECTION of television signals.

It does NOT prohibit receiving television signals that have already been redirected. It's minutae but it's important. Using SlingPlayer on your iphone or other mobile device is NOT redirecting television signals over AT&T's network. The redirection has already been done at your home via your home ISP. You are simply receiving a video stream like any other video stream. AT&T doesn't want their network used on the upload end - that's all."

Link to actual post:

http://www.slingcommunity.com/blog/entry/35315/The-Empire-Strikes-Back-AT-T-Targets-Place-Shifting...-Again/#104865

[sleeks]

why would att deny iphone?? ive had sling on my windows mobile for as long as i could have it. whats the difference?? i have att service too...so how can att deny apple and ok windows mobile?? dont think so....unless they stop windows mobile slingbox too...

The difference is that ATT may perceive the windows mobile/blackberry user as a "business" customer and the iphone customer as a heavy user of technology such as this. If they fear that a much larger percentage of Iphone users would use slingbox vs. blackberry/mobile users I can see their concern.

However, at this point it seems to be more than this holding it up as sling could have easily reworked it to run off wifi only by now.

I have my doubts this will ever see the light of day (and I have no real reason to believe this, just a feeling), but I hope I am wrong.

[iStealth]

Taking to Freaking... Long......

[psylichon]

I'll go on record guessing that we won't see approval on this app until at least the unveiling of the next iPhone. Ya know, the video one.

[Youngbinks]

Yup. Not before the public release of the 3.0 firmware.

[iStealth]

Here's a little hope, I haven't verified it myself, but hopefuly it means good things are to come.

http://www.tuaw.com/2009/05/08/slingplayer-for-iphone-a-ray-of-hope/

[acosmichippo]

For the firs time in recent memory, my iPhone safari crashed while loading hat page.

[iStealth]

For the firs time in recent memory, my iPhone safari crashed while loading hat page.

tuaw's non-mobile site takes forever to load even on wifi. the i.tuaw.com site works a lot faster.

[acosmichippo]

it worked the second time... i was just making an observation

[iStealth]

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/12/slingplayer-mobile-for-iphone-release-imminent-wi-fi-only/

MAC Rumors says it could be out by tonight, but wifi only.

[hydro94530]

Well guys, do you think it will be possible to get 3G working with a jailbroken phone? I guess we won't know until someone tries it but i hope it can be done. $30 for Wi-Fi only is really disappointing.

...Doesn't mean I ain't buying it tho :)

[scottjf8]

I can't decide on it yet...

If we know that the VoIP3G app in Cydia will "trick" the Slingplayer into working over 3G, I might get it.

But there's just not WiFi enough places to warrant $30 for it.

[hydro94530]

I can't decide on it yet...

If we know that the VoIP3G app in Cydia will "trick" the Slingplayer into working over 3G, I might get it.

But there's just not WiFi enough places to warrant $30 for it.

By the way, I haven't jail broken in over a year, is Cydia the new Installer?