The introduction of the Slingbox™ device has helped users watch TV on their computers. Users can remotely watch television shows on their internet-enabled computer or on their mobile phones. Slingbox™ works in conjunction with Slingplayer™ — a proprietary software developed by Slingmedia. Together, this device and this software help display audio and video on computers and other devices. With the help of this software, Slingbox™ “slings” or transfers video data to another location.

Installing Slingplayer™ software is rather straightforward. There are some minimum requirements. Computers with a Microsoft Windows® Operating System or Mac OS® shouldn't have any problems. The software can also be installed in many other devices including selected mobiles phones models. The software is not compatible, however, with some open source systems such as BSD® (Berkeley Software Distribution) and Linux®.

Slingplayer™ software includes an integrated program/channel guide for users, a live video buffer, a 3D virtual remote control and multiple viewing modes. The live video buffer feature has functions similar to a DVR (digital video recorder). It allows you to pause, rewind or fast-forward up to one hour of video on the computer. The virtual remote functions much like the standard television remote control and includes various remote-control codes to ensure easy adjustments, channel changes and easy DVR settings. With the help of multiple viewing modes, the software allows users to enjoy their television programs as well as surf the web simultaneously.

Slingplayer™ software includes a web-based account to help users locate and connect devices to the Slingbox™ device through the internet. Users can watch and control their televisions from any computer they can access the Sling website from.

There are some minimum system requirements for ensuring a safe installation of the Slingplayer™ software. For computers running Windows® operating system, at least 1GB of RAM and 150MB of hard disk space is typically required. To run the software, an Intel Pentium 4 1.3 GHz Processor and 24 bit graphics card or better is required. To download the software, check out the Slingmedia website.