1. Sling Media Slingbox Pro
Editors' rating: 8.3
The good: Streams sources to any broadband-connected Windows PC or Windows Mobile device in the world; accepts HD video (with optional dongle); can accept as many as four A/V inputs (composite, S-Video, RF and component); no host PC or monthly charges required; simple, straightforward setup; excellent, easy-to-use software; controls almost all cable and satellite boxes and DVRs; excellent video quality over LAN, decent video quality via the Internet.
The bad: Component-video adapter and cell phone/PDA viewing software costs extra; no built-in wireless networking support; monopolizes the attached device during viewing; works with only Windows XP/2000 PCs and Windows Mobile devices at this time.
The bottom line: While its ability to accept multiple sources and optional HD is overkill for most users, the more-expensive Slingbox Pro makes sense for hard-core Slingers with gobs of video gear.
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