Never Miss House Again

I found out about something really special yesterday.  It's called Slingbox.  This baby is better than a VCR, better than TiVO.  This thing lets you watch your home TV from your computer or other wireless device - from anywhere.  That's right, apparently you can connect your PC to the Slingbox and watch your shows in real time.  This may not be a big deal; I've only been one place that didn't have TV, and I suspect that it didn't have broadband, either (which is required for the connection).  But, the box also allows you to connect to your pay-per-view and On Demand functionality.  The best part is, there's no cost involved, except of course for the purchase of the box.

I started looking around the website to find out any specifics.  It sounds pretty easy.  It looks pretty cool.  The only downside is that apparently, it won't record shows on your PC.  It will, however connect to your DVR or other recording device for control from your broadband connection.  So, as long as you have all your media hooked up to the Slingbox, you can take care of recording, playing, etc from anywhere in the world.  That is way cool.

Personally, I don't watch much TV.  It's always on in our house for background noise (I know, that's terrible, but I have tinnitus and I can't stand a silent house, because then I'll hear my ears ring and it drives me insane.).  The boys don't watch too much of it, either.  The only time we're parked in front of the tube is just before bed (for the boys) and after they are asleep (for us).  And the only thing I make a point to watch is House, M.D.  My world would not be the same if I missed it.  When it's pre-empted for something like the World Series, I drive my family nuts.  Watching a recording isn't the same, either.  We don't have DVR or DVD-R, so we have to use VHS (I keep putting off getting a DVD-R due to "other priorities").  And the quality is never good, so it's just not as fun...although it's nice to watch it over and over again.

If this thing ever gets to the point where you can record with it, I will definitely buy one.  Perhaps that'll make a good Valentine's Day present?