Imagine this:  you are traveling on business, and you find yourself in an area that is not showing the finale of American Idol.  (I know – highly unlikely scenario, but indulge me!)  Good news!  You have a Slingbox, so you won't miss a thing!

While most Americans are quite comfortable with "time-shifting" their favorite TV shows (thanks to TiVo and DVR's), "place-shifting" - or, watching your home television from anywhere - is the concept behind the slingbox.  The slingbox is a  TV streaming device enabling users to remotely view their home's  cable, satellite, or personal video recorder (PVR) programming from an Internet-enabled computer with a broadband Internet connection. That's right – you can watch your home television from anywhere in the world using a laptop or mobile smart phone!  American Idol finale problem solved!  But how do you choose which slingbox model is best for you?

There are several versions of slingbox models from which to choose.  The one you choose will depend on the type of television service you have at home.  Remember – you need a broadband web connection for your Slingbox to function at optimum levels online (via Windows laptop or Mac); ideally, an upload speed of 400 Kbps or better.  Or, if you prefer watching your favorites programs from your handheld device, different models work with Windows Mobile, Symbian, PSPs and the Palm OS smart phone. Thanks to chipsets supporting H.264 AVC encoding, both options have improved compressed video quality.  So, how do you choose your Slingbox? 

1. Determine what type of television connection you want to connect to your Slingbox. (You may have basic cable, a satellite hook-up, a cable box and/or a high definition television);
2. Do you want to connect more than one video source to your Slingbox?  (Besides your television, video sources can include your DVD player, DVR, or even a closed-circuit camera – a great option if you have security concerns!)  However, do no buy (pay for) more than you need!  If you only plan to connect to one video source, buy the model that specifies such;
3. Do you have HD service, or do you anticipate getting HD service in the foreseeable future?  If so, look for the Slingbox device that supports HD;
4. Ease of set up - for some, the biggest challenge of the Slingbox is getting the device up and running!  Although it is only a two-step process: Connecting each set-top box to the network (using the supplied software) and then connecting them to your home entertainment system - some models are more "user-friendly" than others, so if you are at all "technically challenged", ask questions to find the most straightforward version.

Now, pack that suitcase and get on the road!  There is work to be done and favorite TV shows to be watched – from wherever you are!