Anyone that has a SlingBox swears by them - in fact ask any tech journalist and they are hard pressed to want to give them back after "reviewing" them. So the news that the SlingBox has added functionality and a new device to play back HD content will only increase the love.

The SlingCatcher is a set-top box that sends broadcast TV, internet-based content and personal media to the TV. The SlingCatcher acts as a repository for content and is able to pull from multiple sources and places, unifying the content for easy navigation and playback.

SlingCatcher is bundled with three built-in applications: SlingPlayer for TV, SlingSync and SlingProjector that combine to create a unified media platform capable of pulling content from disparate places and consolidating them onto a single TV screen, giving the customer complete control of their personal media.

SlingPlayer for TV delivers one of the most requested Slingbox customer features: the ability to "sling" programming to another TV in the home or to a TV in a remote location without a PC by connecting to and streaming from the Slingbox on a LAN or WAN. In addition, when combined with the forthcoming Slingbox PRO-HD, SlingCatcher will give customers the ability to stream in HD from one TV to another.

SlingProjector enables consumers to project to the TV Internet and PC-based digital audio/video content-whether downloaded movies, TV shows, home movies, photo slideshows or YouTube videos-from a PC to TV-screen for a "lean back" viewing experience. SlingProjector supports most video streaming web sites, media players and Internet video players.

Finally, SlingSync gives customers the ability to sync files over their network connection and store them on a third-party USB flash drive or other portable hard drive attached to the SlingCatcher, giving them the ability to use the SlingCatcher to replay their favorite content on demand and manage content from a PC via the SlingCatcher user interface.

The SlingCatcher includes both standard definition and high definition AV outputs to connect to a TV including HDMI, component, S-Video and composite video, as well as analog and digital audio. In regards to network connectivity, the SlingCatcher features a standard Ethernet jack to connect to the home network either directly or via SlingLink powerline Ethernet adapters. In addition, Sling Media will sell a wireless USB adapter called SlingLink Wireless which can also be used to create the network connection.

"We're thrilled to be showing the SlingCatcher with its full set of features here at CES and it's great to see the enthusiasm in the market for this product. We have been spending a lot of time perfecting new technology that is vital to the SlingCatcher's user experience but sometimes these things take longer than expected," said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. "We had hoped to deliver the product for the Christmas holiday, but to plagiarise a well known wine maker; we shall sell no SlingCatcher before its time." SlingCatcher is slated for a UK release later in 2008.(continued....)