SlingCatcher: Streaming the Web on TV

The best part about the device is the fact that it allows you to stream HD programming for free. SlingMedia CEO Blake Krikorian demonstrated for me how to use SlingCatcher to move an episode of "Lost" from a laptop to the big screen. He excitedly asked: "How dare you charge me on iTunes for something I can get for free on the Web." At that point I understood how this box might be a success: as more TV networks put full-length HD programming on the Web, Sling can move it to your TV screen.

In actual use, the SlingCatcher/Projector solution is very clever. It is able to handle both standard and high-definition videos over wired and wireless systems. For the record, I suggest using the fastest computers and the fastest networking connections you have for the best results.

Unlike similar new devices, including the second-generation Apple (AAPL Quote) TV box, SlingCatcher can stream HD video from any Web site -- including Apple's.

The SlingCatcher sells for $299.99 and is currently available from SlingMedia.com and other retailers like Newegg, Dell (DELL Quote), Sears (SHLD Quote), J&R and Wal-Mart (WMT Quote). SlingBoxes range from $180 (standard definition) to $300 (high-definition). Next step for this device will be to drop the need for a computer and have it work directly with a cable/satellite/Internet box.

Currently, SlingCatcher and SlingProjector work only with PCs running Microsoft (MSFT Quote) Windows. Hopefully that will be extended soon to Mac and Linux machines. And, while we're at it, watching a SlingCatcher's output on a smartphone would be very cool, too.