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Sling Media released the first handheld client for its Sling Box device, which enables users to watch home TV content anywhere in the world, a few weeks ago. Compatible with Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 5.0 and 2003 Second Edition versions of the platform, SlingPlayer Mobile extends this placeshifting technology to PDAs and smartphones. The company has now opened up beta testing to the public for a new version of the SlingPlayer mobile software to Windows Mobile Smartphones, such as the new Motorola Q, T-Mobile SDA and the i-mate SP5m. Windows Smartphones tend to be smaller than Pocket PC Phones, don't include touch screens and support fewer applications. They are generally far more phone like as well.

Slingbox plugs into a television, enabling users to 'placeshift' cable, satellite, or digital video recorder (DVR) signals to another location via a broadband Internet connection. The idea behind placeshifting is it gives the end-user total control over their digital content.Users simply need a network connection to access their home television, whether that is 3G cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

The SlingPlayer Mobile software client requires sustained network speeds of 112 kbps—the faster the data connection, the better the video quality, according to SlingMedia. The company says it has tested SlingPlayer Mobile with successful frame rates up to a full 30 frames per second on many Windows Mobile devices.

SlingBox, which attaches to the TV, retails for a one time fee of $250, but can often be had for less, with no monthly service charges. At the completion of the public beta period, SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Smartphones will be available for $29.99, the same as the Pocket PC edition goes for. Click here for a list of compatible devices.

In related news, Sling Media started shipping Slingbox United Kingdom today. It is available computer chain PC World and at www.pcworld.co.uk. Later, in a few weeks Currys and the new Currys.digital stores will offer the device too. It lists for GBP 179.99.

The move is Sling Medias first step outside of North America. "The launch of the Slingbox into the U.K. market and ultimately to the European consumer is a significant milestone for Sling Media as we continue to build a worldwide footprint and deliver the same customer experience internationally that we do today for customers in the United States and Canada," according to Sling Media CEO Blake Krikorian.

Sling Media says the European version of the Slingbox is tailored for the U.K. market and features an integrated PAL analog/digital tuner with DVB-T (a mobile TV technology) support, giving customers access to Freeview programming from their aerial streamed to a laptop or desktop computer. In addition, Slingbox controls a wide range of Freeview, digital cable and satellite set top boxes that are available in the U.K. including those offered by Sky, Homechoice, NTL and Telewest.

Krikorian added, "We are also excited about the timing of the launch with the World Cup set to start just over a week from today. When the game is on, England fans with a Slingbox can watch the home team from no matter where they are: halfway around the world, stuck at work or simply around the home."

What's Not to Like?
Unlike other new digital distribution technologies, placeshifting won't face its stiffest resistance from content owners (movie studios or record companies, for example), but from wireless operators; for its potential to disrupt new operator-directed content services, according to ABI Research.

ABI principal analyst Michael Wolf explained, "With placeshifting, we believe the biggest opponents will be mobile operators who see these solutions as rogue network applications that could potentially paralyze their cellular networks, as well as keeping consumers from paying for mobile video offerings being offered over new mobile video networks."

Nevertheless, ABI anticipates the placeshifting market will grow from under $22 million today to $740 million by 2011, with growth centered around making the technology available to existing devices like smartphones and handhelds. The analyst firm cites increased consumer awareness of hardware, software, and embedded solutions as reasons why.

"ABI Research believes that mobile clients will see some of the strongest adoption of placeshifting capabilities, as smartphones and Wi-Fi-enabled mobile media players integrate the technology to enable streaming of live TV and digital music," according to Wolf.

While some carriers will reflexively resist placeshifiting - as they often do so many other perceived threats to their walled gardens and bandwidth - ABI says others will view it another way; as a means to capture additional average revenue per user (ARPU). So, in those instances, they'll support the technology as way to sell more high-end data plans or increase video service earnings.