Sources inform ''Globes'' that computer and peripherals retail chain Bug will begin importing the SlingBox in a few weeks under an exclusive agreement with Sling Media Inc. In addition to the US, SlingBox is already available in 15 countries worldwide.
The SlingBox enables users to watch television anywhere in the world via the Internet, zap between channels, and watch shows, even if the set-top box at home is turned off. The SlingBox is linked to the television set via a simple hook-up that records video broadcasts from the digital set-top box, and rebroadcasts them via broadband to wherever the user is located. In Israel, both Hot Cable Systems Media Ltd. (TASE: HOT) and YES satellite broadcaster have digital set-top boxes.
The SlingBox supports HD, DVR, and other types of broadcasts, enabling travelers to watch content aired at home. Parents at work can also monitor their children's viewing habits at home.
Cellular operators with 3G portals need not worry, at least not yet. The SlingBox will cost just over NIS 1,000 in stores and $200 at duty-free shops. It also requires transmission speeds of at least four megabytes per second (4 Mbps), and the handset must be WiFi enabled for wireless Internet hook-up.
Bug says that the SlingBox requires an upgrade of most Internet packages. The retailer is in negotiations with two telecommunications companies to sell the device. One of the companies is probably either infrastructure provider HOT or Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Co. Ltd. (TASE: BEZQ), and the other is an Internet service provider, which will sell SlingBoxes at a discount or gratis in exchange for upgrading subscribers' networks.
Both HOT and YES are reportedly examining the SlingBox. The sources added that both companies have received SlingBoxes from Bug for testing compatibility with their set-top boxes.
Bug will market the SlingBox Solo, which can handle digital broadcasts by both HOT Magic and YES Max, as well as DVD players.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 15, 2008
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