EchoStar Enters New Market with Slingbox-Cable Modem Combo

EchoStar Technologies LLC a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., today introduced the CableLabs-certified DOCSIS 2.0 SlingModem, which combines cable modem functionality with the place-shifting video viewing capabilities of the Slingbox. The move marked EchoStar’s entry into the cable industry.

Earlier this year, EchoStar spun-off from DISH Network Corp., retaining its set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets. EchoStar bought Sling Media last September for $380 million, and says it’s now pursuing OEM relationships with cable operators worldwide, promising unspecified additional products and services later this year.

“The introduction of the SlingModem demonstrates our operator-agnostic philosophy, as well as our dedication to the cable industry,” said Sling Media CEO Blake Krikorian, in prepared comments.

The acquired company made its name with the Slingbox, which enables consumers to watch and control their home TVs at any time and from any location, using Mac, PC, PDA or smartphone platforms.

Cable subscribers can use the device as a traditional DOCSIS cable modem that includes the added benefit of built-in Slingbox functionality. By connecting SlingModem directly to a coaxial cable input or set-top box, subscribers can receive live or recorded television on any Internet-connected device. SlingModem is installed through one coaxial cable, eliminating the need for additional home networking connections.

Spinning off from DISH could be growth through addition and subtraction. While acquiring Sling gives EchoStar a fan favorite that pioneered place shifting, EchoStar doesn’t have to worry about the huge reduction in new subscribers suffered by DISH in the first quarter of 2008 (32,000), as compared to the same period last year (310,000).

EchoStar also has consumer electronics products and associated experience in the way of set-top boxes and DVRs.

In separate but related DISH news, the company announced the launch of 22 national HD channels as part of its video services. AT&T Inc. resells the offering.

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines