What is Slingbox Software, anyway? It's the internal software, or "firmware," that makes the Slingbox itself work.
The Slingbox Software isn't the same as the SlingPlayer software application for your computer:
- SlingPlayer is installed on your computer. It's what you use to watch your Slingbox.
- Slingbox Software is installed inside your Slingbox. It's the special software that makes the Slingbox work.
You'll never directly see the Slingbox Software, or work with it. It's used by the Slingbox to handle "housekeeping" functions, like:
- controlling the video output from your Slingbox
- ensuring that you get the highest video quality
- sending remote commands to your set-top box (or other A/V source) so that you can control your TV anywhere
- ... and more
You'll only deal with the Slingbox Software on the rare occasions when it needs updating. But even then there's very little to do! SlingPlayer, and the Slingbox Setup Assistant, notify you of the update ... and then they do the work for you. A message that it's time to upgrade your Slingbox Software is your cue. Just follow the onscreen steps.
If you're using your Slingbox inside your home network: update the Slingbox Software as soon as you can ... it helps your Slingbox work better.
If you're watching your TV remotely: you can put the update off until you're home ... in fact, it might be better to wait.
Here's why: most of the time upgrading the Slingbox Software from outside your home network works just fine. However, if something goes wrong, it's not the end of the world ... your Slingbox isn't ruined or anything. But it does need to be reset. If you're away, then someone at home must press the Reset button on the back of the Slingbox for you. If there's no one home to do that, then you won't be able to use your Slingbox until you get home and can reset it yourself.
So if you'll be home shortly, it's better to wait on upgrading the Slingbox Software. If you won't be home for a while, and there's someone there who you can instruct to reset the Slingbox, then you can try updating the Slingbox Software if you like. | 
