Sling Media Support - What is Slingbox Software (firmware)?

What is Slingbox Software (firmware)?

So what is Slingbox Software, or "firmware," 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

So how do I update the Slingbox Software?

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. For more information, see the "Here's some more info" link on this page.

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.

Here's some more info

	Wait until you're home before updating Slingbox Software If you're prompted to update the Slingbox Software for your Slingbox (also known as "firmware") and you're away from home, the best advice is: wait.
	How do I update the Slingbox Software (firmware) on my Slingbox? It's easy to update the internal software that controls your Slingbox. The process is totally automatic.
	Does my Slingbox need special Slingbox Software to use Web-based SlingPlayer? When using Web-based SlingPlayer, it's always best to use the latest Slingbox Software (also called "firmware").
	Are you having trouble updating your Slingbox Software (firmware) and you're using SlingLinks? Are you trying to update your Slingbox Software (firmware)? If you're using SlingLinks, the update may quit in the middle of the process if the SlingLinks have a poor or unreliable connection.
	How do I use SlingPlayer 2.x for Windows to manually update the Slingbox Software (firmware) on my Slingbox? Step-by-step instructions for manually using SlingPlayer 2.x for Windows to manually update the Slingbox Software (firmware) on your Slingbox.
	SlingPlayer 2.0 tells me there is a Slingbox Software Update available every time I connect to my Slingbox If every time you connect to your Slingbox in SlingPlayer 2.0 for Windows you are prompted to download an update, you may have an incomplete download stuck in the SlingPlayer download queue.
	SlingPlayer says "Invalid Slingbox ID" when I try to upgrade the Slingbox Software on my Slingbox Classic If the Slingbox Software on your original ("Classic") Slingbox is very old, attempts to update it may cause an Invalid Slingbox ID error.