Sling Media's Slingbox is the sleeper hit of the media technology. The device allows you to watch and control your television remotely through an Internet-connected computer. It enables users to watch
their television--DVR and all--from anywhere they can get a broadband connection. The young company just received a hefty round of financing in January from Goldman Sachs, Liberty Media and EchoStar
Communications. This week, the company extended its business to the wireless market, which means that users will be able to communicate with their Slingbox through third-generation (3G) handheld
devices and mobile phones equipped with Windows. To date, Sling Media's sales total is "well into the six figures," according to chief exec Blake Krikorian--and the company's continued growth could be
a troubling sign for major media companies. Why? Because while Disney, Viacom, GE and others grapple with the problem of distributing their content online, Sling Media is bringing TV--your personal
TV--to the Net. Even so, Sling Media's move into wireless mobile could be hindered by network operators like Verizon and AT&T, whose mobile products would be threatened by their product. Who needs CNN
video clips when you can watch the real thing and hundreds of other channels in real-time? For that reason, the Slingbox is a true convergence product that could disrupt the elaborate plans of big
media. Says Krikorian: "The fact that there has been some concern about what [Slingbox] is going to do to their networks--that's a pretty flattering thing." He adds: "We don't think we need licensing
or approval from any of the content owners," because all you're giving people with Slingbox is their television content. Next area for Slingbox? Advertising.
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