Do I need to update my Slingbox, or the SlingPlayer software on my computer, before I can use Web-based SlingPlayer?

Not necessarily. But before using Web-based SlingPlayer, it's a good idea to check for updates to the SlingPlayer application you've been using with your Windows or Mac OS computer. Newer versions of the standalone SlingPlayer application sometimes come with internal updates for your Slingbox. If SlingPlayer for Windows or SlingPlayer for Mac OS detect that your Slingbox needs an update, it asks your permission to perform the update for you.

In other words, when you keep your computer's version of SlingPlayer current, you're keeping your Slingbox current, too.

Do I even need to use a Windows or Mac OS version of SlingPlayer anymore?

Both Windows and Mac OS computer users need to use the "standalone" versions of SlingPlayer from time to time to make sure that the internal Slingbox Software is kept up-to-date.

And, while either Windows or Mac OS users can use the standalone versions of SlingPlayer for Slingbox setup and configuration, Windows users can also use the Web for setup and configuration tasks. Mac OS users can't do that at this time. So it's a good idea for Mac OS computer users to keep the standalone version of SlingPlayer for Mac OS available.

NOTE: For best results, do not update Slingbox Software unless you're at home (that is, near your Slingbox). Although it's highly unlikely to happen, if a malfunction occurs during the update process, you can fix that easily by pressing the Reset button on the back of the Slingbox to start over. But you can't do that if you're away from home!

To check Slingbox Software, and update if needed (Windows):

1. Launch the Slingbox Setup Assistant by choosing Setup Assistant from the Settings menu.
   The Setup Assistant window opens.
2. Click Next.
3. If you have more than one Slingbox, click to select the one that you want to update.
4. Enter the Administrator password for that Slingbox.
5. Click Next.
6. Under Edit Settings on the left side of the window, click Software Update.
1. The Setup Assistant tells you whether the Slingbox Software is current, or if it needs updating.
2. If the software is current, click Done, then click Close to return to SlingPlayer.
7. If the software needs updating, follow the instructions in the Setup Assistant window. It'll only take a few moments.

Important: Do not unplug or otherwise interrupt your Slingbox until it's finished updating. If the process gets interrupted, press and release the Reset button on the back of your Slingbox.

To check Slingbox Software, and update if needed (Mac OS):

1. Open the Slingbox Directory by choosing Slingbox Directory from the Window menu.
   The Slingbox Directory opens.
2. Click to select your Slingbox, then click Edit.
3. Click the Configuration tab.
4. Click Update Slingbox Firmware.
   The Slingbox Setup Assistant opens.
5. Enter the Administrator password, if you're asked, then click Continue.
   The Slingbox Update page opens.
6. Under Firmware file, if you see New Version: <not available>, then your Slingbox Software is currently up-to-date.
   If you see New Version: <vX.X.XXX from DATE>, where X.X.XXX is a number and DATE is a date, then there's a new Slingbox Software file for your Slingbox.
7. Click Continue and follow the onscreen directions to update your Slingbox Software.

Important: Do not unplug or otherwise interrupt your Slingbox until it's finished updating. If the process gets interrupted, press and release the Reset button on the back of your Slingbox.