Sartorial Slingboxes: Viasat Launch

IanFogg | August 16, 2006, 03:11 PM

Yesterday, the Slingbox launched in Sweden, but in an extremely interesting development it's being sold by leading satellite TV operator Viasat under the name Viasat Everywhere. So, rather than Sling threatening the pay TV market, Viasat is looking to add additional value for their pay TV customers by offering Slingboxes alongside their NDS-powered DVR.

Sling Media's tactics in Europe are much to be admired. Rather than throw over the same product as in the US. Sling has looked at the different European broadband and TV markets and tailored its product and route to market before launching. Last spring Sling launched in the UK, but added a built-in digital terrestrial TV receiver (i.e. Freeview) to its US capabilities. Sling provided an exclusive to dominant digital electronics retailer, PC World, part of the Dixons Stores Group.

If other operators adopt the same strategy as Viasat, then the Slingbox will break out of its current early adopter niche, and become a conventional part of the TV landscape.