Slingbox M1 - is there an alternative way to connect to a router...[solved]

[vhelp]

solved - see post # 10
(yes, the solution (for me) was the get the Netgear Powerline 500 and set it up to my main router, then configure via Netgear Genie)

I finally unboxed my slingbox m1 streamer that I purchased at bestbuy January/2015. And after several hours fussing with it, it finally dawned on me that I need to connect it directly to a router via eithernet. I was wondering why my android tablet would not work. It keeps showing me a message box, "directory / cancel" and I couldn't figure out what to do next. I don't know anything about a "directory". So, I am guessing that there is more to it. Then I saw a video on youtube that said something about connecting it via its eithernet to the eithernet on a router. I have a Netgear N900.

planned set up: directv-[composite] --> [composite]-slingbox m1 --> Netgear N900 router --> android tablet

The problem with this is that my directv is in my living room, and my router is in my dinning room, about 30 or so feet away. And running long cables does not seem practical. The best way to connect things up is to have the slingbox next to the directv and connect short cables to it. There must be another way to connect the slingbox to the router. I would like to keep the slingbox next to the directv.

So, I am asking, is there another way to connect this thing without 30 feet of long cables ?

[usually_quiet]

The Slingbox M1 can use WiFi as well as Ethernet. The manual should tell you how to set that up. If you don't want to use WiFi, and Ethernet is impractical, you could investigate powerline/homeplug networking.

[vhelp]

I originally opened the package a few weeks ago to put the contents (i cut the package into pieces) and put it and rest of contents in ziplock bags and store them elsewhere. I do that for most everything I purchase due to allergies from the original package. But for some reason, I can't find the manual. I tried googling the website for it but I still can't find it.

I'm having trouble getting this thing up and running. It seems to be what I was looking (to stream my directv to a tablet/pc/etc) all along but just didn't realize it. Anyway, i'm not sure how the wifi gets set up. I'm still searching that as well. Thanks for the tips.

[vhelp]

I found the quick start guide. http://support.slingbox.com/en-US/KB/KB-8014.aspx though that comes with the product. It is very basic and not much to else. But I don't see any other detail manual anywhere. I am lost. I can't go any further. the unit is connected. And I verified it is. Using the output connections on the Slingbox M1, I connected the composite connector output to the input of my capture card and I can see the directv video in virtualdub.

In one howto video, it said to go to watch.slingbox.com, and when I did that, (probably redirected me) to the main website. Its an endless repeat. So there must be something else I am missing. I'm not savy enough in these things to figure this one out. But I will keep trying till I get bored and give up.

[vhelp]

ok, doesn't work in Opera. I had to use latest supported browser, firefox which is 41.0.1 now.

It gives me this, but I can't figure how to communicate via wifi to set it up.

[october262]

youtube has setup video guide - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=slingbox+m1

[usually_quiet]

I found the quick start guide. http://support.slingbox.com/en-US/KB/KB-8014.aspx though that comes with the product. It is very basic and not much to else. But I don't see any other detail manual anywhere. I am lost. I can't go any further. the unit is connected. And I verified it is. Using the output connections on the Slingbox M1, I connected the composite connector output to the input of my capture card and I can see the directv video in virtualdub.

In one howto video, it said to go to watch.slingbox.com, and when I did that, (probably redirected me) to the main website. Its an endless repeat. So there must be something else I am missing. I'm not savy enough in these things to figure this one out. But I will keep trying till I get bored and give up.

Did you watch "Getting started with your Slingbox M1/M2" at http://support.slingbox.com ?

It is the same video as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX5OZFShnbI

[vhelp]

yes, i saw that video. I think he's jumping too quicklying into some parts and I can't figure the rest out in order to follow. From what I can't discern, you can set this up through a windows software or mobile device, (apple / android) but that too is not clear. I have the android slingplayer and it won't connect. (I can't show a picture of what its doing, too complicated to get one a post here) And there is no demo setup for android in the videos I've seen so far. I'm winging it as I go along.

This device is soo simple and yet soo dificult to set up. I'm stumpped why i can't get this simple device set up. Well, i'm tired from all this and heading to bed. Thanks for trying though..

[vhelp]

So I picked up the Netgear Powerline 500 WiFi device. (comes with two devices, the XWNB5201 and XWNB5001). All I can say is, wow. I just can't figure out how to install this thing. wow. The instructions were written for a pro not a novas such as myself. I've been at this thing for two hours and haven't made a dent. I am not a network specialist. I know nothing about it. I just want to stream my directv to my laptop and tablet through the Slingbox M1. Sheesh!

[vhelp]

success!

I am finally able to see tv (directv model R16-300) on my laptop and my LG Android tablet, thanks to the Slingbox M1 device, and of course, the Netgear Powerline 500. The slingbox interface for the android is much smoother. And the channel guide is super quick--no slow or studder motion--all smooth motion.

I am happy!

Now, if I can record from my android, this streaming feed (or from laptop) that would be the icing on the cake.