Question: What is a PlaceShifter?
Answer: A PlaceShifter is an Audio/Video and Network Device that streams TV programming through the Internet for viewing on an Internet connected PC. The device connects to a Cable or Satellite Receiver or DVR and to a home Router via either a wired or wireless connection. The PlaceShifter then streams Live TV or recordings saved on a Digital Video Recorder to a PC connected to the Internet anywhere in the world. The PC that receives the streaming TV must have a software application installed on it to connect to the PlaceShifter device. The software includes a virtual remote that controls the Cable or Satellite Receiver/DVR that the PlaceShifter is connected to. The term "PlaceShifter" comes from the process of shifting a home TV signal to anywhere in the world where a person can connect to the Internet with their PC. The placeshifting device connects with Audio/Video cables to the Receiver or DVR and to a Router through a wired or wireless connection. A Broadband Internet connection (Cable, DSL, etc) is highly recommended when using a PlaceShifter.
Sling Media's Slingbox, Sony's LocationFree and Monsoon Multimedia's HAVA are three PlaceShifters available for sale. Each company offers different versions of their PlaceShifter products, with wired and wireless devices, as well as PlaceShifters capable of streaming HD signals.