Applian’s SlingCorder has been updated and renamed (at Sling’s request) as the At-Large Recorder. Feature enhancements include repeating scheduled recordings, an updated interface, and the ability to automatically launch the SlingPlayer. It’s a neat little app and does what it says, though my TiVo already does a decent job handling my scheduled recordings.

As I previously mentioned, the software records your SlingStream as 320×240 Windows Media Video (ASF) and offers a free demo (5 minutes of recording). The full version will set you back $30.

UPDATE:

• 7/13/06, SlingPlayer 1.3 Beta Doesn’t Support SlingCorder

I no longer ride the subway to work, so now my commute is far less interesting and far less productive. However, I still have a fond place in my heart for portable multimedia. The two media apps I find myself using most frequently (which can’t be accessed on a subway) are the portable Slingbox player (it does go full screen) and MiniXM (as shown above on my Sprint 6700). I’m obviously on XM, but Sirius subscribers can stream stations via SiriuCE. TiVoToGo converted shows are played back via the included Windows Media Player and ripped DVDs through TCPMP. Orb could stream my home music collection, video, pictures, and television if I wanted — the TV component isn’t nearly as slick as Sling’s box and custom app, but it is free if you have a PC with tuner card. Down the road, I’d really like to see Windows Mobile support PMP services such as Vongo’s all-you-can-eat movie rentals.

Never enough time…

• Free ABC.com shows outperform iTunes downloads. (Reuters)
• Sony Blu-ray player delayed again. (HDBeat)
• Broadcast Flag sneaks into telecom bill. (Engadget)
• Netflix CEO Reed Hastings doesn’t matter. (Hacking Netflix)
• Slingbox set to launch in Japan. (jkOnTheRun)

Sling Media is sponsoring the NASCAR Dodge/Safe Mart 350 this weekend and they brought along a spiffy truck. The tags read I SLING. TiVo’s Mini Cooper probably gets better gas mileage, but wouldn’t stand a chance head on.

Never enough time…

• Motorola and Cox begin OCAP trials. (Motorola)
• TiVo expands interactive advertising with BMW. (TiVo)
• Sling Media CEO Blake Krikorian makes “50 Who Matter Now” list. (Business 2.0)
• SageTV releases wireless media extender.  (SageTV)
• NVIDIA SD dual tuner PC card reviewed. (PVRWire)

If you looked closely at Monday’s NYC pictures, you might have noticed something interesting running on Kevin Tofel’s Samsung Q1. Using Dave Ciccone’s Slingbox feed, we previewed Sling Media’s UMPC skin via SlingPlayer 1.2 (beta) and several classified files hidden on my person. To support the UMPC’s touch screen, Sling provides oversized UI elements for easy control via finger or stylus. The skin is quite attractive and I’m actually enjoying it on a standard laptop. Sling Media VP Jeremy Toeman indicates this first version of UMPC support is slated for an imminent release.

If you’ve been reluctant to download the UK version of the Slingplayer, you’ll be happy to hear Slingplayer 1.2 Beta has been released for the US… and packing many of the same features (no, you won’t get DVB-T support or auto 16×9 detection). I had a brief chat with Sling VP Jeremy Toeman, and other than the obvious addition of skins support he emphasized enhanced home LAN video quality via both the software and firmware (1.8) update. Toeman also mentioned those using the integrated analog tuner (as I usually do) now have the ability to fine tune channel frequencies and/or drop channels altogether.

Having used both the UK version and now the 1.2 beta, I can tell you my home bitrate has doubled and video quality is excellent. The new default (”Bauhaus”) and bundled “Brushed Steel” skins are far more attractive than the style-challenged original. The ability to drag and drop favorite channel buttons is a feature that won’t see much use outside of initial config, but also adds some nice functional polish to the player. So, in conclusion, go grab this update!