SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad released [UPDATE: ONLY works with Slingbox SOLO and Pro-HD]

Sling Media has released the new SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad [iTunes link] app, offering full-screen control and viewing of streamed video from your Slingbox. Promised all the way back in March, the new app works with Sling's Slingbox SOLO and PRO-HD models and supports higher resolution video than the regular iPhone app.

Meanwhile the SlingPlayer Mobile application for iPhone will continue to work in "Compatibility Mode" on the iPad, though without the higher resolution video support. The new app is priced at $29.99, £17.99 or €23.99, depending on location. Obviously a Slingbox is sold separately.

Press Release:

Sling Media Announces Availability of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad

App Transforms iPad into a TV

Foster City, Calif. — November 24, 2010—Sling Media, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), today announced the availability of the SlingPlayer Mobile™ player for the Apple iPad. Available for purchase on the iTunes App Store, SlingPlayer Mobile software for iPad lets Slingbox® owners extend their living room TV experience to their iPad and takes advantage of the iPad's high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit display for great video quality. The revamped program guide uses the iPad's intuitive native interface, and a recent channels feature puts a viewer's recent channels at his fingertips.

"A Slingbox is the perfect accessory to an iPad," said John M. Paul, executive vice president of products at Sling Media. "When combined with the new SlingPlayer Mobile app, now anyone with an iPad can enjoy a beautiful, personalized TV experience anywhere in the world."

How it Works

When connected to a Slingbox SOLO or PRO-HD, the award-winning SlingPlayer Mobile software makes it easy to watch your home TV on your iPad. Now Slingbox owners with iPads can change channels, control their DVRs and watch their favorite shows anywhere they have an internet connection. They never have to miss another show or game, no matter where they are.

Pricing and Availability

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad is available now for U.S. $29.99, UK GBP £17.99, and Euro €23.99 from the App Store on the iPad or at http://itunes.com/apps/slingplayermobile. SlingPlayer Mobile for iPad can be purchased from the iTunes Store, downloaded, and installed in minutes.

The SlingPlayer Mobile application for iPhone will continue to work in "Compatibility Mode" on the iPad at no extra charge. The iPhone version of the app streams from all Slingboxes, but not at the higher quality resolutions required for the iPad.

UPDATE: As it turns out, this iPad app only works for Slingbox SOLO and PRO-HD, making it even less useful then it's iPhone app relative. Perhaps instead you'd like the Android app or SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Phone 7? According to Engadget, Apple or Slingbox will be sending out a $50 coupon that'll help them upgrade to one of the newer units. Craaap.