Slingbox unveils the Solo

Sling Media has announced the latest addition to its lineup of place-shifting devices. The $180 Slingbox Solo fits between the top of the line Slingbox Pro ($230) and the entry level Slingbox AV ($130). Not only does the solo fit squarely between its siblings when it comes to price, but it also has some of the same features as its big brother, on a smaller scale.

While the Slingbox Pro can control 4 separate devices, the Solo handles just one. The Solo also lacks the built-in NTSC tuner found int he Pro. But unlike the Pro, the Solo can handle HDTV out of the box. It includes component inputs and outputs, so there's no need to spend $50 on a separate HD Connect.

This is the first Slingbox to include a USB port. It doesn't do anything at the moment, but it's reserved for future use. No word on what that use is, but perhaps a firmware update will let you store programs on an external hard drive. Or something.

This is also the first Sling Media device that will be launched in the US, Canada, and the UK simultaneously. It should be available in stores next week. Sling Media is also launching the Slingbox Pro in the UK this week for £199.99. That unit will include a DVB-T tuner and comes bundled with an HD Connect.