Travel Technology - slingbox hw, sw, and other ?S

my brother has an HD DVR. which slingbox model and other stuff would he need to set it up for me? Do i need the HD slingobx, and if not actually need it, what are the pros and cons of the models? (would not be interested in connecting to other media in his home)

once it is installed on his end, what would i need to watch the shows on a tv set(vs. computer)?

thanks so much!
hani

can anyone help with this?

Which HD DVR does he have? Very important question. I use the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD and it works fine as it outputs NTSC SD simultaneously on the composite and S-Video outputs when displaying HD. Not sure about Motorola boxes, DirecTV receivers or otherwise, my Dish Network 811 receiver also works this way.

If that's the case (and it's easy to test, just plug the composite in, tune to an HD channel and make sure the HD output is still full resolution and the composite output is working), you only need the Slingbox AV or the classic if you can get a deal on it. I'm unsure if the AV represents any performance improvement; it eliminates the tuner and costs no less, so you may be better off with the Classic. You absolutely DO NOT need the Pro unless your device doesn't work as above.

Also, keep in mind that you will be watching whatever's on the DVR. Thus, if it's hooked up to his main TV, and you change channels, he'll be watching whatever you switch to and vice versa. The only box I know that has dual 'room' functionality is the DISH network 622 (the 942 does as well but it's discontinued). With those, you have two tuners in one box and would have your own integral 'receiver'. I STRONGLY recommend you pay for him to lease you a separate box for yourself.

thanks kanebear! i belive i would be leasing a dvr from the cable company. they currently have just a HD cable box. if i undersdtood you, having my own dvr would give me control of the dvr and they could still watch what they want? ( or is that only in cases of programmed shows via the dvr?)

should i ask my brother or the cable company aobut the set up and type of dvr?

is it advisabvle to get the ethernet plug/box component for 100 bucks?

can anyone help me connect a laptop to a tv?

thanks,
hani