Hauppauge. N.Y. — Voxx International will offer rear-seat entertainment (RSE) systems incorporating Slingbox technology to automakers in 12 to 18 months, the company announced.
Slingbox technology, made by EchoStar’s Sling Media subsidiary, place-shifts live or recorded programming from a home’s cable- or satellite-TV set-top box for viewing on a remote computer or portable device. With Slingbox-technology embedded in RSE systems, consumers will be able to send content from their set-top box directly to the vehicle. Content includes live TV, on-demand services and DVR content.
For now, the technology “is being designed exclusively into our OEM products,” a VOXX spokesperson told TWICE. “Other opportunities have not yet been defined.”
VoxxHirschmann will become the exclusive automotive supplier of the Slingbox solution in any vehicle-entertainment sub system on a worldwide basis. Slingbox integration will be available in all RSE form factors, including customized headrest systems, seatback-mounted displays, and overhead flip-down monitors.
Rear-seat occupants will also get the ability to stream content from any portable device brought into a vehicle’s installed RSE monitors.
Voxx will showcase the solution at the 2015 International CES in Central Hall booth 10417.
Voxx International president Pat Lavelle said the partnership will produce “another first-to-market for our company and holds significant potential for our automotive OEM group.”
The companies will also work to integrate Slingbox technology into VoxxHirschmann’s embedded tuner modules and intelligent antenna systems, which will be integrated directly into vehicles at the factory level.
“One of the most compelling factors behind our acquisition of Hirschmann was the development of new technologies within their mobile multimedia tuners and intelligent antennas combined with our advanced North American Rear Seat Infotainment systems,” he added.
