Sling Media continues its international expansion: the company, which recently began offering its Slingbox TV "place-shifting" device in the UK (note: the device allows consumers to watch their living room TV programming--including VOD and DVR-recorded programs--remotely via an Internet-connected PC or laptop; it redirects or "place-shifts" a single, live TV stream from a basic cable connection, cable box, satellite receiver or DVR to those platforms via the Internet), said last week that it will shortly begin offering the device in Japan. Sling Media is partnering with two indigenous companies to further its efforts in the Japanese market: Itochu Corporation, which will serve as its exclusive distribution partner in Japan (note Itochu is an investor in Sling Media), and I-O Data, which will market and sell the Slingbox online and through its retail locations across the country. The Slingbox will be available in Japan starting July 8th, and will have a recommended retail price of 29,800 Yen. "Following a successful United Kingdom launch, we are now turning our focus to Asia and specifically the Japanese market," Sling Media co-founder and CEO, Blake Krikorian, said in a prepared statement. "In partnering with Itochu Corporation and I-O Data, two strong, established Japanese technology companies, we have the resources necessary to market the Slingbox to a savvy Japanese consumer base." Sling Media is offering a localized version of its SlingPlayer PC software, which it says is compatible with most cable and satellite set-top boxes used in Japan: the version features a Japanese-language user interface, and photo-realistic remote controls, "giving customers the same look and feel of their home remote, but now on their desktop or laptop computer," the company says. The company has also teamed with its two Japanese partners to create a Japanese-language Web site (www.slingmedia.jp) that includes product and company information and customer and technical support.
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