In April Sling Media launched the Slingbox in India with two models, the Slingbox PRO-HD and the Slingbox 120, along with SlingLink networking and SlingPlayer (of course). The PRO-HD is similar to the US model, while the 120 is a small form-factor unit with capabilities similar to the old US Slingbox AV.
Now the Financial Chronicle reports that Sling Media is looking to increase the volume of their business in India by pursuing deals with two direct-to-home (DTH) operators.
“We have initiated talks with Airtel and Reliance for bundling our Sling Box with their set up box,” said Raman Venkatachar, Sling Media general manager.
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“If we tie up with a DTH player, we can give our hardware and software to the company. Both Sling Box and set up box can be combined into one unit. This kind of arrangement will be operator specific,” he said adding that the increasing penetration of 3G users will be the key driver of growth.
In the meantime, they’ve also expanded their retail availability, with the Slingbox now being sold at Reliance Digital stores. Reliance Digital claims to be “one of India’s most popular destinations for purchase of electronics and durables”. Based on the description in the press release, it sounds something like an Indian Best Buy.
