SlingBox live stream TV to be made available on the new 2018 Ford Expedition

Article by Christian A., on March 2, 2017

Times are changing quite fast. Before you know it, you’d have to say goodbye to your old CD collection for good. Ford earlier introduced the SmartLink 4G plugin connectivity for its older models to provide Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 8 smart devices simultaneously. Now, Ford is once again introducing another breakthrough with its latest in-vehicle live stream TV infotainment option. This time, the live TV streaming technology will be offered to some of its latest models; one of which is the 2018 Ford Expedition with dual headrest entertainment system viewable at the rear seats.

Passengers seated at the second row can get to enjoy their Slingbox subscription to watch live TV. The Slingbox is the first of its kind to be available as an in-vehicle TV platform. A so-called SlingPlayer app is needed to run the Slingbox device since both of these are products of the Sling Media company. How does it work? First, you need to connect your home cable or TV satellite to the Slingbox device. Together with SlingPlayer application, the built-in system can let you receive signal over the Internet.

The entertainment system comes with two monitors measuring eight inches each, built within the headrests of the font seats. It lets the passengers not miss on any live sport events, news streams, movies and videos whether from a satellite system or home cable with the use of their Slingbox account.

There is also VOXXHirchmann’s EVO that gives the owner a good list of video content through the use of SD card, USB, HDMI, DVD Player or streaming. Ford’s in-vehicle wireless hotspot can now hook up as many as 10 smart devices within 15 meters or a 50-feet distance.

As for the two monitors, the new infotainment system features touch control tabs below the screen and runs with any Android and iOS mobile applications. Aside from the built-in monitors, the new system can also play the same video simultaneously for up to three mobile devices.

Based on a recent study conducted by Nielsen, the CD sales continue to decline. That’s because more people are now into streaming services and digital music files. Also according to Ford, one out of three consumers in the US is now into music streaming applications.

For that same reason, the new Ford EcoSport receives a new technology and new updates that offer better choices while also providing the users an easier access to their gadgets and personal belongings. In fact, the new EcoSport will also be offered with a Wi-Fi hub and a new touch screen to replace the traditional CD player. Well, if there’s anything more to say, it’s that Ford surely knows how to go along with the times.

Press Release

FORD ADVANCES VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT WITH LIVE TV STREAMING, DIGITAL MUSIC CONNECTIONS, WI-FI HOT SPOTS

Ford is reinventing the way drivers and passengers entertain themselves while on the road, offering new ways to wirelessly stream live TV and listen to music in its newest SUVs.

These new features are a result of shifting trends toward streaming services, whether for television shows, movies, music, podcasts and more. For example, one in three U.S. consumers currently listen to streaming music, according to trade association IFPI, with Generation Z and Millennials streaming at a more frequent rate.

“Increasingly, our on-the-go customers are streaming music and television to their personal devices,” said Michael O’Brien, Ford SUV Group Marketing manager. “We’re meeting this demand in our biggest and smallest SUVs.”
In the all-new Expedition, available this fall, an available Wi-Fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once – up to 50 feet from the vehicle – while an available dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience that allows passengers to watch live TV via SlingPlayer™ on either of two video screens. The system represents the first time SlingPlayer – which connects to a user’s home Slingbox™ account – is offered in an automobile.

In the all-new EcoSport, available in early 2018, as well as in the new Expedition, Ford offers stream-friendly technology including Apple CarPlay™and Android Auto™ capability, SiriusXM™ radio, an 8-inch touchscreen, and USB ports and power outlets that allow customers to connect and charge their many devices and listen to or watch content on-demand.

These media experiences are bolstered in both Expedition and EcoSport by the high-quality audio of the available Ford-exclusive B&O PLAY™ Premium Audio System.

Live TV viewing experience coming to all-new Expedition
When the 2018 Ford Expedition reaches showrooms later this year, passengers will be able to use the available dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system monitors to watch movies and video – even TV shows and live sporting events – streamed from a home cable or satellite system.*

The system, called EVO by developer VOXXHirschmann Corp., includes two 8-inch monitors integrated into the back of the front-seat headrests, a secure, in-vehicle wireless network hub that enables passengers to connect using a mobile device, and a host of sources by which to view content – including an industry-first SlingPlayer that lets them connect to a home cable or satellite system and watch live TV on the road.

“This entertainment system creates an entirely new viewing experience in the vehicle,” said Craig Patterson, Ford Expedition brand marketing manager. “It brings the smart TV experience to Expedition. Together, they completely change the dynamic of a family road trip.”

SlingPlayer is software embedded into the entertainment system that lets passengers connect to a home-based Slingbox system to watch and control the TV signal.

Passengers can use additional sources to view content, including a DVD player, HDMI, USB and SD card. Passengers can watch content from their Android®-based smartphone equipped with Miracast™ streaming. They can also stream video to the displays using the entertainment system app’s SmartStream function on compatible iOS® or Android devices.

Using a downloaded app on their smartphone or tablet, third-row passengers can connect to the network and watch non-restricted content. The system enables video playing on either headrest monitor to be viewed on up to three mobile devices simultaneously.

This connectivity isn’t limited to time in the vehicle. The wireless signal – when using the available Wi-Fi hotspot in Expedition – has a range of about 50 feet.

In addition to watching TV shows and movies, the system allows gamers to plug in to the HDMI port and play. And the USB plug doubles as a charge port – the seventh port available in the all-new Expedition – for mobile phones.

The system includes two wireless headsets, either of which can be paired with either monitor. Each monitor is equipped with a standard headphone jack for additional viewers. When everybody is watching the same program, the sound can be channeled through the vehicle’s audio system – including the available 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium system.

There are three ways to control each of the monitors:

Touch buttons, located along the bottom of each screen
Two remote control devices
Remote control via mobile app – available on any iOS or Android device
Front-row occupants can stay in command of what is playing using the touch screen mounted on the center stack when their mobile device is connected with the entertainment system app through Ford SYNC® AppLink™. A parental block function gives them power to disable all second-row and mobile remote commands.

Music streaming the norm in all-new EcoSport
In a compact SUV like EcoSport, where drivers can go small while living big, every inch of interior real estate is precious.

With Millennials preferring streaming and subscription music services over CDs, Ford is replacing the CD player in the EcoSport with available technology that allows more on-demand choices while freeing up interior space to hold mobile devices or other personal items.

According to the 2016 Nielsen Mid-Year U.S. Music Report, overall consumption of digital music – downloaded and streamed combined – is up 15 percent. Meanwhile, physical album sales, including CDs, are down 10 percent, against a sustained surge in vinyl.

By 2021, IHS Automotive projects 46 percent of vehicles sold in North America will not have a CD player.

Instead of a CD player, EcoSport will now feature a unique horizontal storage bin over the glove box for storing smartphones within reach, while also allowing for a more upright touch screen.

EcoSport also offers an available Wi-Fi hotspot and SYNC Connect® with FordPass®.

*Additional Slingbox hardware connected to home cable or satellite system and a home internet connection are required.