LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sling Media announced today that it has been named a 2014 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for the recently launched SlingPlayer 3.0 app.

Products entered in this prestigious CES awards program are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronic products.

SlingPlayer 3.0 works with Slingbox, which allows consumers to watch home TV content on the most popular Internet-connected PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone--virtually anywhere in the world. SlingPlayer 3.0 offers a rich and visually appealing interface that enables users to find content they want to watch from the vast number of shows that are offered and easily navigate to that show by just tapping the screen. Its split-screen navigation allows Slingbox customers to browse other content in the guide, view show details or engage with others via social media, all while streaming live TV.

In the living room it is the ultimate remote control allowing customers to decide whether to watch the program on the iPad or on their TV, making it the ultimate 2(nd) screen app. Whether you want to see what's popular on TV, engage in the conversation about a program you're watching via social media or track game scores and stats, SlingPlayer 3.0 is the ultimate 1(st) or 2(nd) screen for your viewing enjoyment.

Because Slingbox customers love their sports teams, SlingPlayer 3.0 takes the sports viewing and engagement experience to another level. Now customers can instantly see all the games currently playing without having to search through a guide. In addition, they can keep track of scores, player statistics and social engagement for every game on TV. Indeed, Slingbox customers can use SlingPlayer 3.0 as a powerful second-screen companion for all sorts of programming.

Sling Media has also partnered with Thuuz (http://www.thuuz.com/home/) to enhance sports-viewing by incorporating the Thuuz Sports discovery engine, which rates the excitement level of each game in real-time. Thuuz and Sling Media have an ongoing partnership that is expected to yield additional product benefits later this year.

"The combination of Thuuz ratings and SlingPlayer means sports fans never have to miss out on the most exciting games, even when they can't get to a TV," said Warren Packard, CEO of Thuuz Sports.

Sling Media will be offering demos of SlingPlayer 3.0 and various Slingbox products at the 2014 International CES. Visit Booth 8243 in the Central Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center on Jan. 7-10.

Innovations honoree products are featured on CESweb.org/Innovations.

The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association, producer of International CES. Innovations entries are judged based on engineering qualities; aesthetic and design qualities; intended use, function and user value; unique and attractive features; and marketplace comparisons.

About Sling Media

Sling Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., is the leading provider of video placeshifting products and services for consumers and television service providers. Sling Media's product family includes Slingbox, which provides consumers with the ability to watch and control their living room TV shows at any time, from any location, using Internet-connected PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones. For more information, visit www.slingbox.com.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Corp. (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite operations and video-delivery solutions. EchoStar's wholly owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband services, delivering network technologies and managed services for enterprise and government customers in more than 100 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., with additional business units worldwide, EchoStar is a multiple Emmy award-winning company that has pioneered advancements in the set-top box and satellite industries for nearly 30 years, consistently delivering value for customers, partners and investors through innovation and outstanding quality. EchoStar's contribution to video technology continues to have a major influence on the way consumers view, receive and manage TV programming.

EchoStar's consumer solutions include HughesNet®, North America's #1 high-speed satellite Internet service, Sling Media's Slingbox® products, and EchoStar's line of set-top box products for the free-to-air satellite and terrestrial markets.

For more information, please visit www.EchoStar.com.

SOURCE Sling Media