Great idea, poor quality. junk 3 months outside of warranty

SlingMedia has a great idea, a pretty looking box, some nice software for your computer.  Streaming of my calbe channels over the Internet works great: audio and video.  Unfortuantely after using this $250 box for a few months over a year it quit.  It just will not find the network anymore.  I have spent many, many hours reading troubleshooting information on the Internet, and more hours rebooting it, my rebooting my router, trying a new router, rebooting my modem, trying a new modem, resetting the slingbox, in many combinations, etc.  It's no longer working. 

Sling wants $29 to help me over the phone, then another $70 for a refurbished one, if they deem I need a new one.  I have no doubt that they have plenty of refurbished ones to go around.  There are loads of stories on the Internet of these things failing shortly after the warranty period. 

My wife is particularly upset.  She spend a lot of the little money she has to get this for me for Christmas. 

Basic description:

Multiple Inputs
Connect and control up to four video sources, including your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, and DVD player. HD Component Input
Connects to any one of your high definition sources for great picture quality on your laptop, desktop, or mobile device.*Built-in Cable Tuner
Features an integrated analog tuner for access to your basic cable line-up without changing your set-top box channel on your home TV.No Monthly Fees
Watch and control your TV and its programming on your compatible cell phone, PDA, laptop or desktop with no monthly subscription fee.**Multiple Inputs
Connect and control up to four video sources, including your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, and DVD player. HD Component Input
Connects to any one of your high definition sources for great picture quality on your laptop, desktop, or mobile device.*Built-in Cable Tuner
Features an integrated analog tuner for access to your basic cable line-up without changing your set-top box channel on your home TV.No Monthly Fees
Watch and control your TV and its programming on your compatible cell phone, PDA, laptop or desktop with no monthly subscription fee.**The Slingbox PRO is the perfect companion for your home theater. With the ability to watch and control one high definition video source and up to three standard definition video devices, the Slingbox PRO ensures that you can watch all of your favorite home theater entertainment anywhere you go. Using an Internet-connected computer or compatible mobile phone, you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox PRO you are never separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand.
Multiple Inputs
Connect and control up to four video sources, including your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, and DVD player. HD Component Input
Connects to any one of your high definition sources for great picture quality on your laptop, desktop, or mobile device.*Built-in Cable Tuner
Features an integrated analog tuner for access to your basic cable line-up without changing your set-top box channel on your home TV.No Monthly Fees
Watch and control your TV and its programming on your compatible cell phone, PDA, laptop or desktop with no monthly subscription fee.**