At first launch, obviously you'd need to put in your Sling Media account credentials, and then the app will let you choose one of the SlingBoxes associated with your account -- don't be alarmed, since each box only allows one live connection.

ENGADGET: App review: SlingPlayer Mobile for Android

Whatever the form of connection, television makers are doing away with a set-top box for dialling into the Internet.

ECONOMIST: Is it tellynet or netelly? | The

X-box, with a graphical interface supposedly superior to Sony's, will also have a hard disk and Internet connection.

ECONOMIST: Games and the Internet go well together