Sling TV Expands 'First Look' Program For Its Cloud DVR Feature

Sling TV’s Cloud DVR feature expands to include Roku, Android devices

By Kris Wouk April 11, 2017

sling tv tablet — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sling TV announced late last year that it was adding a highly requested feature: Cloud DVR functionality. The feature has since entered beta, but was only available for customers watching Sling TV on a Roku device. Now, the availability of the feature has greatly expanded.

Last month, Sling TV introduced a “First Look” program for its Cloud DVR feature, with customers getting 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage for a $5 per month fee. Those in the beta are still getting 100 hours of Cloud DVR storage at no cost, and this will remain the case as long as their subscriptions remain active.

The first look program was originally only available on the Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, as well as its Fire tablets. Now the “First Look” program has expanded, with Android devices and Roku streaming boxes also being supported. For Roku users who didn’t get into the beta, this means that they now have access to the new Cloud DVR features, but aren’t getting as much storage, and have to pay the $5 per month fee. Sling TV says the Apple TV will be the next device to gain access to the new Cloud DVR.

“Many customers have requested Cloud DVR since our launch, and as more consumers cut the cord, we know Cloud DVR is a must-have feature for many consumers,” Ben Weinberger, Sling TV chief product officer, said in a statement. “We also know some customers prefer to watch our 30,000 on-demand titles, and we don’t want to make them pay for a feature they won’t use. While other OTT [0ver the top] providers force everyone to take Cloud DVR at a higher price, Sling TV continues to give our customers choice and control over their entertainment experience.”

Cloud DVR functionality isn’t available on all channels, but on those where the feature is available, you can pause and rewind live TV and schedule recordings just as you would with a standard DVR. Unlike the DVR functionality provided by PlayStation Vue, there is no 28-day storage limit on recordings. Instead, the service simply deletes the oldest watched recordings when you hit your storage limit.

The Cloud DVR add-on is available to both Sling Orange and Sling Blue subscribers. Once added, it enables the feature on any supported device you use. For more information, read the announcement on the Sling TV blog.

Updated on 04-11-2017 by Kris Wouk: Edited to add information on new devices that can access the “First Look” program.

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