AT&T TV or now DirectTV Stream is another live-TV streaming service like cable or satellite TV that is delivered over the internet. A frequently asked question is - is it possible to record shows and movies on DirectTV Stream as you can do with DVR equipment that is offered by a cable or satellite television provider? So the short answer is yes, DirectTV Stream does allow for recording capabilities but it is somewhat limited.
What Show Types Are Available to Record on DirectTV Stream?
To your surprise, it is possible to record most programs that are aired on the channels that you subscribe to via DirectTV Stream. This means normal programs such as TV shows, movies, sports events, news, and many more except for some exclusive events like pay-per-view or video on demand where recording is not permitted.
How Many Programs Can You Set to Record at One Time?
DirectTV Stream permits you to record different programs, the number of which depends on the selected package. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Entertainment – This option allows for the recording of up to 20 hours of programming.
- Choice – Record up to fifty programs.
- Ultimate – For recording up to 90 hours of programming
- Premier – Record as much as 130 hours of programming
So in other words, the more premium package you choose within the DirectTV Stream service, the number of recordings available in the cloud DVR at any given time is more.
Another thing worth mentioning is DirectTV Stream enables users to schedule recordings of different broadcasts of the same program. Therefore, if, for example, there is a series you wish to record and it airs at different times of the week, then it will not reduce the amount of storage space for each program, even though it has been recorded multiple times.
What is the Data Retention Policy?
I think the other question that people have is how much time you have to keep recordings in a DirectTV Stream DVR. This can also vary based on which package you subscribe to:
- Entertainment – Recordings kept for 90 days
- Choice – Recordings that are retained for only 90 days
- Ultimate – Recordings that can be kept and saved for 9 months.
- Primarily – Recordings retained for 9 months
However, as with most services that increase in price with service quality, the more expensive packages enable you to retain files for longer than the cheaper packages do. Nevertheless, as for the maximum time limits mentioned above, all recordings are performed to be erased on DirectTV Stream.
To be precise, many of these services do not allow you to download recordings in any way, let alone save them for eternity.
However, there is an option to download recordings only for a limited time and save it to devices or external storages – no option to download it permanently to DirectTV Stream’s cloud DVR. After that, recordings are deleted automatically and cannot be regained or watched, if they have exceeded the package time limits mentioned above.
Most streaming providers employ such restrictions when it comes to the use and versatility of recordings. Perhaps this is because of content rights and some legal issues. It is a disadvantage when compared to more conventional DVR equipment that cable or satellite firms offer, where customers are usually given full lifetime rights to content recordings.
Recording Features Supported Devices and Where to Watch?
Any smart device that you can install the DirectTV Stream app on can also help you schedule your recordings and then watch those recordings at your convenience. This comprises mobile phones, iPads, laptops, smart televisions, and stationary media devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV among others.
If you can sign in to your DirectTV Stream account on the device, you’ll have the opportunity to watch your cloud DVR and recorded shows. Please do note that how many hours they shall be available for viewing is still going to be governed by the package limits outlined above.
Perhaps the only use that can be made of these restrictions is if you have content that you want to download for use offline. Currently, DirectTV Stream only allows some offline downloads for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. Probably to digital rights management protection.
Can You Pause Or Rewind Live Streaming TV?
Apart from the full DVR recordings, DirectTV Stream enables customers to pause, rewind, or replay live programs that have aired within the current time of the day up to 72 hours before. This is similar to having a buffer in your DVR but it does not make you set up the content to record as a first step.
This feature makes it possible to stop the broadcast of sporting activities and other programs and then resume after a break or even revisit a more interesting part. It enables you to view up to 72 hours of programming that is aired on channels you get from your device.
This brings extra functionality and choice in addition to the cloud DVR, shown not just by scheduled recordings. Incorporating the features that make DirectTV Stream much closer to the traditional cable or satellite DVR model.
In Summary
While it doesn't provide unlimited storage or full lifetime ownership of recordings, DirectTV Stream does provide solid cloud DVR functionality for a streaming TV service including:
- One key feature is the ability to capture data from nearly any channel within your subscription tier.
- Amendments: Recording made possible several at once depending on the tier
- Enduring long periods of storage of recordings depending on the tier
- It is compatible with a lot of streaming devices so that you can easily access the recording.
- Over the past 72 hours, customers can rewind and replay live TV that was broadcasted on each channel.
For someone interested in a streaming TV service that also encompasses the ability to record and accumulate content for later viewing as a DVR does, DirectTV Stream meets that expectation rather nicely. What one needs to know, however, is that there are some limitations concerning the amount of records that can be kept and for how long in comparison with typical systems. But for most users, it gives you solid recording functionality in addition to all the benefits of having a streaming live television service.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
