Sling TV is another live TV streaming service that was once known as DirecTV Now, but the name was changed to AT&T Now, and now it is called DirecTV Stream. That is, it delivers live TV networks and streaming video programs without the use of cables or satellites. Some of the questions people have include, whether DirecTV Stream has a DVR for recording and storing programs. In this post, we will discuss in detail whether DirecTV Stream offers a DVR solution or not.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is an internet TV service that streams cable channels and libraries on the internet with no need for satellite dishes or cables. It transmits videos and other content over the internet to connected devices including smart TVs, media players, smartphones, and others.
Some key features offered by DirecTV Stream include:
- Live Cable TV channels that are the most watched in the world such as ESPN, CNN, TNT, and many more.
- Massive online repositories of television programs and films
- Easy-to-use electronic program guide and system control
- Works with a variety of devices including smart TVs, and media players including Roku and Fire TV, phones, and tablets.
- Elimination of contracts as a subscription model
Another frequent question that customers may have is if DirecTV Stream provides a DVR feature.
The short answer is no, DirecTV Stream does not have cloud DVR features. Users cannot pause the content they are viewing, or rewind to a certain point to watch it later like a cable or satellite TV DVR box would enable.
Nonetheless, DirecTV Stream provides tens of thousands of hours of on-demand content to compensate for the absence of DVR functionality. The only thing that is not possible to capture is live programs and the rest of the content is available anytime from their library section.
DirecTV Stream Features Link to DVR
While a full DVR is not included, DirecTV Stream does have a few features that help make up for that missing functionality:
Restart Currently Airing Programs:
Should one tune in to a live show after it has started, DirecTV Stream enables one to go back to the start to watch the entire program. This only relates to some of the channels and programs that it airs.
72-Hour Rewind:
Most of the channels and titles allow you to watch programs that have been aired within the last 3 days. So although they are not accurately recorded, you get a good-sized window to watch shows that have been aired just recently.
Huge On-Demand Catalog:
The fact is that with tens of thousands of shows, movies, and episodes available on-demand, there is little need for a DVR as most things can be watched at leisure with the help of on-demand services. However, in a DirecTV Stream context, almost anything one would wish to watch later can be easily accessed from the on-demand section.
Are You Ready for a DVR Feature?
As it stands now, DirecTV Stream has not made any public statements regarding the integration of DVR support. However, due to consumer demand, it does seem possible that they add this functionality in the future.
Most of their streaming rivals such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live, FuboTV, and Sling TV offer full-scale DVR solutions, so much pressure might be on DirecTV Stream.
Is there any other way for DVR other than DirecTV Stream?
For those considering DirecTV Stream but wanting access to a DVR, there are a few alternatives to consider:
YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV
fuboTV
These all provide capable and comprehensive DVR functionality to time-shift live programming. All but three offer unlimited storage for at least 9 months or more. Thus, if DVR access is important, one of these streaming services should be the preferred choice over DirecTV Stream.
Conclusion
Despite having a strong live TV streaming offering in DirecTV Stream, this still left one glaring hole in their service – no DVR. Since there are no indications of any DVR releases in the future to make it easy to record content, customers will have to consider other solutions. However, given the size of the on-demand library and the freedom provided by DirecTV Stream, some cord-cutters may not even miss the lack of DVR.
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!
