AT&T TV, now known as DirecTV Stream, is one of the most used live TV streaming services. A common question about DirecTV Stream inevitably arises, as to whether the platform provides cloud DVR functionality to record shows and content to watch at another time. In this post, we will be looking at if cloud DVR is available in DirecTV Stream and how it operates.
What is Cloud DVR?
Cloud DVR is a service that allows the recording and storage of TV shows and movies and does not require a physical device. The other format that is more common to current set-top DVR boxes is the cable, and to save recordings locally, another such box is needed. But with cloud DVR services, the storage and technology is in a remote internet server environment that can be managed and accessed by the user through their streaming devices or apps.
Cloud DVR allows you to:
- Record live TV programs to watch later
- Dial or freeze live programs
- Do not fast forward commercials in recorded events
- Record stores without equipment locally
- Retrieve locally saved recordings from other devices that are connected to the application.
Frankly, it offers you a lot of what a typical DVR box does anyway—but based in the cloud rather than a physical device in your house.
Does DirecTV Stream offer a Cloud DVR?
Yes, DirecTV Stream has a cloud DVR feature for its streaming customers. Thus, you can record and have access to saved content without necessarily having a set-top DVR device at your home.
The cloud DVR is available to all DirecTV streaming plans and does not require any additional charges. Therefore, there is no need to purchase an additional fee or go to a better package of the programming to attain the cloud recording capability with your subscription.
Explaining the Functioning of the Cloud DVR in DirecTV Stream
The cloud DVR on DirecTV Stream operates more like a native set-top box DVR, though with a few caveats. All you have to do is press the ‘record’ button on a live airing of a TV program, and it gets saved in your cloud library. Or select for specific upcoming or currently airing show from a guide to set recordings.
From there, your saved recordings will be listed as those that can be replayed to you. They can be watched live or be recorded to be watched later at the user’s own discretion.
Currently, the DirecTV’s set cloud DVR storage limits
The standard amount of cloud DVR storage does differ by package:
- Entertainment Package – 20 hours
- Choice Package – hours not limited
- Ultimate Package – unlimited hours
- This package is a Premier Package whereby the customer is allowed to spend as many hours as possible with the model.
In this case, although customers are not charged any additional amount for the cloud DVR service, the lower packages restrict the amount of storage space for recordings. Upgrading will give you wider cloud storage capacity to store more episodes of your favorite shows through cloud DVR.
Cloud DVR Viewing Restrictions
One important thing to note is that DirecTV Stream places certain restrictions on viewing cloud DVR recordings:
- Recordings can only be played back on the home Internet network, and not, for example, on mobile devices when you are otherwise connected to the Internet.
- Cloud DVR recordings are not available for permanent download to mobile devices for offline usage
And thus it is with cloud DVR content – the only way you can access it is through local network streaming only, which is unlike some of the competitor offerings. However, it will be appreciated that you have the same time-shifting advantages inherent in a traditional in-home DVR within your house.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is possible to conclude that DirecTV Stream does indeed have a rather powerful cloud DVR option and it is free of charge. The storage limits are quite limited in cheaper packages. ButDirecTV Stream still offers a good solution for those customers who want to record live TV shows to watch it when they want without using physical dvr devices.
Nomadic offline viewing is not available, however, DirecTV Stream provides a comprehensive cloud DVR functionality for the playback of your recorded programs in your home. All in all, it’s a great feature enhancing the streaming service as more cord-cutters accustomed to having DVR.
Hopefully, this breakdown provided the information on what you can find and expect from DirecTV Stream’s cloud DVR service! If you have any other questions, feel free to let us know.
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