Internet television service Sling TV is set to offer a cloud-based DVR service, launching to select Roku users beginning December, though Sling TV has promised an eventual rollout for additional supported devices in the following months of availability.
The DVR service will allow users to record up to 100 hours of content and record multiple shows simultaneously.
"Two years ago we became the first live OTT [over-the-top] provider, and we continue to innovate and bring the best experience to our customers," Roger Lynch, Sling TV's chief executive, said.
Sling TV's Cloud-Based DVR Features
Sling TV's new Cloud DVR services will first be available for beta customers with Roku devices subscribed to Sling TV's single-stream service, Sling Orange or the multi-stream service, Sling Blue.
Users can record films, TV episodes or full seasons of a series of their choosing, with traditional DVR controls such as pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding. However, the DVR functionality won't be available in all channels, though Sling TV hasn't specified a list of supported ones.
Sling TV's Cloud DVR seems to have been designed around practical consumers' use, with features built-in that lessens the fuss associated with getting it to work. For example, the DVR features will be integrated into Sling's "My TV" screen so users can access DVR easily and when storage has maxed out, Sling TV will automatically allocate space for new recordings by deleting oldest, watched videos.
Sling TV DVR Beta Program
Sling TV subscribers and Roku owners who want a chance to be the first to try out Sling TV's DVR service may request an invitation from Sling TV to participate in the beta program.
Not everyone will be handed out a pass, however, since Sling TV will only pluck a few from the pile, so for users who want to make sure they've been accepted into the program, be sure to keenly watch out for Sling TV's confirmation message that includes additional steps to activate the DVR features on Sling TV.
More Features To Come
For enrolled beta customers, Sling TV has noted that 100 hours of DVR storage will incur no charge, though it's safe to assume that the service will start slapping fees to users when it steps out of the beta program. Sling TV has also promised that the cloud DVR service will continue to evolve, with more features on the way such as expanded storage and a "protect recordings" functionality.
Perhaps the most important element in Sling TV's new DVR service is that it won't force unto users a 28-day expiration date, very much unlike the PlayStation Vue, which similarly, has DVR capabilities but with the disappointing 28-day limitation.
"Unlike other OTT [over-the-top] services, we're delivering a true cloud DVR with no 28-day restriction on your recordings, marking another win for Sling TV and our customers," Lynch said.
For Roku owners, will you be trying out Sling TV's new cloud DVR features? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
