Roger Fingas
AT&T's DirecTV Now on Tuesday rolled out an updated app for iPhones, iPads, and the Apple TV, attempting to fill in gaps and address complaints about the live TV service.
The most obvious change to the app is a new user interface, intended to make it easier to jump to favorite channels and shows. Viewers can also continue to watch one show while browsing for something else.
The service has also expanded access to a beta Cloud DVR feature, allowing people to record up to 20 hours of programming. Video can be saved for up to 30 days, and users can specify whether they want to record an entire series or just the latest episodes. DirecTV added that in the next few months it will be adding more features and plans, including the ability to save up to 100 hours for 90 days for an extra $10 per month.
DVR recording is blocked for some content, such as NBC's "Saturday Night Live."
Miscellaneous changes include access to local channels when traveling, streaming to a third device for an extra $5, and a expanded library of on-demand content, with over 25,000 titles. On some channels people can watch shows the day after broadcast.
DirectTV Now plans start at $35 per month. At the moment the service is still offering a special promotion in which people can get a free Apple TV 4K if they prepay for three months at a cost of $105.
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21 Comments
Why is certain content blocked from DVR? I hate that we are still waiting for feature parity between cable and live streaming services. I’ll make the jump when they add closer to one-to-one
Curious that SNL can be requested to be recorded (see the r.h. pic), but it won't be.
So how do you know which shows can/can't be recorded with the DVR? Is there a list somewhere? Or some published criteria?
Signed up yesterday to get my free ATV 4K and discovered dtvnow doesn't offer CBS. They have ABC, NBC and FOX, but no CBS. Sort of a deal breaker...
And the interface was horrible. Just trying to figure out how to get to local channels was a chore. Hopefully this will be better.