Everything You Need to Know About Sling TV’s DVR
While Sling’s DVR doesn’t have the capacity that many of its competitors’ features do, its extra controls make it worthwhile.
Sling TV is my go-to service when I want to stream live TV as it offers the best price-per-channel value on the market. Aside from a great channel lineup for sports and entertainment, it also has a DVR, which is becoming a must-have feature across streaming services; but Sling’s DVR is different from most of its competitors’. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to switch to Sling.
Everything You Need to Know About Sling TV’s DVR:
What Is the Sling TV DVR Capacity?
Sling has two primary channel lineups: Sling Blue and Sling Orange. The price starts at $40, and your first month is usually discounted. No matter which plan you choose, the included cloud DVR will allow 50 hours of recordings.
You can upgrade your DVR capacity to 200 hours for just $5 per month.
How is Sling’s DVR Different from Other Live TV Streamers?
Most live TV streaming services (DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Philo, and YouTube TV) give you an unlimited DVR. While that may seem like a better choice, some users complain that the DVRs can be difficult to navigate. For shows that air multiple times a day on multiple channels (like ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,”) unlimited DVRs will record every broadcast. That can make it difficult to find the specific recording you want to watch.
Unlike competitors, Sling allows you to record just one episode of a show. Sling also allows you to “lock” a recording so it won’t be automatically deleted when you reach your 50-hour cap. You can also delete specific episodes or all episodes of a show. This makes it more useful than the “all-or-nothing” recordings with other streamers.
If you delete a recording accidentally, you can still watch or retrieve it for 48 hours. With other streamers, you don’t get an option to retrieve a recording after you delete it. Because there are lots of ways to maximize storage, Sling’s 50-hour DVR has proven to be sufficient for how I use the service.
Can You Skip Commercials on Sling TV’s DVR?
Yes! As with every other DVR, Sling allows you to skip commercials on recordings. This makes the DVR a better option than viewing on-demand because the on-demand versions of episodes and movies usually feature unskippable commercials.
Is There a Difference Between DVRs for Sling Blue or Sling Orange?
No. Every Sling plan comes with 50 hours of DVR space unless you choose to upgrade. Whether you choose Orange, Blue, or Orange + Blue, the DVR is the same.
Can You Record Local Channels with Sling TV?
Yes. If you receive a channel with Sling, you can record it. Your ability to receive local channels will depend on where you live. ABC, Fox, and NBC are available in some markets with Sling TV, however, the skinny-bundle service does not offer CBS anywhere in th United States. You can watch your local CBS affiliate with an antenna or with a subscription to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.
Do You Need Special Equipment to Record on Sling TV?
No special equipment is needed. Whether you choose to access Sling with your computer, phone, tablet, streaming device, or smart TV, you will be able to control the DVR and access your recordings.
Sling TV is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Bottom Line
For the past two years, I’ve used Sling TV as my TV provider during the football season. No other service offers a channel lineup this strong at a price this low. While its DVR is not unlimited, 50 hours has been sufficient — the controls allow me to maximize space and save the recordings that are most important to me.
Because Sling frequently offers great intro deals, it’s easy and inexpensive to try the service to see if it’s right for you. Try The Streamable’s Service Matchmaker if you’d like to verify that Sling has all of the channels you need.
Sling TV
Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $40/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $40/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.
You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $55 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.