In what can only be seen as a direct response to AT&T’s recent DirecTV NOW launch, DISH Network has announced a new network DVR beta test for Sling TV subscribers. The beta is showcasing what is being touted as a true cloud DVR with up to 100 hours of storage space.
When you hear “cloud DVR” many of you might think back to the Sony Playstation Vue. While the Vue is a clear Sling competitor, its DVR options are restricted to 28 days of storage time after the original live airing. The new Sling TV DVR beta has no such time restriction, allowing you to store your recordings in the cloud until you are ready to use them.
While this service is still in beta, there is one drawback that has already made itself clear: channel restrictions. Due to various content licensing issues in the deals between DISH Network and Disney, ESPN and ABC, those channels will not be available to record. This could change in the future, but for now the Disney-owned network’s distribution agreements do not allow for recording of their content on the Sling service.
This beta is available, at no extra cost, for existing Sling Orange or Blue subscribers. However, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to test Sling TV, now is the time! To sweeten the deal, DISH is currently including a free Roku Streaming Stick with the purchase of a month or more of Sling TV services. Meaning, if you sign up now you’ll get a free Roku Streaming Stick and free access to the Sling TV DVR Beta Test!
The Sling TV Cloud DVR will allow you to record up to 100 hours of content. The DVR is even able to automatically manage its own storage space, allowing it to delete content that has already been viewed to make space for any new recordings.
Now, for those of you who have been following the current state of DISH Network’s earnings report, it becomes apparent that this new beta is part a concentrated effort to continue the Sling TV momentum and hopefully boost subscriber numbers for the next quarter. Sling TV has been the flagship product for boosting DISH Network subscriptions, and with this new cloud DVR it seems like it will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
For now, the only way to become a part of this beta program is through an invite only DISH Network program. However, they’ve recently opened it up so that you can request an invitation! Not all requests are guaranteed to receive an invite, but it’s certainly worth registering. Don’t miss out, register for DISH Network’s Sling TV Cloud DVR beta services today!
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