Sling TV Extends Paid Cloud DVR Access to Roku, Android Users

‘First Look’ program sells 50 hours of cloud DVR storage for $5 per month (Updated)

Sling TV said it has expanded its Cloud DVR “First Look” program to customers who access the OTT TV service on Roku and Android platforms, including Roku players, integrated Roku TVs, as well as Android TV devices and Android smartphones and tablets.

The program, which sells 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage for $5 per month, was originally offered to Sling TV subscribers who access the service via the Amazon Fire TV box, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets.
RELATED: Sling TV Offers Paid Access to Cloud DVR Beta
“We heard more customers wanted our DVR, so we are eager to now offer Roku and Android users the same ability to purchase 50 hours of storage for $5 per month with any Sling TV subscription,” Ben Weinberger, Sling TV’s chief product officer, said in this blog post.

Sling TV plans to expand Cloud DVR support to more devices in the “coming weeks,” starting with Apple TV devices. AirTV, the new OTT-OTA product from Dish Network that’s focused on cord-cutters and supports Sling TV, is currently not compatible with Sling TV’s Cloud DVR product.

UPDATE: Sling TV confirmed that its original Cloud DVR beta testers won’t be charged, and will continue to have access to 100 hours of DVR storage during the beta period. Sling TV has not announced when the Cloud DVR product will exit beta.

Sling TV launched a beta trial of its Cloud DVR late last year.
The OTT TV provider is expanding access of its Cloud DVR as Sling TV faces off with more online competition.

Among virtual MVPDs, YouTube TV, now available in five markets, fuboTV and PlayStation Vue all offer cloud DVR options with different capabilities and limitations. YouTube TV’, for example, allows for unlimited recordings with the caveat that they’ll expire nine months after they are recorded. PlayStation Vue’s cloud DVR also allows unlimited recordings, but subs must watch them within 28 days after a show or movie is recorded. DirecTV Now has a cloud DVR on its roadmap.