Flixed Newsletter 1 Apr.29/2019 -

Flixed Newsletter - What to do with DVR Limits, Everything Coming to Netflix in May, and MORE!

April 29, 2019

Issue 23: April 29, 2019

Are DVR limits getting you down? This week, we examine useful ways to deal with DVR storage limits. And for those looking to stream something interesting this week, May is just around the corner, and that means new content available on Netflix! Also, the 2019 Miss USA pageant and the 2019 Billboard Music awards are both happening later this week.Finally, there's great news for Verizon customers that involves a hefty deal with Google, and bad news for DirecTV Now, which continues to bleed customers left and right. Read on to find out more in this week's Stream Report.

.Interested in sharing Stream Report with a friend? Send them here!

Cord-Cutting Tip of the Week:

What to do when DVR storage is limited

Cord-cutting services like

,

,

and others focus not just on the channels they offer, but the features they offer. DVR storage is a popular feature most new and experienced cord-cutters take into heavy consideration. After all, most consumers simply don't have the time or patience to schedule their lives around live TV anymore. In fact, a 2017 Pew Research study found that 6 in 10 young adults

. 

Not surprising, then, that the

and

of the world are now offering cloud DVR options. But you'll find that every cloud DVR on the market is limited. Some of these services, such as

, don't offer any DVR at all, while others (like Sling) only provide DVR for an additional price.

That may leave you wondering -- when DVR is unavailable, or my DVR storage runs out, what can I do? You actually have 3 great options to help handle DVR limitations.

1. Use your channels' TV Everywhere apps or websites

TV Everywhere is a partner program that many channels join that allows them to offer their on-demand content over the web via individual apps. Not every channel offers its content online, but a large (and growing) number do. And indeed, you'll find that most of the channels available through market-leading cord-cutting services have these apps. Those that don't have TV everywhere apps likely have their content readily available on their separate websites.

There are two key benefits to going this route when you have limited DVR storage to work with. 

First, you don't have to use your own DVR storage.

Most channels now have most or all of their content library available to anyone legally paying for their channel. That content is often provided partially through the cord-cutting service, but more fully through the individual TV Everywhere app or website. What's more, that content stays in place for a long time. 

Second, you don't use one of your simultaneous streams.

This is somewhat of a fringe benefit as it's not directly related to your DVR storage, but all cord-cutting services have a limit on how many devices you can use to stream content, even if you're just streaming on-demand shows and movies. By using the TV Everywhere apps or channel-based websites, you don't use up a stream, making it a good option if you're sharing an account. 

2. Increase your DVR storage

If your streaming service allows it, and you're willing to pay a bit extra, you can increase your DVR storage. Some,

and

, let you boost your storage limit with add-ons. You can usually tack on those add-ons by going to your account settings.

Others, however, like

and

, only have one storage limit option available. Philo, for example, offers unlimited storage limits but has a time-expiration of 30 days on recordings. Sling, on the other hand, charges $5 per month extra for 50 hours of DVR storage, but there's no time limit.

3. Clear some space and only record live TV that won't be offered on-demand

Sometimes it's hard to let go. But if your DVR storage issues are due to running out of space, and you're using a service that has no time limits, it might be time to do some Spring cleaning. Clearing out old content can help you regain some of that precious storage space.

We also recommend only recording shows that won't appear on-demand later from the channels you're viewing. Most entertainment TV shows will be available from that channel for weeks or months after, so you probably don't need to record them. Live sports, however, are often unavailable later, so if recording of those is allowed by your service, we recommend focusing your DVR space there.

News and Industry Developments

1. YouTube TV and Verizon Sign Deal to Give Verizon Customers YouTube TV as Part of a Bundle

If you're a Verizon customer and a cord-cutting fan, this is an opportunity you may not want to pass up. Verizon nad Google signed a deal this week that will provide YouTube TV to Verizon 5G home wireless customers, and those signed up to other Verizon plans.  -

2. DirecTV Now Lost 20 Percent of Its Subscribers in 6 months

We're beginning to get a better picture of DirecTV Now's recent price increase, as earnings statements show the service lost 350,000 customers in the past 6 months. -

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Here's What's Coming to (and Leaving) Netflix in May

Get your streaming binge time scheduled in. There's some great stuff headed to Netflix in May, although you may cry just a bit when you see what's leaving. 

2. Music Fans, Get Ready: The 2019 Billboard Music Awards are LIVE This WEDNESDAY

The 2019 Billboard Music Awards will feature all of the top music artists making Billboards charts in 2018. If you're a music fan, this will be a must-see event. You can watch live without cable through

,

, and more. The show starts on Wednesday, May 2, at 8 PM EST. 

3. 2019 Miss USA Pageant Streams LIVE This THURSDAY

The glitz, glamour and random talents of America's beauties return to TV this week. Watch every second of the 2019 Miss USA pageant this Thursday at 8 PM EST. Fox carries the streams, and you can watch Fox without cable on

,

, and more. -

Streaming Deals

1. Get 40% Off Your Sling TV Subscription 

2. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Roku

 is currently giving away a free Roku Express to all new subscribers who prepay for one month of service. -

3. Sign Up For Sling, Get a Free Indoor Antenna and Air TV Bundle

is currently giving away a free indoor antenna and an Air TV Bundle to all new subscribers who prepay for three months of service. -

4. Get $5 Off Your First Month of Philo

Use coupon code "R9RFWJVG" at checkout to get $5 off your

. -

5. Sling TV Currently Giving Free Preview of Add-on Bundle

From now until May 19, Sling TV is giving subscribers free access to four channel add-on bundles: Comedy  Plus Extra, Kids Extra, Lifestyle Plus Extra, and News Extra. -

Reply

or to participate.