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Issue 49: October 28, 2019

Have some spare change? Sony's PlayStation Vue service is for sale, including its generous TV package and DVR. This week, we explore more on cloud DVR and include a few headlines you may want to check out.Read on to find out more in this week's Stream Report.

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Cord-Cutting Tip of the Week:

Does DVR Matter?

Most cord-cutting services now advertise various types of cloud DVR options. From time limits to space limits, with but a few exceptions, most internet TV services heavily promote their DVR storage. But do you really need DVR? 

1. What is Cloud DVR?

Cloud DVR is the storage space that streaming services provide to users that let you digitally record live TV programs. Storage and limit methods vary. For example, fuboTV and Hulu with Live TV both offer storage limits based on total recording time (e.g., 30 hours of stored video). Meanwhile, YouTube TV offers "unlimited" storage, with recordings that automatically expire after a certain amount of time (9 months, to be exact).

2. Do You Need DVR?

Surprisingly, most subscribers likely don't need the included DVR option. Thanks to TV Everywhere compatability, 72-hour rewind features, and other contract agreements, most channels offer their recently-aired TV shows and sporting events on even without using your DVR. And in most cases, the content you want to watch will be available for months after airing.

That said, you'll find DVR may be necessary if the channels you watch the most don't keep their content around on the service you're using. This is a common issue with sports channels, for example, or movie channels. All told, most users will probably find they don't need DVR at all.

3. Can You Go Without DVR For a Lower Price?

Sadly, no. Most services don't offer a DVR-free feature for a lower price---although they should. Sling TV is currently the only service that doesn't roll DVR into the service. Some options, like AT&T WatchTV and the new Vidgo service, don't carry a DVR. That's likely to change for Vidgo sometime in the future, however.

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Apple's New TV Service Launches on November 1

Apple users can watch Apple's line-up of new content on November 1, including the post-apocalyptic show

See

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Apple

2. HBO's 'Silicon Valley' Returned for Season 6

Did you miss it? The first episode of HBO's

Silicon Valley Season 6 aired on Sunday. Stream it now on HBO. 

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Flixed

News and Industry Developments

1. Sony Looking to Sell PlayStation Vue

After several years of struggling, it now appears Sony is attempting to sell its PlayStation Vue streaming service. -

The Verge

2. The FCC Just Declared AT&T TV Now a "Cable Competitor"

The FCC this week sided with Charter Communications in a bid to get AT&T TV Now seen as a cable TV competitor. The ruling means Charter's cable TV service can be deregulated in Hawaii and Massachusetts and may have implications nationwide. - 

T

echnology.com