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Sling TV launches cloud DVR feature hours before DirecTV Now unveiling

The feature launches in beta on Roku just as AT&T is about to reveal its rival DirecTV Now service.

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John Falcone Senior Editorial Director, Shopping
John P. Falcone is the senior director of commerce content at CNET, where he coordinates coverage of the site's buying recommendations alongside the CNET Advice team (where he previously headed the consumer electronics reviews section). He's been a CNET editor since 2003.
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Sarah Tew

Sling TV users will soon be able to record some TV shows and store them online for later viewing.

The feature, which will initially be available as an invite-only beta to users of Dish's online streaming video service, is being announced on the same day that a major rival is appearing on the scene. Details of AT&T's DirecTV Now will be unveiled at a press event in New York later today.

"Unlike other OTT [over-the-top] services, we're delivering a true cloud DVR with no 28-day restriction on your recordings, marking another win for Sling TV and our customers," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV, in a statement. "Two years ago we became the first live OTT provider, and we continue to innovate and bring the best experience to our customers."

Among the current details and restrictions of Sling's cloud DVR feature:

  • It's available in beta to select customers with Roku hardware.
  • The feature will "expand to additional device platforms over the next few months."
  • The DVR feature will work with subscribers to both the Sling Orange and Sling Blue service tiers.
  • You can record movies, individual TV episodes or full TV series -- but Sling notes that the service is not available on all channels.

Sling subscribers with Roku streaming hardware can apply here to be part of the beta.