Is There Anyway to Record (DVR) Streaming Media (DirecTV Now)?

[dreamfield42]

I am contemplating getting DirecTV Now on Roku, but we watch everything recorded on our DVR presently.

DirecTV Now is so much cheaper....programming from $30 to $70 that it has to be considered. I don't have to tell you how expensive the DirecTV service is by the time you pay for each STB, programming, HD service, DVR service....it's $150 per month....ridiculous.

I see there are some recorders that may record what you're watching, but that would be useless. The only other option would be if there was more on demand for regular series and such. I still like the DVR process though.

[rbinck]

The simple answer is none.

The only way I know of would be to get a Hauppauge HD PVR which has a Windows Media Center add on. I know it can be made to work with several different receivers, but I'm not familiar with how the Roku channels are selected.

In theory you would use the Roku as the tuner and attach it to the HD PVR via HDMI or component video and optical audio. If the Roku has only an HDMI output you may need a converter to go from HDMI to component if the digital protection causes you an issue. Then the Media Center add on would be installed in a PC (used as a DVR) and the HD PVR connected to the PC via USB. The HD PVR comes with IR blasters to change the channels on the receiver/tuner. That's where the Roku may take some investigation and may just not work if the Roku uses a RF or Bluetooth remote.

Once set up the Windows Media Center DVR can have programs scheduled just like a DVR. Hook up the TV with a PC HDMI cable.

I've used this with a Dish Network receiver and it worked pretty well. Essentially, it becomes a one channel DVR. With OTA, DirectTV, Dish or cable box where there is guide data available on the internet the media center guide will work like other DVRs.

What's Needed is any dual core or higher PC with HDMI video and 4 USB ports.

The Hauppauge HD PVR: https://smile.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1...uppauge+hd+pvr

HDMI to component video: http://www.gang-hu.com/gh_shop/index.aspx may not be necessary if the Roku allows the HDMI connection to work with the HD PVR. No protection error.

IR remote for the Windows Media Center: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Windows Media Center support for WinTV products

If you want to use a Windows 10 PC, Microsoft has discontinued Windows Media Center for Windows 10. Here is how to get windows Media Center installed: How to Install Windows Media Center on Windows 10

Having typed all of this it should be noted there are many issues that would need to be worked out, but if you have the technical ability to add software if necessary it could be worked out in theory.

[rbinck]

On the other hand, it may be that with an account you can get all of the on demand programming which could have most, if not all, of the shows you would want to DVR. On demand is like having an internet DVR.

[isszguy]

Originally Posted by dreamfield42

I am contemplating getting DirecTV Now on Roku, but we watch everything recorded on our DVR presently.

DirecTV Now is so much cheaper....programming from $30 to $70 that it has to be considered. I don't have to tell you how expensive the DirecTV service is by the time you pay for each STB, programming, HD service, DVR service....it's $150 per month....ridiculous.

I see there are some recorders that may record what you're watching, but that would be useless. The only other option would be if there was more on demand for regular series and such. I still like the DVR process though.

I'm still on my last 6 months of my DTV deal and coasting along with bills of around $95. I might add that I save a little by using ATT for my cell phone service.

ULTIMATE (all included) 75.00
$46 off $127 for 24 months (18 of 24)
$6 Price Guarantee Ends: 07/2018
2. HBO 12.99
$5 off HBO for 6 months (6 of 6)
3. Regional Sports Fee 4.53

AFAIK, Directv Now is a budjet service to compete with other streaming only services. So I doubt they'll ever offer DVR service. Otherwise, all or most of their savvy customers would switch to the streaming service as well.

What you could do is cancel your sat service, go to Dish where you'll get a sweetheart deal for the first 2 years. Then, when that is up, switch back to DTV.

Or call DTV and tell them you're switching to Dish and they'll probably offer you a better deal than you present have.

With the daily lost of "cable cutters", this is a dog eat dog business, no telling where it will end.

[WestDC]

Originally Posted by isszguy

I'm still on my last 6 months of my DTV deal and coasting along with bills of around $95. I might add that I save a little by using ATT for my cell phone service.

ULTIMATE (all included) 75.00
$46 off $127 for 24 months (18 of 24)
$6 Price Guarantee Ends: 07/2018
2. HBO 12.99
$5 off HBO for 6 months (6 of 6)
3. Regional Sports Fee 4.53

AFAIK, Directv Now is a budjet service to compete with other streaming only services. So I doubt they'll ever offer DVR service. Otherwise, all or most of their savvy customers would switch to the streaming service as well.

What you could do is cancel your sat service, go to Dish where you'll get a sweetheart deal for the first 2 years. Then, when that is up, switch back to DTV.

Or call DTV and tell them you're switching to Dish and they'll probably offer you a better deal than you present have.

With the daily lost of "cable cutters", this is a dog eat dog business, no telling where it will end.

I would advise you NOT to combine your AT&T account with Your Directv account - any Savings will NOT be worth the aggravation.

You have been warned!

[isszguy]

Originally Posted by WestDC

I would advise you NOT to combine your AT&T account with Your Directv account - any Savings will NOT be worth the aggravation.

You have been warned!

Curious as to what the aggravation you mentioned is? I started my DTV service around 18 months ago and haven't a clue as to what you mean. Disregarding the small discount I receive, one of the big advantages is that I can stream DTV OFF the clock using my ATT data plan. I don't do that much streaming, but it's nice to know I won't go over my 3GB data plan if I do stream DTV to my devices when away from my home.

[WestDC]

Originally Posted by isszguy

Curious as to what the aggravation you mentioned is? I started my DTV service around 18 months ago and haven't a clue as to what you mean. Disregarding the small discount I receive, one of the big advantages is that I can stream DTV OFF the clock using my ATT data plan. I don't do that much streaming, but it's nice to know I won't go over my 3GB data plan if I do stream DTV to my devices when away from my home.

Everything will be fine -until you cancel your service -then the billing nightmare will start - as in After canceling you will still get a bill for amount due that no one will be able to resolve.

Plenty of examples on the AT&T site and others of the pain and collection calls.

[isszguy]

Originally Posted by WestDC

Everything will be fine -until you cancel your service -then the billing nightmare will start - as in After canceling you will still get a bill for amount due that no one will be able to resolve.

Plenty of examples on the AT&T site and others of the pain and collection calls.

I've NEVER had a problem with ATT. Re their wireless phone service, ANY problems were resolved to my satisfaction with one phone call. Once I accidentally exceeded my data plan in Europe by a couple hundred bucks and they wiped the charge out completely. Re DTV, I've canceled it a couple times in the past WITHOUT any problems either.

I've seen some of the reports you refer to and suspect the complainers were shading the truth a bit with their rants. ATT benefits keep increasing while their charges decrease as ATT matches other wireless plans. My only trouble with DTV is their blackout of PAC12 which I only want during football season. I've solved that problem as well by using Sling for a couple of months.

So, put me in the NOT WORRIED about ATT/DTV.

[isszguy]

Originally Posted by dreamfield42

I am contemplating getting DirecTV Now on Roku, but we watch everything recorded on our DVR presently.

Well, there's this although I have tried it. A quick look at it says it costs $1.50 monthly. And then there's DTV NOW that promise a cloud DVR soon although whether it will have commercial skip is not known at this time. Generally I find streaming content to be BRAND X as it's sometimes compromised by buffering. You get what you pay for. In any case, don't look for NOW to be similar to the real thing. Otherwise, a herd of sat subscribers would be switching to NOW.

https://www.playon.tv/offers/watch-offline/3/

[dreamfield42]

Originally Posted by isszguy

Well, there's this although I have tried it. A quick look at it says it costs $1.50 monthly. And then there's DTV NOW that promise a cloud DVR soon although whether it will have commercial skip is not known at this time. Generally I find streaming content to be BRAND X as it's sometimes compromised by buffering. You get what you pay for. In any case, don't look for NOW to be similar to the real thing. Otherwise, a herd of sat subscribers would be switching to NOW.

https://www.playon.tv/offers/watch-offline/3/

Thank you very much. That's exactly what I've been looking for. I'm not sure if I want to pull the trigger yet. It's a big change.

[isszguy]

Originally Posted by dreamfield42

Thank you very much. That's exactly what I've been looking for. I'm not sure if I want to pull the trigger yet. It's a big change.

Just saw this today re DTV DVR...

https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/firs...ning-apple-tv/

[popax]

A quick look at it says it costs $1.50 monthly. And then there's DTV NOW that promise a cloud DVR soon although whether it will have commercial skip is not known at this time.