Channel Master DVR+ Adds Sling TV to the Lineup
Channel Master has added Sling TV to its DVR+ lineup. A while back we let you know about Sling TV. We called it the best alternative to cable TV. Channel Master makes a subscription free digital video recorder to use with an over the air (OTA) antenna, but it also includes an interface that connects you to many of your favorite video on demand services with just one guide. With the Channel Master DVR+ you can record local broadcast channels like you would using your cable’s or satellite’s DVR.
Integrated streaming services
Streaming services like Vudu, Pandora and YouTube were already integrated into the DVR+. In fact the DVR+ boasted more than 30 Internet channels prior to the latest addition of Sling TV. Services like Vudu require a subscription to view them through the DVR+, but the following is free: BizTV, Bloomberg, Catholic TV Network, Daystar, Family Friendly Entertainment, Evine, FoodyTV, Free Speech TV, Hunt Channel, Jewelery TV, The Liquidation Channel, MiCasa Network, MHz Worldwide, Outdoor Cooking Channel, Pursuit TV Weathernation, WGN, Vibrant TV. Maybe not the most recognizable channels, but an example of how the DVR+ can successfully integrate OTA channels along side of streaming services.
The addition of Sling TV
The free streaming channels are nice, but the addition of Sling TV to the lineup is a game-changer. Sling TV is a streaming service that includes 23 top channels like ESPN, CNN, HGTV and many more for just $20 a month. Now you won’t need to switch back and forth from your DVR+ to your device to watch Sling TV.
Take a look at our review of Sling TV to see just how much you get for $20 a month.
Channel Master DVR+ owners received a free automatic software update earlier this month that will allow them to access Sling TV content in their channel guide. This integration is about making things look and feel a lot more like the experience cable and satellite consumers have come used to. PC-based solutions can’t match the ease and reliability of a Channel Master DVR.
What is the cost of the Channel Master DVR+?
The DVR+ doesn’t come cheap though. Prices start at $249 if you use your own USB storage or you can opt for 1TB (160 hours) of built in storage for $399. Compare that to some Chinese made antenna DVRs that sell for less than $50 and you might feel like you can’t afford “free” TV. However, these cheap receiver/recorders don’t have a great track record or any type of VOD streaming service integration and software is buggy. Still, if you just can’t afford the Channel Master you might want to give these low-cost alternatives a look.
View Current Pricing for both Channel Master DVR+ models
Features and other things to consider
Unlike the Tablo DVR, Channel Master’s primary competition, the Channel Master DVR+ does not require a monthly subscription. Once you buy it, you own it. The DVR+ comes with a 14 day programming guide. Remember all those free Internet channels listed above? Well, you can remove any or all of them if you don’t want to see them in your listings. You will need an HDMI connection to view content, so the DVR+ unit won’t work on older TVs. One pretty big drawback is that Channel Master’s warranty is only three months, so buyer beware. It is a pretty expensive unit to think about replacing that quickly if something goes wrong.
There aren’t a ton of features with the DVR+, but when new features and integration have become available in the past they have all been free. We expect this to continue. We also expect more channels and apps to be integrated making this integrated OTA DVR one to consider.
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