When it comes to modern entertainment, having a reliable digital video recording (DVR) system is a must-have for many households. With the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, being able to record and play back your favorite shows and movies is more important than ever. But when it comes to WOW! (WideOpenWest), a popular internet, TV, and phone service provider, the question remains: does WOW! offer DVR? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of WOW! TV and explore the ins and outs of their DVR capabilities.
What is WOW! TV?
Before we dive into the world of DVR, it’s essential to understand what WOW! TV is and what it has to offer. WOW! TV is a cable television service provided by WideOpenWest, a telecommunications company that operates in several states across the United States. WOW! TV offers a range of channels, including local networks, sports, news, movies, and entertainment programs. With WOW! TV, subscribers can access a variety of channels, including HD options, on-demand content, and even streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Does WOW! Offer DVR?
Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: does WOW! offer DVR? The short answer is yes, WOW! does offer DVR capabilities. However, the type of DVR service and features you’ll have access to depend on the specific WOW! TV package you choose.
WOW! Ultra TV
WOW!’s premium TV package, Ultra TV, comes with a range of advanced features, including DVR capabilities. With Ultra TV, you’ll get:
- Up to 2 TB of storage: Record and store hundreds of hours of programming with WOW!’s massive storage capacity.
- Up to 12 tuners: Record up to 12 shows at once, so you’ll never miss your favorite programs.
- Pause and rewind live TV: Temporarily pause live TV and rewind shows you’re watching in real-time.
- Start Over: Restart a program from the beginning if you missed the start or want to re-watch a crucial moment.
WOW! TV Bundle
The WOW! TV Bundle, which includes internet and phone services, also comes with DVR capabilities, albeit with slightly less storage capacity compared to Ultra TV. With the TV Bundle, you’ll get:
- Up to 1 TB of storage: Record and store hundreds of hours of programming, although not as much as Ultra TV.
- Up to 6 tuners: Record up to 6 shows at once, still a generous amount for most households.
- Pause and rewind live TV: Temporarily pause live TV and rewind shows you’re watching in real-time.
- Start Over: Restart a program from the beginning if you missed the start or want to re-watch a crucial moment.
Cloud DVR
In addition to traditional DVR capabilities, WOW! also offers Cloud DVR, a cloud-based recording service that allows you to record and store programs online. With Cloud DVR, you’ll be able to:
- Record shows online: Use your WOW! account to record shows from any device with an internet connection.
- Access recordings anywhere: Watch your recorded shows from anywhere, using your WOW! account login credentials.
- Store up to 100 hours of programming: Record and store up to 100 hours of shows in the cloud.
WOW! DVR Pricing
Now that we’ve explored the various DVR options available with WOW!, let’s discuss pricing. The cost of WOW!’s DVR service depends on the specific package you choose and the number of devices you want to use.
- Ultra TV: The Ultra TV package, which includes DVR capabilities, starts at around $120 per month for the first year, and $150 per month thereafter.
- WOW! TV Bundle: The TV Bundle, which also includes DVR capabilities, starts at around $100 per month for the first year, and $130 per month thereafter.
- Cloud DVR: Cloud DVR is available as an add-on to your WOW! TV package, priced at around $5 per month for 100 hours of storage.
Devices Compatible with WOW! DVR
WOW!’s DVR service is compatible with a range of devices, including:
- WOW! HD/DVR Box: A dedicated set-top box provided by WOW! for recording and playing back shows.
- WOW! Stream: A streaming device that allows you to access WOW! TV channels and recorded shows on your TV.
- Smartphones and tablets: Use the WOW! app to access and control your DVR recordings from your mobile devices.
- Gaming consoles: Some gaming consoles, like the Xbox One, are compatible with WOW! TV and DVR services.
WOW! DVR Pros and Cons
Like any DVR service, WOW!’s offering has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Generous storage capacity: WOW!’s DVR service offers a significant amount of storage space, allowing you to record and store hundreds of hours of programming.
- Advanced features: Ultra TV and the TV Bundle come with advanced features like pause and rewind live TV, Start Over, and more.
- Cloud DVR: WOW!’s Cloud DVR service allows you to record and access shows online, making it a convenient option for those who want to watch their favorite programs on-the-go.
Cons:
- Cost: WOW!’s DVR service, especially Ultra TV, can be quite expensive, especially for budget-conscious households.
- Limited compatibility: While WOW!’s DVR service is compatible with a range of devices, some older devices may not be supported.
- Storage limitations: While the storage capacity is generous, it’s still limited, and users may need to regularly delete shows to make room for new recordings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WOW! does offer DVR capabilities, albeit with varying features and pricing depending on the specific package you choose. Whether you opt for Ultra TV, the TV Bundle, or Cloud DVR, WOW!’s DVR service provides a convenient way to record and play back your favorite shows and movies. While there are some drawbacks to consider, WOW!’s DVR service is a solid option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich recording experience.
Package | Storage Capacity | Tuners | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Ultra TV | Up to 2 TB | Up to 12 | $120/month (first year), $150/month (thereafter) |
TV Bundle | Up to 1 TB | Up to 6 | $100/month (first year), $130/month (thereafter) |
Cloud DVR | Up to 100 hours | N/A | $5/month |
By understanding the various DVR options available with WOW!, you can make an informed decision about which package is right for you and your household’s entertainment needs.
What is a DVR and how does it work?
A DVR, or Digital Video Recorder, is a device that allows you to record TV programs digitally and store them on a hard drive. This allows you to pause live TV, rewind, and fast-forward through recorded content, as well as set recordings to automatically capture your favorite shows.
The DVR device connects to your TV and cable or satellite service, and uses a tuner to capture the TV signal. The signal is then converted into a digital format and stored on the hard drive. You can then use a remote control or on-screen menu to schedule recordings, play back recorded content, and delete shows you no longer want to keep.
Does WOW! offer a DVR service?
WOW! does offer a DVR service to its customers, but it’s not a traditional DVR device. Instead, WOW! uses a cloud-based DVR system, which allows you to record and store TV programs on remote servers. This means you don’t need to have a physical DVR device in your home, and you can access your recordings from any device with an internet connection.
The cloud-based DVR service from WOW! allows you to record multiple shows at once, and stores up to 100 hours of recorded content. You can also access a range of on-demand content, including movies and TV shows, through the WOW! interface.
How do I access WOW!’s cloud-based DVR?
To access WOW!’s cloud-based DVR, you’ll need to have a WOW! internet and TV subscription. You can then use the WOW! app on your smartphone, tablet, or streaming device to access the DVR service. You can also use the WowBox, which is a streaming device provided by WOW!, to access the DVR service on your TV.
Once you’ve accessed the DVR service, you can browse through the on-screen menu to schedule recordings, play back recorded content, and manage your recordings. You can also use the app to set reminders for upcoming shows, and receive notifications when new episodes are available.
Can I record multiple shows at once with WOW!’s cloud-based DVR?
Yes, WOW!’s cloud-based DVR allows you to record multiple shows at once. In fact, you can record up to 6 shows simultaneously, depending on your internet speed and the channels you’re subscribed to. This means you can record multiple shows at the same time, without having to worry about conflicting recordings.
Keep in mind that the number of shows you can record at once may vary depending on your specific subscription plan and the channels you’re subscribed to. It’s always a good idea to check with WOW! customer support to confirm the specifics of your DVR service.
How long does WOW! store recorded content?
WOW! stores recorded content for up to 90 days, depending on the type of content and your subscription plan. This means you can access your recorded shows for up to 90 days after they’ve been recorded, giving you plenty of time to catch up on your favorite shows.
Keep in mind that WOW! may delete recorded content after 90 days, so be sure to watch your shows within the specified time frame to avoid losing access to them.
Can I fast-forward through commercials with WOW!’s cloud-based DVR?
Yes, WOW!’s cloud-based DVR allows you to fast-forward through commercials when playing back recorded content. This feature is available on most recorded shows, but may not be available on all content, such as certain on-demand movies and TV shows.
Keep in mind that some channels may restrict fast-forwarding through commercials, so this feature may not be available on all recorded content. However, in most cases, you should be able to fast-forward through commercials when playing back recorded shows.
Is WOW!’s cloud-based DVR service available to all customers?
WOW!’s cloud-based DVR service is available to most WOW! customers, but may not be available in all areas or with all subscription plans. You’ll need to have a WOW! internet and TV subscription, as well as a compatible device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or streaming device, to access the DVR service.
It’s always a good idea to check with WOW! customer support to confirm whether the cloud-based DVR service is available in your area and with your specific subscription plan. They can help you determine whether you’re eligible for the service and answer any questions you may have.