If you are after a constant rush of adrenaline, then look no further because NFL RedZone will throw you around from game to game and give you only the action-filled stuff. That means you can watch more than one game at a time and skip uneventful parts.

The best thing about RedZone — no commercial breaks. Get a drink and sit back to enjoy the experience of uninterrupted football streaming.

Now that you are hooked and intrigued, let’s dig deeper and find out why die-hard football fans can’t give up NFL RedZone once they start watching it.

What Is NFL RedZone?

If you are a proud NFL junkie, RedZone is a dream come true for you. This channel has changed the way fans watch their favorite games.

If you’ve ever wanted to skip the boring parts of a ball game and jump straight to the most interesting tackles and touchdowns, NFL RedZone is the channel for you. Basically, it promises to show you “every touchdown, from every game” (that’s their official slogan) of the regular NFL season. But, you get more than just touchdowns.

Coverage of the games is simultaneously broadcast or “simulcast.” This means that, with RedZone, you can watch coverage of all Sunday afternoon games at the same time and in one place. The game feeds are curated by the channel’s producers who monitor all live games and throw them up on the screen when they enter the red zone — the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line.

If more than one game enters the red zone, you’ll get a split-screen with all red zone plays being shown simultaneously on your screen. Sometimes, you’ll see a quad box for four games, a penta box for five simultaneous red zone plays, or as many as eight boxes.

Basically, you won’t miss a thing. Show off among your friends — it’s OK — because you’ll know everything that has happened during every game.

How Does NFL RedZone Work?

The concept is simple. As you know, usually, there are multiple games happening on a given day. You can catch the action over at CBS, NBC, FOX, or ESPN. But, if you don’t want to switch between channels yourself and potentially miss some key moments while you are channel surfing, RedZone will do all the heavy lifting for you.

The channel’s producers will closely follow all live broadcasts at the same time. When the game enters the red zone, they will throw you right into it. That way, you’ll get a taste of each game so that you know what’s going on. However, if you want to watch the full game, you’ll have to switch to the channel that’s broadcasting it.

The NFL RedZone channel is on-air for seven hours and broadcasts only Sunday afternoon games. After each live broadcast, you’ll get a montage of the best touchdowns, and then the channel will go black until next Sunday.

However, it’s important to note that RedZone is not available on any Saturday night or during Sunday night games. It’s also off-air on Monday nights and Thursday nights. NFL International Series are not included either. Finally, don’t count on watching any Thanksgiving or post-season games on RedZone.

Will Games Be Interrupted by Annoying Commercials?

The answer to this question is simple — absolutely not. RedZone is a premium football channel that doesn’t show commercials. So, you can count on hours and hours of pure adrenaline-pumping field action.

Because the games are rebroadcast live from CBS, FOX, and other networks, when the original broadcast goes to a commercial break, RedZone will simply switch to the next most interesting game that’s in progress.

The only kind of interruption that you will get on RedZone is brief commentary from the host Scott Hanson. Most RedZone subscribers have taken a liking to him, so his commentary won’t seem like an interruption.

What Happens If No Game Enters the Red Zone?

Imagine this scenario. Your favorite team is playing their biggest rival. You know the game is supposed to be on, but you are watching RedZone instead of the original network broadcast.

If the game doesn’t enter the red zone for a long time, you’ll miss most of the game. As RedZone is a channel dedicated to plays only inside the red zone, you won’t see the back-and-forth action between teams that happens outside the red zone.

However, if no game enters the red zone, the broadcast will simply switch to brief commentary from the host or to the play that is just outside the red zone.

Don’t forget that RedZone is a commercial-free zone. So, you will watch only pure football during the weekly seven-hour broadcast, even if there is nothing happening inside the red zone. Still, this is rare.

How to Get NFL RedZone

The NFL RedZone channel comes in the form of an add-on service to your sports package. Basically, if you already have a cable or satellite plan or a streaming subscription, you can get RedZone.

You can add the RedZone channel to your sports package if you have a DISH subscription. However, if you are a DIRECTV subscriber, you’ll probably feel frustrated because the NFL RedZone channel is available only with their Max option of the NFL Sunday Ticket. The Max plan costs close to $400.

On the flip side, DIRECTV offers its alternative to the NFL RedZone — The Red Zone Channel. Don’t let the similar names confuse you. They might be similar, but those are two totally different channels.

As for cable providers, most of them carry the NFL RedZone channel and offer it as an add-on to their sports packages.

If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, don’t sweat it because RedZone is available on numerous streaming services as well. Some of the best streaming services that include RedZone are fuboTV, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue.

Comparing NFL RedZone to NFL Sunday Ticket

DIRECTV is the exclusive distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket. That means that you can’t get NFL Sunday Ticket through any other TV provider, except DIRECTV.

Ultimately, it’s a must-have for only the biggest football fans and fantasy football players because the price is pretty steep for regular folks. A subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket will cost you close to $300 for one season.

On the other hand, if you are a fantasy football player, NFL RedZone will also have your back, but at a much lower price and with fewer features. Basically, RedZone is the next best thing after NFL Sunday Ticket.

Two main differences between NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone are the number of available features and the price.

While NFL RedZone is a standalone channel that is on only during regular games, NFL Sunday Ticket is a full-featured football television platform that is geared towards the most dedicated fans.

Here’s a more detailed list of the main features:

NFL RedZone

• Simulcast of out-of-market Sunday games in the red zone
• Broadcasts last only seven hours during Sunday afternoon games
• Touchdown recap montage
• No commercials
• Commentary from the host Scott Hanson
• Watch from anywhere — smartphone, tablet, or laptop

NFL Sunday Ticket

• Keep an eye on every out-of-market game
• Get real-time scores and statistics
• Track players with the “Player Tracker” feature
• Watch eight games at the same time
• Rewind and replay games right after the live broadcast
• Commercial-free
• Costs $300 for only one football season

Are There Blackouts on RedZone?

There is nothing more irritating than a game blackout. If you’ve ever experienced it, it essentially means that broadcasters and the NFL are more cash-oriented than fan-oriented.

Luckily, you don’t have to play along if you are a RedZone subscriber. You’ll get all the highlights of the biggest plays without having to worry about blackouts. Because RedZone only shows “look-ins” and not the full game, it’s exempt from any blackout policies, regardless of where you live.

How Much Does NFL RedZone Cost?

The NFL RedZone channel will cost you anywhere from $8.99 to $13 monthly. The price varies with different TV providers.

To get access to RedZone, you’ll first have to purchase a sports package or an add-on from your provider. That way, you’ll get access to numerous sports channels and the RedZone channel, which will keep you entertained during the whole year.

Ultimately, it’s best to check with your provider to see which packages include the RedZone channel and at what price. Keep in mind that some providers offer it only in their most expensive sports packages.

Plans Overview

If you happen to be a DISH subscriber, you’ll pay for RedZone a couple of dollars more compared to other services. To get RedZone on DISH, you’ll need a subscription to their America’s Top 120+ package with the Multi-Sport Pack as an add-on. With that combination, RedZone will cost you an additional $13 a month.

XFINITY’s pricing is a bit lower. With their Digital Starter package, RedZone comes as an added bonus on top of the Sports Entertainment Package at a monthly price of $9.99.

If you are more into streaming or if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, you can get the RedZone channel with the most popular streaming services as well.

For Sling TV subscribers, RedZone is available with their Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue packages. To get all the best sports channels, make sure you have their Sports Extra add-on so that you can get RedZone for $10.

The pricing is the same as with the PlayStation Vue streaming service. If you have their Core package or above, and the Sports Pack as an add-on, you can purchase RedZone for 10 dollars a month.

Lastly, the cheapest option is RedZone on fuboTV. Just get their Sports Plus add-on added to your regular subscription and buy RedZone for $8.99 a month.

By all means, this is not a complete list, and the prices might be different now. If you have another TV provider, check their website or call to ask them how you can get access to RedZone.

Dominating Your Fantasy Football League

Tens of millions of people play fantasy football. If you are one of them, RedZone will have you glued to the screen for hours. It’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of, truly. If you’re the type of person with a short attention span that loves small market teams and doesn’t want to buy five beers every Sunday, look no further.

Well, maybe the beer part of that sentence is not so true, but you get the point.

Like most fantasy football players, you generally care about the scoring drive and big plays. RedZone makes it possible for you to keep tabs on all your fantasy players and catch all the most important moments of every game.

You’ll get all your fantasy football news and statistics at the bottom of the screen.

NFL RedZone Review: The Bottom Line

Once you get RedZone, you will be instantly hooked for hours on end. It’s an action-only channel filled with adrenaline-inducing and heart-pumping plays in the coveted red zone. Are you tired of switching channels to check on other games happening at the same time? If your answer is yes, RedZone will solve that problem for you.

Let them do the channel switching. You just sit back and enjoy the action. With RedZone, you will get live updates on all games by sporadically jumping from one stadium to the next.

In addition, this premium sports channel geared towards hardcore fans has received rave reviews online. It’s also a favorite among fantasy football players.

On top of all that, the price is affordable. Get RedZone for as low as $8.99 and watch every touchdown from every single out-of-market game. Most cable and satellite providers offer it as an add-on to their sports packages. But, if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, just sign up for one of the most popular streaming services and watch the action on the go.

Here’s the Skinny on Playstation Vue’s TV Streaming Service

In general, PlayStation Vue is a great streaming service that is compatible with most devices out there. It includes a generous selection of sports channels. In addition, PlayStation Vue is quite affordable. And not just that — it comes with a free DVR storage for recordings.

Obviously, this service is a dream come true for sports fans, but others might not enjoy it. Also, there are no 4K options, nor options for parental control. The biggest disadvantage is definitely the fact you can’t watch PS Vue outside your home or share your account.

Pros

• affordable
• plenty of sports channels
• free DVR storage
• great user interface

Cons

• fewer channel options (except for sports)
• no 4K
• no parental control options
• IP-locked

How Much Does PlayStation Vue Cost?

PS Vue’s pricing varies depending on the plan you choose. The cheapest option is $39.99 a month, whereas the most expensive one is $74.99 a month. In our opinion, even the expensive option seems pretty fair compared to other streaming services.

Moreover, there are no unexpected additional fees and charges that you need to worry about. For instance, many people believe that you can only watch PlayStation Vue using a PS3 or 4 console, which is not true. You can use other devices to watch, so you don’t need to purchase a console first. But more on that later.

Furthermore, the contract lasts only a month, so you don’t have to pay a huge termination fee in case you decide to leave PlayStation Vue.

Another great thing about PS Vue is that you can request a 5-day free trial and check the service out. Although we wish this period was a bit longer (7 days at least), we appreciate the thought. Just be careful and cancel it on time, because you will be charged the moment those 5 days pass, without a chance of getting a refund.

Note: The prices may vary depending on your location.

Packages

PlayStation Vue offers 4 different packages you can choose from:

• Access ($39.99 a month) — 43+ channels
• Core ($49.99 a month) — 55+ channels
• Elite ($54.99 a month) — 78+ channels
• Ultra ($74.99 a month) — 90+ channels

As you can tell, the only difference between these packs is in the number of channels to which you gain access.

Channels

Most people take into consideration only the quantity of channels. So, when they hear that PS Vue’s Access plan includes only 43+ channels, they are unpleasantly surprised. This number is very small considering that some cables offer more than 200 channels.

However, it feels like PS Vue’s selection includes just the essential channels. More importantly, it doesn’t include any of the obscure and somewhat strange foreign channels that you never turn on. You only get channels like CNN, Fox News, AMC, FX, as well as a bunch of sports channels like ESPN, NBA TV, NFL Network, Golf Channels, etc.

Overall, we are satisfied with PlayStation Vue’s channel selection. That being said, if you’re a casual watcher, we suggest you go with the Core package, with the addition of the Sports or HBO pack. Those two will cover all the popular channels you might need, so you never miss out on anything, but it won’t be too much for our budget.

Additional Packs

As we mentioned, PS Vue’s channel selection may not be the greatest, but you can purchase add-on packages to make up for that. The prices of add-ons vary from $1.99 (Machinima), $10 (Sports pack), $15 (HBO), to $21.99 (HBO MAX Pack). Other add-on packages include Cinemax, SHOWTIME, EPIX Hits, HI-YAH! and others.

It’s great to see that PS Vue caters to all audiences, even the more specific ones. For instance, Machinima and EPIX Hits are somewhat unknown, and sadly most TV service providers don’t offer them at all, not even in additional packs. So, when we saw them in PS Vue’s offer, we were pleasantly surprised.

Are There Any Member Discounts?

If you have a PlayStation PS Plus Membership, you can get discounts for some of the add-on packages, such as Showtime, HBO Max Pack, Fox Soccer Plus, and others. The membership costs $9.99 a month, while the discounts go from $1 to a couple of dollars. That adds up to around $15 of yearly savings, which is quite low.

Although every discount is appreciated, it feels like this membership is not worth the money if you’re not also a gamer using the PS3 or PS4 console.

First Impressions of the Vue

PlayStation Vue has arguably the most polished user interface design in its competition. In order to achieve its smooth and intuitive design, Sony uses the design language used for their existing PSN network. 

Registration

The registration procedure is quite intuitive, and it shouldn’t take up more than 10 minutes of your time. Additionally, you don’t have to be a PlayStation console owner in order to subscribe to PlayStation Vue.

On the other hand, you will need a PlayStation Network account. PS Vue uses your PSN account in order to connect your credit card and address info.

Overall Appearance

PlayStation has one of the most sophisticated user interfaces we’ve ever seen. For starters, you get to choose your favorite channels, as well as your favorite shows. In addition, you can easily see at what point of the channel’s progress you’ll be jumping into.

If you’re a sports fan, look no further — PS Vue is your perfect match. You can display games sorted into teams that play, making it easier than ever to follow your favorite sports team. Not to mention all the sports channels you get with even the most basic package. You can watch any league, tournament, or championship easily, while always keeping up with the current progress.

Recording, Playback, and Captions

As far as recording is concerned, you can record anything you want, for free, and it will be stored for a month. Fortunately, a lot of programs work on-demand, which means that you can watch them anytime you like. Additionally, you can stream up to five channels simultaneously. Whether you want to watch all of them at once, or watch some channels and record the others — it’s up to you.

Playback is sleek, streamlined, with all of the usual accoutrement. In addition, captions are quite customizable. You can change everything from font size to the display, color, and opacity of the background.

What Devices Can You Use PlayStation Vue On?

To emphasize again — you don’t have to own a PS console in order to use PlayStation Vue.

With that in mind, of course Vue works with every PlayStation console since PS3. Still, you can use Vue with basically any device — Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, or Google Chromecast.

Additionally, you can watch on your PC, phone, or tablet — no matter if it runs Windows, iOS, Linux, or Android. Keep in mind that you can connect a maximum of 5 devices to a single account.

The service is linked to your network and address, so you probably won’t be able to use PlayStation Vue outside of your home.

How Does PlayStation Vue Compare to Other TV Services?

Just to be clear, we’re comparing PlayStation Vue to TV services only. Even though PS Vue has quite a few shows on-demand, it’s not primarily a streaming platform.

Consequently, you can’t compare PS Vue to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. Even though they share certain similar features, TV services and streaming platforms still remain strongly divided.

DirecTV

DirecTV is probably the most popular TV service currently available in the US. It has a significantly higher channel count than either PS Vue or fubo.TV, making it a more compelling option than the competition.

However, PlayStation Vue has its advantages over DirecTV. For example, PS Vue features a much more intuitive user experience. In addition, you don’t have to worry about bugs and software glitches if you opt for PS Vue. DirecTV still needs to work on improving its user interface.

On the other hand, pricing plays to DirecTV’s hand. You get more channels on DirecTV for less money than a PS Vue subscription cost. Additionally, premium channels such as HBO cost more on Vue than on DirecTV.

fubo.TV

Unfortunately for Fubo, it seems as though PlayStation Vue presents a more attractive option at this time. The layout and user experience prove to be quite pleasing on the PS Vue, while fubo.TV looks somewhat outdated. Additionally, PS Vue has a much wider variety of channels, as well as advanced DVR and simultaneous streaming options.

On the other hand, fubo.TV charges a significantly lower monthly base subscription. Even though you get fewer channels, fubo.TV might be a great low-cost alternative if you’re on a budget.

Additionally, soccer fans might like fubo.TV better since it has the widest selection of soccer channels on the current market. Still, PS Vue takes the cake when it comes to the variety of sports channels.

Sling TV

Even though fubo.TV has the cheapest base package out of all the aforementioned services, Sling TV takes the win when it comes to sheer value. It’s significantly cheaper than either PlayStation Vue or DirecTV, and marginally cheaper than fubo.TV. Additionally, you get a free Roku streaming box included with the subscription.

If you recently cut your cable subscription, Sling might prove to be a great choice for your entertainment needs. However, be sure to check out their channel listing and see if Sling TV is really worth the low price. PlayStation Vue and DirecTV cost a bit more, but they offer a multitude of channels and services in return.

Additional Information

Now you have most of the information needed to decide whether PlayStation Vue is a viable option for you or not. Still, there are a few limitations you need to be aware of before choosing PS Vue.

For starters, PlayStation Vue is not like Netflix. You can use your Netflix account no matter where you are. On the other hand, PlayStation Vue won’t work outside of your home.

In addition, NFL games are impossible to watch while you’re on a mobile network. CBS and NHL games can work on mobile, but you’ll most likely encounter issues with those, as well.

On the other hand, you can watch CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC on mobile, but only within your home city. The licensing agreements around these channels are tricky, and you have to be within your ZIP code area in order for them to work. Additionally, PS Vue is IP-locked, meaning that you can log into PS Vue in your home only.  

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get rid of cable and satellite TV services and get live TV streaming, PlayStation Vue makes for a compelling option. It’s significantly cheaper than cable or satellite, and you get an interesting channel selection. Additionally, you get advanced DVR and simultaneous streaming options included with no extra charge. If you like watching TV on your phone or tablet, PS Vue enables up to 5 devices per account. PlayStation Vue is by far the best option for sports fans, as it has a generous selection of sport-related channels.

On the other hand, your service is locked either to your home or your ZIP code. Account sharing is impossible, as well as watching via mobile. Additionally, you may find that the competition such as Sling TV or DirecTV have more to offer at nearly the same price.

In conclusion, if you’re already a member of the PSN, you should definitely give PS Vue a chance. If not, we suggest you choose another provider, especially if you’re not a sports fan. 

Stay tuned to find out all you need to know about Cox — its pricing, channel selection, as well as the quality of their customer service. Then you can decide whether it’s worth giving a shot or not.

Here’s the Skinny on Cox’s TV Service

Overall, Cox is not a bad choice. For one, Cox offers 2 TB of HD storage with Record 6 DVR, which is great. And even though their initial pricing is higher than their competitors’, they don’t increase their prices much after the promotional period ends. Another great thing about Cox is that updating to HD channels is free.

Still, there are a few things that Cox can improve on. For one, Cox has only one package option, and the channel count within that package is not impressive. In addition, many customers have had complaints regarding Cox’s customer support, as well as the pricing of their tech support. Long story short — Cox’s overall pricing is way above the average.

Advantages

• no intense price jumps
• 2 TB of storage with Record 6 DVR
• HD channel upgrades are free

Disadvantages

• overall high pricing
• limited package and channel options
• poor customer service

How Much Does Cox Cost?

You can find the full pricing list on Cox’s official website, but we’ll give you an example here, as well.

The yearly Contour TV cable plan costs around $64, but you can get it cheaper if you opt for one of Cox’s bundles that also involve Internet and phone service. As you can tell, this price is quite high when compared to the prices of other cable services. Be that as it may, we do appreciate the upfront honesty.

Besides, as we mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are no sudden price jumps after the promotional period expires, which is admirable. Most companies, including the notable DirecTV, start charging twice as much after the first year, if not more. The price increase of Cox’s Contour TV package is only 30%.

Are There Any Additional Costs?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. There are plenty of additional costs to be aware of with Cox.

First of all, the biggest fee you’ll have to pay is the termination fee. If you want to stop using Cox before your contract has expired, you’ll have to pay a whopping $240 (minus $10 for every month you actively used it). This information can only be found under their Terms & Conditions, which is disappointing.

Then there’s also an HD receiver for which you’ll have to pay an additional $8.5 a month after the first year. Furthermore, a DVR will set you back around $13 – $20, depending on the DVR you choose (Record 2 or Record 6).

Finally, let’s talk about additional technical costs. Unless you’re a subscriber of their Complete Care Plan and paying an additional $10 a month, every technician visit will cost you around $50. So, no matter if it’s your own fault or not, you’ll need to set aside a lot of money for reparations. That’s why we suggest you go with the Cox Complete Care Plan right away. You never know when something can go wrong, so it’s better to be prepared. The Cox care plan covers all kinds of technical procedures.

What Packages Does Cox Offer?

Until about a year ago, Cox had 5 different package offers that you could choose from. Unfortunately, they were scrapped, and Cox now has only one stand-alone TV package option. There are 2 more options, but they’re included in bundles along with Internet and phone service. Let’s focus on the stand-alone TV package here.

The package is called Contour TV, and although it is the only option, it comes with some cool features. First of all, you get 140+ channels, and you can choose from 6 TV channel lineups. In addition, you can record shows with any device (including a PC, laptop, or tablet). Also, streaming TV shows is quite easy with Cox On Demand.

What Channels Does Cox Offer?

Even though Cox TV cannot boast with the immensely wide variety of channels as, say, DirecTV can, its entire selection is worth watching. If you ever had a TV plan with more than 200 channels, you know that most of your time will be spent switching between channels. Eventually, you settle down with a dozen or so channels you watch regularly, with all the other channels serving mostly as background noise.

Also, don’t you hate when the channels are split into various packs, and you end up buying at least three additional packs to cover everything you watch? Cox TV offers only one bundle — you get everything in a single package, which some customers may actually prefer.

Currently, you can choose between more than 150 different TV channels, as well as about 100 radio stations. Instead of putting premiums on the most popular channels such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc. you get them all bundled in the pack. As for other channels, they include the most popular programs in the US — CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, as well as international programs such as BBC.

What About HD and Sports Channels?

In addition, you don’t have to pay a premium for HD. Even though many SD channels have their HD counterparts, contributing to the total channel count, they are unlocked by default. Keep in mind that not every channel has an HD option, even if most of them do.

As far as sports packages are concerned, Cox TV has got you covered. In addition to the entire ESPN lineup, you get NHL Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, as well as NBC, CBS, and FOX sports channels. Of course, it goes without saying that you get all of the sports channels in HD, to ensure perfect picture clarity on game day.

Cox TV Equipment and Characteristics

If you decide to go with Cox TV to fill out your entertainment cravings, one of the great perks you get is the Contour DVR cable box. It comes in two varieties — the Record 2 DVR, and the Record 6 DVR.

Record 2 DVR

If you like watching what’s on TV right now, and you only record your programs for later if it’s something special, Record 2 is a better choice for you than Record 6.

The Record 2 DVR cable box has almost all of the features of its bigger counterpart, the Record 6, but at a fraction of the cost. It got its name from its ability to record two different channels at once. For example, if you’re away from the TV when both a big game and your favorite show are on TV at the same time — you can record them both using the Record 2 DVR and watch them later.

In addition to the smart, simultaneous recording, you can manipulate your TV programs as if they were recordings. You can pause, rewind, skip forward to live, etc. Additionally, you can use your smartphone as a recording controller. If you forgot to set your DVR to record, you can now do it from anywhere.

If you go with the Record 2, you get 500 gigabytes of recording storage. That translates to about 120 hours of HD footage or 230 hours of regular footage.

Record 6 DVR

On the other hand, if you enjoy watching your TV shows whenever you like, you might need some more recording power. We’re talking about the Record 6 DVR cable box. It’s bigger, better, and stronger than its counterpart in every way.

For example, Record 2 can simultaneously record 2 channels at the same time. Even though that could be considered remarkable, Record 6 can do triple the work — six channels at a time. Hence its name, Record 6. It might seem like overkill, but those of you who like to take your time watching your favorite shows will appreciate it.

Additionally, you get four times the recording storage than what you get with the Record 2. Instead of 500 gigabytes of storage, you get a whopping 2 terabytes. In plain words, that is 340 hours of non-stop HD footage.

If you’re not watching in HD, that’s an even 1000 hours. In a single box, you could record more than a month of continuous video. To put things in perspective, you could have all seasons of Friends, Game of Thrones, and The Office on your drive and still have a month of storage left over.

Still, don’t forget that both Record 2 and Record 6 DVRs come at an additional cost, which can go from $12.99 to $19.99.

Additional Options

If you prefer watching TV on the go, you can also install the Cox TV Connect app, available for iPhone and iPad devices. Through it, you can watch, rewind, and record all of the channels you get on your TV. Nowadays, you don’t have to wait to get home to watch TV — you can do it anytime and anywhere.

Cox TV Customer Support

If you ever have trouble using any of the devices and services provided to you by Cox TV, you should contact Cox customer support. Depending on the severity and urgency of your trouble, you can use different ways of reaching out to the support team.

How Can You Reach Support?

For starters, you should check the Online Self-Service page on their website. It handles the most frequently asked questions the customers might have. Honestly, in most cases, it’s the perfect place to start diagnosing your issue. If the tips don’t help, or your problem is not listed, you could check out the Cox Community Forums. The chances are that someone somewhere had the exact same issue you currently have. Those issues frequently get solved in the forums, and your answer might be somewhere in there.

If both the Self-Service page and the Community Forums fell short of solving your problem, you can contact the staff. Even though there are great chances that you could fix the issue yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the support staff via live chat on the website, or you can send an email. Additionally, you can contact support directly via the phone number listed on the website.

Cox Complete Care

As we mentioned, you can pay extra for Cox Complete Care, which improves the support level substantially. If you do so, Cox will cover every problem you encounter, from software glitches to frayed cables.

However, the reviews show us that Cox’s customer support is lacking, especially when it comes to the live chat on the website. The technicians are slow to reply, and their answers are oftentimes confusing and not helpful. That’s why we suggest you call the staff instead.

Overall, Cox’s support staff is poor, not to mention slow. You’ll probably wait a day or two before you get an email reply. Calling the phone line usually results in quite a bit of hold time.

Bottom Line

All in all, Cox TV is not the worst TV service provider you can choose, but it’s not optimal, either. Although it does come with some cool features, it’s definitely not worth the price.

The premium options, such as the Record 6 DVR and Cox Complete Care are splendid. They take the whole TV experience to the next level. However, you need to pay extra for those. And even though we love the fact that upgrading to HD channels is free, we have to criticize Cox for charging extra for everything else.

If you don’t mind paying for all the extra features like the Record 6 DVR, Cox can be a satisfying option for you. However, when compared to other cable companies, it certainly falls behind not only for its high pricing but also its lack of customer support and package options.

There are dozens of DVRs available for TV fans who want to save their favorite programs. Gone are the days of VHS recordings — today, you can store it all digitally. But with so many DVRs on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Between proprietary and 3rd party devices, how can you know which one is the best?

If you live in one of the 41 states where Comcast XFINITY is available, there’s a good chance that you already use their service. If that’s true, and you’re wondering which DVR to choose, then you’re in luck — the Comcast XFINITY X1 DVR is an excellent device that should satisfy the demands of all but the pickiest TV connoisseurs.

Reasons to Upgrade

Subscribing to XFINITY, but don’t have the X1 yet? You’re missing out!

Comcast’s default cable box is definitely outdated — especially in terms of its interface. You may not need all the new bells and whistles like recording and streaming that the X1 offers, but the X1’s interface system is a major improvement over what you have now. It’s easier than ever to find shows, so you can spend less time searching and more time watching!

There are plenty of other small reasons why the X1 is better than the old set-top box. It includes extra features like voice commands, sports stats, and apps that can help you plan your day and streamline your life. Not everyone may need these extras, but they can be a productive means of integrating your work and entertainment.

With the X1, your TV will be an even more central point of your home or living room. With the X1’s music apps and customizable screensaver, you can personalize your experience to match your home’s vibe. It’s a great way to liven up a room that would otherwise be dragged down by a big, empty screen.

Target audience

If you’re wondering who should pick up an X1, here are a few questions to consider:

• Are you looking to get a DVR system?
• Do you get your internet and TV from XFINITY?
• Are you a fan of cloud storage systems?
• Do you like having access to your entertainment on the go?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then the XFINITY X1 is probably your best bet for a DVR system. It isn’t the best solution for everyone, but it still has a lot to offer — especially if you’re already an XFINITY subscriber.

How Does XFINITY X1 Stack Up?

The XFINITY X1 is hardly the only heavy-hitter on the DVR market. In fact, it’s not necessarily the top DVR that you can get.

Satellite providers DISH and DIRECTV offer proprietary DVR systems that are, in many ways, superior to the X1. DIRECTV’s Genie DVR has twice as much storage as the X1, while DISH’s Hopper 3 has four times as much. In other words, the X1 can record up to 60 hours of HD content— by comparison, the Genie can store nearly 120 hours, and the Hopper 3 saves a massive 240 hours.

Even so, 60 hours is still a lot of content. Even better, the X1 has a colossal selection of on-demand titles available for viewing. With over 163,000 shows and movies, XFINITY has a better selection than either of its competitors.

If storage is still an issue for you, there’s always the option of adding extra storage by means of an external hard drive. While it’s an additional expense, you’d be able to rest easy knowing that you can save pretty much everything you could want.

Features and User Experience

Nobody likes to waste their precious time combing through menus and typing on a TV remote. Thankfully, Comcast understands this and has crafted a user-friendly viewing experience with the X1. You’ll be able to find things to watch without much hassle — after all, isn’t TV time supposed to be relaxing?

X1 Experience

X1’s interface is aptly called the “X1 Experience.” It includes a straightforward guide that will help you navigate channels. It’s a better, more intuitive system than you might be used to. Instead of scrolling through the channels in numerical order, X1’s guide displays shows based on more descriptive information. That makes it quicker and easier to pull up something to watch. Plus, you’ll no longer need to memorize the numbers for each channel!

The X1 allows you to keep watching while you search for other programs. Again, this is a vast improvement over the old days of channel surfing. It makes for a seamless experience that’s hard not to enjoy.

If you have a hectic schedule or busy household, you’ll love the X1’s playback features. As with other DVRs, the X1 has functions that allow pausing and rewinding — just don’t change the channel! As long as you stay on the same station, you can rewind as far back as 60 minutes. Thanks to the X1, you can have much more control over when and how you watch.

The X1 Experience’s one major drawback is that it’s only available for one TV by default. If you want to add similar functions to other TVs in your house, it’ll cost you $10 extra for each set. Unfortunately, these extra devices don’t come with the playback control for live broadcasts. Nevertheless, they do provide the complete DVR experience in terms of watching recordings.

Recording

As you would expect from any DVR on the market today, the X1 is incredibly convenient for recording shows that you don’t want to miss. Perhaps its most useful recording feature is the ability to record shows two weeks before they premier. It’s a great feature for anyone who travels a lot, or for occasions where you know about an upcoming event that will cut into your TV time.

The X1 not only records individual episodes but it can also save entire seasons. That means that you can simply set it to record a specific show without needing to repeat the process week after week.

Unlike other DVRs, the X1 doesn’t only use physical storage to save your recordings. Instead, it uses a cloud system. The cloud has many advantages over traditional storage. If you or any family members are accident-prone, damaging your X1 won’t erase your shows. Since they’re stored on the cloud, you can pull them up again when you replace your device.

The cloud also gives you the ability to watch shows on devices other than your TV. You can use your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC to watch your recordings — with a few exceptions. Not all on-demand programs are available away from your TV, so make sure you check before you head out the door.

Remote

As every TV viewer knows, you’ll probably spend a lot of time with your remote. It’s an important part of the viewing experience. With that in mind, you probably want the easiest possible device in order to cut down on the time spent finding the right button.

XFINITY’s XR11 remote is a convenient controller that will get you binging on exciting programs in no time. Its best feature is its effective voice commands. If you’re skeptical about voice commands, it’s understandable — early systems were subpar, and continue to cause problems for many. XFINITY, however, has done an excellent job of delivering excellent control over your home theater.

Voice Commands

Comcast’s servers take your voice commands and use them to make all users’ commands more effective. You don’t necessarily need to be specific — even just quoting a film or TV show can be enough for the X1 to pull it up. So instead of searching for The Big Bang Theory, a simple “bazinga!” should suffice.

If you don’t have a standard American accent, don’t worry — the XR11 is good at picking up what you say, regardless of your accent. It’s a refreshing feature, especially if you’ve had trouble with similar systems in the past.

The XR11’s voice search isn’t perfect, however — though this is to be expected. Sometimes it’s not able to process more specific searches. In that case, you’ll have to start general and then resort to manual searching in order to find exactly what you’re looking for. On a more minor note, the voice control button could be easier to use. You have to hold it down the entire time you’re talking; otherwise your speech will be cut off. Ultimately, though, it’s a small detail that doesn’t detract much from an otherwise stellar experience.

Buttons

For the more manually-inclined, the X1’s remote includes some convenient quick buttons that act as shortcuts.

• The “A” button lets you tweak your settings, and also helps you learn more about the remote’s functions.
• The “B” button pulls up a useful browser, allowing you to search for new shows without interrupting what you’re already watching.
• The “C” button brings up a special sports application that lets you see more detailed information about the game you’re watching.
• The “D” button lets you quickly erase recordings from your DVR library.

Other Devices

As mentioned above, one of the X1’s coolest features is the ability to take your shows with you wherever you go. Whether you’re sneaking a peek at the big game during work or catching up with your favorite characters on your commute, the X1 has you covered.

By registering your extra devices through email, you gain the ability to save and watch up to 10 recordings on each device. There are some limits, however — not all shows are available for viewing remotely. Thankfully, you can filter these out when deciding what to take with you. Even though your on-the-go options are limited, it’s unlikely that you’ll struggle to find shows to watch while you’re out and about.

Smart House

Tired of having to manually control your lights and thermostats? Ever wanted to lock or unlock your door with the press of a button? If this seems futuristic, it’s not — the house of the future is already here.

The X1 not only gives you power over your entertainment but it also gives you power over your own home! By using the XFINITY Home Secure App, you can integrate numerous automated home and security devices into one convenient interface. Features include the following:

• Activating or deactivating your security system
• Watching videos or images from security cameras
• Locking or unlocking your doors
• Switching lights on or off, or adjusting brightness
• Changing the temperature via thermostats

It’s a great app for anyone who already has connected security devices. If you don’t have a setup like this, maybe the X1 will inspire you to take your home to the next level.

Other information

Before deciding on whether the X1 is the right DVR for you, there are a few extra details that might help you decide.

Fans of streaming services like Netflix and YouTube will be happy to know that the X1 has built-in support for these platforms. If you’re a Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Vudu subscriber, you’re unfortunately out of luck. The X1 does not have support for these platforms, and it’s uncertain as to whether it ever will.

If you want to upgrade to the X1, you’ll also need to upgrade your cable package. XFINITY offers X1 Double Play and X1 Triple Play, either of which you’ll need in order to enjoy all the features that the X1 can deliver. Double Play includes TV service as well as internet, so if you haven’t combined those yet, now may be the time. Triple Play includes extra services in addition to TV and internet — it could be phone service or a home security setup.

The Verdict

Comcast’s XFINITY X1 DVR may not be the best DVR on the market, but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad — far from it. It’s a powerful, user-friendly device that lets you control your TV as well as your living space. Even better, it gives you a sense of mobility that other DVR systems lack. And if you’re already an XFINITY subscriber, it’s easy to add the X1 to your existing subscription.

The future of home entertainment is here, and the X1 gives you unprecedented power over your TV experience.

The platform covers most network channels as well as some local ones. Moreover, Google announced this spring that it’s finally available all around the US, ending the two-year-long wait.

Much like other streaming services, for example, DIRECTV NOW, Sling TV, and Hulu Live, YouTube TV offers a great variety of popular channels, local channels, and cloud DVR. In addition, since you’re already familiar with YouTube, using YouTube TV’s interface will come naturally.

While the streaming service is fairly new, as it was launched in early 2017, it has managed to round up a lot of the best TV channels. Local channels are still a bit behind, but it’s certain that won’t be the case for much longer. A disadvantage is that not all devices support the app.

Here’s a list of all the devices you could use to watch YouTube TV:

• Phone:  iPhone iOS 9.1 and Android L, as well as their later versions
• Tablet: Android L or later versions and iPad iOS 9.1 or later versions. The company also promised availability on Pixel C devices very soon.
• Computer: With the latest version of Chrome, you’ll have the best experience possible.
• TV: stream with Google Chromecast or download the app on Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Xbox One/One S/One X. Supported TVs are LG and Samsung (only models after 2016).

Plans and Pricing — What You Get for Your Money

Unlike most streaming services on the market today, YouTube TV has only one plan and therefore just one price — $49.99/month. The plan includes over 70 networks, including local, sports, and lifestyle-based networks. This is pretty unusual since its competitors — SlingTV, PlayStation Vue, and DIRECTV NOW — have a tier-based package system and different pricing options.

The price of YouTube TV used to be lower, standing at $40/month. However, since the company has added a lot more channels, the increase in price isn’t really a surprise. Still, YouTube TV falls somewhere in the middle price-wise, compared to the competition on the market.

Additionally, if you switch to YouTube TV from regular cable/satellite TV, you won’t be restricted by any contracts. The platform clearly states that you can cancel anytime, no strings attached. They also provide a free 7-day trial, which is definitely enough time to find out whether this service suits you.

Another advantage is that you can share your subscription with up to six people! You get six different logins with just one subscription, which, in turn, means you won’t have any problems when it comes to suggestions. Also, you can simultaneously stream on up to three devices.

The Sports vs. Lifestyle Debate — Available Channels

In the past, YouTube TV focused more on acquiring sports channels. However, this isn’t the case anymore. The streaming service now offers a great variety of lifestyle channels, too. They recently added Food Network and HGTV, which were absolutely necessary!

On the other hand, sports channels are more popular than ever. YouTube TV offers regional channels like Fox Sports and bigger ones like ESPN. If you are a basketball fan, you’re in luck — it has NBA TV too! Baseball fan? No worries — MLB TV is on the channel list as well.

Another selling point is that YouTube TV offers additional networks for an extra monthly fee. For example, you can get Showtime for $11/month, Fox Soccer Plus for $15/month, and Starz for $9/month. Below is a full list of the add-on channels.

• Starz — $9/mo
• CuriosityStream — $3/mo
• Fox Soccer Plus — $15/mo
• AMC Premiere — $5/mo
• Shudder — $5/mo
• Showtime — $11/mo
• Sundance Now — $7/mo
• EPIX — $6/mo
• NBA League Pass – $40/mo

*Check YouTube TV’s full channel list before subscribing.

YouTube TV From the Perspective Of a First-Time User

When you first log in to YouTube TV’s platform, whether through your browser, TV set, phone, or tablet, you’ll see the homepage. The concept of it is very similar to Netflix’s; you can see previews of the live channels without actually clicking on them.

This is very useful, as it gives you a general feel of the shows, without the actual commitment. You’ll also see the names of the shows and their release dates. Moreover, there are a few categories laid out, like recommendations and popular live TV.

The Easy-To-Use Interface

YouTube TV’s interface is rather easy to navigate. You have four main sections — Home, Library, Live, and Search. As the first one, Home, was already discussed, let’s look at the Library section.

The Library section is where you’ll find your cloud DVR recordings, both the previous and the scheduled ones.

The Live section speaks for itself — this is where you can find all channels that are streaming now, local and others. These sections cleverly separate which shows are on-demand and which ones are live.

Last but definitely not least is the Search section. It’s very impressive right off the bat. Since YouTube is owned by Google, it’s no surprise they have one of the best search engines. On this page, you’ll find neat show categories, suggestions, and channel buttons. Again, this is similar to Netflix’s homepage.

Bottom Line

YouTube TV’s best qualities are the smooth operation, its intuitive interface, channel previews, and the general lack of bugs. Everything works perfectly, even when you’re streaming on three different devices using the same subscription account. There’s no lagging or other related problems. Moreover, the streams play flawlessly on all devices — TV, mobile, and browser.

Thus, customers rarely complain. Most of the negative comments are about the lack of specific features. But YouTube TV has grown and evolved quite a bit, considering it’s been on the market for only two years. So far, it’s done a great job at providing versatile channels and a simple-to-use interface, which is more than enough for such a short amount of time.

YouTube TV — The Champion of the Cloud DVR

Now, the feature that should impress you the most is YouTube TV’s cloud storage. Unlike most other streaming services that offer around 50 hours of DVR cloud space, YouTube TV provides unlimited cloud storage.

So, you won’t have to worry whether adding another show to your list will delete previous recordings. This is the best deal on the market. YouTube TV will store your recordings for nine months.

That being said, one of the main reasons people get DVRs is to be able to fast-forward through commercials. Well, you might not get that luxury with YouTube TV. While there are actual recordings, YouTube TV also has on-demand versions of some shows. This means that you’ll be watching a stream rather than a recording, so you won’t be able to skip the ads.

This is due to YouTube TV’s agreements with network providers. However, if you want to try and avoid as many commercials as possible, try looking for your show in the Recent Recordings section. If it’s there, great — you can enjoy it without the ads. If the show isn’t there, though, you’ll have to suffer through them.

Another useful tip — streaming is similar to “regular” TV, in the sense that you can only watch live local channels in your own area. So, if you’re planning to travel, but you still want to watch your local channels, you can watch the recording after the live version has finished airing.

How YouTube TV Compares to Other Streaming Services

YouTube TV has amazing potential for growth, and it’s taken great leaps forward since its launch. Its star features are definitely the unlimited DVR storage space and easy-to-use interface. However, it’s still kind of new, and if you are looking to pay a little less or if it’s just not your cup of tea, there are other streaming options.

Quantity vs. Quality — YouTube TV vs. Sling TV

Sling TV is the first TV streaming service to come out, and it’s the cheapest. Just like YouTube TV, it offers cloud storage. However, Sling provides only 50 hours, which cannot compare with YouTube TV’s unlimited storage. Moreover, Sling TV offers these 50 hours for an additional $5/month payment, while YouTube TV’s unlimited storage is included in the price.

Be that as it may, Sling TV has a multitude of packages, and they are cheaper compared to YouTube TV’s one plan. Sling TV also has some major channels that are still missing from YouTube TV’s lineup, even with its cheapest option.

Overall, you have to give credit where credit is due — Sling TV is the cheaper alternative, and it does provide a great variety of popular channels. However, the platform can lag and glitch sometimes. So, YouTube TV is the winner of this battle, simply because it offers a much better experience. When it comes to DVR, user-friendly interface, and the overall number of channels, YouTube TV is the obvious choice.

The Battle of Sports Channels — YouTube TV vs. DIRECTV NOW

While DIRECTV NOW dominates the market when it comes to the number of channels it offers, it’s also one of the most expensive streaming services. However, unlike YouTube TV, it has a fair amount of plans to choose from.

On the other hand, even its cheapest package has some of the best channels, like HBO and ESPN. Speaking of ESPN, DIRECTV NOW offers a wide variety of sports channels, so if you are a fan of sports, it’s your best bet.

On a different note, DIRECTV NOW’s app seems quite inept compared to YouTube TV’s. The latter provides an unmatched user experience. Coupled with a great selection of channels for its price, YouTube TV is the overall winner.

Affordability vs. Variety — YouTube TV vs. PlayStation Vue

The two most expensive PlayStation Vue packages offer more channels than YouTube TV’s only one. However, the huge channel lineup will cost you either a whopping $84.99, or $64.99 if you go for the cheaper option. So, you decide if it’s worth it.

On the other hand, if you have a big family, and you enjoy streaming simultaneously from different devices, PlayStation Vue might be the right choice for you. It offers more streams — five — compared to YouTube TV’s three.

If you are looking for a platform that allows you to share with more people, PlayStation Vue is a great option. Still, YouTube TV ultimately wins the battle against PlayStation Vue because its pricing is a lot better, and it provides everything you need for a truly satisfying streaming experience.

You Get What You Pay For (Or Do You?) — YouTube TV vs. Hulu with Live TV

Price-wise, YouTube TV and Hulu Live cost the same. Still, YouTube TV offers almost 20 channels more. Its interface is much more advanced than Hulu’s frustratingly difficult one. What’s more, with Hulu Live’s subscription, you can only stream on two devices simultaneously. If you want more, you’ll have to pay an extra $15 to watch simultaneously from five different devices.

In terms of original content, Hulu takes the lead. However, if original content does not concern you, YouTube TV’s overall user experience is way better. Another advantage that YouTube has over Hulu is that Hulu Live provides only 50 hours of DVR space. YouTube’s unlimited DVR storage cannot be ignored.

In Conclusion

YouTube TV definitely deserves a lot more praise than it has been receiving so far. It has gotten better with time, which hasn’t happened for many platforms. Its channel list is steadily growing, and with it — the number of subscribers.

While YouTube TV was somewhat limited in the past, that’s not the case anymore. If it keeps expanding and adding new features, which the company is actually doing, YouTube TV is sure to become one of the best streaming services there is.

What will win you over is that YouTube TV offers unmatched cloud storage and an extremely user-friendly interface. Yes, it is a bit more expensive than Sling TV, but it’s definitely worth it. YouTube TV will surely get even better with time, but even now, it’s a great option for someone who wants to cut ties with standard cable/satellite TV.