AT&T today announced plans to unveil a next-generation video platform this fall, which will be introduced first to DirecTV Now customers later this summer.
As part of a beta test for the platform, DirecTV Now subscribers will gain access to a cloud DVR feature, which will allow them to record and access their shows from anywhere. A wide selection of live channels will be able to be recorded, with 4K and HD video quality.
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"We all want easy and quick access to our content, regardless of where, when or on what device we watch it," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Entertainment Group. "By developing for a single video platform, we'll deliver new features and platform innovations in a faster, more efficient way. And it will be simple and consistent wherever you watch--TV, phone or tablet."
AT&T also plans to introduce a whole new interface for the video platform, which will provide a "consistent look and feel" across all of the company's consumer video services. DirecTV testers will be able to provide AT&T with feedback on the new design.
Eventually, the next-generation video platform is expected to support features like live TV pausing and parental controls, expected later this year, and user profiles, offline watching (download and go), and 4K HDR are planned for 2018.
According to AT&T, beta testing for the video platform will begin in the summer, and select DirecTV Now customers will receive invites to test the features.
Top Rated Comments
I mean... (it feels stupid even asking this) they're not *actually* recording GBs of video per user ... right?! So if it's just access to shows they stream... why not just provide access to all of them? Like I said, I don't get it. :confused:
Negotiations with all the little mom and pop network affiliates is what is cumbersome and takes a lot of time. Something that every streaming network faces.
The fact that they have to negotiate with these affiliates is proof of how backwards this whole thing is to begin with. Why can't I just get access to whatever network-level program that NBC is broadcasting? I don't care about the local news and whatever re-runs packages that they've purchased to run throughout the day. Why should my geographic location even matter because I'm supposedly within range of their crappy tower that can't even get a clean signal to my house? This whole idea needs to go away.$35 for the grandfathered plan i'm on is a steal.