Things To Know Before You Sign Up For Playstation Vue
NEWS ALERT: PlayStation Vue is shutting down! Sony announced that the live TV streaming service will no longer be available as of January 30, 2020. See Team Clarks guide to compare other streaming options.
Flipping through the channels at night, youre likely to see ads for live TV streaming services like DirecTV Now, Sling TV, YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV.
But have you heard about PlayStation Vue? Its another option to consider and you dont need a PlayStation console to use it.
What Is Playstation Vue
First and foremost, what is PlayStation Vue? Well, its an online streaming program that lets you watch live TV. In a lot of ways, its similar to cable TV except for that its cheaper, more flexible, and works over the internet instead of through cable. With Vue, you watch on a compatible device, such as a PlayStation console, Roku, Apple TV, or even your smartphone. Packages start from $30 per month, with no contract, and offer at least 45+ channels. Check out our PlayStation Vue review for the full scoop.
What Is The Playstation Vue User Experience Like
First off, from the page layout point of view, PS Vues main page is mainly divided into one column and one row. One column is located on the left side of the screen, mainly for timeline, recent viewing and current viewing. One row is at the top of the screen for menus such as my DVR, most Favorite channels, sports, special programs, etc.
However, it should be noted that the main page also has its own choice of quirks. Users need to understand and learn these. For example, If you are using Apple TV you need to press the Play button to exit the menu to start watching. General, it is necessary to only press the menu button. Pressing the menu continuously will launch the program without prompting.
On the screen display, perhaps thanks to the game source of the PlayStation itself, PS Vue has a strong visual impact under the clear menu and large thumbnails. This service is more vivid and more realistic than YouTube.
One of the most intriguing features of PlayStation Vue and Apple TV is MultiView, which allows users to watch three channels simultaneously. Although Apple TV supports four channels. When the user is watching, they can select a primary audio channel and then add an auxiliary device, and the interface will allow you to switch between them.
In addition, the channel guide will vary slightly depending on the platform the user is using. In general, PS Vues channel options are vertically arranged. However, they are arranged in a more traditional horizontal way on Roku TV.
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Watch Multiple Channels At Once With Multi
On March 7, PS Vue announced the ability to watch up to three live channels simultaneously on one screen. Multi-view is available on PlayStation 4 only for now. The announcement was made a week in advance of March Madness.
This will be a great way to catch several live games at once from TNT, TBS, TruTV and CBS, Dan Myyers, head of product for PS Vue, said in a blog post.
This new feature will work on all live TV channels on Vue, so you can watch a variety of programs at once.
Heres how to use the feature. Press and hold X on any live TV show from the Guide or Live TV row of the home screen.
That will open up the selection screen for a multi-view. Select any other live programming from the Live TV stand and start watching multiple programs at once. The main screen in multi-view will carry the audio.
Press the square on the DualShock 4 to switch up the main screen on multi-view. Then highlight the smaller screen and press Square.
Ps Vue Channels And Pricing
Cable-replacement streaming services follow similar pricing patterns to regular cable: the more you pay, the more channels you can watch. PS Vue offers four monthly subscription tiers: Access, Core, Elite, and Ultra. Note that Sony raised the price of each of its plans by $5 per month. These price increases are already in place for new subscribers and will take effect for existing subscribers for their payment due after July 31.
The entry-level Access plan now costs $49.99 per month and features 50 channels. The channel lineup includes typical networks, such as CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC. News coverage is strong, with BBC America, CNBC, CNN, and MSNBC making an appearance, but this tier’s sports coverage is limited to a few local networks, ESPN, and ESPN2. Rounding out the list are popular entertainment and lifestyle channels such as AMC, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Food Network, HGTV, SyFy, and Travel Channel.
The Core tier plan costs $54.99 per month and adds a significant number of sports channels, such as ESPNEWS, ESPN U, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NFL Network. These additions bring the total count to around 75 channels.
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So Is Ps Vue Worth It
PS Vue is more expensive than other streaming services in many regards, but not by much. Sling TV still offers the lowest price, but also the fewest channels and simultaneous streams. PS Vue split between five friends is a ridiculous deal, but if youre just by yourself, the extra cost might turn you off. The service is a joy to use for the most part, though the Roku interface needs work .
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DirecTV Now offers more channels and some incredible deals but also fewer viewing options. If you want the cable-like package in streaming TV, its hard to go wrong with PS Vue. Hulu with Live TV is putting up a good fight, and Sling TV is a wonderful service, but PS Vue has fewer limitations when it comes to DVR storage space and has cheaper add-on options than both of them.
If you own a PS4, your first stop on the streaming tour should be the PS Vue, but for everyone else, the question comes down to Hulu or PS Vue. If you want a more traditional interface, PS Vue is easier to pick up than Hulu with Live TV, but Hulus service comes with a Hulu subscription on top of the live TV.
PS Vue shines in its simplicity, with a quick and easy-to-learn interface that gets you watching your favorite shows without a learning curve. For people that just want to sign in and start watching TV, PS Vue is an excellent service.
Hulu Live Tv Cash Back
- Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
- Only valid once per household.
- You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
- You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
- Youll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase .
- Cannot be combined with any other promotion and wont be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.
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Ps Vue Channels: The Add
On top of its already generous channel offerings, PS Vue has some add-on options to help round out your package. Sports fans will want to consider adding Fox Soccer Plus for $15 per month or NFL RedZone as part of the $10 per-month Sports pack. Movie lovers can pick up HBO or Cinemax for $15 a month apiece, or add less expensive options like Showtime or Epix Hits for $11 and $4 per month, respectively. Each movie channel features a live linear feed and on-demand content with your subscription.
The Español Pack adds eight channels: Cine Sony Television, CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, Fox Deportes, Fox Life, Nat Geo Mundo, and NBC Universo, for $5. Meanwhile, niche services like the gamer-focused Machinima or Markers Polaris TV can be added for $2 and $3 a month apiece, respectively.
Its worth noting again that at the Ultra level subscribers get both HBO and Showtime for just $15 total, instead of $15 apiece. If youre already subscribing at the Elite level and want HBO or Showtime, just upgrade to Ultra and get both for the same cost.
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Can Users Authenticate With Tv Everywhere Apps
Yes, PlayStation Vue currently supports logging into more than 50 TV Everywhere apps, such as Watch ABC, Watch ESPN, Fox Sports Go, and Comedy Central. You can even use these apps on platforms that dont have a PlayStation Vue app. Just select PlayStation Vue as your TV provider when authenticating, and enter your login details.
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Playstation Vue On The Ipad
I love that the iPad and iPhone apps also work with Chromecast, allowing you to watch on a TV connected to a Chromecast or other Google Cast device. I tested it with both the new and old Chromecasts and an Nvidia Shield, and it worked as expected. Unfortunately for owners of Apple TV, it doesn’t work with AirPlay or AirPlay Mirroring in my testing.
Vue’s TV app support is excellent. It’s worth noting that Vue supports more than 60 “TV Everywhere” apps that require authentication from your TV provider. People with an active Vue subscription can use apps like Watch ESPN, FXNow, Watch Disney Jr and Showtime Anytime on their iOS or Android devices, or even TV devices like Roku. See the full list of supported apps on Sony’s FAQ under “How to Use Key Features.”
I’ve asked Sling TV to provide a similar list, but they have yet to do so by publication time.
What Is The Video Quality On Playstationvue How Much Internet Bandwidth Do I Need
Video quality
All high definition content will be available in HD with adaptive bitrate streaming, so you will see the highest resolution your broadband allows.
Internet bandwidth requirements
10mbps or higher is recommended for the best experience, plus 5mbps for each additional stream.
PlayStationVue requires a high-speed Internet connection. A temporary Internet connection or hotspot connection should not be used with PlayStationVue. Hotspots often interfere with these requirements and can restrict access to PlayStationVue.
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Playstation 4 Exclusive Features
PlayStation 4 users have plenty of reasons to use PlayStation Vuenot least of which is the fact that its the only paid live TV service available on the console. But PS4 users get a sweet bonus feature: picture-in-picture viewing. PS4 owners can watch multiple channels at the same time using Vue. Its ideal when there are multiple sporting events on at the same time, or if you like juggling the news and a sitcom.
Playstation Vue Package Availability
| Live, DVR and on-demand | 100+ |
If you’re still unsure what you’d pay with Vue, head over to Sony’s website and input your zip code. Then come back here and finish reading this review! Trust me, it gets better.
Beyond local channels and regional sports networks, Vue’s packages are the same in every city nationwide, and offer an impressive array of cable channels, including the Fox and NBC/Universal properties missing from Sling. The recent addition of Disney-owned channels to Vue, including ABC and ESPN, erased Sling’s biggest programming advantage. A few Sling channels are still missing from Vue as well, including A& E, History and Lifetime, but Vue still maintains a huge advantage in channels over its cheaper rival.
Like other Internet TV services, Vue’s Achilles heel is sports. It’s missing MLB TV, NBA TV, the NFL Network and some regional sports channels , for example. The more expensive Core package from Vue provides access to more sports, including some, but not all RSNs. In New York, for example, Vue has the YES Network but lacks MSG and SNY, the regional sports channels for other area professional teams, namely the Knicks, Rangers and Mets. For fans of certain teams, Vue is a nonstarter.
You can add Showtime to Vue for $11 per month , but there’s no HBO option yet . A couple of other add-on channels are available too, including EPIX and Machinima, Sony’s gaming-centric network.
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Which One Is Better
We gave Vue the higher rating in our reviews, and DirecTV slightly higher than Sling, but which one you choose depends on your budget and needs. Sling is cheaper but quite limited. Vue is more capable, but its price, especially in those seven cities with local channels, pushes it closer to the realm of traditional cable TV bundles. DirecTV has the most channels but is still missing some major features.
You’ll still need to have broadband internet for both, which means — in a home — at least $40 per month and often a long-term contract. That said, minimizing contractual commitments and hidden fees is usually great for consumers, and that’s one huge advantage all three services share.
All three offer distinct visions of the future of live TV. If nothing else, they’re all worth a free trial.
A version of this article originally ran in March 2015, but was updated on December 1, 2016, with additional details as a result of CNET’s recent DirecTV Now review and updates to both older services.
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Watching Options And Accessibility
As mentioned, some of Vue’s content is viewable even after it airs. If you start watching a program while it is airing, PS Vue also lets you start the stream from the beginning for some content. This is similar to fuboTV’s Lookback and Start Over features, which respectively do the same thing.
DVR capabilities are invaluable for cable-replacement streaming service since they allow you to watch live events on your own schedule and fast forward through all the boring bits, such as ads. PS Vue, as mentioned, lets you record an unlimited number of episodes of up to 500 shows for up to 28 days. As with other services, PS Vue’s DVR capabilities come with some restrictions. For example, some channels are simply not available for DVR, while others do not allow you to fast-forward through recordings.
For comparison, YouTube TV imposes no DVR storage limit and keeps titles for nine months. FuboTV’s base plan lets you record 30 hours’ worth of content, but it keeps them indefinitely. DirecTV Now is the least capable of the cable-replacement bunch, with storage for 20 hours of shows that expire after 30 days, but Sling TV charges an extra $5 per month for 50 hours of DVR storage .
PS Vue does not currently offer any parental control options. Sling TV is one of the few cable-replacement type services to integrate parental control features, but ratings-based restrictions are fairly common for on-demand streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix , and HBO Now.
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Ps Vue’s Web Interface
PS Vue’s web interface uses dark colors with splashes of bright blue. It looks clean and modern, but it’s not as intuitive as that of YouTube TV and stutters occasionally when loading some of the information-heavy modules. The top-level navigation menu includes Home, My DVR, Channels, Live TV, and Guide. Annoyingly, the interface kept showing alerts right below the top menu, even after I dismissed them several times. On the right-hand side of the screen, you get a search tool and a button for account preferences. In testing, the search tool worked as expected, returning relevant results for queries of TV shows, movies, and individual channels. However, it’s not nearly as sophisticated as YouTube TV’s search functionality, which lets you concatenate search terms, such as a genre and initial airdate, for example.
The account preferences section is pretty robust. You can add profiles for different users, which helps PS Vue make better recommendations for individuals. Additionally, you can change Closed Captioning settings, such as the text style, size, and color, along with the background color. There’s even a setting for enabling the interface to display Sports Scores and a helpful FAQ section in plain text. If you hit the Manage Subscription button, you get access to billing and plan settings.
The Channels: More Than Sling Fewer Than Cable
The biggest question anyone has about a newfangled Internet TV service revolves around channel access. That’s why I’ve prepared a big chart showing all of the channels on Vue and Sling TV, as well as a few that aren’t available on either one yet, but can be found on typical cable services.
The Big Chart: Sling TV vs. PlayStation Vue, top 160 channels
The simple takeaway is that Vue’s basic package has a much better channel selection than Sling TV, but worse than many cable packages. And of course, you can pay more to get more channels.
Unlike Sling, Netflix or Hulu, however, Vue’s packages cost different amounts depending on where you live in the US. For people in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco and Miami, Vue packages cost $10 per month more for the privilege of watching live local channels namely ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.
It’s pretty confusing, so let’s use two big California cities as examples. The cheapest Vue package costs $40 in L.A., but $30 in San Diego. In L.A. it’s called Access, while in San Diego it’s called Access Slim . And no, you can’t buy the Access package in San Diego, or the cheaper Access Slim package in L.A. .
In LA, you can watch network shows like “The Voice,” “The Bachelor” or “Gotham” live, or DVR them, but in San Diego you have to wait 24 hours to watch them on-demand. CBS shows are coming on-demand to Vue’s Slim cities “soon.”
Still confused? Hopefully another chart will help:
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