October 2, 2018

What is Sling TV?

Read more about Sling TV
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Ready to cut the cord? Sling TV is an internet TV service offering local channels, discount packages, and superior customer service. Read our guide on Sling TV for more.

WHAT IS SLING TV, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Sling TV is an app-based TV service provider. It streams content over the internet, as opposed to cable or satellite. It's the same as other online providers like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu.

The difference with Sling is that it specializes in live TV, not on-demand content. You can rewind a show or watch older programs on-demand, but it's still limited.

To watch Sling TV, all you need to do is sign up and download the app. Sling TV works on almost every smart device and supports a ton of streaming media devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, etc.).

After booting up the app, you'll see available channels based on your package. You'll also need an active internet connection to watch Sling TV - it's not available offline.

WHERE CAN I GET SLING TV?

Anywhere with an internet connection. However, Sling TV's service is limited to the United States.

WHAT PACKAGES DOES IT HAVE?

Sling TV has two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue.

Sling Orange has about 30 channels. You'll find favorites such as ESPN, AMC, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Lifetime, and other channels on it. The downside is that you only get to watch one stream at a time.

Sling Blue has more than 40 channels. Here you'll find FOX, FXX, Syfy, Nick Jr, and a few other channels not available on Sling Orange. You also get three streams with Sling Blue.

Some channels are available on Blue but not Orange, and vice versa. If you must have it all, then get the Sling Blue + Orange. This gives you access to all the channels and four unique streams.

Sling TV also has more than a dozen add-on packages. These range from sports channels to premium movie bundles. The News Extra package, for example, includes BBC World News, TheBlaze, HLN, Euronews and others.

WHAT CHANNELS DOES SLING TV HAVE EXACTLY?

Here's a list of what Sling TV offers:

Sling Orange:

  • ESPN
  • AMC
  • CNN
  • Cheddar Big News
  • HGTV
  • Comedy Central
  • Cartoon Network
  • History Channel
  • Disney Channel
  • ESPN2
  • ESPN3
  • TNT
  • ACC Network Extra
  • Food Network
  • TBS
  • BBC America
  • Freeform
  • IFC
  • EPIX Drive-In
  • Tribeca Shortlist
  • A&E
  • Viceland
  • Lifetime
  • Travel Channel
  • AXS TV
  • Fuse
  • Newsy
  • Cheddar
  • Bloomberg Television
  • Local Now

Sling Blue:

  • FOX
  • NBC
  • FOX RSNs
  • NBC RSNs
  • NFL Network
  • AMC
  • FX
  • CNN
  • Cheddar Big News
  • HGTV
  • Comedy Central
  • USA
  • Cartoon Network
  • History Channel
  • TNT
  • Bravo
  • Food Network
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Sports 2
  • NBC Sports Network
  • TBS
  • BBC America
  • FXX
  • SYFY
  • Nick Jr.
  • IFC
  • EPIX Drive-In
  • Tribeca Shortlist
  • A&E
  • Viceland
  • truTV
  • Lifetime
  • Travel Channel
  • AXS TV
  • Fuse
  • BET
  • National Geographic
  • Nat Geo Wild
  • Newsy
  • Cheddar
  • Bloomberg Television
  • Local No

CAN YOU GET LOCAL CHANNELS?

The short answer is yes. You can get local channels, but it depends on your location and the Sling package you subscribed to. FOX and NBC, for example, are only available in certain markets. Other local channels may only offer on-demand content instead of live stream.

IS THERE A CONTRACT?

Nope. Pay month-to-month, and you can choose to start or stop anytime. There are also no startup fees, cancellation fees, or equipment rental costs (since there's no equipment to begin with).

WHAT CAN I WATCH SLING TV ON?

Here's a list of devices Sling TV is compatible with:

Streaming Players: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, AirTV Player
TV: Xiaomi, LG, Samsung
Phones and Tablets: iOS, iPhones, Android, Fire tablets
Gaming consoles: Xbox One
Computers: Mac OS, Chrome, and Windows 10

DOES SLING TV HAVE A DVR?

Yes. Sling TV has a Cloud DVR which is supported on most devices, with a few exceptions. It doesn't work on the X1 platform or some 2018 Samsung Smart TV models. Also, you can't use the DVR with all Disney, ESPN and on-demand channels (like Local Now).

The Cloud DVR records up to 50 hours of your favorite movies/shows.

CAN I DOWNLOAD SHOWS FOR OFFLINE VIEWING?

No. Sling TV doesn't offer offline viewing. You'll always need an active internet connection, even with Cloud DVR.

ARE SLING CHANNELS IN HD?

Not quite as good as cable, bit it's still good. Sling TV offers high-quality video for the most part. Sometimes the picture quality drops, but it's usually due to internet speeds. On a high-speed connection, you'll usually get good quality video.

DOES SLING TV HAVE COMMERCIALS?

Yes. Sling TV's channels are basically what you would see on cable - with full commercials. You can't skip them as you can with a DVR.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INTERNET SPEED TO WATCH SLING TV?

Sling recommends different minimum speeds for different devices.

  • For portable devices such as tablets and phones, Sling recommends a constant speed of 3.0 Mbps.

  • For a single stream on TV, PC, or Mac, Sling recommends a constant speed of 5.0 Mbps.

  • For households with multiple devices, Sling recommends a constant speed of 25 Mbps.

IS SLING TV WORTH IT?

That depends on what you want. For those who love channel surfing, a traditional cable or satellite TV is better. Those have hundreds of channels for you to explore. They also have better DVR capability.

On the other hand, if you only want a few key channels, Sling is a better deal. Even with all the add-ons, it'll likely be cheaper than cable or satellite TV. You also don't have to worry about contracts or equipment fees.

HOW DO I CANCEL SLING TV IF I DON'T LIKE IT?

Canceling is simple. Just sign in to your account, and you'll see a "Cancel Subscription" link on your account page. Click on it and tell them your reason.

After it confirms your cancellation, you'll stop getting billed. Because there aren't any contracts, you can cancel anytime with no penalties.

BOTTOM LINE

Sling TV is a great choice if you want live TV without the expensive monthly bill. You also won't have to deal with contracts or equipment fees. It may not be as fancy as cable or satellite TV, but cable cutters would certainly appreciate the lower monthly costs.

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