USTVnow

• Watch Anywhere with an Internet Connection
• Quick Setup
• DVR Capability
• Movie Rental Offered
• Free Trial
• Unique Plans at Competitive Prices
• Easy Cancellation

Watch Anywhere with an Internet Connection

USTVnow provides live streaming TV service, DVR, and movie rentals via their website giving travelers, expatriates, and U.S. military members the ability to watch U.S. (and Canadian) TV while traveling or residing abroad. Subscribers need an internet connection and a USTVnow subscription in order to watch anywhere, anytime. Territorial content restrictions may apply. 

Quick Setup

Similar to other online streaming services, it’s easy to get started with USTVnow. Interested subscribers sign up on the company’s website by entering an email address, creating a password, and typing in their full name. Users will also need to tick the box indicating consent to receiving promotional texts, calls and emails relating to the terms. After clicking the blue ‘Sign up’ button, users will be able to view the available plans. Alternatively, they can be viewed first, before filling in the web form, by clicking on the link at the top of the company’s homepage.

After selecting the plan they would like users will be prompted to enter credit or debit card details, or will be redirected to a PayPal window to complete the transaction using this cashier method. Once logged into an account, users have the following options:

• Browse content using the slightly clunky interface
• Look at channels airing content on the homepage
• Go to Live TV
• View the TV Guide
• Select More which will lead users to a drop down menu with links to Movies and My Recordings. 

DVR Capability

While USTVnow’s top streaming TV competitors do offer customers digital video recording (DVR), many include it only as a paid add-on. USTVnow stands out with several plans that include DVR services. It also allows users to simultaneously watch one show while recording other shows. Users can record as many shows as they would like as the recording feature is unlimited to DVR subscribers.

However, there is a limit of 15 programs that may be scheduled to be recorded on a recurring basis at a time. This is a big step up from other streaming TV services that offer a limit on the number of hours of shows that can be recorded. However, users should be aware that USTVnow automatically deletes recordings older than 28 days.

Movies on Demand

USTVNow offers hundreds of movie titles to its Movies on Demand customers. The company also says it offers what it refers to as a movie rental option but unfortunately does not provide any information on pricing for this service. The Movie on Demand collection offers a heavy selection of classics and westerns; in fact, the company even offers a low-priced plan that caters to users interested in watching the library of western and classic movies exclusively. All USTVnow plans come with the Movies on Demand feature. 

Free Trial

Potential subscribers can sign up for a 10-day free trial of any plan without obligation, allowing them to try out the service before making a payment. Many online reviews mentioned a free plan; however, we were unable to confirm it as a current plan offering. 

Unique Plans at Competitive Prices

Users will have a choice between five plans ranging in price from $29 to $2.99. The most expensive plan USTVNOW + DVR is $29 per month and includes 23 channels such as Bravo, Fox News, National Geographic, and AMC, DVR service, and Movies on Demand. Less expensive plans offer a less impressive selection of channels. There is also TELEUP CANADA + DVR plan that gives subscribers access to four Canadian channels, DVR service, and Movies on Demand for those looking for Canadian TV content.

Easy Cancellation

If subscribers need to cancel their account and end their subscription, USTVnow makes it easy. Users can submit a support request on the company's website or email the company for assistance by one of its customer service representatives.

• Not Commercial Free
• Does Not Have All Channels
• Previous Legal Issues
• Limited Users
• Device Compatibility Issues
• Streaming Quality

Not Commercial Free

Like many streaming TV services, USTVnow is not commercial free. It does not delete anything from the original broadcast, cable or satellite TV feeds that it streams to users. Its customer service says that this is to make the TV-viewing experience as seamless as possible for Americans abroad, but not many users will enjoy sitting through commercials. This is also the case for shows recorded using its DVR service; all the commercials stay. Other services allow users to pay more to skip the commercial break, so customers who can’t stand watching commercials should be aware of this limitation. 

Does Not Have All Channels

USTVnow’s 28 channel plan (some plans offer fewer) is somewhat weak compared to other mainstream streaming competitors. Customers should review the channels offered by each plan closely to make sure that they will be satisfied as some plans include somewhat obscure channel offerings. Users should also be aware that all the local channels it offers are from Pennsylvania meaning that commercials, local news, and weather are only relevant if you live in that state. 

Previous Legal Issues

Over the years there has been debate over the legality of USTVnow. Two years ago the Roku private channel version was pulled down. According to Roku's official customer forum, this was because “Roku has been asked to remove this channel by the content rights owner.” As such, USTVnow isn’t listed in the official Roku Channel Store. Customers should be aware of these past issues, but it does appear that the company has worked recently to resolve any issues with licensing and legality. 

Limited Users

Potential subscribers should be aware that USTVnow does limit the number of simultaneous users per account. Only one person can be logged in on a computer per account. This is very strict for the industry. If an account is logged in elsewhere and a customer attempts to login on a separate computer, they will be logged out of the older session. For other devices such as tablets and phones, three people can be logged in simultaneously. 

Device Compatibility Issues

Subscribers should be aware that USTVnow does not offer the streaming access simplicity of other major services. It does not have an app and subscribers are told by the company to watch their service in the web browser on their computer, phone, or tablet. As mentioned above, Roku TV users will be unable to find a USTVnow channel in the Roku Channel Store. USTVnow does report that it is compatible with internet TV boxes such as Google TV, Apple TV, Scope Box, and Chromecast.

Users should thoroughly research and contact customer service to verify that the device they wish to watch the service on will be supported. For example, online reports indicated that users were able to watch USTVnow on Apple TV only through AirPlay mirroring and not via an app in the App Store as is typical of other major streaming services. 

In general, USTVnow’s support site routinely advises that a subscriber should open the device’s web browser and log into USTVnow.com. 

Streaming Quality

There are mixed reviews from subscribers on USTVnow’s streaming quality. Most reviewers appeared satisfied with the streaming quality. However, some reported streaming freezes or choppiness when attempting to stream at higher picture quality levels. The streaming quality will largely be determined by subscribers' internet bandwidth. You can choose between low, medium, high, or HD quality at will.