PlayStation Vue is one of the most well-reviewed TV streaming services on the market today, and for good reason. Although it’s a little pricier than some services, it also features one of the smoothest streams out there and plenty of features for any user. For the uninitiated, you won’t need a PlayStation to access Vue. In fact, it’s available on a ton of streaming devices. If you already have a subscription to Vue, you probably know many of its features, but if you haven’t taken a chance to dig in — or if you’re looking at subscribing — read on for tips on how to maximize your subscription’s value each month.
[See: 10 Steps to Cut the Cable Cord.]
How PlayStation Vue works. As with many TV subscription services, PlayStation Vue has a few different package options. The most basic package, Access, is $40 a month and comes with more than 45 live channels. The Core package adds a few channels to the mix, with a price of $45 for more than 50 channels. The Elite package, at $55 a month, gives subscribers more than 70 channels. The top-tier package is Ultra, which comes with more than 90 channels, includes HBO and Showtime, and costs $75 a month.
Use “Explore” and the “Guide” to find new shows and see what’s on. PlayStation Vue has a few features on different streaming devices that make finding new content easy. Most devices include the Explore feature, which allows subscribers to filter content based on several different factors, including channel, age rating, category, genre, length and popularity. You can also search for specific keywords to narrow your results even further.
Available on Roku, the Guide feature lets you see what’s on TV and what’s coming up, as well as any catch-up options available. Once you’ve set favorite channels, they will appear first, with local channels second and national channels last.
[Read: 8 Ways to Get the Most Value From Your Netflix Account.]
Take advantage of “Catch Up,” on-demand titles and DVR to watch shows after they air. PlayStation Vue is primarily a live-streaming service, but it also comes with several features built to help you catch up on anything you missed live. Accessible through the Guide, Catch Up lets you watch selected shows for up to three days after their air date. If you want to watch programs after that three-day limit, some are available on demand.
PlayStation Vue’s digital video recorder, called “My DVR,” will automatically save shows you’ve added and keep them for up to 28 days. Some On Demand versions of shows may also be saved in My DVR.
Use sports-focused features to keep up with your favorite teams. If you’re a sports fan, PlayStation Vue has plenty of features to enhance your viewing experience. With a PS4 console, multiview allows you to watch up to three live programs at once. You can also see live scores, even for games you’re not watching with a PS4, PS3, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and a computer browser. On the same devices, you can also see upcoming events by league in order of what’s next on the schedule.
[Read: How to Watch the FIFA World Cup Without Cable.]
Watch while traveling with on-the-go capabilities. If you want to watch your PlayStation Vue content away from home, there are a few functions that will allow you to tune in on the road. Once you’ve signed in within your designated home area, you’ll be able to watch local programming, including regional sports networks (with the exception of NHL games), wherever you travel within the United States.
Sign in to apps on mobile with “TV Everywhere.” With a PlayStation Vue login, you’ll also be able to access channel-specific apps and sites from more than 60 networks. These will allow you to tune into live TV and on-demand content from their designated channels without any additional cost, as well as catch your content on your mobile device.
Use voice control for hands-free viewing. If you’re using either an Amazon Fire TV or an Android TV, you’ll be able to navigate through content with just your voice. With Amazon Fire products, you’ll be able to connect to Alexa and use voice commands to change the channel and move around within the program. With Android, the Google Assistant can choose specific programs and play and pause within them.
PlayStation Vue is a solid streaming service that comes with many features to help make that subscription price worth the expense. To maximize the value you can get out of Vue, use lesser-known features to find new content, know what’s on the live schedule, watch shows after they air, beef up your sports viewing, watch anywhere, access other apps and sites and control using your voice. With all these features, your PlayStation Vue subscription will be well worth it.
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How to Get the Most Value Out of PlayStation Vue originally appeared on usnews.com
