Channel Master has added Pandora Internet Radio to DVR+, its subscription-less DVR product line that is targeted to so-called "cord-cutters."
DVR+ supports over-the-air digital TV antennas and delivers a small-but-growing batch of over-the-top apps via the product’s broadband connection. DVR+ also supports the Walmart-owned Vudu service, and Channel Master expects to add a couple more apps to the mix by mid-November, a spokeswoman said, noting that the company has been making attempts to get Netflix on board because customers are screaming for it, but no deal has been reached.
Channel Master also announced that purchases from the company’s online store that include DVR+ will now ship for free in the U.S.
Channel Master expanded its DVR product line in July with a $399 model that includes 1 terabyte of storage, complementing an original $249.99 model that holds 16 gigabytes but is expandable using an external USB-connected hard drive. Both contain two tuners and support a 14-day channel guide.
TiVo recently introduced a “limited edition” OTA model for cord-cutters that costs $49.99 and requires a subscription that runs $14.99 per month (with a one-year commitment).
Simple.TV is also competing in this part of the market with a two-tuner DVR/video server that costs $199.99 and an optional subscription service. It recently added a feature that lets users share recordings with up to five friends.
