Hulu will introduce unlimited DVR for all Hulu + Live TV subscribers at no additional cost beginning April 13.
Unlimited DVR will allow on-demand playback and fast-forwarding capabilities on recordings for up to nine months. Previously, Hulu + Live TV subscribers each received up to 50 hours of DVR storage, with an add-on option to upgrade to up to 200 hours for an additional monthly fee.
Subscribers who previously purchased the Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on for $9.99 per month or Enhanced Cloud DVR + Unlimited Screens bundle add-on for $14.98 per month will transition to unlimited DVR and see a reduction in their monthly bills. New subscribers and existing subscribers that did not purchase any add-ons will automatically receive unlimited DVR as part of their Hulu + Live TV subscription.
“Hulu + Live TV is becoming even more valuable and attractive to consumers,” said Hulu President Joe Earley in a statement. “Through one single subscription, users get access to 80+ live channels – including all the major broadcast networks – as well as Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and soon Unlimited DVR. Guided by our relentless focus on delivering the consumer a high-quality user experience, we will be one of the only pay TV providers – traditional or streaming – to offer this feature as part of the base plan at no additional cost.”
The new feature launch comes approximately three months after Hulu + Live TV increased its rate by $5 per month but began including Disney+ and ESPN+ along with its live TV subscriptions. The price hike, which kicked in on Dec. 21, brought its rates up to $69.99 for Hulu + Live TV and $74.99 for Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV. Disney+ and ESPN+ sell separately for $7.99/month and $6.99/month, respectively, so the price increase to bundle represents a significant discount compared to paying separately.
Hulu + Live TV ended the most recent quarter with 4.3 million subscribers, making it one of the largest MVPDs in the U.S. and giving it more subscribers than traditional distributors including Verizon Fios and Altice USA.