Table Of Content
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playon.tv
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What is PlayOn?
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Why do you need PlayOn?
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History
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Why should you stream on PlayOn?
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Lifetime access
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Wide-range of platforms
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One-click recording
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Smart Recording
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Offline viewing
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How to access PlayOn?
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Design
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Header
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Hero Section
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Body
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Footer
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Inner Pages
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Content
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Desktop/Mobile experience
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Plans & Pricing
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Suggestions I have for PlayOn
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Conclusion
playon.tv
Many people use PlayOn as a way to watch their favorite streaming services on their computer. It wasn't very popular when it first came out, but it has since gained a lot of followers. Although it isn't as popular as it used to be, it is still a very popular service.
The decrease in demand for PlayOn Desktop and PlayOn Cloud due to the rise of other DVR solutions has caused both products to lose popularity.
If you're hearing the name PlayOn for the first time, keep reading because you'll learn a lot about the service, including why it's still relevant and can be extremely useful.
What is PlayOn?
PlayOn is a streaming brand and software suite that allows users to view and even record the content provided on various streaming platforms. There are two main products offered by the brand - PlayOn Desktop and PlayOn Cloud. If you're interested in recording content from digital streams, you can do so via PlayOn Cloud using your iOS or Android device. On the other hand, if you want to do so on a desktop, you can use the Windows-based software.
Why do you need PlayOn?
PlayOn is one of the best ways to organize and consolidate various streaming media. You can download, record, and store the content on a preferred device. Though it's a premium service, you can enjoy flexibility and convenience in keeping all your favorite content in one place.
History
PlayOn Desktop was launched in 2008 by MediaMall. It provides users access to the same functionality on streaming services using devices such as game consoles, and other video players.
Why should you stream on PlayOn?
Regardless of the claims of major publications, I still feel that PlayOn offers a lot of benefits when recording content. There are plenty of advantages to using a premium service like PlayOn, and we'll take a look at some of the key reasons below.
Lifetime access
Once you record content on PlayOn Cloud, the content will be permanently stored on the network. There is no time limit attached to this service, so you can access any type of content that is available on the PlayOn Cloud network for as long as you need it. Whether you're looking for premium content or your typical fare, there is plenty to choose from on our network. However, if you choose to delete the content, it will be gone for good.
Wide-range of platforms
There are two plans available on PlayOn - Desktop and Cloud. The Desktop service allows you to record on 24 platforms whereas the Cloud service allows you to record on 22 platforms. Some of the popular networks that you can record content from are ABC, Amazon Video, AMC, AT&T Now, CBS, Crackle, DC Universe, Fox, HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, NBC, Xfinity, and YouTube.
One-click recording
This is especially helpful if you want to save the content for later.
With PlayOn, recording content is as simple as one click. You don't need to be technically sound to be able to record content. With all of the compatible services, you will get an organized menu from where you can stream a particular network. When streaming, you can start to record the content within a single click. This is especially helpful if you want to save the content for later.
Smart Recording
While premium streaming networks are mostly ad-free, some services still include pre-roll ads. This smart recording feature allows you to pause and resume your recordings, thereby avoiding the inclusion of ads. This saves space and keeps the recordings ad-free.
Offline viewing
This can easily be considered as the most commonly available yet not so predictable feature. Obviously, when you're recording, you're likely to be able to view it offline. But mind you, there are many platforms that don't provide the liberty to do so. However, that's not the case with PlayOn which allows you to watch content at any time and on any device given that you've synced it.
How to access PlayOn?
You can access PlayOn by either searching for it on Google and likely finding the website at the top of the search engine results page or clicking on the PlayOn screenshot to access the website directly.
Design
PlayOn's website has a clean design but it lacks features that would wow users. It comes off as a premium service, but there is little to recommend it. The blue/white/grey/black combination looks great, but it's not out of the box. There is an odd green banner at the time of writing this review which looks ridiculous.
Header
Under ?Free Download? you have two options: ?PlayOn Desktop? and ?PlayOn Cloud?.
The website's header section features the logo on the left and three options- "On Sale Now?", "Explore Features?", "Free Download?"- towards the right. The options are on a slightly transparent background. Out of the three options, two of them have drop-down menus. Under "On Sale Now?", you have "PlayOn Desktop?", "Cloud Plans?", and "Cloud Credits?" Under Explore features, you have "PlayOn Desktop" and "PlayOn Cloud." Under "Free Download?" you have two options: "PlayOn Desktop" and "Play On Cloud."
Hero Section
As of now, the Hero section has a banner for the ?Spring Sale?. However, I believe that the static banner for ?Record Streaming Videos? is typical for the Hero section element. Here, you will find links to the app on the ?App Store?, and ?Google Play Store?.
Body
The body section of the website provides detailed information about the PlayOn Desktop and PlayOn Cloud services. There is a comparison section where users can compare the features of both services. The testimonial and press & features sections provide further information about how the service has been received.
Footer
Under Store, you?ll find a selection of popular streaming apps and games as well as the ability to add new ones. Lastly, under Support, you can find contact information, troubleshooting guides, and support forums.
The footer section on PlayOn is extensive. There are four options - PlayOn Desktop, Store, Support, and About Us. In each of these categories, you have several navigation options. For instance, under PlayOn Desktop you can find options to pages such as Features?, Downloads?, What's On?, Compatible Devices?, and Reviews?. Under Store you will find a selection of popular streaming apps and games as well as the ability to add new ones. Finally under Support you can find contact information, troubleshooting guides, and support forums.
Inner Pages
You can access the inner pages on the website by clicking on any option on the homepage. For instance, when I first landed on the website, I wanted to learn more about the PlayOn Credits and thus I clicked on the footer section which led me to the Option menu and then clicked on Credits. From there, I was able to get all of the necessary information by navigating to the relevant page. The inner pages are equally well-designed and they sport clean banners and design which add to the overall layout.
Content
PlayOn is more than just a device to watch recordings. PlayOn Picks channel offers free movies and TV shows. Some of the notable titles include The Hurt Locker, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Four Weddings and a Funeral, among many others. Not just movies, you can find episodes of popular series such as The Big Bang Theory and Riverdale too. When you subscribe to the service, you're able to find the most recent episodes which you can watch for free. Just head over to the source and start watching!
While it is true that you can't binge-watch on this platform the way you can on Hulu, this is still a very convenient way to access recent episodes of your favorite shows. For example, you won't be able to watch an entire season of The Good Place, but you will be able to watch recent episodes. This drawback of not having the complete series experience may not be a deal breaker for some, but others may find it less desirable.
Desktop/Mobile experience
I didn't enjoy recording an episode using PlayOn on my laptop. The service wasn't the best and the loading time was excruciatingly long. If it continues to operate this way, it won't make the cut in the coming years.Though the company claims that it offers a comprehensive service, I couldn't experience anything like it.
I do have to commend certain aspects of PlayOn which I appreciated such as its compatibility with various streaming devices. It works well with Roku, Firestick, Chromecast and gaming consoles. However, there is still a shortcoming. Even though PlayOn is a premium service it does not allow you to stream content in 1080p. This is a huge disappointment, isn't it?
Plans & Pricing
You can choose from three plans which provide different amounts of storage space and recording credits. The plans are $2.99/mo for 50GB capacity, $4.99/mo for 100GB capacity, or $19.99/mo for 1TB capacity with 40 recording credits.
Suggestions I have for PlayOn
If the developers don't up their game, they will have a hard time surviving in this cutthroat streaming market. The service is substandard and though with certain benefits, it still has a lot to do in order to catch up with the leading services. While I don't have any issues with pricing, the resolution limitation has to be the most discouraging element in this platform.
Conclusion
Despite being priced fairly, PlayOn is not as unique as some of the other services currently available. While it may lack some of the features offered by more popular choices, it is still an affordable DVR option that can be used to watch 720p content. If you are content with this level of quality and are looking for an affordable solution, you should give it a try.
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