DVR versus Cloud Storage Questions

[chi_guy501]

Can anyone here with personal hands-on experience school me on the pros and cons of Comcast's cloud DVR service (e.g., using the Xi5/6) as compared to their local-storage DVR (specifically, the XG1v3/4 w/500GB HDD)?  I myself am a long-time TiVo DVR user (with Comcast CableCARD) but am interested in learning how Comcast's system options compare.

I understand that Comcast's cloud DVR service is routinely designated in 20 or 60 hour capacities, but what does this mean in practical terms for storage of HD programming? And how does that compare to the advertised 150 hours of HD storage on the X1 DVR? I would assume that the cited cloud storage capacity reflects actual playback time measurements, whereas the local storage is measured in data size, which is going to vary depending on the amount of signal compression.  For local storage does 150 hours seem accurate? 

Also, does Comcast routinely include cloud storage along with rental of the X1 DVR?  (Knowing that some equipment/service particulars vary by region, I will state that I am in the Big South Region of the Central Division.)  Is playback from the cloud more highly compressed or does it suffer from other factors that impinge on the VQ? Is it true that all cloud "recordings" are limited to PCM 2.0 audio? Does the maximum retention period on the cloud vary or it is a fixed one year?

I have read the X1 Cloud DVR FAQs, but I don't want to take what is written there at face value as it might not reflect current real-world conditions.

I would appreciate any and all feedback as it will influence the choices I recommend for my community's upcoming follow-on bulk services agreement with Comcast. TIA!

[lesmikesell]

This may vary by region and also by when your contract started.   On my fairly recent contract in the Chicago area my 'Extra' TV package lists that it includes 20 hours of cloud DVR.    Then there is another $10 DVR fee which I assume is because I have a physical DVR and I think it also takes the cloud dvr up to 60 hours.   Then each set top box has a $5 fee without separating the dvr from the secondary boxes.  This billing is different than the way the previous contract listed them for approximately the same things.  I had considered returning one of my secondary boxes when they were billed at $10/mo. but will keep it at $5.

I haven't filled the x1gv4 space or even the 60 hours in the cloud so I'm not sure what the actual limit is.

[chi_guy501]

Thanks for that feedback.

I am not concerned about fee structure per se (I am dealing with a bulk services agreement for which pricing is subject to other factors) but only features and performance.

And, yes, I know that regional variances come into play, which is why I listed my region in my original post.  But that should have no bearing on technical characteristics or performance.

Thanks again for your reply.

[lesmikesell]

You aren't supposed to be able to tell the difference between cloud and local playback and I think that's true even though mine mostly plays locally.   One time my power went out but the dvr copy was complete so it must have come from the cloud, and I also did not notice any difference when I swapped out my older DVR for the x1gv4 and watched the existing recordings that had to have come from the cloud.

[CCAndrew]

One of the differences is cloud recordings play in stereo only. 20 vs 60 hours is a package choice , it also limits the amount of recordings at the same time. Cloud service is included.