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!
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