Sling TV guide: All the programming, all the restrictions, and...

It hasn't gotten any easier to understand that Sling TV is a much more expansive streaming video service than it used to be.Since last year's launch, Sling has become more complicated, with two base packages instead of one, more add-on packages to choose from, and new restrictions that apply to some local and sports channels.

All of the channels and add-on packages have been updated.I will walk through some of the things you need to know.

The original $20-per-month package was the basis for Sling Orange.It only allows you to stream to one device at a time, but you have to access Disney-owned channels.

You can stream on three devices at the same time with Sling Blue.Fox-owned channels, such as the NFL Network, and regional sports networks, are not available through its cheaper counterpart.

If you choose a base package, you can add any number of extras for $5 per month.The Sports Extra package for Sling Blue costs $10 per month.Premium channels are available as add-ons.

The base package you choose affects the channels in each add-on.Only Sling Blue subscribers can get NBC's Golf Channel and NFL Redzone with Sports Extra.

There is a package deal for the Kids, Comedy, News, and Lifestyle packages.The four-pack costs $10 per month.

It costs $5 per month for 50 hours of cloud DVR.This is available on a number of devices, including Fire TV and Apple TV.Soon, support for Windows 10 and AirTV will be available.

Unlike other streaming bundles, Sling does not prevent you from skipping commercials.This feature is not supported by Disney-owned channels.

If you don't pay for DVR, some channels have a feature called Replay, which allows you to watch anything that aired in the last few days.The number of days varies by channel.You can pause and replay live programming on these channels.

There are a lot of movies and TV shows to watch on demand.The availability of episodes can vary from show to show.This feature is not the only way to catch up on a series.The exception is premium channels like Cinemax, which offer their entire series catalogs on demand.

It used to be that Sling added a grid view similar to what you would get on a cable box.Over time, this should expand to other platforms.

Regional sports from NBCSN/Comcast SportsNet and Fox Sports can be found in the Sling Blue package.The exact channels you get are tied to your billing zip code.You can find out which channels are available to you by entering your zip code.

Yes, but not from outside the United States.You can't stream local channels if you travel out of town.

Some games may be blacked out due to rights restrictions.The NHL playoffs were blacked out on Fox Sports channels last year because Fox didn't own streaming rights.The situation may be solved now that the NHL and Fox have a streaming agreement.

The Thursday Night Football games on the NFL Network were blacked out when they aired on NBC or CBS.The games can be watched by those who received NBC's local feed, but not everyone.Amazon will show Thursday Night Football to Prime subscribers for free this year.We will have to see if a similar limitation applies.

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