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Cox beta testing FlareWatch internet TV service with 97 channels, 30 hours of cloud DVR storage

Cox beta testing FlareWatch internet TV service with 97 channels, 30 hours of cloud DVR storage

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Cox cable logo
Cox cable logo

Cable provider Cox Communications is reportedly making efforts to launch a less expensive, internet-based TV and DVR service to capture users who've cut the cord and no longer pay for traditional cable TV service. According to a report in Variety, Cox is currently beta-testing a service for its broadband internet subscribers that offers 97 live channels and 30 hours of cloud-based DVR storage. The service, called FlareWatch, costs $34.99 per month — significantly less than most average cable TV plans. Of course, you don't get the hundreds of channels included in those more expensive plans, but FlareWatch does include typically cable-only networks like ESPN, A&E, CNN, TNT, USA, MTV, and FX along with local broadcast stations. It's a more expensive option than streaming live TV provider Aereo, but it also offers a greater variety of channels.

The service itself is delivered via the recently-introduced Fanhattan Fan TV set-top box, though unfortunately it sounds like you won't be able to use that as your only streaming box — Variety says that FlareWatch won't provide access to services like Netflix or Hulu Plus. And not many will get a chance to give this service a try, at least not yet. Cox is only testing it in Orange County, CA. "Results and customer feedback will determine if we proceed with future plans," said a Cox spokesperson. We're hoping that the results encourage Cox to roll FlareWatch out to a wider base in the future — the more inexpensive, internet-based TV options available, the better.