Fortunately, most modern smart TVs have built-in recording functions that allow you to record and save live or streaming videos. You can use your smart TV’s PVR(personal video recorder) or DVR(digital video recorder) functions to record your favorite streaming video so you can watch it later. However, some streaming services do not allow recording. This article will explain how to record streaming TV and recording options for restrictive streaming services like Netflix.
Why can’t I record some streaming videos on a smart TV?
This is because they have licensing agreements that protect the content owner’s rights and prohibit the recording of any kind. Also, recording any content on these platforms is protected by copyright law. Unsurprisingly, Netflix discourages recording of any kind to protect their copyrighted content and give content owners a fair price for their work. Therefore, they use encryption technology known as Encrypted Media Extensions(EME), which blocks the user from taking screenshots and screen recordings of the content they stream. The streaming service depends on the graphics chip on your device to execute the protection. However, there are some exceptions to the rules. You can only record channels over cable or satellite TV which are not encoded. Similar to streaming services, some cable operators encode their content to minimize pirated or copied content without consent.
How do I record streaming videos from services like Netflix on my TV?
Unfortunately, some streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora, do not allow the recording of their shows. So you cannot record streaming video through the platform. However, although illegal, you can bypass any copyright law and record and save streaming videos with the help of third-party apps or the built-in screen recording features. One of the best features of a smart TV is screen recording. However, not all smart TVs come with this option. You can download a premium screen recording app if your TV doesn’t have the screen recording option. Since smart TV operate on the Android OS, they support Android apps.
Using the built-in option
If your smart TV has a recording feature, all you need is an external drive to store the recordings, as it doesn’t permanently store them. Also, this function has different names in different TV brands, such as Samsung smart TV recording is “Timeshift” or “Extended PVR’, ‘Time Machine” for LG TVs and “Extended PVR’ for others. The screen recording procedure on smart TVs varies with brand, model, and location, but here is a general guide on how to record a TV screen to a USB drive.
Turn on your smart TV.Plug in your USB drive of more than 32 GB but less than 2 TB.Insert it into the USB port labeled ‘USB HDD REC.’Go to your TV’s Home page and head over to ‘System SettingsThen select ‘Recording Setup.’Choose an HDD registration. This allows the smart TV to configure the USB drive as a recording unit.Open the streaming platform you want and play the show you want to record.Press the Record button on the TV remote and click ‘Proceed.’The show will start automatically recording and will store the file on external storage.
Using third-party apps
Go to your TV’s app store, download, and install the PlayOn Cloud app.Create a free account with your credentials. It offers a one-month free trial.Go to your streaming app and select the show you want to record.Click on the Record button or record All to save the entire season of a show.Once the recording is complete, you can:Download the video using the PlayOn Cloud app and watch it on any device with the PlayOn Cloud account.Cast the recorded videos to your TV from the PlayOn Cloud app using Roku, Chromecast, or FireTV.Watch it offline.
Can you DVR streaming TV?
Yes, Cloud DRV is available in all live TV streaming services, which provide cable channels over the internet. Instead of storing shows in the device, these live TV streaming services store their recordings in the cloud. This allows you to access the saved recordings from anywhere. However, not all live TV streaming services have the same concept of DVR. For example, some streaming services like FuboTV and Sling TV offer a specific number of recording hours and store those recordings indefinitely. On the other hand, others like YouTube TV, Philo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu with Live TV do not limit recording hours, but you can only store them for a limited time.
What can you DVR on your Smart TV?
This depends on whether you have a smart TV DVR and the platform you’re getting your shows from. Smart TVs with an inbuilt DVR function will allow you to record any live TV show, some streaming shows, games, etc. Also, you can record from any platform with a Cloud DVR. Unfortunately, you cannot record from streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu, as they do not have that function. While other apps like YouTube has a TV service with a DVR function to record shows you like.
Conclusion
With the rise of copyright infringement of videos and music, knowing what is permissible under the law regarding online content is essential. Although streaming services safeguard their content from copyright infringement, you can still screen-record streaming videos and watch them offline whenever you wish. Follow our detailed guide to do it efficiently.
title: “How To Record Streaming Video On A Smart Tv” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-12” author: “Dane Parks”
Keep reading to learn how to record streaming TV.
Why can’t I record some streaming videos on a smart TV?
The main reason you cannot record streaming video on TV is copyright issues. Some shows on Netflix, Hulu, Disney, Apple Tv, and other online streaming services may not be eligible for downloads or recording. So while you may be able to find a workaround, doing so will result in illegal copyright infringement.
Can you DVR streaming TV?
Yes. Smart TVs have recording functions built into their programming to allow you to watch shows and movies later. This also allows you to pause and rewind them as you watch. Of course, you can’t record from apps like Netflix, but those apps allow you to pause and rewind, so it isn’t needed. High-end smart TVs have built-in Personal Video Recorder (PVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) functions that allow you to record your favorite program so you can pause and rewind a show in case you miss something: The Smart TV DVR function is “Timeshift” or “Extended PVR” for Samsung TVs. LG calls this function the “Time Machine.” Unfortunately, this function was not designed to permanently store recordings from your TV. Instead, the external storage plugged into the smart TV merely serves as temporary storage for the file you can playback, after which the TV deletes the video. If you want to record and save, you need a Personal Video Recorder (PVR). PVRs are external devices you connect to your TV to record and save videos. PVRs are different from Timeshift and Time Machine since the former can save the files permanently onto your external storage.
How do I record streaming video from services like Netflix on my TV?
Unfortunately, you cannot record Netflix from TV. Other programs can handle this task on mobile and your desktop. On the other hand, YouTube has its TV service, which gives you a DVR to record shows you like. The service is called YouTube TV and gives you access to different content, like cable TV. But this service costs $65 a month, with a seven (7) day trial period. Each subscription gives you six user accounts so other family members can use the service. If you want to record via the Timeshift or Time Machine function, make sure you have a flash drive, or external hard drive plugged into the USB port of your smart TV.
Press the record function, and the TV will check your external storage plugged in.Once the TV checks your external storage, it will begin recording.In some smart TV models, you can use the record function to switch channels without interruptions.If you want to record using a PVR, you need to ensure external storage is plugged into the recorder.The external drive you will plug should be at most 2 TB:Ensure your drive is formatted to NTFS for hard drives and FAT32 for flash drives.To be sure, format your storage on a computer, as some TVs can only format in FAT32.After you format your hard drive, you can proceed to the recording.If you want an on-demand recording, ensure the “Digital TV (DTV)” input is selected and you are watching DTV content.Press the PVR button, and the recorder will begin recording your program.When you press the stop button, you will be asked to confirm the end of the recording.The recording will then be saved in your external storage.
You can also schedule recording if you aren’t around to record the program personally. That would be perfect for times you have to attend to other things so you won’t miss your favorite show or game: To set up a scheduled recording, ensure the content is DTV, and the input is selected. Open the Electronic Program Guide and select the program channel you want to record. Set the scheduled time and frequency of this recording. Don’t forget to input the start and end of the record. Once done, you can record while your TV is on standby mode.
How do you Record a TV Show on Your Smart TV?
The main way to do this is to record the TV screen with USB, as you need a lot of formatted storage space, as discussed above.
To Record on LG Smart TV;
Insert your USB drive into your television. Afterward, press the Q. Menu button on your magic remote control. On the Screen Remote menu, click on the Timer button. You should see the Progress Bar by now. Select Options, and then go to the Time Machine settings. Next, click on the USB Device Initialization menu and follow the instructions. Once completed, press the REC button on your remote. To watch your recordings, you can go to the SmartShare menu. Look for the Recordings list on the Devices option and click on your recorded shows.
To Record on Panasonic TV;
Insert your USB drive into your television. Afterward, press the Menu button on your remote and select Set-Up. Next, click the USB Device Set-Up option and format your USB drive by following the instructions. Next, press the Guide button on your remote control. Select a program on the list and press OK once you see the Time Listing menu, press OK again and confirm. You should see an orange light on your television to know whether your recording is in progress. While your recording is in progress, you can switch channels and even turn off your television.
To Record on Sony TV;
For Sony users, you can record programs to your external storage by following these steps: Insert your USB drive into your television. Next, press HOME on your remote control and go to System Settings. Next, choose the Recording Set-Up option and then select HDD Registration. Once completed, go to any program and press the REC button on your remote control. Click the Title List button on your remote control to watch your recordings. You will then see all your saved programmes.
To Record on Samsung TV;
For Samsung smart TV recording, insert your USB drive to your television. Then, go to the program you want to record and press the REC button. Select Proceed on the performance test. Your recording will then start automatically. If you want to watch your recordings, press the Source button on your remote control and choose your USB drive. You will then see your available recordings.
