Overview

USTVnow is a streaming service which was set up with the aim of providing cable television packages to Americans who live abroad, such as military service members. It targets those who would usually have access to these channels, but can no longer view them due to their geographical location. Users can browse live TV, navigate through a TV guide to see what shows are coming up, and explore movies, plus explore educational programming and dedicated content based on military appreciation.

This provider works with many devices, from mobile phones and tablets to TV streaming devices. Android phones with version 4 or above will work with USTVnow, as will the iPhone 4 and above. Most tablets are also compatible, so you can use this service on your device if you have an iPad, Android tablet, Amazon Fire or Microsoft Surface tablet. Additionally, internet TV boxes such as Google TV, Apple TV and Scope Box are supported, and while many people use the service with Android boxes and Firestick, technical and customer support is not provided for these platforms.

How to use USTVnow

It’s easy to get started with USTVnow. Simply click on ‘Sign up’ on the homepage. You will also be prompted to either sign up or sign in if you click on one of the shows while not logged into an account. To sign up, simply enter your email address, create a password, and type in your full name. You will also need to tick the box indicating you consent to receiving promotional texts, calls and emails relating to the terms. Upon clicking the blue ‘Sign up’ button, you will be able to view the available plans. Alternatively, you can view the plans first, before filling in the web form, by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

You can then select one of the plans – Teleup Plus, All Channels, All Channels + DVR, Box Package, All Channels + DVR Annual or Best Movies. At this point, you will be prompted to make payment. You can enter credit or debit card details, or be redirected to a PayPal window to complete the transaction using this cashier method.

When logged into an account, you will be able to browse content using a slick interface. You can look at channels airing content on the homepage, or go to Live TV, the TV Guide, or hit More. This will lead to a drop down menu with links to Movies and My Recordings. 

Content available on USTVnow

Here’s an overview of the TV shows available on USTVnow (depending on when you access the service):

Wheel of Fortune – A game show where guests win money or prizes for guessing certain letters in hidden phrases, depending on where a spin of the wheel lands.

The Big Bang Theory – Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard navigate life as science nerds, trying to find love and understand social interactions which baffle them.

The Story With Martha MacCallum – The latest on key decisions, political movement and key developments from Washington DC.

Modern Family – An honest and hilarious view of life for two parents trying to connect with their children.

Blazing Saddles – A satirical take on Westerns, starting out with the people of Rock Ridge turning against their new leader.

The Hurt Locker – A sergeant and specialist find their Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit headed up by a very different leader after their previous one dies in Iraq.

Two and a Half Men – A single father navigates life in a beachfront house with divorced internet billionaire Walden.

As for movies, there are several sections to choose from. You can see which movies are live now, or look at movies available on the guide. With the latter category, you will have the option to record titles and watch them later. Additionally, you can watch older movies with the Tele Flix section, or rent new titles which come in. Examples of content available in this section include:

Moneyball – Beane, manager of the Oakland A’s, decides to reinvent his baseball team by outwitting the ball clubs with more money.

Ghostbusters – A team of scientists decide to wage war with the supernatural in exchange for money.

Pitch Perfect – College student Beca is quiet and antisocial, but finds herself drawn into a clique when she joins acapella group The Barden Bellas.

Captain Calamity – A broke captain has some tall tales of Spanish gold to tell, but this leads to a series of awful events taking place on the ship.

Where’s The Money – If he wants to recover a stash of stolen money, a young LA man must pledge to a fraternity.

Pricing, trials and subscriptions

There are several plans available with USTVnow:

Teleup Plus ($9.99, then $19.99) – Enjoy HD resolution and DVR capabilities with this plan. Channels included are AETV, Ovation TV, CineSony, GVTV, Lifetime, Sony Movie Channel, FYI HD, Fight Network, Fantasy Sports, History, LMN HD, Revolt, Viceland and getTV. 

All Channels ($19, then $29) – A monthly subscription for all of the available channels. Make the most of HD resolution, although DVR is not included. The promotional price applies for the first three months, after which time it will begin to renew at the higher price. Channels include AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, Bravo, ESPN, NASA and the National Geographic Channel.

All Channels + DVR ($29, then $39) – The same deal as above, but with DVR capabilities.

Box Package ($49) – Receive an Android powered box. Access to the channels will require a subscription package.

All Channels + DVR Annual ($468) – The full channels package with HD resolution and DVR capabilities. Customers can cancel at any time for a prorated refund, but should be aware that cancellations prior to six months will be subject to a $59 termination fee. 

Best Movies ($2.99) – Gain access to 158 black and white movies.

How to upgrade or cancel your plan

From the site homepage, you will be able to click on the blue Plans button, located in the top right hand corner of the screen. From there, you will be presented with the full selection of plans. Choose the one you want, fill in your payment details and submit them to get your new subscription started.

For those who want to cancel their plan, they will need to open a support request and fill in the web form to initiate a process whereby a member of the customer support team will get back to them to complete the cancellation. This page can be accessed through the FAQ section of the site.

Summary

USTVnow offers a service which is ideal for US citizens living abroad or those who are serving in the military. You can watch live TV, view a TV guide and browse a variety of movies, from older black and white films to newer titles which can be rented for a competitive price. Overall, USTVnow serves its customer base with a good range of streaming services content.