Renting movies on U-verse provides a convenient way to access a vast library of entertainment from the comfort of your home. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the various methods for renting, managing, and troubleshooting your U-verse movie rentals.
Understanding U-verse Movie Rentals
U-verse, formerly a service offered by AT&T, allowed subscribers to rent movies directly through their television and online platforms. While U-verse TV is no longer actively sold to new customers, existing subscribers can still utilize its features, including on-demand movie rentals. This guide focuses on the processes applicable to these existing U-verse customers. Renting movies on U-verse involves browsing a digital library, selecting your desired title, and initiating the rental process through your set-top box or the U-verse website (if still operational for rental purposes). The rental cost will then appear on your monthly bill.
Methods for Renting Movies on U-verse
There are a few primary ways to rent movies on U-verse. The availability of specific methods may vary based on your U-verse equipment and current service status.
Renting via the U-verse Set-Top Box
This is the most common method.
- Turn on your U-verse TV and set-top box.
- Navigate to the On Demand menu: This is usually accessible by pressing the “On Demand” button on your U-verse remote or by selecting “On Demand” from the main menu.
- Browse the Movie Selections: Within the On Demand menu, look for categories like “New Releases,” “Action,” “Comedy,” or “Drama.” You can also use the search function to find a specific movie title.
- Select a Movie: Once you find a movie you want to rent, select it to view its details, including a synopsis, rating, and rental price.
- Confirm Your Rental: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your rental. You may be required to enter your U-verse account PIN for security purposes.
- Enjoy Your Movie: After confirming the rental, the movie will begin playing, or you’ll be given the option to start it immediately.
Renting Online (If Still Available)
Previously, U-verse allowed movie rentals through their website or app. Check if this functionality is still active for your account. If so:
- Visit the U-verse website (if still active for rentals) and log in to your account.
- Navigate to the “On Demand” or “Movies” section.
- Browse or search for the movie you want to rent.
- Select the movie and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your rental.
- The movie will typically be available to watch on your U-verse set-top box soon after rental.
Using Voice Command (If Supported)
Some U-verse systems support voice command functionality. If your system does, you can try renting movies by speaking into your remote.
- Press the voice command button on your U-verse remote.
- Speak a command like “Rent [Movie Title] on demand”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your rental.
Managing and Troubleshooting U-verse Movie Rentals
Once you’ve rented a movie, you’ll want to understand how to manage and troubleshoot any potential issues.
Viewing Your Rental History
To check your recent rentals, typically you can navigate to your account settings via the U-verse set-top box or, if available, through the online platform. This allows you to verify charges and keep track of your viewing habits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Movie Not Playing: Ensure your set-top box is properly connected to your TV and the internet. Try restarting your set-top box.
- Rental Expired: U-verse movie rentals typically have a viewing window (e.g., 24-48 hours) after which the movie is no longer available. Check the rental details for the expiration time.
- Billing Errors: If you believe there is an error on your bill, contact AT&T customer support immediately.
- Poor Video Quality: Check your internet connection speed. Streaming movies require a stable and fast connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about renting movies on U-verse.
1. How long do I have to watch a rented movie on U-verse?
Rental periods vary, but generally, you have 24 to 48 hours to watch the movie after you start playing it, or 30 days from the rental date, whichever comes first. The specific rental period will be displayed when you rent the movie.
2. Can I pause, rewind, and fast forward rented movies on U-verse?
Yes, you can pause, rewind, and fast forward rented movies on U-verse, just like you would with a DVR recording.
3. What happens if my internet connection goes down while I’m watching a rented movie?
The movie will pause. Once your internet connection is restored, you can resume watching the movie from where you left off.
4. Can I rent movies on U-verse in HD (High Definition)?
Yes, many movies are available to rent in HD. Look for the “HD” designation when browsing the movie selections. Keep in mind that HD rentals may require a faster internet connection.
5. Can I rent movies on U-verse in 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition)?
Depending on the age of your U-verse equipment and the movie selection, 4K UHD rentals may not be available. Check the movie details to see if 4K UHD is offered.
6. Can I rent the same movie more than once?
Yes, you can rent the same movie multiple times, but you will be charged each time.
7. How do I cancel a movie rental on U-verse after I’ve confirmed it?
Once a rental is confirmed, it cannot be cancelled. You will be charged for the rental.
8. How do I report a problem with a U-verse movie rental?
Contact AT&T customer support to report any problems with your U-verse movie rental. Be prepared to provide your account information and details about the issue.
9. Is there a limit to the number of movies I can rent on U-verse?
While there isn’t a strict limit, your credit limit and payment history can influence the number of rentals you can have outstanding at any given time.
10. Are there any parental controls for U-verse movie rentals?
Yes, U-verse offers parental control features that allow you to restrict access to movies based on their rating. You can set up a PIN code to prevent unauthorized rentals.
11. If I have multiple U-verse set-top boxes, can I watch a rented movie on any of them?
Generally, yes. Rented movies are associated with your U-verse account, so you should be able to watch them on any set-top box connected to your account.
12. Will U-verse eventually stop offering movie rentals to existing customers?
Given that U-verse is no longer actively sold to new customers, it is plausible that AT&T may eventually phase out its movie rental service. While there’s no confirmed date, it’s wise to be aware of alternative streaming services and rental options, such as HBO Max (now Max), Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others, should this occur. Keep an eye on official announcements from AT&T regarding the future of U-verse services.