Features of U-Verse

The U-verse's digital television options consist of seven packages: Basic, Family, Latino,100, 200, 300 and 450. High-definition channels cost extra per month. You can also add high-definition channels to any package for an additional monthly fee. U-verse offers DVR boxes that can record up to four shows at once and keep more than 200 hours of stored content. All packages except the 100 and Basic include one DVR. Some television packages include movie options like HBO and Cinemax; otherwise, you have to pay additional monthly charges to receive those or special sports packages like NFL or MLB.

The U-verse Internet connection is DSL-based, with monthly charges depending on the download speed you select. The faster the speed, the more you pay. The lowest choice is three Mbps of downstream speed, which may be ideal for those interested only in social networking or sending emails. The fastest speed available is 24 Mbps, which is good for movie downloads, video streaming and online gaming. U-verse Internet also offers a wireless option so you can connect multiple devices -- such as gaming consoles and other computers -- to the same Internet connection via a wireless router.

The U-verse digital phone service also runs through the main router box versus traditional landlines. You can connect multiple lines with an additional charge per line. U-verse customers can choose to pay for 250 minutes per month or a higher rate for unlimited minutes. All plans include call waiting, call forwarding and three-way calling options. The wireless phone options are the same as AT&T;'s standalone wireless phone plans.

U-verse bundle packages offer discounts for selecting multiple services versus a single service. Bundle options include selecting from television, Internet, home phone and wireless phone options. The U-verse often offers six-month discounts for new subscribers that pick bundle packages. While the U-verse does not require contracts, certain bundle options are available if you sign up for at least one year.