It remains unclear how DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM are connected and operate as both can be found under AT&T. These are two different services provided by AT&T though with similar names as you will see as you go through this paper. DIRECTV is the classic satellite television system that requires the installation of a satellite dish at your place. DIRECTV STREAM, in contrast, is a live and on-demand television streaming platform that uses the internet to deliver content to devices.
Well, can you use DIRECTV STREAM if you are already subscribed to DIRECTV satellite television service? The short answer is yes, but to provide more details on that, one should grasp the difference between the two concepts. DIRECTV STREAM is a completely different service that does not rely on satellite. You are free to use it as an additional feature for your existing DIRECTV service if that is what you prefer. Below, you can study a detailed comparison of the two services and determine whether it is wise to have both of them.
DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM: The main difference
While DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV STREAM share some similarities in channels, features, and pricing, there are some key differences to understand:
Installation & Equipment
The most obvious one is that DIRECTV needs professional installation of a satellite dish and receivers at your address. DIRECTV STREAM is another service that is based on applications and is compatible with popular streamers and smart TVs, without the need for installation.
Channel Lineups
The channel and packaging structures of the two services are almost identical in terms of offering different levels of pricing. However, satellite service DIRECTV has some select channels and specific regional sports networks missing in DIRECTV STREAM. So it can be seen that channel availability can be inconsistent as well.
Streaming Capabilities
DIRECTV satellite service provides video streaming on demand through services compatible with receivers and mobile devices. Still, DIRECTV STREAM is a streaming service that’s purposed for streaming TV to your devices, anywhere you are. It makes it ideal for those people who stream heavily and those who are very mobile.
Weather Interruptions
DIRECTV depends on satellite signals from space and this means that sometimes if there is heavy rain, snow, or storm it is likely to interfere with the signals. DIRECTV STREAM plays TV over the internet so the weather does not affect its operation.
DVR Capabilities
DIRECTV Genie HD DVR and the presently rolling out DIRECTV STREAM enable you to record as many shows as possible. The DIRECTV Genie system records shows locally on your DVR box while the DIRECTV STREAM records data in the cloud. All the services have their features, which are related to the DVR.
Why not have both DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM
Knowing the differences between satellite DIRECTV and streaming DIRECTV STREAM, is there any reason to pay for both services and use them? There are a few scenarios where subscribers are choosing to utilize both:
1. Multiple Homes
Some customers also have another house, cottage, or RV they visit more often for vacation or recreation. Though you should be considering it costly to install the second DIRECTV satellite system, you can take DIRECTV STREAM anywhere you go by simply signing in on your mobile app. Thus, DIRECTV satellite offers uninterrupted TV watching at the primary residence of the consumer while DIRECTV STREAM has versatility for all the places the consumer goes.
2. Expanding Sports Access
What stands out with DIRECTV is that the company boasts one of the best channel lineups for sports. However, there are some specific sports channels like niche sports channels and regional sports networks that are only accessible through this platform DIRECTV STREAM. Therefore, superfans of sports are opting for both services to enhance their coverage.
3. Adding Connected Devices
The DIRECTV Genie system also has apps that you can download to watch the shows on other portable devices such as laptops, iPads, tablets, etc., provided that the client is at home, and has an active Wi-Fi connection. Some customers feel it is also useful to have the service offered by DIRECTV STREAM with a large app for streaming shows at home or elsewhere. The DIRECTV STREAM adds another layer to what they already have at home and extends it to more areas and screens.
4. Backing Up DIRECTV
As a result of this, some DIRECTV users subscribe to an additional service called DIRECTV STREAM because satellite TV signals can be disrupted by weather occurrences. In case they ever get out of range during a severe storm, DIRECTV STREAM has an internet-based TV offer to ensure a seamless connection. However, streaming could also be affected if you lose connection, so this method is not completely safe from all problems.
Savings are available when subscribing to both DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM services.
The last reason that satellite customers of DIRECTV will consider getting DIRECTV STREAM is the fact that they can subscribe to different services at a discounted price. AT&T offers the following bundling perks:
- Offers a $10/month discount for the DIRECTV STREAM service to those who are already subscribed to DIRECTV.
- Watch DIRECTV STREAM at no additional cost when on the AT&T unlimited wireless plans
- Additional discounts are available for further AT&T customer loyalty privileges
This is because when you bundle services like DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and AT&T Wireless, there is a huge likelihood of saving quite a lot of money per month. Current DIRECTV subscribers can get DIRECTV Stream at a cheaper price, ensuring that having both services is cheaper than having only Stream.
A comparison between double streaming and satellite: the advantages and disadvantages.
Is it worth it to pay for both the traditional satellite service from DIRECTV and the newer broadband-only service from DIRECTV STREAM? Here’s a quick pros vs cons comparison to help make that decision:
Pros:
- The most significant channel, with fewer gaps in its offering
- Both services offer live and recorded programs on sporting activities.
- The ability to back up files is inherent with weather or connectivity problems
- Customer loyalty discounts that aim at customer loyalty of AT&T
Cons:
- The client has two TV bills per month
- App-to-app transitions and how they could be a drawback for users
- There may be overlapping or similar channels in different packages.
From an analytical perspective, both services make a lot of sense if you are a Sling TV subscriber who relies heavily on live sports and on not having the TV go to a black screen. However, for the casual TV viewer who wants a streaming service to pick up basic channels that come with one package or the other, there will be a considerable saving each month.
Knowing What Will Benefit You
This breakdown should make it clear to you how satellite and streaming TV services work, through the lens of DIRECTV. For those households desiring the classic channel lineups as well as that premium viewing experience, and Genie DVR features, DIRECTV remains a go-to option. For mobility, comprehensive device compatibility, and flexibility in streaming, DIRECTV STREAM stands as a strong candidate.
So yes – it is completely doable to use both services at once if that dream TV package is something you need. But be sure to weigh your current and future television-watching patterns, features required, and cost implications while deciding to add both kinds of DIRECTV solutions. AT&T sales reps and customer service can also guide you when you plan to add DIRECTV STREAM should you choose to add it.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
