For instance, individuals ask themselves whether they can use Roku to stream content from a DirecTV subscription. However, Roku does not offer an official DirecTV channel through which you get to watch live or recorded DirecTV content. But, there are a few tricks to enable the streaming of some of the DirecTV content on your Roku device.
What is DirecTV?
DirecTV is among the key satellite television service providers currently offering its services in the United States of America. It provides hundreds of channels for sports, movies, news, and many more at up to 4K quality. To use DirectTV it is required to have a satellite dish which will be installed at your home address, a DirectTV set-top box, and of course, a DirectTV subscription plan.
The advantage of satellite TV is convenience because it offers channels and programs that cannot be obtained through cable. The disadvantage is that it is generally a two-year agreement, has to be installed by a technician, and is missing certain streaming capabilities offered by other internet TV services.
What Channels Does DirecTV Offer?
Some of the most popular channels and packages DirecTV offers include:
- NFL Sunday Ticket – Be ready to watch out-of-market NFL games.
- Regional Sports Networks – Fox Sports, NBC Sports, etc., cover regional sports.
- Premium Channels – HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax
- 4K Channels – Beautiful 4K resolution content
- International Channels – More Channels from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
- Annual subscribers: Hundreds of other well-known stations in news, entertainment, kids, and more.
And if you are interested in the most extensive channel offering, go for DirecTV. But to access this it means having to use their satellite service and set-top box.
What is Roku?
Roku is a streaming media player that has gained tremendous popularity in the market today. It enables you to browse shows, movies, and streaming channels by using the internet and the shows can be aired on TV when needed. Some of the popular streaming platforms that can be accessed through Roku are Netflix, Hulu, Prime video, HBO Max, and Disney Plus, among others.
Roku streaming players work with your home broadband internet connection and can simply be inserted into your home television HDMI port. You control the channels and the streaming services with the remote included with the ROKU.
Roku is a cheap and quick solution to get streaming media on practically any TV. However, it does not directly connect with paid network regular TV services such as cable or satellite TV.
Is it Possible to Watch DirecTV on Roku?
Regrettably, Roku devices can neither download a DirecTV app nor add the service as a channel. It is, however, important to note that you cannot view live or on-demand DirecTV programming through your Roku streaming player.
But that does not mean that you cannot get your DirecTV subscription to work with a Roku setup if that is your desire. Here are a few ways you can stream some DirecTV content using a Roku player:
Stream On-Demand Content with Channel Apps
Some of the favorite channels that are available on DirecTV include HBO, Starz, Showtime and and many of them have Roku apps that support on-demand. You won’t be able to view live TV or DirecTV-only on-demand content aside from some of the same movies or shows through the individual channel apps.
To do this, you will have to ensure that the premium channel package is included in the DirecTV subscription. Once you have that information, you can use your DirecTV login information to access on-demand content on Roku channel apps.
A Media Server like Plex should be used
If you have a connected hard drive added to your DirecTV setup, you may be able to stream recorded content to your Roku using Plex or a similar media server. The Plex app is for Roku and enables a viewer to get digital media from other devices connected to the home network.
If you have this set up correctly you can watch any content recorded on a DirecTV DVR through the Plex Channel on Roku.
Consider an OTA Antenna
Another way to enhance your DirecTV experience is by watching free local broadcast channels through an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Most of the famous networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox can be obtained in most locations through an antenna.
Roku has applications for searching, categorizing, and watching over-the-air television channels. That is why adding an antenna will allow you to watch live local programming by supplementing what you are receiving from the DirecTV satellite.
Is It Right That Roku Is Better Than DirecTV?
As for the question of which is better, Roku or DirecTV, it is primarily a question of personal preference as a viewer.
DirecTV satellite gives some unique programming and the largest choice of channels. However, lock-in contracts, professional installation, initial costs of equipment, and limited streaming options can discourage some cord-cutters.
Most of the time, Roku is cheap but powerful offering on-demand streaming and apps. However, it lacks some live events, regional games, and DirecTV-only channels.
A large number of families today are better off having both Roku and DirecTV subscriptions in their homes. Roku controls all of your streaming and on-demand content. Whereas DirecTV satellite complements these gaps by offering programs such as sports, premium channels, and other specialized programs.
By using DirecTV in combination with OTA antenna channels, and streaming everything through Roku, you’ve got the ultimate home entertainment system that delivers the ‘best of both worlds,’ without having to compromise.
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!
