In light of the current advancements in internet streaming services, many are left to wonder if it’s even possible to subscribe to DIRECTV with streaming only. The short answer to the question of whether you can stream DIRECTV packages, channels, or content is no because you require a satellite antenna and a receiver setup to watch the packages. Nevertheless, it is also important to take into account that DIRECTV does provide some streaming capabilities to watch some of the content on the devices.
What is DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is one of the largest television services that offer a vast number of programs in standard and high definition to millions of homes across the United States. DIRECTV transmission entails the use of a satellite antenna and receiver that can only be installed by a professional to decipher and pass the satellite television signals to your TV screens. This is the equipment setup that lets you connect to any of the packages and channels which include live sports, news, movies, series, and others offered by DIRECTV.
As aforementioned, DIRECTV programming is transmitted through satellite hence, to enjoy any of their programming services, one has to have a satellite dish and the receiver box from DIRECTV. Thus, at present, you cannot select any “streaming only” packages or plans with DIRECTV. They are a service that must be used with satellite equipment to access it.
DIRECTV Streaming Options
While you cannot simply stream a full DIRECTV package over the internet, they do offer some streaming capabilities to supplement their satellite service:
1. DIRECTV App
The DirecTV app enables viewers with satellite subscriptions to stream some of the live channels and over 3000 On Demand programs anytime, anywhere. This allows you to see some of the DIRECTV programs on your portable gadgets without having another TV linked to your satellite box. But it does demand that you own an active account with the satellite television service provider, DIRECTV.
2. DIRECTV NOW
DIRECTV NOW is DIRECT TV’s streaming service offering many of its most popular channels without the need for a satellite dish. The packages range from $69. 99 per month base plus 60 plus live channels. Although it consists of many of the same shows and programs, with many of the same channels, DIRECTV NOW operates as a distinct entity from DIRECTV satellite service. You can subscribe to it as a standalone video streaming platform without the need for satellite equipment.
3. Select On-Demand Content
DIRECTV also allows free and paid-demand movies, events, and shows to be accessed by satellite subscribers through applications such as the DIRECTV App and on the DIRECTV website. While some of the content you get with a DIRECTV subscription can be viewed immediately by entering your username and password on the Internet, channels still require satellite.
Advantages Of DIRECTV Satellite Delivery
Because DIRECTV utilizes high-tech satellites to deliver TV, they’re able to offer features that streaming services can lack:
Unrivaled Picture Quality
The fact that DIRECTV uses satellite delivery to the customers gives them the ability to offer a greater number of channels in true High Definition 1080p. Streaming may often be compressed.
More Consistent Service
The Internet on the other hand may have slow speeds or even buffering, especially with video and audio streaming, and thus would not be as effective as satellite once it has been correctly set up. DIRECTV has signal reliability of 99% across the country and targets to be the market leader.
Greater Programming Selection
It should be noted that no streaming services offer such an extensive array of packages and films as the satellite service of DIRECTV, which provides more than 285 total channels in their basic package. DIRECTV also has rights to services like NFL Sunday Ticket or even NFL Network.
Advanced Functionality
DIRECTV satellite receivers offer special options such as improved voice commands via remotes, tuners to enable the recording of multiple programs simultaneously, multiple television sets connecting to the receiver to view programs, and multiple user options.
Some Factors to Be Taken into Account Before Choosing the DIRECTV Satellite
While their satellite service provides best-in-class video quality and channel selections, there are some downsides to weigh if you're deciding between DIRECTV or streaming platforms:
Higher Upfront Commitment
Due to equipment, installation costs, and 2-year customer agreements that are present, the concept offers more formal and time-based commitments as opposed to the many free and fluid streaming applications that only need to be downloaded and installed.
Rare use except in homes with a television set Most people reported they only used the Social Network Away from home, TVs.
The opportunity is aimed at their service for your TVs at home with a connection to your satellite dish. Restrictions on inaccessibility to other devices apart from those main screens influence the mobility disparity against the streaming-anywhere model.
Potential Signal Obstruction Issues
The primary disadvantage of DIRECTV is that this service depends on the unbroken line-of-sight signal from the southern sky satellites and therefore the service could be interrupted if the signal is blocked by the weather or some other physical obstacle. Streaming also provides more failover and flexibility when signals are interfered with or when there is interference in the signal.
Assume that a customer is looking for an AT&T TV package.
AT&T TV offers packages like DIRECTV’s but brings them through fully streamed instead of satellite. If you desire AT&T’s programming like what you can get with DIRECTV, but through an IP stream that does not even require satellite equipment, AT&T TV packages get close to matching the closest selection of available channels.
In Conclusion
Unluckily satellite transmission constraints do not allow DIRECTV content to be broadcasted in direct streaming devoid of their system. While there exist certain programs that can be viewed through the applications and website of the company, the DIRECTV service largely relies on satellite programming -- this makes it differ from stand-alone streaming platforms as the actual viewing of channels and utilization of most features is only possible after installing satellite antennas and receivers, which must be done by professionals.
DIRECTV should be considered for high-quality video, excellent signal transmission, and program offers through satellite technology with access to many hundreds of programs. Compare its flexibility limitations and the equipment needed to streaming providers if the ability to move away from the home TVs is a critical factor for you. While streaming is trendy in the present generation, nothing beats the gold standard living room television experience, including features such as NFL Sunday Ticket, where DIRECTV satellite stands head and shoulders above the rest.
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!
