Directv Stream, previously known as AT&T TV, is a well-liked live TV streaming service provider. It provides users with a cable like experience as they have access to live channels and can record programs in the cloud DVR. A typical query that has been made by Directv Stream users is whether it is possible to live pause just as you would with normal cable or satellite TV service. The answer to this question will be revealed in this article.
What is Directv Stream?
Directv Stream is an internet streaming service that airs live television channels directly on specific apparatuses without the use of satellite dishes or cable boxes. Their channel packages and subscription fees are also similar to traditional pay TV with the major broadcast and cable networks offered. It is imperative to have internet connectivity with adequate band width.
It lets you watch live programs and movies on-demand in addition to network applications if the content supplier offers them. Directv Stream also offers cloud DVR which provides up to 20 hours for recording live TV for later viewing.
Can You Actually Pause Live TV on Directv Stream?
Indeed, it is something that Directv Stream offers live TV streaming convenience, including the features of pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding some of the live content like how you would use any conventional DVR-enabled cable or satellite box.
While you are watching a live program, you can use the remote control or the mobile app controls to put on hold the program being watched. This leads to a creation of what can be called a buffer that will let you watch in the place where you had left in case you cannot watch it online as it is being aired.
There are several limitations to consider about this study:
While Directv Stream does allow pausing most live channels, there are some limitations on playback controls depending on the content:
No Rewind Capability on Some Channels: Some of the live channels do not support any form of replay of a particular video after the live transmission of the event has taken place. You can only take a temporary break but cannot go back to the point you paused. This impacts the usability.
Inability to Pause Sports & News Channels: Unfortunately, because of the limitations, Directv Stream lacks the Live Buffer feature that allows the viewer to pause, rewind or watch content again on live stations, especially sports and news. For these, you are only allowed to watch the live stream.
Cloud DVR Allows Full Control: If you have recorded a live program to the cloud DVR, you can watch that recorded program as many times as you want with the option to pause, rewind or fast forward the program. This takes full playback control to you.
Manipulation of Remote to Determine Playback
To control pausing and rewinding live TV, you use the included Directv Stream remote or mobile app:
Pause Button: If pressed once, it will pause the live content so that it can be viewed at a later time.
Rewind Button: Press to go back one step at a time in the ‘live buffer’ to review the moments that were missed.
Fast Forward: Continue forward from the time point sampled and held in the playback buffer
Play: Continue to monitor the live or recorded video stream in real time.
These basic trick play functions are designed to mimic the traditional concept of watching TV.
Can Other Devices Be Used?
It is also worthy to note that Directv Stream apps are also installed to specific streaming devices and smart TVs. These let you watch the same live channel feeds and the cloud DVR recordings as the base plans. Likewise, playback controls are also possible on these other devices.
Supported options beyond the dedicated streaming box include:
? Apple TV
? Amazon Fire TV
? Google Chromecast
? Go for LG & Samsung brand of smart TVs
In this way, it is possible to freeze and rewind live programs on other streaming services that are available on the Directv Stream application.
Summary
It is very handy to be able to pause live television especially with streaming pay TV replacements such as Directv Stream. As for the limitations, there are some based on the content, but they attempt to provide DVR-like functionality for most channels. The rules of live-only viewing apply only to sports and news programs. With compatible devices and the remote tools, switching between playback of the shows that are live and the recorded ones is easy. It provides a viewing experience on par with regular television for their satellite and cable competitor.
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