DirecTV is one of the leading direct broadcast satellite service providers in the United States of America. Due to the many channels and programming packages available with DirecTV, many customers ask if they can watch DirecTV on smart TVs. In this article, you will learn if and how you can use DirecTV with some of the most popular smart TV platforms.
What is DirecTV?
DirecTV is an industry-leading direct broadcast satellite service. They transmit digital satellite television and audio signals to homes and companies throughout the United States.
Some key things to know about DirecTV:
- Their basic offering goes for over 295 channels.
- Several sports, movie, and special interest channels.
- Aspects such as DirecTV Genie DVR, High Definition programming, and DirecTV Cinema On Demand
- One needs to have a satellite dish and receiver to get the programs airing on the station.
Well, in brief, DirecTV offers television service using signals from satellites to clients who have the appropriate equipment. Alright, let’s consider choices associated with smart TVs.
What is a smart TV?
A smart TV is a television that can be connected to the internet and contains more functions than an ordinary television. Smart TVs enable internet connectivity, streaming apps such as Netflix and Hulu, and web browsing, among others.
Smart TV platforms include:
- LG webOS
- Samsung Tizen
- Android TV
- Roku TV
- Amazon Fire TV
Most modern televisions have built-in smart platforms. However, can you view DirecTV on these smart systems as an application?
Is It Possible to Download the DirecTV App for Smart TV?
Regrettably, DirecTV does not make their app and service of live television available on most of the smart TV platforms. DirecTV is a satellite company that requires specific equipment, and thus most smart TVs cannot stream their services.
Here is the DirecTV app availability on major smart TV operating systems:
LG webOS – There is no DirecTV app
Samsung Tizen – there is no DirecTV app
Android TV – No DirecTV app for this device
Roku TV – DirecTV app missing; only available on-demand on Roku devices
Amazon Fire TV – It has an on-demand content library but does not support live streaming.
In the absence of their app, most smart TVs are unable to stream the DirecTV signal in any way, shape, or form. But how can one be able to watch DirecTV on these internet-connected sets?
How to Program Your DirecTV Remote to Control Your Smart TV
However, most of the smart TV platforms do not support the DirecTV app so people with internet-connected LED, LCD, and plasma TVs can watch DirecTV with extra accessories.
Here are a few options to access DirecTV on a smart TV:
1. Connect a Supported Device
It is possible to link gadgets such as Apple TV 4K or Roku streaming sticks that have a DirecTV app. This transmits the DirecTV service from the compatible device to your smart TV.
2. Cast from Mobile Device
Casting DirecTV from a phone or tablet to a smart TV can be done through Chromecast or Apple AirPlay functionalities. This works in the same way as them. DirecTV app which is a clone of the DirecTV app for mobile.
3. HDMI Connection from Box
Plug in your smart TV into the DirecTV receiver box using an HDMI cable. This will allow you to watch and manage your DirecTV service on the smart set.
Thus, while a majority of smart TVs are not compatible with the DirecTV signal directly, with the help of other equipment, you can tune in to DirecTV and view its programming.
But What About Other Live TV Streaming Services?
If you're looking for an easier live TV option to watch natively on your smart TV, consider these streaming platforms:
YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV
fuboTV
These Internet TV services are available on many smart TV platforms through various applications. These options do not necessitate any additional hardware and consequently allow you to watch live television through your set that is connected to the internet.
Summary
Unfortunately, most smart TV platforms do not allow the installation of the DirecTV app for their satellite service, but there are a few good ways to access it on an internet-connected television.
Another way to watch DirecTV on smart TV models not covered by their app is through other streaming devices, mobile casting, or an HDMI cable connection from the DirecTV box. If the native streaming option that is less complicated is what you are looking for, then you should look at live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV.
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!
