DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite service that is among the largest in the United States. DirecTV is armed with state-of-the-art innovations and collaboration with industry leaders in media and entertainment to deliver hundreds of HD channels offering superb picture quality directly to your home television set. However, what happens when you want to have DirecTV in your hands, in the palm of your hand on your mobile phone? Keep reading to know how you can stream DirecTV on your phone.
Which Devices Support DirecTV Streaming?
As it stands now, DirecTV is one of the cable and satellite providers that does not have an official phone application for streaming programs. But if you are an AT&T wireless plan subscriber, then you can watch live TV, as well as movies and TV shows on demand through the AT&T TV app but only with a limited number of channels available. This is so because DirecTV is owned by AT&T, and the latter company has implemented some streaming functions.
Here are the compatible devices:
- iPhone and iPad
- Android smartphones and tablets
- Amazon Fire tablets
The AT&T TV app is downloadable on major app stores for free of charge. Read on to find out more about channels, features, and limitations of remote control.
What Programs Are Available on the AT&T TV App?
Currently, the AT&T TV application gives users a chance to watch several popular live channels from the parent company DirecTV. This includes channels like:
- ESPN
- Disney
- Cartoon Network
- CNN
- TBS
- TNT
It has more than 35 channels with genres provided like sports, news, family, and entertainment. The availability of the channels may depend on your current AT&T wireless plan to which you are subscribed.
It also features an extensive on-demand streaming library with popular movies, TV shows, and exclusive DirecTV content. This way, you can watch episodes whenever you are on the move, even without your home DirecTV equipment.
Limitations to Know
While accessing DirecTV channels on the go is useful, there are some limitations to note:
- Fewer channels are offered than those provided in the basic and more comprehensive DirecTV packages.
- This feature works best with an AT&T wireless plan and an appropriate device.
- The quality of the videos captured is limited by the rates of the cellular data.
- Cannot stream all content from full DirecTV subscription
- Certain limitations of blackouts for live sporting events and other events
Thus, the AT&T TV app offers limited functionalities related to DirecTV but is not a satisfactory replacement for your home equipment. This is how I would like to describe it: ‘It’s like getting another streaming service as a bonus on top of your cell phone package. ’
Is DirecTV Creating Their Streaming Application?
Currently, DirecTV has no specific single application for its streaming services. There is no information about whether and when they might develop their platform.
However, with streaming’s continued expansion and AT&T promoting streaming capabilities across its brands such as HBO Max, it cannot be ruled out that a full DirecTV streaming app is already in the works.
Most customers would appreciate the convenience of being able to fully access their DirecTV on their phones and tablets. But for now, the AT&T TV app is the only integrated option to get a feel of the live channels and on-demand shows without having to use a satellite dish.
This program will explore how streaming services will impact DirecTV in the future.
As for now, streaming your home TV package on the go remains somewhat constrained, but streaming and mobility are likely to be more important to the future of DirecTV. It is also important to note that there are more and more cord cutters, who have completely abandoned the use of traditional satellite services in favor of streaming-only configurations.
Expect DirecTV to augment TV Everywhere offerings while it might look for other partnerships with other mobile and streaming devices as well. An owned-and-operated DirecTV streaming app might happen one day as well.
Conclusion
At this time, DirecTV does not have a dedicated phone streaming app, however, customers with an AT&T mobile plan can use the AT&T TV app on compatible devices to watch a list of popular live channels, as well as shows and movies on-demand.
With AT&T making more enhancements in the streaming vertical across all brands, there is the likely chance of a full standalone DirecTV streaming service in sync with your home subscription in the following years. For now, the AT&T app is kind of basic with some content available to help you stream DirecTV on the go.
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