DirecTV is one of the largest Direct Broadcast Satellite service providers in the United States. As one can see there are hundreds of channels offering a wide range of programs including movies, sports, news, documentaries, and much more, which is why the majority of households are using DirecTV as their source of entertainment.
However, with the introduction of online media streaming such as through Netflix and Hulu among others, many people are now canceling their traditional pay TV subscriptions. This raises an important question: Can you stream DirecTV online and leave behind the satellite dish altogether? Okay, let me explain it in more detail.
The Short Answer
However, DirecTV does not provide any variety of online streaming for its customers at present. DirecTV programming is only available through a satellite dish installation and a set-top box connected to a television.
Currently, it is impossible to watch DirecTV programming through an app or website that does not require satellite service. But if you sever your connection with DirecTV, you will also lose the opportunity to watch its hundreds of programs.
Why isn’t DirecTV making a push to venture into streaming?
More and more other pay TV providers are launching their streaming services, why does not DirecTV have an online service? There are a few key reasons: There are a few key reasons:
1. Television Satellite System Technical Constraints
Due to the nature of satellite TV distribution, it is very hard to adapt channels into streamable online content. It is all sent down from the satellites to home dishes only – no Web as such.
2. Licensing Restrictions
The majority of the content is acquired and the rights belong to other media companies with which DirecTV operates. They may not be allowed to share this content in an online streaming format due to the agreements they have made.
3. Preserve the Traditional Service
Internet-based streaming services may force many satellite subscriber to cancel their subscription. That is, by not streaming, DirecTV doesn’t cut into its market, which is a very smart business strategy.
DirecTV Streaming Alternatives
Even though DirecTV is not compatible with streaming content online, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot view anything online. Here are some ways to access DirecTV programming through streaming:
1. DirecTV Partner Streaming Services
However, DirecTV does not itself provide streaming services, some of its sister companies in the AT&T group do provide online services with some DirecTV channels and content. For instance, you’ll find some of the programming on DirecTV on AT&T TV and AT&T TV Now.
2. Channel Apps and Websites
Popular networks and channels on DirecTV provide free streaming from their applications or their website. For instance, you can watch shows from ESPN, HGTV, Fox, NBC, and others without needing a DirecTV subscription. It’s very limited in its capabilities but at least it is one way to watch DirecTV programming online.
3. On-Demand Streaming
If you subscribed to a particular DirecTV package, you might be watching on-demand programs, episodes, movies, and even clips directly from the set-top box. These can be watched on mobile devices using the DirecTV app, without any need for a satellite link.
4. Live TV Streaming Services
Some major DirecTV channels are available on other live TV streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV. For a monthly fee, it is possible to mirror all of DirecTV’s programming, exclusively through streaming.
Conclusion
DirecTV itself, the satellite TV provider, does not have an online service that is equivalent to its satellite service, but it does offer some of its programming through other brands associated with it, apps of the networks, on-demand services of the networks, and through other third-party live TV streaming services. However, receiving the same DirecTV channel lineup through streaming remains problematic without a dish antenna. The technological and licensing issues inherited from a traditional satellite broadcasting business also hinder DirecTV from responding to the new digital consumption habits.
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!
