Roku is a brand of streaming media players that enables you to watch your favorite content from different streaming services on your television set. A common question that many individuals have is whether or not you can watch DirecTV through Roku. However, the normal satellite service provided by DirecTV is not possible on Roku devices. However, there are still several ways in which one can use to stream DirecTV on Roku.
Which Services Enable You to Watch DirecTV on Roku?
DirecTV Stream
The only legal method to access DirecTV content on Roku is through the DirecTV Stream service which previously was called AT&T TV. DirecTV Stream offers a lot of live TV channels that one may watch, and these are also the channels with which DirecTV satellite service offers its users. These include sports such as ESPN, news such as CNN, and entertainment among others.
It can be understood that DirecTV Stream operates more like a cable TV service than a satellite. It broadcasts programs over the internet instead of a satellite dish. A monthly fee is charged for the streaming service just like for the normal direct DirecTV services.
DirecTV Stream channel can be obtained by adding it on Roku. The features also include streaming to 2 devices at a time, while the cloud DVR service is also offered. The video output is usually top-notch, and 4K streaming is usually supported. Thus, although it is not quite the same service as satellite-based DirecTV, DirecTV Stream offers a similar service.
HBO Max
In addition to using the Roku app, some of the HBO content along with some live channels can also be accessed using the HBO Max app. HBO Max is a streaming service that offers the entire HBO catalog, including films, series, documentaries, and some live streams.
Since HBO is the property of DirecTV’s parent company, AT&T, the HBO Max Roku channel lets you watch HBO through your DirecTV account if you have one. All you have to do is sign in to HBO Max with the credentials provided by DirecTV.
Thus, while you don’t get the whole DirecTV channel through Roku, HBO aficionados can easily access HBO shows they have available as part of the DirecTV deal.
Watch TV and AT&T TV
AT&T, which owns DirecTV also has some other live TV streaming service available on Roku but not as extensive as DirecTV Stream.
The watchTV app offers some live streamings such as CNN, ESPN, AMC, etc by paying for a subscription fee but the available channels are limited to those provided by DirecTV. For watching live television, it’s more appropriate for occasional use.
AT&T TV has a cable-like channel package that is also present on Roku devices. It has more connections than watchTV, but it is still not as comprehensive as the DirecTV satellite service. It performs very well in terms of picture quality and is even on par with DirecTV as it uses 4K streaming.
Are there any third-party services that broadcast live DirecTV channels?
At this time, third parties that offer streaming services do not offer any of the live satellite channels from DirecTV or their content.
Companies like Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, etc., offer live channels through internet streaming and are available on Roku devices but do not have actual DirecTV content. These internet-based live TV services have completely different channel lineups than DirecTV's regular packages.
However, access to Roku is only available in on-demand video, and none of the live DirecTV satellite channels are allowed. The only convenient options available at the moment for streaming any live DirecTV-related content are DirecTV Stream and HBO Max.
Conclusion
While traditional DirecTV satellite only exists on set-top boxes, DirecTV Stream is a perfect alternative for the same TV channel packages that are available entirely on Roku devices. Roku support may also be added for full DirecTV service in the future now that streaming capabilities are being rolled out across DirecTV and sister streaming services from AT&T. But for now, DirecTV Stream is the best option for anyone who wants to watch DirecTV programming without a cable connection right from their Roku streaming media player.
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