DirecTV Stream is an outstanding live TV streaming service that was formerly called AT&T TV. It provides a good number of the same channels and programming that you can find with a standard DirectTV satellite package. This creates confusion among many current DirecTV satellite customers, leading them to ask one question – can I use DirecTV Stream if I already have DirecTV? Well, let us examine what has been said so far in more detail.
How DirecTV Stream Compares to Regular DirecTV
To know if you can use DirecTV Stream with your normal DirecTV subscription, it is important to know how DirecTV Stream works with the normal DirecTV service. Here are some of the key differences and similarities:
Content and Channels
DirecTV Stream has all the same content and channels that can be expected from a normal DirecTV package. This includes ESPN, TNT, TBS, HGTV, and many more broadcasting stations as well as networks. The specific list of the channels is slightly different, yet all the most popular channels are provided by both services.
Thus, in terms of content, DirecTV Stream provides an experience almost identical to traditional DirecTV.
Hardware and Installation
When using the conventional DirecTV, you require a satellite dish to be installed at your home and wired receiver boxes to the TVs. This needs professional work and involves fixing equipment in your house.
DirecTV Stream, on the other hand, is almost app-based, and there’s no need for any additional hardware or setup. You just go to their website or download their app and then you are set with devices such as smart TVs, streaming players, and smartphones. Much easier!
Contracts and Commitments
What is more, customers receiving service from Regular DirecTV often have to sign contracts that last 12-24 months. But if you want to cancel early, you will be charged with an early termination fee.
DirecTV Stream does not require customers to sign contracts for their services. This is a subscription-based service where you pay every month, which means that you can cancel your subscription at any time without having to pay any fine. Far more convenient for most consumers in today’s society.
Using DirecTV Stream With An Existing DirecTV Package
So, with the differences taken into account, can you use DirecTV Stream if you already have a subscription to the traditional DirecTV satellite TV service?
The short answer to your question is yes, you can use them both if you want to. Since DirecTV Stream is a completely new service that is built around streaming, there are no issues that would not allow you to subscribe to DirecTV Stream if you already have satellite DirecTV service.
But while you can use both, there are a few things to consider:
Additional Monthly Cost
A significant factor is cost. Since DirecTV Stream and DirecTV are considered two different services, it means that you would be paying for two TV services each month. For many families, getting both would only be a bit more expensive than their budget for entertainment products.
However, in some cases, it might be more cost-effective if you’re willing to have separate services – you get DirecTV where you want it for TV, but DirecTV Stream for other platforms, such as mobile or streaming devices. There was a way through which both could be used to increase the channel options and at the same time, reduce the cost implications.
Features and Channel Overlap
You also need to understand that although the channel offer is not identical between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream, they share a significant number of channels in most cases. Therefore, you are not likely to get more channels that are not offered with your basic DirecTV package.
For most of the sports, entertainment, and even news channels, it is provided in your DirecTV satellite service package. Thus, if there is no particular, unique channel that you wish to be accessible solely on Stream, the channel overlap remains an issue.
Stream Restrictions and Limitations
There are also various restrictions when it comes to streaming. Some of them are, that streaming can only occur on home internet networks, there are restrictions on the number of devices that can stream at once, streaming is not possible when traveling, and lack of certain interactive or high-end features that come with genuine satellite services.
Though inconsequential to many, regulations such as these are why Stream is not seen as a direct competitor to conventional pay-TV operators. Remember such kinds of limitations.
The Bottom Line
So, in conclusion, it is truly possible to use both DirecTV Stream and a satellite TV package from DirecTV but deciding whether or not you should is a larger question of cost savings, channel redundancy, and streaming limitations.
In the majority of cases, one service would be better than the other, meaning you don’t have to pay for both. However, for certain specific scenarios such as adding to the channel package or using it for TV streaming portability on mobile devices or second TVs inexpensively, it might make sense to have DirecTV Stream as an additional service that is a package for an existing DirecTV plan.
In conclusion – yes, you can use DirecTV Stream with Directv satellite service. However, do assess your requirements and financial limits, to determine whether opting for one or the other is the correct approach for your family.
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