DirecTV Stream is an online television streaming service that allows users to watch live television channels, programs, movies and shows along with cloud DVR. But one common question is: does one have to have a DirecTV satellite subscription to subscribe to DirecTV Stream? Perhaps it will be useful to find out whether that is indeed the situation.
What is DirecTV Stream?
Also known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream is an internet streaming television service operated by DirecTV. These include ESPN, CNN, Fox News, AMC, HGTV, and other popular live TV channels. It allows streaming in and out of the home up to 20 devices.
DirecTV Stream is **not** DirecTV satellite television service that many people are familiar with. It is its own standalone OTT streaming service and does not rely on a satellite dish or cable box.
Do You Need DirecTV Already for DirecTV Stream?
The short answer is no, you do not have to have the DirecTV satellite TV service already to sign up for this new and much more versatile streaming service.
DirecTV Stream is a streaming service that is not necessarily connected to traditional Directv service: you do not need to be a Directv customer to sign up for DirecTV Stream. It does not have any prerequisite of having an account with DirecTV or even having DirecTV equipment.
What Do You Need for DirecTV Stream?
While you don’t need a current DirecTV subscription for DirecTV Stream, there are some minimum requirements:
- Internet Connection: You will require a minimum of 8 Mbps home broadband connection. It is observable that the speed of the internet at home directly affects the quality of the video streaming.
- Compatible Devices: You can stream on devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4K, Google Chromecast, iOS and Android mobile devices, and web browsers. Some of the smart TVs also come with the DirecTV application installed in them.
- DirecTV Stream Device (Optional): To enhance your experience, you can use a DirecTV Stream device where you’ll find everything in one application rather than having to open another application.
As long as you have a strong and stable home internet and the right devices, that’s all you need. So, you don’t need to have an existing DirecTV account to be able to access the streaming service.
Does DirecTV Stream Offer the Same Channels?
DirecTV Stream lists many of the same popular cable networks that regular DirecTV provides its customers. This includes channels like:
- ESPN, Fox Sports
- USA, TNT, TBS
- Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network
- AMC, HGTV, Discovery
- Terrestrial networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX)
Yet, DirecTV Stream offers **fewer total channels** than the satellite DirecTV packages do. The specific channels can differ depending on where you live and which DirecTV Stream plan you’re subscribed to.
As such, while there is a lot of channel repetition, DirecTV Stream is not the same as the regular DirecTV channel lineup. One must look into the lineup of their area before subscribing to it.
Can You Get a Sunday Ticket with DirecTV Stream?
NFL Sunday Ticket is a package that provides any football enthusiast an opportunity to watch any NFL games that are not televised in his/her region every Sunday.
However, **Sunday Ticket is excluded** from the DirecTV Stream packages for now. Unfortunately, it is still only available for DirecTV satellite customers. And if Sunday Ticket is very crucial to you then you would require an active regular DirecTV package.
Which Packages Can You Get with DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream offers several base packages to meet different needs:
- Entertainment – 65 plus channels with a cost of $69. 99 per month.
- Choice – 90 plus channels at just $ 89. 99 per month
- Ultimate – 130+ channels included in the price of $104. 99 for the month.
- Premier – 140+ channels for $149. 99/month
For a little extra, you can also include additional channels such as HBO Max, and Showtime, among others in the package. Regional sports networks can be region-specific, meaning they might not be available in other areas.
Thus, consider which of these channels are critical to you when choosing the package you want. Additional tiers are available for more channels and features, although at a slightly higher rate.
Based on the information given above, we derive the following conclusion and summary: No Need for Regular DirecTV.
So, **no** – getting DirecTV Stream does **not** mean that you have to have a current DirecTV satellite subscription. It is a standalone streaming TV that has its packages and devices separate from the main Hulu brand.
DirecTV Stream has many of the same channels as the standard satellite DirecTV, although their offering list may vary slightly. Some components such as the NFL Sunday Ticket are missing.
However, the idea is that anyone who wants can create an account in DirecTV Stream. All you require is a good home internet connection and compatible devices – no prior DirecTV subscription is required!
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!
