It is important to note that DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream are two distinct services provided by AT&T. Some consumers are even in doubt whether subscribing to one will afford them an opportunity to access the other. In this post, we will explain how DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream are connected, as well as what each offers.
WHAT IS DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is a satellite TV service that is owned by AT&T. To gain access to it one has to have a satellite dish mounted within his or her compound to capture the signal. DIRECTV offers customers a variety of packages and enables them to watch hundreds of cable TV channels. The number of channels that are available depends on the package that is chosen by the user. Packages range from 155+ channels and up to 330+ channel packages. DIRECTV is one of the largest satellite broadcasting services with around 17 million subscriptions in the United States.
KEY FEATURES:
- Satellite service that needs a dish to be placed in your house.
- Viewing of hundreds of popular TV channel
- HD picture quality
- DVR for taping shows
- This is a well-established Emmy award-winning service with full coverage of all the states in the US.
WHAT IS DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV Stream is the streaming service that is the digital counterpart of DIRECTV. It offers almost the same Television channel bouquet as the satellite service. However, unlike getting a satellite dish installed, which broadcasts the channels and sends it directly to your devices through the net. This means you can watch DIRECTV Stream anywhere in the United States where you have access to the internet. There are no equipment installations required.
DIRECTV Stream provides the same fantastic entertainment experience and channel lineup as the traditional DIRECTV service. The only difference is that it is made through the internet instead of through satellite. DIRECTV Stream is currently having approximately 15 million subscribers as of now.
KEY FEATURES:
- Streaming service – no installation or equipment necessary
- Other than the number of TV channels, it is similar to the standard DIRECTV package.
- It is compatible with most streaming devices and mobile applications.
- Get anything done as long as you have internet connectivity
- Optional Cloud DVR for recording programs
Is Directv Included with Directv Stream?
No, DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream are still distinct services as of now. The two are not mutually inclusive; that is, subscribing to one does not give you access to the other. If you want both, then you would have to pay for the two services separately.
The reason they remain separate is that DIRECTV needs the satellite dish installation process. DIRECTV Stream was developed as a new, more flexible, streaming service. However, AT&T made sure that DIRECTV remained an option for customers who still need or prefer the satellite television service.
While they provide almost the same channel packages, you cannot watch the channels provided in the package in the service you are not subscribed to – either the satellite DIRECTV or the streaming services provided by DIRECTV Stream.
PROS AND CONS OF ONE OVER THE OTHER
There are good reasons to prefer one service over the other depending on your needs:
Why Choose DIRECTV?
- Satellite picture quality is better than the picture quality offered by other facilities.
- Better signal, especially during storms and other bad weather.
- Availability of special channels & packages
- Stable service with extensive networks
Why Choose DIRECTV Stream?
- Nothing is required from the participants apart from an internet connection and a device to access the site.
- Watch anytime and anywhere on your devices or while you are on the go.
- Easy self installation and no requirement for professional installation.
- More flexibility if changing locations frequently
- Cheaper packages available
To sum it up, both DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream provide cable TV content, but employ different technologies. To access both, you would have to subscribe to each one individually since they are different services. When choosing which capabilities to develop, it is therefore important to consider which ones align with your needs most.
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