DIRECTV is a satellite television service provider based in the United States of America, with a wide variety of channels available to customers in different packages. When considering getting DIRECTV service, one common question that arises is: For DIRECTV, do you need a Smart TV? The short answer to this question is no and this means that it is very possible to own a DIRECTV connection without the need to have a smart TV. DIRECTV can be used with smart TVs and traditional TVs that do not have integrated smart capability.
What is a Smart TV and what is it used for?
It is now time to define what a smart TV is, although you might already have a good idea of what they are. Smart TVs or connected TVs are TVs integrated with internet installation and can be connected to the internet without the use of other gadgets such as a streaming stick or set-top box.
Smart TVs have a full-fledged OS, meaning you can download and execute applications, use popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix or Hulu, use the web, interact with IoT devices, and do much more. If I might say so myself they can do what a TV and an iPad does all in one.
The smarts of a Smart TV and the extent of its integration in terms of screen quality such as resolution and refresh rates, internal streaming apps, voice commands, and compatibility with other smart home gadgets may hugely differ from one manufacturer and model to the other.
Do You Need a Smart TV for DIRECTV?
The short answer is no. Your TV doesn’t require any specific feature to gain DIRECTV service as long as your TV has an HDMI port where the DIRECTV receiver plugs. Finally, let me state that you do not need to have a smart TV to enjoy using this tool.
This particular box is referred to as the DIRECTV receiver and it is in charge of all the operations and programming of the satellite signal to your television set. Replacing any smart capabilities that you would normally use the TV for when it is connected to a regular cable setup.
Here’s a quick rundown showing why a smart TV is not required for DIRECTV:
- Internet connection – This is a mandatory component in the DirecTV receiver which uses either wireless or a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. You do not need the TV itself to access the internet connection to stream your favorite movies and shows.
- Apps - DirecTV receivers take DirecTV Stream (formerly referred to as DirecTV Now), which provides you with many streaming apps.
- Interactive DIRECTV Channel and Programming guide- this is the programming guide but it is available on the receiver box not on the Television.
- TV signal reception and processing - sets the program to be recorded, and records the programs through DVR. This function occurs in the cloud and the receiver box, which is not part of the TV.
DIRECTV Receiver Options
When you sign up for DIRECTV service, you can choose between three main receiver options:
- The following is the DIRECTV technical name for the more recent model: DIRECTV HD Receiver (Model Genie HS17).
- A current satellite television receiver; DIRECTV HD DVR (Model Genie HR54)
- DIRECTV 4K Genie Mini
The main distinctions between these receiver options lie in the DVR option and its storage limit.
The fundamental receiver offers you the means to watch all the DIRECTV programs in high definition but does not incorporate any recording capabilities.
The HD DVR and Genie Mini allow you to enjoy the features of the innovative DIRECTV Genie system which offers state-of-the-art DVR capabilities for recording, storage, and viewing.
Pros of Owning a Smart Television
While a smart TV is not needed as part of basic DIRECTV equipment, having one can provide some nice bonuses and added convenience:
- A Larger Selection – Enjoy your Smart TV apps such as Vudu, YouTube, or Kayo Sports, in addition to your DIRECTV content all in one convenient interface.
- Voice options – Ability to manage TV functions such as increasing or decreasing the volume, searching for certain programs, or changing an input through voice commands.
- Smart Home Integration - The smart TV can connect with other smart appliances in a home such as video doorbells, security cameras, and lights to create a unified control panel.
- Quick Updates – while using a smart TV operating system, it is easy to update the system since they are updated frequently to solve some issues such as bugs, and security and also to add other new features.
- Web Browsing – It is possible to browse through the internet, and get access to any webpage on the television when the Smart TV is connected to the internet via the WWW. This can be more convenient than opening a laptop, which often requires typing a few words on the keyboard to make it start.
On balance, the additional features of streaming, smart home, and convenience that smart TVs offer are a useful addition to the DIRECTV service. However, they are not necessities in the sense that without them one will not be able to have a system that will work.
Getting DIRECTV Service
Given that you now understand DIRECTV does not expect you to have a smart TV, the next thing you might be thinking of doing is getting the service installed in your home.
Here is a quick overview of next steps:
- Research DIRECTV packages – It is essential to determine which channel package is appropriate in the given context. It is possible to purchase simple products starting with the necessary items and ending with more advanced options for extra money. Premium channels like HBO, Showtime, NFL Sunday Ticket, and many others which are in addition to the basic packages are also offered.
- Check eligibility – Go to the official website, fill in your address to know if it is Line of Sight with satellites, or call the agent of DIRECTV. The performance of the network depends on the geographical area, any hurdles like buildings or trees, etc., The availability is higher in suburban rather than the highly populated urban areas.
- Installation – Make arrangements on how a technician can be arranged to come and install the component. They will then fix a small satellite dish in the correct orientation with the direct satellites installed and the correct cabling and receiver box.
- Make it work – After the installation process is complete, you just switch on your television set together with the DIRECTV receiver box to get your programming running. If you have a smart television, take a few minutes to properly organize Inputs and settings on the devices.
The process is fast and most of the time, it is the responsibility of the DIRECTV technicians to undertake most of the tasks that involve configuration and setting up of specialty equipment as a part of the installation process. You can even use your old TV – actually, any HDMI-compatible TV will be just fine for accessing all the features that are available on DIRECTV!
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!
