DIRECTV is a familiar name to many because it is a satellite TV where a dish installation is needed at the user’s home. However, the company has another relatively newer and different service since it also provides the streaming TV service known as DIRECTV Stream which operates through the internet. Well, in light of the above discussion, does DIRECTV still need a satellite for their TV service? That is all good but let me explain in more detail.
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, but I will elaborate that the basic old-school DIRECTV satellite TV service does entail the use of a satellite dish at your place to get the signal. However, their newer streaming version, DIRECTV Stream, does not necessitate satellite equipment to bring the channels into your house and instead uses the internet.
This is the usual Directv satellite service offering
The basic service of DIRECTV which has been in existence since 1994, although it was in the earlier years, does entail the use of satellite dishes for connection.
Here’s a quick overview of how their satellite service works:
- REQUIRES satellite dish: To subscribe to the DIRECTV traditional service, one is required to have a small dish installed in your home, and receiving equipment. The dish is interlinked with your DIRECTV receiver box.
- Receiver box: This box receives the signal that is transmitted by your satellite dish. This enables you to watch and even capture programs that are aired on the various channels on your television.
- HD or standard channel packages: DIRECTV provides standard or high-definition channels to meet your needs. The quality and number of pictures that can be seen and the number of channels that can be received greatly depend on the subscribed package and the types of equipment used in receiving the satellite signals.
Therefore in short and in simple terms – YES, this original DIRECTV satellite TV service indeed still requires a satellite dish to be installed at your home as well as DIRECTV equipment and subscriptions. This is the equipment that is responsible for capturing and decoding signals from the various DIRECTV broadcast satellites that are in orbit around the Earth.
Introducing DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV’s internet streaming version of their television service was unveiled in 2019 and it is popularly known as DIRECTV Stream.
This functions very differently from their traditional satellite service:
- NO satellite dish required: DIRECTV Stream works through the internet connection hence does NOT require any satellite dish or equipment installation at your home.
- Stream box optional: DIRECTV online is available and can be accessed through internet-enabled smart TVs, streaming gadgets such as Roku, game systems like PlayStation, mobile phones, tablets, computers, and so on, or else they have their brand of steaming device.
- Location flexibility: It is flexible with its location since it transmits the signal through the internet as opposed to satellites like in the case of traditional DIRECTV. You can access the channels on any internet-connected device, at any place you may be, in any part of the United States of America.
- Fewer channels BUT no contract: DIRECTV Stream is not as comprehensive as the company’s full satellite service, but it does offer plenty of channels. Of course, the great advantage is that this is not a year-long subscription plan – it is monthly.
In this section, we will look at how DIRECTV Stream stacks up to its competitors in terms of features offered.
While satellite DIRECTV and streaming DIRECTV come from the same provider, they have some key differences in capabilities and features:
- Number of channels: DIRECTV satellite is an example that has more maximum number of channels on its a la carte offering of 10 plus packages (over 330+). DIRECTV Stream has between 65 – 140 channels with the option of subscribing to channels based on their preferences.
- 4K capability: With the help of the satellite Genie receivers, it is possible to obtain particular channels and programs that are in 4K. At the moment, there are no options for 4K streaming available on DIRECTV Stream.
- DVR and on-demand: Both services provide storage of recorded programs in cloud DVR and shows/movies on demand. DIRECTV satellite tends to offer more DVR hours of storage.
- Weather issues: Signal often weakens during heavy rainfall/storms. DIRECTV Stream is an internet-based service that does not depend on high connection speeds that have weather issues.
- Upfront fees: DIRECTV, is a traditional Satellite service that is offered with equipment and installation costs. DIRECTV Stream has no installation fees associated with it because it utilizes the internet and devices that the consumer already has.
- Long-term commitment: DIRECTV Satellite also offers the best initial discounts with the condition that the customer will contract with them for 2 years. One good thing about DIRECTV Stream is that it has no contracts, and all packages offered are on a month-to-month basis.
Which is better suited to your needs?
For example, the traditional DIRECTV satellite or the streaming DIRECTV may be the best depending on the desired channels, the required contractual aspect, the mobility, the internet usage, the extra costs, and the installation. This is especially so if the ability to access 4K channels or indeed the maximum channel selection offered by satellite service is important to them; their traditional dish service may still prove more beneficial. Nonetheless, it seems that many subscribers are moving to more location options and fewer contract obligations of DIRECTV Stream. Considering that different households might have varying requirements, one should consult with a DIRECTV agent to know which of the two services is most appropriate in this case.
The Bottom Line
Does it still need a satellite, though? The answer is yes and no; if they are willing to get a full traditional DIRECTV satellite TV package. A well-known DIRECTV package with hundreds of channels, award-winning customer care, and the latest Genie DVR technologies does not mean you need to install a satellite dish. However, there is their alternative streaming service known as DIRECTV Stream which offers channel packages through internet streaming and therefore does not necessarily include satellite equipment. The doors to getting DIRECTV service are now between satellite or an online stream. When deciding between the satellite TV provider, DIRECTV, and the streaming service, DIRECTV Stream, use these criteria: the channel line-up you prefer, your contract options, where the equipment can be installed and flexibility with locations, that may change.
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