AT&T TV, which is currently rebranded as DIRECTV STREAM, is a live television streaming service, which provides many cable networks and local broadcasters. Another question most individuals ask is – can I watch local channels on DIRECTV STREAM? Yes, the DIRECTV STREAM has local channel coverage in most regions across the country.
What local channels are available on the platform you are interested in: DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM provides its customers with local affiliates ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC channels in almost every nationwide market. This entitles subscribers to watch local and regional programs, sports, and prime-time programs from the four major networks.
It is important to note that the available local channels are also dependent on the location of the house. At present, DIRECTV STREAM offers local channels to over 99% of households in the United States. During the signup process, they allow you to enter your zip code and identify the local channels available in your area.
If you reside in a cosmopolitan region, you should not have a problem with getting your local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC networks. This enables you to access local programs for instance the local news in the morning shows and live sports from your broadcast affiliates.
In some TV markets, the number of channels may be much lower in DIRECTV STREAM compared to other regional services. But they are constantly striving to enhance local channel distribution to avail.
Knowing why the availability of Local channels may vary depending on location is important.
Local channel availability on live TV streaming platforms can vary widely from one zip code to the next for a few reasons:
- Local broadcast affiliates require stream rights on a case-by-case basis before they can allow their feeds to be aired by a platform such as DIRECTV STREAM. This is why channel lineups vary across regions.
- DIRECTV, part of the AT&T group, needs separate deals with local affiliates for every media market to carry the signal. This is a lengthy process that results in the creation of a dissimilar picture for the local channels.
- This is because, in some other small TV markets where the population is stretched thin, it is unprofitable for DIRECTV STREAM to broadcast local stations because the costs of relevant content are high and the market has little potential for advertising revenues.
- Transmission of TV signals using over-the-air transmitters is limited by the coverage that the broadcast signal can achieve. Hence, in regions that are outside the reach of getting stations as a part of local coverage, they can only stream if they cannot get over-the-air feeds.
How to Know More about Your Specific Local Channel?
Looking for the regional affiliates of the ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox channels on DIRECTV STREAM? The best way is to check on their website:
- Go to the homepage of the DirecTV. com/stream and input your address
- Find out more information about the channel that is available in your area.
- Keep scrolling down to the section below to check out the major broadcast affiliates in your area.
This list of channels will indicate which of the local stations are available to you as per the zip code you input. If they are absent from the list above, then, unfortunately, those local feeds are not yet offered by DIRECTV STREAM in that region.
Availability of Regional Sports Networks
Regional sports networks (RSNs) are also considered by many people to be very important as access to broadcast channels. These include NBC Sports Bay Area and Chicago, Spectrum SportsNet LA, and other networks that broadcast professional teams of MLB, NBA, and NHL.
Fortunately, DIRECTV STREAM offers 20+ regional sports networks in the channel package, and this may vary depending on the locality. They are fairly similar to other live TV streaming services as regards the RSN availability. However, the accessibility of the RSN can still be dependent on certain locations so kindly use the channel lookup tool discussed above to know if the specific regional network you are interested in is part of the package.
DIRECTV STREAM Device Support
To watch DIRECTV STREAM’s local channels and full channel lineup, you’ll need a supported streaming device such as:
- Apple TV
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Chromecast
- Select smart TVs
Well, you cannot watch on a web browser—you need a streaming device. Monthly plans do not tie you into anything, so no annual obligations to keep or yearly contracts to cancel.
The service also now provides an unlimited DVR to enable you to record the local news and your favorite show for a later watch. This means you can DVR Monday Night Football on your NBC affiliate or the latest drama on CBS to watch it whenever you want at your leisure, even if you aren’t connected to the internet.
Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth it if You Only Need Local Channels?
For cord-cutters who still wish to have access to local news and sports, together with ABC/CBS/NBC/Fox primetime shows, DIRECTV STREAM is the go-to choice. Currently, they offer their product in more than 99% of the markets across the United States and, therefore, should be able to provide your locals.
And while streaming can’t top cable or satellite for consistency and certainty, DIRECTV STREAM gets you close to local options on big broadcast networks.
Thus, if you have been postponing the decision on cord-cutting because of the absence of local programming offered by cable providers, you will be glad to know that DIRECTV STREAM satisfies this condition in almost all the regions of the country. Add to that the best cable entertainment networks, sports channels, unlimited storage space for DVR, and no contract – this streamer is a customizable and cheap way to watch local channels for cord-cutters.
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!
