Roku is one of the most widely used streaming devices that can now provide users with access to thousands of channels. However, there is one frequently asked question from Roku users - Is there an app for DirecTV streaming on Roku? Well, no there isn’t and in this article, you’ll learn about the reasons which caused the absence of the DirecTV app in Roku as well as the options that Roku users have to watch DirecTV content.
DirecTV is a direct broadcast satellite service that distributes digital television and audio to homes across the United States.
To the unknown, DirecTV is one of the largest satellite television service providers in the United States of America. DirecTV needs a satellite dish and a receiver box to be able to capture and demodulate their satellite signal. This equipment enables one to view hundreds of live TV Channels, DVD movies and Shows, and other options of DirecTV.
Even though DirecTV and most streaming services share a lot of similarities, these two platforms are fundamentally different in terms of their delivery methods – DirecTV uses satellites broadcasts instead of the internet. This difference in technology is the reason for the absence of the Roku channel for DirecTV.
Why is There No DirecTV App on Roku?
There are a few reasons why Roku does not have a streaming app for DirecTV:
1. Incompatible Technologies
To recap, Roku can only stream content through the internet while DirecTV uses a satellite connection for its transmission. But what it boils down to is the two technologies are not compatible in a way that can facilitate the delivery of DirecTV content through a Roku device.
2. Business Decisions
Also, DirecTV is an AT&T-owned platform, whereas Roku is an independent company. It seems that neither of these two companies has been encouraged or ready to establish a partnership to create a DirecTV application for Roku.
Roku probably has no interest in becoming a closed platform like Apple TV, with exclusive deals for streaming services while DirecTV and AT&T appear to be more interested in promoting their proprietary streaming platforms such as AT&T TV, and creating apps only for a selected number of partners.
3. DirecTV: Sign, Upgrade
They also believe that DirecTV may not have much motivation for making their service easily accessible on other streaming devices. Instead, they want to encourage current customers to buy new, costlier DirecTV set-top boxes and packages.
Another service that would make it easier for some customers to reduce the level of the subscription while having full access to the content is the release of the streaming app. Well, for now, it seems that DirecTV has steered clear of such risk.
Other options for watching DirecTV on Roku
While you can’t directly stream DirecTV through Roku, current DirecTV satellite subscribers do have a few options to access and stream content on their Roku device:
1. Watch Stream from a Mobile Device through the Roku App
If you ever use the DirecTV app on your smartphone, then you can use the Roku mobile app to mirror your phone on the TV using Roku. This is a few more steps than a native channel but it allows you to virtually mirror DirecTV anywhere.
2. Internet Streaming with AT&T TV
AT&T TV is another streaming service provided by DirecTV’s close relative but transmitted through the internet rather than satellite. Similarly, AT&T TV has apps for Roku and other devices. When you subscribe to a package with AT&T TV, you can watch many of the programs aired through the DirecTV satellite television service.
The small drawback is that AT&T TV provides the same channel offerings at somewhat higher prices than satellite DirecTV. Nevertheless, it does offer the full Roku integration that is otherwise absent from standard satellite DirecTV.
3. On-demand streaming through the HBO Max
To enjoy streaming shows and movies when they want to, DirecTV users can have the satellite service connected to HBO Max. This will enable you to watch HBO Max on Roku through your DirecTV provider account.
However, don’t expect HBO Max to offer live channels or DirecTV recordings; still, you can watch HBO films and series on Roku in an on-demand manner.
Does Roku Have DirecTV? Final Thoughts
Regrettably, DirecTV has no official streaming capacity on the Roku devices at the moment. The reasons are that there is a misalignment of technologies and business decisions on both ends. Still, DirecTV satellite subscribers do have some ways to get the programming through mobile streaming, AT&T TV, or HBO Max connected to the provider package.
This should help anyone who is wondering why there isn’t a DirecTV Roku app and what they can do in the meantime. Hopefully, they will think about expanding DirecTV streaming compatibility with Roku to make it easier for subscribers.
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