The best word to describe the current state of television is dynamic. The market is shifting in favor of online streaming and many users are leaving traditional cable television behind. Among the major providers that are adjusting to this new environment, is DirecTV. In the past, DirecTV has only been received through a satellite dish installation. But now there are ways to receive DirecTV through an internet connection without the use of the dish.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is the streaming service of the Direct satellite TV service. DirecTV Stream is an online streaming platform that lets users watch live TV channels, tens of thousands of on-demand movies, and TV shows, plus cloud DVR recording services without any physical satellite dish.
DirecTV Stream has also packages such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier with channel options from 125+ and 140+. They offer most local broadcast stations including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, and also popular cable networks including ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon, and HGTV among others. It is accessible across devices such as Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, and browsers.
How does DirecTV Stream Operate?
It is essential to understand that DirecTV Stream is not based on satellite technology like a regular satellite TV system. Unlike traditional satellite TV services that demand a clear line-of-sight dish, and installation facing the southern sky, DirecTV Stream uses the internet and cloud-based streaming.
When you subscribe to a package, DirecTV Stream verifies your account and uses your home’s internet connection to stream videos on-demand. This enables them to broadcast live linear television or programs to you even without satellite devices. There is no need for any additional equipment other than a streaming device or a smart TV that can receive the video signal.
The Basics You Will Require to Start
DirecTV Stream is easy to get started with; the preparation often takes a short time. Here is what you need:
- Fixed broadband connection at home with connection speeds of not less than 15Mbps recommended.
- Compatible streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV – preferably the newer 4K versions.
- DirecTV Stream account and free app for Android
The DirecTV Stream services and billing process is done through your account either online or in the mobile application. After subscribing, one can use all the components over the internet without requesting any additional hardware.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Satellite
The decision to move away from the satellite dish and switch to streaming is not without its pros and cons.
Some pros of DirecTV Stream include:
- No contract required
- Live TV – pause or rewind with 20-hour DVR.
- Mobile devices out of the home stream on
- They do not have rental services or costs of installation of equipment.
Some cons to consider:
- It should be noted that internet speeds as low as 1 Mbps are sufficient enough for use.
- Internet connection affected the video quality
- Restricted number of channels due to limited accessibility in some regions
I- Not getting a chance to watch every regional sports network.
In connection, the benefits acquired from streaming make it preferable for more viewers. Nevertheless, satellite TV is still somewhat superior for particular niches such as all the sports enthusiasts who want every game.
DirecTV Stream for Beginners
For anyone interested in streaming live TV through DirecTV without satellite equipment, the process is simple. Just follow these steps:
1. For compatibility and supported devices, click on the eligibility link.
2. Choose your preferred channel package
3. Sign up for a new DirecTV Stream account
4. Install the application on streaming devices
5. Watch primetime dramas and your favorite TV series live and other programs at your convenience.
This will make you among 75 million households that have used DirecTV, although now fully via the internet. There are no contracts and hidden fees, which means you can cancel your membership at any time if you change your mind and satellite TV is still more suitable for you in the long run.
Feeling like it’s time to sever the cable connection?
With more powerful streaming devices linking our houses, satellites that transmit television signals right into our homes are becoming anachronistic. Programs like DirecTV Stream help one to ditch cable for ultimate cord-cutting.
If you have been thinking of dumping your satellite TV subscription but still need live channels and DVR functions, then you should check out DirecTV Stream. Throw away the dish and become part of the future of television through streaming.