DirecTV is a DBS service that operates on a subscription basis having commenced its operations in the field of television broadcasting in 1994. DirecTV on the other hand delivers programming directly to consumers within their homes or workplaces via a satellite dish. This means that DirecTV provides more channels as well as more services than regular cable television in many regions.
In the recent past, DirecTV has also ventured into providing Television services through the internet as against satellite. This means that more customers can access DirecTV programming on their mobile devices or while out of their homes.
How does Traditional Satellite DirecTV work?
For satellite DirecTV, example requires the installation of a small satellite dish, which can be no larger than 18 inches across and should be mounted in an area that is not obstructed by the southern sky. This dish is connected to a receiver box through coaxial cables. The receiver in turn transmits the signal to your TV through HDMI or other cables as the case may be.
The Dish locates the DirecTV satellites on its own and then receives the subsequent encoded program signals from them. These signals are then decrypted by the receiver box and translated into programs that can be aired on television.
So in summary, the key components are:
- Satellite Dish – This is used to receive signals from the DirecTV satellites.
- Receiver Box - Converts the incoming signals into the respective format.
- Cables – Carry signal from dish to box to TV.
This configuration makes it possible for DirecTV users to be connected to a variety of programs through the hundreds of available channels with different program offerings such as sports, movies, news, and so on.
What is DirecTV Stream and how does it operate?
DirecTV Stream is the online streaming service that has replaced the traditional satellite television service, DirecTV. The content of these programs may be similar but how they are delivered to the audience is quite distinct.
Unlike a traditional satellite that needs a dish installation, DirecTV Stream is more or less an app or a website through which one can stream live TV programs alongside on-demand shows. This means you can access DirecTV Stream from a variety of devices:
- Smart TVs
- Devices such as Roku Fire TV, and streaming sticks.
- Laptops, PCs, and smart handheld devices
- Web browsers
The mechanism by which this happens is as with other live TV streaming services like Sling TV and YouTube TV. The video streams are transmitted through internet cables and wireless network links and not through satellite.
The key components enabling this system are:
DirecTV broadcasting centers – Encode the programming schedule and feed it to Internet servers
- Content Delivery Network – A sophisticated arrangement of servers that cache streams closer to the consumers.
- Internet Connection – High-speed internet is necessary to watch streams without interruptions.
- Streaming Device – A device device capable of running an app or a web browser to access DirecTV services over the internet.
The advantage of this system when compared to satellite delivery is the flexibility and mobility implemented with DirecTV programming. The advantage is that it relies on the high speeds of internet connection and performance.