DirecTV Stream is a live TV streaming service that was rebranded from AT&T TV. It has a great selection of channels and a great cloud DVR for live streaming. But many people question – how many streams are available with DirecTV Stream at the same time? Okay, let’s divide it by the plan.
DirecTV Stream Channel Lineups and Plans
It will be beneficial to understand the DirecTV Stream packages before going into the details of the streams. Here’s a quick rundown:
Entertainment ($69. 99/month) – More than 75 channels including ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon, etc. A lot of entertainment but little news/sports.
Choice ($84. 99/month) – More than 90 channels with the addition of regional sports networks. It is quite a good choice for the sports lovers.
Premier ($94. 99/month) – This package has over 130 channels with more options in sports, Spanish-language TV, and other premium movie options such as HBO and Showtime.
Premier ($139. 99/month) – All DirecTV channels available. Over 140 channels.
All plans include the cloud DVR, an on-demand library with tens of thousands of titles, and local networks. Now, let me tell you about the streams.
Number of Streams Allowed on DirecTV Stream
The number of simultaneous streams permitted on a single DirecTV Stream account depends on your package:
Entertainment Package – It offers 20 hours of DVR space and the client is allowed to watch 2 programs at a time.
Choice, Ultimate, Premier Packages – Has no limit on DVR space and allows for 3 devices to be using the service at the same time.
So in short:
It is therefore important to understand that * entertainment = 2 streams.
Other Packages = 3 Streams
Do remember though that you are allowed to have up to 5 profiles within one account. Although you will not be allowed to watch more than 2 or 3 streams at the same time, you can have up to 5 users with their preferences and recorded programs.
Can You Increase Simultaneous Streams with Add-Ons?
However, at one point, DirecTV Stream did offer their customers an option to buy more streams through something known as the “Family Share Pack,” which entitled up to 2 additional streams.
However, the Family Share Pack was shut down in the middle of the year 2022. Well, unfortunately at this time there is no way to increase beyond the standard 2 or 3 streams that come with your base package.
The service remains very competitive though. You can opt for a 3 stream option with YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both of which cost more than the basic service and Sling TV provides only one stream at the basic level. Therefore the usual price of So 3 is still good.
Tips When Using Multiple Streams on DirecTV Stream
Here some a few tips when utilizing multiple streams with DirecTV Stream:
* Check your internet connection, especially to watch videos in Ultra High Definition or 4K. Every stream requires an 8 Mbps minimum recommended speed.
* Make it so every time a particular person logs in, they are to have their settings and DVR library that does not affect the other person.
* Prefer a wired ethernet connection for an optimal reliability level when available.
* Turn off HDR if you are experiencing buffering because it requires more bandwidth.
* Make feedback through chat/email if still experiencing persistent issues with streaming.
So, as long as your internet speeds are good, DirecTV Stream is capable of delivering 2-3 HD streams at the same time. Enjoy the service!
Can I have DirecTV Stream at more than one household?
A typical inquiry people have about DirecTV Stream is whether or not they can use or even access it on multiple “home” networks. Now let me explain precisely how it operates.
Using DirecTV Stream at Your Primary and Secondary Homes
The DirecTV Stream subscriber agreement defines a “household” as the primary dwelling and second dwelling where all criteria are met:
> It is based in the United States of America
Neither a business nor a commercial entity
* Not suitable for the general public
* A component of a residential multi-dwelling unit
For instance, the primary residence and the second home such as a summer residence. If the networks meet the above criteria, you can watch DirecTV Stream on both.
However, your “household” homes must be created beforehand In this case, all companies and their related parties must be registered beforehand. Therefore, if you wish to use the service at a second home occasionally, add it at least beforehand to be safer.
Can You Use DirecTV Stream While Traveling?
And this is where things get a little bit more complicated. On a technical note, it’s worth mentioning that the DirecTV Stream terms do permit streaming while temporarily traveling within the United States.
However, you can NOT include hotels or such commercial buildings in your list of Authorized Residential Address. It is also limited when traveling internationally, either to another country or across the different states in the country.
The company has detection measures for pirated streaming to eliminate the occurrence of unauthorized streaming. In other words, use with care whenever streaming remotely with individuals out of your specifically identified households. It can still deteriorate in terms of performance and reliability.
Best Option for RV/Mobile Streaming
For customers who wish to watch TV online while constantly switching between unfamiliar places and networks in an RV, camper, or similar vehicle…DirecTV Stream may not be the most ideal service.
Though their household rules allow for temporary travel streaming, the unreliable connection may cause unauthorized streaming alerts.
For full-time RV or mobile streaming try YouTube TV or Sling TV. It includes location-free sign-in without stringent rules, which restrict the use of a particular household. Just something to consider!