DirecTV Stream, previously known as AT&T TV, is a live television streaming service that allows customers to watch hundreds of cable channels through the internet. It offers an experience that is akin to cable without having to install satellite dishes and cable boxes. However, with the price range of $70- $150 per month in question, is DirecTV Stream a worthy service to compete with other popular live TV services out there? This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks so you can determine if DirecTV Stream is worth the investment for your home.
Channel Lineup
One of the biggest strengths of DirecTV Stream is its channel offering. It has over 140 channels in its basic package, which gives more of the top cable networks than any other live TV streaming rival including YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. That means you can watch programming from A&E, Cartoon Network, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, Fox News, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History, MSNBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, TBS, TNT, and more with DirecTV Stream. Regional sports networks are also included where available based on your geographical location. It is relatively expensive, but for the price, you get solid programming in return.
Cloud DVR and Simultaneous Streams
As another benefit of DirecTV Stream, a cloud DVR service enables 20 hours of shows and movies to be stored and available at any time. Musical files are kept for 90 days, and in contrast to competitors, no restrictions are placed on storage space. Also, it allows for streaming of three devices at the same time using a single account, enabling family members to have different content on different devices in different rooms. This is especially advantageous to households that need more than one stream at once, making it more valuable than competitors such as FuboTV which only allows two streams at once in its basic package.
No Long-Term Contract Required
Previously, DirecTV’s satellite TV offering involved exclusivity where clients had to adhere to strict two-year contracts. Nevertheless, DirecTV Stream will not lock you into any long-term subscription or force you to commit to any long-term plan. This gives room for cancellation at any given time if the user feels like they want to reduce their expenditure or switch to the competitor’s service. Please note that you are charged a fee for one month of the service and it is not a subscription service that can be cancelled at any time like Netflix.
Drawbacks and Hidden Fees
The main drawback to DirecTV Stream is the high cost of the service, particularly in the second year of the subscription. The pricing starts at $70 per month for the first year and increases to $120 per month in the second year before taxes and fees are added. That is much higher than competitors. Moreover, regional sports will cost an additional $20 per month for some places. There are other hidden costs such as a $10 monthly fee for HD channels and possible broadband data fees for going over the allowed amount. Added to this, it has higher base prices, and these extras will soon balloon your bill out of proportion.
Spotty Video Performance
Despite, DirecTV Stream boasting of having one of the best picture quality for a streaming service, user complaints on their reviews section are rife with issues of constant buffering, pixelation, and poor performance, especially during crucial live events depending on the internet speed and bandwidth. The potential subscribers will be interested in knowing their internet speed to subscribe. Blackouts have also been observed across the service during key sporting events and award shows.
Conclusion
DirecTV Stream has top-tier capabilities compared to competitors in the market, channel offerings, cloud DVR options, and an allowance for streaming simultaneously. Nevertheless, there is still rather boisterous instability in the sphere of technical performance for a live-streaming provider. The high two-year pricing that increases after promo offers negates the benefits of the DirecTV Stream for most consumers. If you do not need particular programming that none of these offers, then cheaper and more stable options like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV will most likely be the best for most 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!
