DirecTV and DirecTV Stream which was previously called AT&T TV are two television services provided by the same company, however, these services are quite distinct. People who are thinking about getting satellite or streaming TV may be confused about the two choices. This blog post highlights the differences in the ways they function, the channels they offer, their prices, and the equipment required.
How DirecTV Works
Satellite-Based TV Service
- DirecTV is a satellite television service that transmits programs directly to a home viewer via satellites in outer space. To receive the signals, you have to install a dish and a receiver in your home.
Must Be Professionally Installed & Comes With a Contract
- A technician needs to come to your home to ensure that the dish is correctly mounted and pointed to obtain a direct line of sight to the DirecTV satellites. Normally, customers enter into a two-year agreement to be able to get certain rates and services.
More Channel Packages Than Streaming
- DirecTV delivers over 295 channels through a satellite delivery system; the channels include locals, entertainment, news, sports, and extras. It puts a particularly heavy focus on sporting events.
How DirecTV Stream Works
Over-The-Top Streaming TV
- DirecTV Stream is a wireless TV service that is transmitted via the internet on Wifi. It does not involve the use of any satellite equipment and accessories which have to be installed. It is used just by signing up online, and you don’t have to install anything, it is available through supported devices.
No Contract Required
- As mentioned earlier, DirecTV Stream does not bind customers to contracts or agreements to retain the given price. It is also flexible with payments where customers can pay every month and can also cancel their subscription at any time without any charges.
Fewer Channels in Offering Than Satellite
- DirecTV Stream has more than 140+ channels depending on the service package subscribed by the client. This embraces local programs, entertainment, news, and sports. The specific list differs depending on the area and could be less extensive than the satellite’s.
Comparing Channel Lineups
Entertainment Channels
- DirecTV boasts of a range of program packages that run from A&E to MTV to TNT in HD. DirecTV Stream successfully lowered some of the channel choices but most major cable networks are still available.
Regional Sports Networks
- DirecTV is regarded as the best for regional sports since it has Bally Sports channels and thousands of out-of-market games through NFL Sunday Ticket. It is important to note that DirecTV Stream has recently lost many Bally Sports channels.
Local Channels
- DirecTV and DirecTV Stream offer access to local networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS in your area. Availability may vary depending on the place with more precision.
Number of Simultaneous Streams
- DirecTV enables viewers to have multiple streams of different channels on up to four devices at once under one account depending on the selected subscription plan. DirecTV Stream expanded the number of concurrent streams to 20 devices.
Comparing Equipment & Installation
DirecTV
- This system demands that the dish and the receiver be installed by a professional technician. Sign a contract to get equipment of your choice at no initial cost.
DirecTV Stream
- No equipment needed. Just use it on your mobile devices, browsers, compatible smart TVs, and streaming media players. Vouchers are available, but no specific installation appointments or contracts are necessary.
Comparing Pricing
Upfront Fees
- DirecTV sometimes reduces equipment, activation, and installation charges when the customer agrees to commit his or her business for two years. DirecTV Stream has no activation fees, and there is no obligation to continue subscribing to the service.
Monthly Cost
- DirecTV’s basic packages range from $69. 99 a month, while in mid-tier packages, the costs are over $100 per month once the introductory offers expire. DirecTV Stream package prices begin at $69. 99 per month and include fewer taxes and fees than traditional cable.
Premium Add-Ons
- Both provide packages with additional movie channels, including HBO Max and Starz, for an extra $5 to $15 monthly. NFL Sunday Ticket can be accessed through the DirecTV satellite.
Conclusion
The main distinctions are that DirecTV operates through satellite dishes, while DirecTV Stream is an internet-based streaming platform. DirecTV offers contractual agreements, and the client has to install equipment to access their services while DirecTV Stream is more flexible. DirecTV also usually offers more channel options, including more regional sports. Nevertheless, DirecTV Stream is advancing in channels and concurrent streams alongside affordable prices. It is imperative to evaluate which of these factors are relevant when identifying which model is most suitable.
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