DIRECTV and DIRECTV Stream might sound the same at first glance – they both contain the DIRECTV part of the name, anyway. However, it is important to note that there are certain distinctions between these two TV services. Knowing those differences will assist you in deciding which option is more appropriate depending on your interests as a viewer. This guide focuses on the fundamental differences between the classic DIRECTV satellite television service and the relatively new DIRECTV Stream streaming service.
How They Deliver Content
Delivery Method
The most significant disparity stems from how each service conveys material to your device’s display. DIRECTV uses satellite signals that are transmitted from satellites to small dish terminals placed at the homes of the consumers. This makes it a satellite TV provider; one that has to invest in satellites to be able to broadcast its channels. DIRECTV Stream, on the other hand, is a streaming television service where channels are accessed through the Internet. However, that means you use it by connecting devices such as smart TVs and streaming players to your home Wi-Fi network.
Implications
Since DIRECTV relies on satellites in space, one must have a good view from the dish to the southern sky. That eliminates apartments, condos, dorms, or any other living space where satellite dishes are not allowed or where there are signal interference problems. DIRECTV also tends to offer professional installation of satellite equipment. DIRECTV Stream just requires an efficient Internet connection at home and suitable streaming devices to begin watching – no technician is needed. But, streaming is determined by the strength of your network connection and available bandwidth.
Channel Lineups
Number of Channels
DIRECTV, as a satellite provider, offers over 295 channels in its base packages. DIRECTV Stream provides 65 to 140 plus channels which are offered depending on the base package one opts for on its streaming TV lineup. Thus, DIRECTV provides more channels including multiple localized channels. However, DIRECTV Stream offers a good number of sports, news, and entertainment channels even in the basic package.
Specific Channel Availability
The two main packages available from DIRECTV include most of the cable networks which include Disney/ESPN, Discovery, Viacom, Fox, NBCU, and Turner, among others. DIRECTV Stream has most of those core channels also but does not include some of the specialty channels that are offered with the satellite service. When comparing specific networks to be aired live and those that are available for streaming over the internet to the devices, it is wise to consult the packages and channel list of the DIRECTV Stream.
Features and Functionality
DVR Capabilities
Another plus to DIRECTV satellite boxes is a robust DVR that allows you to record as many as 200 hours of movies, shows, games, and more all at once. DIRECTV Stream offers unlimited Cloud DVR at no cost, but they can upgrade the user to an unlimited option for an extra monthly fee. It works like the satellite digital video recorder of DIRECTV with features such as pause, rewind, and replay. However, the storage is rather limited unless you go for a paid plan.
Number of Streams
DIRECTV only allows you to watch on one device at a time per receiver, though if you subscribe to additional Genie Minis, you can watch on multiple TVs at once. On the other hand, DIRECTV Stream allows you to view various channels on up to 20 devices at the same time under the same subscription. On-demand and live streaming: With IP-delivered streaming, you have more control of your on-demand and live streaming through the approved devices connected to your account.
User Experience
Functionality and User Interface
This means that while the DIRECTV App and web portal are the streaming service of the company, many users find it has a more intuitive interface in modern technology compared to the satellite. Still, with DIRECTV, you get the opportunity to benefit from an advanced voice remote, and thanks to it, customers can easily switch between streaming apps, DVR scripts, On Demand movies, music apps, and much more. Some people may be used to channel hopping and that process is slightly different when you are using a streaming platform.
Picture Quality
Because it comes through satellites in space where conditions such as weather have minimal effect on interferences or degradations of quality, extreme storms can pose a challenge once in a while. The content on DIRECTV is usually of a higher standard of HD image resolution. Nonetheless, DIRECTV Stream provides top 4K/HDR quality that matches most top streaming contenders (DIRECTV Stream rebranded from AT&T TV at the beginning of 2021 to focus on streaming quality). You may not observe significant changes if your TV and internet speeds are at the minimum you are comfortable with.
Pricing and Contract Commitments
Package Costs
DIRECTV ties its TV packages to a 2-year agreement and DIRECTV Stream has a 3-month commitment period (that if you cancelled early, you would owe early termination fees). To put this into perspective, DIRECTV satellite’s base package costs $70 per month, while the most basic DIRECTV Stream is $70/month though it can reduce to as low as $50/month for the Latino packages. Overall, there are initial costs for subscribing to DIRECTV while Stream makes its charges more of a long-term investment. But promos vary frequently.
Installation and Equipment Costs
Unlike DIRECTV Stream, which maintains low starting costs because the only equipment needed are streaming devices for home Wi-Fi, DIRECTV makes initial outlays climb with a $200 professional installation fee and multiple-receiver packages. However, promotions can make hardware significantly cheaper or completely free – if you agree to pay for programming for at least 2 years.
Conclusion
In summary, the biggest difference is that DIRECTV delivers content through satellite dishes installed by technicians at your home or business, while DIRECTV Stream delivers channels through the internet to smart devices. Standard satellite TV offers more channels and storage space and requires more extended subscription periods than IPTV. IP streaming has more flexibility in terms of contracts, viewing, and accessibility. However, you must have strong, fast, and reliable connections. Think about how each is relevant to your budget, technical expertise, and preferred TV format.
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