LG smart TVs are among the most sought-after smart TVs in the current world market. Both of these TVs have integrated WiFi and come with the intuitive LG webOS, which allows for streaming various applications and services from your TV. However, there is a particular streaming service that was not on LG TVs, and that is DirecTV Stream.
DirecTV Stream Overview
For those unfamiliar, DirecTV Stream is an internet streaming TV provider formerly known as AT&T TV before being rebranded under its present identity owned by DirecTV. It offers access to hundreds of live TV channels spanning entertainment, news, sports, and other categories. The service is in the same line as other live TV streaming providers such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Paid services like DirecTV Stream are $69.99 a month. This implies that the customers may see DirecTV programs on a variety of devices like mobile devices, Roku, Fire TV stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, and many more.
Why DirecTV Stream Isn't on LG TVs
While LG smart TVs are quite popular, they are incompatible with the DirecTV Stream app. But why is it so? There are a few potential reasons: There are a few potential reasons:
Exclusivity Deals
Some streaming providers even tie their apps to specific platforms and may not allow them to be installed on certain devices. For instance, YouTube TV was initially available only to Googleowned platforms such as Android TV for quite some time.
This raises the possibility that AT&T agreed to an exclusivity deal to launch DirecTV Stream on only select platforms at first. This would explain why support has extended to Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV but not to LG TVs.
App Development Prioritization
Creating apps for different platforms entails resources. This could be because streaming providers may decide to launch applications for the biggest platforms first.
So, the prospects for LG TV application development, which uses webOS instead of such wellknown systems as Android TV, could be left behind platforms with a greater number of potential viewers.
Technical Limitations
They also could be technical issues that do not allow DirecTV Stream to release its app for LG TVs.
The custom webOS platform could be problematic for optimal development. There could also be challenges on how to set up the needful technology integration for crucial app functionality such as live streaming.
Business Strategy
Last but not least, it may simply be due to business strategy that DirecTV Stream does not have a dedicated app for this platform. LG makes appliances other than TVs but does not have services and subscriptions as its main products.
However, AT&T which is the parent company of DirecTV Stream has several major subscription services. This difference in business models may also influence AT&T’s approach to app distribution across brands such as LG.
Are Other Options Available on LG TVs?
While an official DirecTV Stream app is not available from LG's smart TV platform at this time, LG TV owners still have plenty of options for streaming live TV channels, including:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- Philo
- FuboTV
A majority of the options provided by DirecTV Stream can be viewed using these other services which are available on LG TVs.
Some of these platforms such as YouTube TV have a similar lineup with cable or satellite television providers. Sling TV and Philo are relatively cheaper with more emphasis on mainstream entertainment and lifestyle networks.
As for the main focus of this article, DirecTV Stream itself is not supported, but LG TV owners have extremely good options for live TV streaming.
Will DirecTV Stream Come to LG TVs?
Regrettably, there is no signal whether or not DirecTV Stream has an application for LG TVs and if they plan on doing it shortly. The channels and platform support often change with the streaming services, but we have not seen any intention from AT&T to cover LG soon.
But as more people subscribe to streaming, it grows a large customer base for LG smart TVs that would create a strong business argument for DirecTV Steam to launch an LG app in the future. Increasing Smart TV compatibility with streaming providers’ applications helps in adding subscribers.
Currently, you can access DirecTV Stream television and other programs by connecting your LG television set to compatible streaming gadgets such as Roku or Fire Stick. Or select a live TV streaming service that is directly available through the LG TV app.
But perhaps in the future, DirecTV Steam will be accessible on LG sets and you will be able to have a total live TV solution from your LG smart TV.