Can I use DIRECTV STREAM if I have DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is one of the largest satellite television service providers in United States which provide television service through satellite dishes installed in clients’ premises. DIRECTV STREAM was previously called AT&T TV and is an internet-streamed television service operated by DIRECTV. Using the name DIRECTV, many people are wondering if they can use DIRECTV STREAM if they already have a traditional DIRECTV satellite service since they both belong to the same parent company.
The short answer is yes, you can have both a satellite subscription and a subscription to the new DIRECTV STREAM service if that is what you desire. No, they are two different services, therefore, getting DIRECTV STREAM does not mean you will not have your current directv satellite service. DIRECTV STREAM is just another method by which you can watch live TV alongside your normal DIRECTV offering.
What makes DIRECTV different from DIRECTV STREAM?
Although DIRECTV STREAM is owned by the same parent company as the DIRECTV satellite TV service, there are some key differences between the two:Although DIRECTV STREAM is owned by the same parent company as the DIRECTV satellite TV service, there are some key differences between the two:
Equipment required - DIRECTV like any other satellite based TV company needs equipment installed at the subscriber’s compound to enable reception of the TV signals. DIRECTV STREAM is a streaming service that can be accessed through the internet, and therefore has no special hardware or setup requirements.
Hardware - DIRECTV requires DIRECTV receivers connected to your TVs. DIRECTV STREAM lets you stream videos on your smartphone and tablet, smart media streamers such as Roku, connected smart TVs, etc. There are no DIRECTV devices required.
Channel Lineups – While many of the channels are the same between DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM, there are differences. DIRECTV provides several more channels and more extensive sports packages.
Internet Required – No, DIRECTV Satellite does not require the internet to access the service. DIRECTV STREAM naturally needs fast internet to deliver programming since it streams content to viewers.
Contractual Obligations – Most of the time, DIRECTV has contractual terms that last for two years. DIRECTV STREAM does not require you to sign any contracts and you can cancel it at any given time.
Therefore, in brief, DIRECTV Satellite and DIRECTV STREAM provide two options for receiving television content – through satellite and through the use of the Internet.
Advantages of Incorporating DIRECTV STREAM
If you already have DIRECTV at home, here are some of the benefits you would gain by adding the DIRECTV STREAM service:If you already have DIRECTV at home, here are some of the benefits you would gain by adding the DIRECTV STREAM service:
Watch on additional devices: DIRECTV STREAM is also available to watch on mobile devices, tablets, computers, and streaming media players, both at home and on the go. And this is why it offers more flexibility in terms of viewing.
Access TV while traveling: DIRECTV STREAM is an internet-based service, so you can login to the app and watch TV on your devices during travel, for instance in hotels or rented homes. Unfortunately, DIRECTV satellite does not off er this advantage.
No contract requirements: DIRECTV typically necessitates a two-year contract while DIRECTV STREAM offers no contract lock-in period. On the other hand, you are free to cancel the subscription at any time of your convenience.
More channel options: DIRECTV STREAM has some extra channel choices that may not be accessible with the satellite service, such as some regional sports networks.
Improved picture quality: DIRECTV STREAM has a 1080p high definition picture quality, a feature that is much better than the 720p picture quality offered by DIRECTV satellite service.
So if you desire TV in more areas and on more gadgets as well as flexibility, then combining the DIRECTV STREAM service with your existing satellite DIRECTV is the right decision.
Which TVs and devices are compatible with DIRECTV STREAM?
Another advantage of DIRECTV STREAM is that it works with almost any streaming device, smartphones, laptops, or smart TVs. DIRECTV STREAM apps are available for:DIRECTV STREAM apps are available for:
Amazon Fire TV its TV, and Fire tablets. Android phones tablets Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch products Google Chromecast streamers Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD Roku streaming players Samsung Smart TVs Smart TVs of LG brand utilizing webOS 3. 5 and above. Xbox One gaming consoles Playstation 4 gaming consoles Windows 10 laptops PCs Mac computers
Along with mobile applications and streaming devices, DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with both Airplay and Chromecast functionality to cast and mirror videos from the mobile applications to compatible smart TVs.
The only requirement is a stable high speed internet connection because all video is transmitted by streaming through IP. The ideal connection speed suggested is at least 8 Mbps for optimal performance.
DIRECTV STREAM is a relatively new streaming service offered by the company and it does not have many variants in terms of pricing:
DIRECTV STREAM basic package goes for $69. 99 per month and comes with over 75 channels bundled under the Entertainment plan. Here is a breakdown of the four main English language DIRECTV STREAM packages:Here is a breakdown of the four main English language DIRECTV STREAM packages:
Entertainment – $69. 99/month (75+movies and shows) Choice – $89. 99/month (more than 110 channels) Premium – $104. 99/month (140+ channels) Premier – $149. 99 per month (more than 150 channels).
Additional channel packages such as HBO Max, Showtime, NBA League Pass, etc. are offered as extras. The cloud DVR service is also offered for $10 more per month.
All of the top networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, are also part of all packages with no additional fee. Regional sports networks are available based on your location choices.
It also bears mentioning that there are no annual contracts compared to DIRECTV satellite pricing and no early termination fee. You also have the freedom to upgrade or downgrade your package or even cancel at your own convenience.
However, one thing to bear in their is that the first DIRECTV STREAM box added is free of charge. However, each additional TV box you have connected will cost you $5 per month device fee. It will still cost considerably less than DIRECTV hardware and installation prices.
Can I consolidate billing for both DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM?
Yes, there is one practical feature that AT&T and DIRECTV provide, and it is the option to have a single payment for both services on a single invoice. This saves one from being provided with multiple bills and statements.
Navigate to the AT&T or DIRECTV website or open the myAT&T mobile application and sign in with your account. Under account settings, there will be an option to link your DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM accounts for billing integration.
If bundled together on a single bill, you can easily monitor all the services and pay only a single bill every month for both the satellite programming offered by DIRECTV and the new option called the DIRECTV STREAM.
This means that the overall price you will be paying will be for the DIRECTV satellite services that you require and the DIRECTV STREAM service that you need from DIRECTV will also be priced separately from each other. This is advantageous with regard to the preparation of the budgets.
Thus, the answer to the question of whether existing DIRECTV customers can subscribe to the new DIRECTV STREAM is a definite ‘yes. ’ DIRECTV STREAM enables you to watch television on other devices both at home and elsewhere. And the ability to combine billing also assists in making payment easier. What could be better than that?