Can you just stream DIRECTV?

Is there a possibility that you can just stream DIRECTV?

Watching live television online has gained immense popularity in the recent past. Platforms such as Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sling TV and others let you watch live TV channels over the internet with no need to subscribe to cable or satellite. This leads many to ask – can I stream DIRECTV too?

The answer is both yes and no as DIRECTV provides a streaming service but they are mainly a satellite television service that will utilise a satellite dish and a receiver. Here is what you need to know about streaming DIRECTV:Here is what you need to know about streaming DIRECTV:

DIRECTV Stream

Yes, the DIRECTV does offer an internet TV streaming service, known as DIRECTV Stream. DIRECTV Stream is a platform that allows you to watch live TV channels of DIRECTV over the internet without having to install a satellite dish.

DIRECTV Stream has packages such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier with 65+ live TV channels up to 140+ channels considering the package type. Other options include local channels and regional sports networks depending on the user’s location. They support streaming on up to 20 devices in your home and you are not bound to any annual contracts or any other additional fees.

So in that sense, yes you can “stream” DIRECTV by subscribing to an online TV streaming service known as DIRECTV Stream. It is a web-based version of the DIRECTV channel listing that is delivered through the World Wide Web.

However, that is a different thing from the conventional DIRECTV satellite television service which is still the largest subscriber base of the company. They are marketed as a separate product under the name of DIRECTV Stream, but it requires a separate subscription.

Limitations of Streaming DIRECTV

While DIRECTV Stream provides a streaming version of DIRECTV, there are some limitations to the streaming service compared to the traditional satellite platform:While DIRECTV Stream provides a streaming version of DIRECTV, there are some limitations to the streaming service compared to the traditional satellite platform:

1. Less programming options - DIRECTV satellite has more than 295+ programming choices as opposed to a maximum of 140 from DIRECTV Stream. Some niche and specialty channels that are not available on the streaming platform include the following.

2. No 4K HDR – DIRECTV satellite has 4K HDR programming that is not yet offerd through streaming services. As of now, DIRECTV Stream has a maximum resolution of 1080p HD quality.

3. Internet service cannot be bundled with the streaming service – While you can easily combine DIRECTV satellite service with an AT&T internet connection, you cannot do that with the streaming service.

4. No NFL Sunday Ticket– The highly requested NFL Sunday Ticket package is still exclusive to the traditional satellite television service of DIRECTV and not to the streaming service of DIRECTV Stream.

   As you will see, you can get a watered-down version of it via DIRECTV Stream but that does not mean everything you get with satellite TV is available there. Despite this, there are still some perks of the classic DIRECTV satellite service that this one can’t offer.

   Streaming DIRECTVSatellite TV

   For most existing DIRECTV customers with the satellite dish setup, you can utilize some streaming capabilities to supplement your existing satellite service:For most existing DIRECTV customers with the satellite dish setup, you can utilize some streaming capabilities to supplement your existing satellite service:

5. DIRECTV App – DIRECTV mobile application is available to stream on devices such as Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and many others. The app enables you to watch your content from the DIRECTV satellite service on these other devices in your home. However, you still require the fundamental satellite service for this app to be functional.

6. On Demand programming – Additional streaming devices like the listed below enable You to stream DIRECTV on demand movies shows and programming by signing into the DIRECTV app using the satellite account. This increases the total number of Directv On Demand programs that you can view from TVs in the house.

7. Streaming of Live TV content – Some of the live TV content on the DIRECTV satellite service can be viewed by its subscribers outside the home via the DIRECTV app, though the number of channels available is limited, particularly depending on the market. It does however afford you some capability to stream live news and sports outside the house as a satellite subscriber.

   However, similar to what has already been seen, this is complementary to the basic satellite service. Still, to enjoy such streaming perks, you require a DIRECTV satellite dish and subscription. It is not a substitute for the satellite itself and does not offer all the services provided by the satellite.

   So to answer the initial question, yes DIRECTV does stream content now but this is through the relatively new service called DIRECTV Stream, which is an internet TV service. Nonetheless, the streaming service has some drawback when compared with Directv satellite, therefore, many customers prefer satellite dish over this streaming service due to better channel offers, 4K HDR and cost saving through bundling. Be sure to compare services while making preparations to cut the cord!