It seems that existing customers of DIRECTV also get access to this service; this is not entirely clear.
DIRECTV Stream is a new Live TV and Video on-Demand service from AT&T which delivers its content over the internet rather than through a satellite dish. This makes it possible for customers to view TV on a range of gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and streamers.
There is often a question about whether it is possible to subscribe to and use DIRECTV Stream if one already has DIRECTV satellite service. To answer the specific question of whether DIRECTV satellite customers can bundle with DIRECTV Stream, the answer is yes. But, let me explain a few things concerning how it operates.
Next, setting up DIRECTV Stream as an existing customer
For those who already have a DIRECTV satellite subscription in their residence, you can contact DIRECTV or log into your account to purchase DIRECTV Stream. It will appear as an additional package to your existing DIRECTV bill.
The subscription fee that you will pay for DIRECTV Stream will slightly vary depending on the channel package you wish to subscribe to. Pricing begins at $69. 99 per month for the Entertainment package that comes with 75+ channels. Choice package with 90+ channels costs $89. 99 per month, Ultimate package with 130+ channels costs $104. 99 per month and the Premier with 140+ channels costs $149. 99 per month.
There are also other options such as HBO Max, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax as well as cloud DVR space with no limit for an extra cost per month. Spanish-language packages are also offered.
Using DIRECTV Stream With DIRECTV Satellite
The advantage of adding DIRECTV Stream for existing satellite customers is that it allows streaming of your current DIRECTV channel lineup, in more places. For instance, you can view all the selected DIRECTV channels on your other gadgets such as mobiles, tablets, computers, or streaming players within and outside your home.
You can also use DIRECTV Stream boxes for other TVs in your home instead of using more satellite receivers. The streaming boxes connect to the HDMI port of the television to bring the DIRECTV video over the internet of your house.
That said, the DIRECTV Stream does not integrate with your satellite service in the way of sharing the same DVR. Programming recorded on your home satellite DVR does not port over to DIRECTV Stream and programming recorded on the device does not port over to your home satellite DVR. Therefore, you cannot pause a recording in one room and then resume watching it in another. However, DIRECTV Stream also provides free unlimited cloud DVR for recording streaming services.
One major difference between the two services is satellite has slightly more regional sports networks and local broadcast channels than Stream in some markets. Hence, the availability of channels can differ slightly.
Getting The Best DIRECTV Deal
However, since DIRECTV Stream is a different service, your existing contract and rates with DIRECTV are not applicable here. Adding Stream means that you are subscribed to whatever package you select at the normal monthly subscription fees.
Still, consumers subscribed to the satellite TV service of DIRECTV can sometimes obtain Stream when the company offers it with other packages at a lower rate due to a new contract. This involves agreeing to a two-year extension with DIRECTV but could end up paying less overall in the long run.
Combined savings between DIRECTV & Stream can shave $15-30 off your monthly bill if you sign up for both services individually. This discount amount depends on your location, your package level, and any promotions going on at the time. The only way to find out is by phoning the Direct TV customer care service and inquire on the available bundled price packages.
You can also go to the website of DIRECTV and engage the “Offers for existing customer” feature. This is the only way to find out what DIRECTV is willing to offer a discount, extra channel, free service or device upgrade if you agree to renew your contract with them. One of the benefits that could be included is adding DIRECTV Stream.
Leaving DIRECTV For DIRECTV Stream
While most people will want to combine DIRECTV satellite and Stream TV, you also have access to not use satellite at all and only use Stream TV.
Some customers with weather disruptions or satellite visibility problems might find internet delivered TV more reliable. Moreover, going streaming-only also saves on the extra regional sports fees as well as the monthly equipment fees of satellite.
But do remember that if you would decide to leave the directv satellite then that will entail early termination fees. Be sure to factor those costs into the equation if you are contemplating a switch.
In most regions where both services are offered, DIRECTV users can incorporate DIRECTV Stream to facilitate TV watching across more devices and locations. Customers should call DIRECTV for more information on combining the two services in one TV package.