No, a smart TV is not mandatory when subscribing to DirecTV. DirecTV is a satellite television service provider that delivers television content to homes through a satellite dish and a receiver. The dish captures signals from DirecTV satellites revolving around the globe and relays them to a box, which is connected to the TV. All that is required is a standard cable or satellite TV connection in the form of HDMI, component, compisite, or coaxial input, and a DirecTV receiver and programming is possible.
What is a Smart TV? Smart television also known as a connected television has a web browser and other Internet related applications which enables the television to navigate the internet on its own. This enables you to watch movies from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and many others without having to use any other gadgets. Some of the smart TVs have the abilities to browse the internet, have WiFi included, mirror the mobile screen, and voice commands.
Smart TV vs Satellite TV: Do You Need a Smart TV for Satellite TV? Satellite TV providers such as DirecTV broadcast their signals through satellite to a receiver; hence, it is not necessary to own a smart TV. The only stipulation is that the TV must have the appropriate ports to accommodate the cables from the satellite receiver. HDMI is available in most TVs, but some older models connect using component, composite, or coaxial inputs. If there is any way possible to transmit the signal from the receiver to the television, then one can watch DirecTV programming.
The usage of DirecTV with a smart TV Well if you do own a smart television, you can definitely integrate it with your direct TV services. In the process of connecting your satellite receiver, you are just using the smart TV as a monitor. It also implies that all the contents, program guide, DVR system, and even satellite reception are made through DirecTV’s receiver system. The TV simply shows the signal that passes through the ports.
Another benefit of connecting DirecTV to a smart TV is even more access to streaming apps in one location. If you are able to set up your Internet connection on the smart TV and also connect the receiver, then you are able to getting DirecTV satellite programming as well as all the smart apps that are already installed on the TV such as Netflix and YouTube and use only one remote.
Is it Necessary to Have an HD TV for DirecTV? If you are going to appreciate the picture quality and the range of programs that are offered by DirecTV, you will need an HDTV. DirecTV broadcasts most of its programming in high definition, thus it would be wise to make sure that the home entertainment system has an HDTV. Without one, standard definition programming will not appear as crisp as they do now.
Some of the smart TVs have the feature of HD integration inbuilt in them. However, HD-ready televisions have been present for a much longer time compared to smart TVs have. Therefore, there must be HDTVs that do not fall under the smart TVs category, but which will still offer excellent picture quality for DirecTV content.
Other Equipment Required for DirecTV In addition to a compatible television, here is some of the other key gear you will need for a complete DirecTV satellite setup:In addition to a compatible television, here is some of the other key gear you will need for a complete DirecTV satellite setup:
Satellite Dish A small dish that is fixed on your home is responsible for receiving signals from those satellites in space commonly referred to as the DirecTV satellites. The dish is coupled to a coaxial cable that relays signals inside to the receiver.
Receiver This is the box that receives signals from the satellite dish then and transmits video signals to the TV set and audio signals to the speaker. Some models are more equipped with features such as HD and DVR capabilities than others.
Coaxial cables carry data throughout your satellite system including the dish and the receiver, TV, receiver to the internet and so on, while high speed HDMI cables should be used for the best sound and vision.
Special Features The features that are beyond the DirecTV base package include multiple Receivers for other rooms, DVR service for taping programs, advanced remotes, Visual Voicemail, Internet Connection among others.
Is DirecTV Offered for Mobile Devices Such as Smartphones and Tablets? DirecTV not only provides content for televisions but also the options to watch live channels and shows on demand through applications for mobile devices and computers. The DirecTV app enables one to view approved content on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices with internet connectivity. This allows customers to watch TV anytime they want on the go and use either WiFi or mobile data to do so.
While DirecTV satellite service has a requirement of a receiver and television equipment, its programming is available on mobile devices via the app. It enables customers to watch shows at their convenient either at home or wherever they are at any time. All one has to do is simply create an account with DirecTV online and then log into the website to view available content.
Satellite TV with Streaming = One of the benefits smart TVs afford is a simple search of all types of content. While DirecTV satellite service provides some of the programming, streaming apps unlock libraries of movies, shows, music, etc. Combining satellite TV service with streaming service presents to the customers hundreds of programs that would meet anyone’s entertainment requirements without having to toggle between devices and inputs. This is achieved when everything is done through one TV and gives the much-needed unity.
Therefore, whether it is the latest hit show on HBO, a movie on Netflix, a live sports event on ESPN or what a new YouTube viral video your friends are buzzing about on social media, a smart TV with DirecTV satellite service connected gives you the complete package of live and on-demand entertainment. Integrating satellite, streaming and smart technology is the best way of achieving the best television experience.