Does DIRECTV STREAM have the same channels as DIRECTV?

DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV are two satellite TV services, but they are not the same thing. DIRECTV is a satellite TV service that will need a satellite dish at your home to receive signals. DIRECTV STREAM is an online streaming service that is similar to AT&T TV, which was formerly known as AT&T TV, and which offers many of the same channels through the internet without requiring a satellite dish.

Due to some differences in channel offering between the satellite version of DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM, there are some channels that are available on one but not the other. In this article, however, we will have a look at the channel lineups so that you can know what to expect once you make the switch.

Number of Channels DIRECTV has over 295 channels in its programming list that includes entertainment, news, sports, family & kids, variety, music, and many others. DIRECTV STREAM provides its customers with a range of from 65 to 140+ channels with the help of their packages. Therefore, DIRECTV certainly offers more variety of channels in total.

Entertainment & News Channels You will find that many of the channels that are available for the popular entertainment and news channels such as ESPN, FX, CNN, MSNBC, HGTV, and many more are similar whether you take the DIRECTV or the DIRECTV STREAM. Local channel availability does differ by location, but both the plans do want to offer local network stations if they can. Another positive aspect for DIRECTV is that they have more regional sports networks associated with professional and college sports teams in your area.

Premium Channels DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM both offer Dynamo+ packages with additional premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax. The only difference is that DIRECTV also includes EPIX and STARZ Encore as Premiums. Consumers can watch premiums on more devices with the help of DIRECTV STREAM.

Sports Packages DIRECTV is more popular for its sports programs which have the NFL Sunday Ticket popular among others including MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice which are offered in different packages. DIRECTV STREAM does not provide the other ones and it is only available for NBA League Pass. DIRECTV also has more regional sports networks. DIRECTV STREAM also allows subscribers to stream games in more locations.

Number of Simultaneous Streams Satellite DIRECTV has a limit to the number of devices you can stream simultaneously per account, and this is where DIRECTV STREAM has it better. DIRECTV STREAM enables simultaneous streaming on 20 devices depending on the package, while with DIRECTV, you can only watch content on a few TVs connected to satellite receivers. It also offers more versatility in the areas of your home where you can watch it.

DVR Functionality DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM both offer DVR options to enable you to record your favorite shows and watch them again. That is all, but remember that DVR recordings on the DIRECTV STREAM are cloud-based, while on the other hand, DIRECTV is saved on a satellite DVR box. DIRECTV for instance is usually able to store more hours of recordings than its competitors. Basic playback functionality is similar on both services since they are used interchangeably in this comparison.

Installation Process Another distinct difference between the two services is the equipment used and the process that comes with its installation. Using DIRECTV satellite service involves installation of satellite dish equipment on the roof or balcony of the building. DIRECTV STREAM is an app-based streaming that you do not need any extra hardware or installation support, you can sign up on the Internet and begin streaming right away.

Internet Connection Requirements Unlike satellite service from DIRECTV, you’ll need a good, fast, and stable internet connection for the DIRECTV STREAM. DIRECTV listed at least 8Mbps per stream as the preferred minimum speed for channel access. Satellite might be more reliable if you reside in a rural area that has low internet connection speeds. DIRECTV STREAM does allow you to watch anywhere with an internet connection, whereas satellite can only be viewed at your residence.

Weather Related Reliability DIRECTV satellite depend on southern sky satellite signals and therefore need to be free from obstacles. The signal may sometimes be disrupted by heavy rains or even snow though it is very rare. In terms of streaming feeds, DIRECTV STREAM has the advantage of being able to wait out bad weather. However, if weather disrupts your home’s internet connection completely, clearly, neither service will be functional until the connection is back online.

Video & Audio Quality As for the difference in picture and sound quality between DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM, it can be noted that both platforms broadcast high-definition video signals. A live TV through the DIRECTV STREAM can also be seen to be slightly delayed compared to DIRECTV depending on internet connection. Both let you adjust the stream quality to get the best picture possible, but internet speed determines this for the DIRECTV STREAM.

Accessibility Nevertheless, DIRECTV STREAM has some accessibility benefits over DIRECTV. Some of the content has visual description narration tracks to help the visually impaired. The DIRECTV STREAM interface also features larger text sizes than the previous app. It is challenging to read text and menus on a TV from a distance, for instance, from across the room.

Supported Devices DIRECTV restricts you to watch its programmes on your television set by using a compatible DVR or client receiver box. DIRECTV STREAM does have apps for popular mobile devices, smart TVs, media players, and web browsers—so it gives you more freedom. DIRECTV also has some streaming capability through apps and through its service called DIRECTV Everywhere.

Price In this aspect, it can be challenging to compare the DIRECTV vs DIRECTV STREAM costs. DIRECTV has a two-year contract besides equipment charges and installation expenses. DIRECTV STREAM does not have contracts or equipment fees; however, the starting price is higher. The overall costs, on average, can be equalized over the 1st year of the cooperation. However, as DIRECTV has been mentioned before, it often becomes cheaper in the long run. DIRECTV STREAM does provide promo pricing frequently but it’s usually for a shorter period of time.

It is our belief that the material provided above will give you sufficient insight into what you can anticipate from the streaming service known as DIRECTV STREAM against the backdrop of the more conventional satellite service under the same brand. Although it offers far less channels and sports, the upside is the similar TV programming much more conveniently streamed over the Internet to more devices at once – and potentially for less money upfront. It is particularly important to see all the channel and package offerings if you are planning to switch from one service provider to another.