How do you watch two channels at once on DIRECTV?

This feature in DIRECTV means that you can watch two channels simultaneously using what they refer to as DoublePlay. This in a way helps you monitor two programs at the same time, without having to switch from one channel to the other. In fact, DoublePlay is easy to set up and operate with merely three simple steps required.

First of all, let me tell you that to take advantage of DoublePlay, you must have a correct DIRECTV receiver that is compatible with this service. As for compatibility with DoublePlay, most of the current generation of HD DVR and HD receivers do not pose compatibility issues. If you are still in doubt, have a look at the front of your receiver and look for a DoublePlay logo depicting two TV screens side by side.

For this step be sure that your receiver is compatible with the device and now sit back, take your remote control of DIRECTV and press the MIX button located above. This will open the Mix Channels window on your screen. Here, you see two rectangular boxes on the screen, which stands for two channels you will be watching.

The next step is choosing the two channels that you want to watch side by side. You are able to select certain channels with the number buttons on the remote or you are able to push the UP/DOWN arrows to go through the whole list of channels. When you select each channel, you will be able to see the video stream either in the left or right corner.

When you have your two preferred channels, press the ‘SELECT’ button on your remote control. This will ensure that those particular channels are specific for DoubLePlay viewing only. The channels will now appear side by side on your TV screen and you will be able to watch the video at the same time in both boxes.

Remember that in one channel, the audio will be live, and in the other, it will be turned off. The primary channel is usually characterized by a grey line bordering the video feed. To switch which of the two stations is highlighted, press the DOWN arrow on your remote, which will move the stations to the top and bottom of the screen.

When you are watching your two streams, you still have full control on your DVR from the remote. This means that either of the channels’ programming can be fast-forwarded, rewound or even paused just like in normal viewing. This makes you free to pause or rewind the session due to oversight or when you want to align yourself with the speaker.

In terms of how the screen is formatted, you have two choices available to you. By default, the two channels will be displayed in a split screen where the screen is divided vertically from top to bottom covering the whole area of your television. However, you can use the * key to switch directly to a horizontal side by side that is preferred by many. Press * again to step through the various formats of DoublePlay offered to you.

However, do note that DoublePlay does use additional bandwidth to stream two channels at once. Therefore, if you observe any video performance problems such as pixilation or freezing, you should disable DoublePlay and check if your problem is solved. The bandwidth can also vary depending on which channels you are using. For example local channels may require less bandwidth than high definition streams.

One of the features that can be found within the DoublePlay is the option to create your preferred channel combinations that you can watch. For instance, you may always wish to view a particular Sunday afternoon football match while at the same time monitoring another live sporting event. If you want to call up those two pre-set channels quickly, you can create a custom channel pairing in the Setup menu option.

All in all, the DoublePlay feature of DIRECTV is suitable in any instance in which the individual desires to view two live shows simultaneously. If you need to follow two games at once or watch news and your favorite sitcom, this feature will help you to do it. If the user has a compatible receiver, the setting up of DoublePlay is only a few button pushes on the remote. So next time you are torn between two TV shows or a show and a movie, use DoublePlay to ensure you do not miss a thing.