How does DIRECTV work without a satellite dish?

DIRECTV without a Satellite Dish

DIRECTV is mainly associated with satellite television that uses a satellite dish at the customer’s premises to receive signals. However, DIRECTV also provides a broadband version of their television service known as DIRECTV Stream that does not necessitate a satellite dish. DIRECTV Stream is not a satellite-based service, it broadcasts live television, and program on demand over the internet.

How DIRECTV Stream Works

To access DIRECTV Stream, the only requirement is having internet access and a streaming device such as a smart television, streaming stick, or smartphone. None of the satellite equipment needs to be installed. Here is a closer look at how it works:Here is a closer look at how it works:

Internet Connection

The minimum essential for accessing DIRECTV Stream is an internet connection through cable, DSL, or fiber. DIRECTV suggests that the internet connection should have a speed of at least 8 Mbps for optimum experience and higher speeds provide better quality video stream. The service adjusts the quality of the video stream depending on the amount of bandwidth that is available.

Streaming Device

Apart from the internet connection, you will also require a compatible device that will enable you to stream the content to the television. DIRECTV Stream is available on a variety of streaming platforms and devices including:DIRECTV Stream is available on a variety of streaming platforms and devices including:

Android TVs – Selected models of LG, Samsung, Sony, VIZIO and other TV brands include the DIRECTV app and provide the full channel schedule and functionality. Media players – Watch DIRECTV on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4K, and Google Chromecast. Smartphones and tablets – Watch and stream DIRECTV on any iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet using the mobile application.

DIRECTV Stream Box

DIRECTV Stream also has their own Media Streaming Device for those who want a more dedicated streaming device built solely for the service. This is a 4K streaming box which has a voice remote and uses a skin that is developed for the DIRECTV Stream experience.

DIRECTV Stream App

DIRECTV app brings to your streaming devices the live, on-demand, and recorded content libraries. Within the app, there are all subscribed package channels available to watch, the simultaneous streaming feature, the shared watchlist, and recommendations based on personal preferences, and much more. It has similar functionality as offered by the satellite service that they own.

No Hardware Installation

Another advantage of dumping satellite and going for DIRECTV Stream is that there are no appointments for installing the hardware or mounting a dish on the outside of your house. If you don’t have the satellite equipment, it is self-installation that simply involves connecting to the Internet and signing into or downloading the DIRECTV app to enable streaming to your devices.

Cloud DVR Storage

There is no investment in in-home equipment needed, but your account includes the Cloud DVR as a part of DIRECTV Stream. This means that it can record and store up to 20 hours of your favorite shows and movies in their cloud servers other than a local broadcast DVR. After recordings have been done, they can be accessed from any other internet connected compatible device that is logged into your account.

Watch on Multiple Devices

It is convenient to take the subscribed channels and recordings in DIRECTV Stream anywhere with internet access as opposed to satellite delivery. It allows you to register up to 20 mobile devices in one account and broadcast up to 3 devices at a time. Thus, the whole household is able to watch its own programmes either as separate individuals or together on multiple devices.

Access DIRECTV Libraries

DIRECTV packages offer an On-Screen Guide where the customer can watch the programs that were aired during the past several minutes, hours or days. There is also a collection of signature programming and exclusives only available through DIRECTV. It is worth knowing that all this premium content is available with your monthly TV subscription; there is no need to download any additional streaming services.

No Contract Requirements

Although their satellite TV service entails signing a 2-year deal, DIRECTV Stream user accounts do not have the same term. This adds more flexibility to alter your programming or opt out as the need arises without the tag of extra charges of early termination fees. Nevertheless, they occasionally offer some of the streaming devices free of charge but they come with the condition that the user has to subscribe to a particular service for a certain duration.

How DIRECTV Stream Stacks Up to Satellite DIRECTV

DIRECTV Stream has most of the live channels, along with live programming, premium content libraries, advanced features, and other perks that come with satellite service. And without equipment, it offers more freedom in terms of how all of these things can be obtained. However, there are some differences:However, there are some differences:

Channel Availability – DIRECTV Stream provides nearly all the same entertainment, news, and sports as satellite DIRECTV but provides a few less niche and local channels. Video Quality – Picture quality is a function of internet speeds and bandwidth more than satellite delivery. When the network congestion is high in your region, the video quality may be reduced to enhance streaming. Advanced Abilities – Some things such as 4K HDR programming, the number of simultaneous streams, and the amount of recordings storage are at the moment less than satellite. However, as an internet-based platform, DIRECTV Stream’s features and channel offerings can be enhanced on a regular basis. Weath er Interference – Unlike satellite-based television services where transmission from space can be affected by severe weather conditions, DIRECTV Stream is delivered over the internet and as such is not easily affected by bad weather. So long as you have a good broadband connection, the access should remain constant. Accessibility – Although satellite dishes can be placed virtually anywhere, DIRECTV Stream depends on your location being within an internet service provider’s coverage area. It may not be available in areas that are considered more rural or in remote locations.

Making the Switch

Many of the present DIRECTV satellite customers will find transitioning to DIRECTV Stream as easy as switching their account as it doesn’t require the termination of the previous service or the use of something completely new. DIRECTV Stream packages start from $69. 99 per month, and both loyal customers and new subscribers can create an optimal and more home TV solution by adding the options of premium channels and Cloud DVR space.