Is DIRECTV through the Internet good?

DIRECTV through the Internet: It wasn’t bad at all.

Television is changing. The era when a viewer could only get a network’s entire slate of entertainment or sports programming from cable or satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV is gradually coming to an end. Recently, the trend of cord cutting where people have been canceling their traditional pay TV subscriptions to access television through internet-based services has been on the rise. But that does not make that tradition TV providers are out of business. Currently most of the major players are also evolving to fit into the streaming environment.

DIRECTV introduced an Internet-based service called DIRECTV Stream in recent years. But how does it rank? Is watching TV through the Internet via DIRECTV, worth your hard earned money? It is now time to delve into the specifics of what the service provides, how it functions, and the advantages as well as the disadvantages associated with it.

How DIRECTV Stream Works

DIRECTV Stream works in the same way as other live streaming TV services. It enables subscribers to watch live TV networks and television programs and movies libraries from various providers and streaming channels by connecting to the Internet on compatible devices. The service does not come with the need for a satellite dish which is a characteristic of DIRECTV. There are no contracts and commitments as well, which means that the users are free to cancel at any time they want.

The company offers a set of plans with various numbers of channels starting from $70 per month. For extra monthly charges, you can also select premium channels such as HBO Max and Starz. The service also allows you to watch live and recorded local channels in most regions as well. From your login you can have up to 20 supported devices connected at a time, be it streaming players or mobile devices, in-home or on-the-go.

So, What are the Advantages?

Another major reason to check out DIRECTV Stream is that it allows you to watch all your favorite live sports from DIRECTV without a long-term commitment and without having to install a satellite dish. You get to watch regional sports channels in your region together with other national channels such as ESPN that covers live games from both professional and college leagues in several major US sports.

Another advantage is the availability of a wide selection of local network affiliates in each of the territories. Some of the streaming services do not offer the local channels in every country or region that they cover. Therefore, if you desire your local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC stations to be streamed live, then DIR, ETV Stream can provide this in most places.

You will also be able to enjoy some of the special channels and apps that are available only through DIRECTV. This consists of; DIRECTV SportsNet for regional sports networks and 4k game broadcasts from Fox Sports through the DirecTV Stream App.

Another strength of DIRECTV Stream is its cloud DVR functionality. They are allowed to record as many hours as they want on storage for live TV shows and sports games to be watched later. It is better than services that have a more limited DVR policy in this regard. And lastly, DIRECTV Stream is compatible with almost any device or operating system — web browsers, smartphones and tablets, smart TVs and streaming players, game consoles, etc.

And the Cons?

Nevertheless, the most considerable disadvantage of DIRECTV Stream is the absence of 4K content except for some live sporting events and PPVs. Unlike some of its rivals like fuboTV or YouTube TV, there’s no 4K add-on option on DIRECTV Stream or 4K content available through the service. This can be unhelpful for those who want the highest quality video.

The DIRECTV Stream mobile apps are also unimpressive and users often encounter problems and app crashes when streaming on the go. As for channel packages, the basic Entertainment plan remains more expensive ($70 per month) than rivals such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, and others. That makes it a rather costly option for those who are primarily in search of entertainment rather than a plethora of sports.

Neither are there as many bundle options for the likes of HBO Max and Showtime either. No option to bundle in Discovery Plus, though some competitors do provide it.

So, Who is DIRECTV Stream For?

DIRECTV Stream is best for sports lovers especially those interested in local and regional team which require localized sports networks. If you are not as interested in sports but want all your local broadcast channels plus a large selection of news and entertainment across AMC, TNT, FX, USA and more, it’s still a great choice.

The benefits of DIRECTV Stream are less apparent for viewers with limited screen time or those with a primary focus on on-demand content. For them, it is possible that cheaper streaming services that offer less channels with more concentration on the major entertainment brands such as Philo with fewer channels or brand-specific standalone apps such as CBS All Access, Peacock, ESPN Plus, etc.

However, if you are looking for live sports in combination with a vast reservoir of live informational and entertainment networks for slightly higher monthly fee to the competitors, DIRECTV Stream will do just fine. It’s just that you have to expect a few hitches on the technical side now and then.

Conclusion

DIRECTV Stream provides cord cutters with national and local sports and comparable live and on-demand entertainment content in a single Internet streaming bundle. It transfers DIRECTV’s live sports streaming to Internet with the number of competitors in the streaming platform. For sports-hungry viewers who are not ready to cut the cord with cable and satellite TV services, it is a somewhat acceptable compromise. And with no contracts in place, customers can terminate the service at will if the technical inconveniences or the costs turn out to be a problem in the long run.