What is difference between DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM are two satellite TV services that are provided by the company AT&T. They have some similarities but are quite distinct in terms of how they bring TV programs straight into your home.

What is DIRECTV?

DIRECTV is a conventional satellite broadcaster that has been in operation since the mid-1990s. To be able to access this service, one has to install a satellite dish on the roof or any raised area of the compound with a clear view of the sky in the southern direction. This satellite dish is linked to a receiver that is placed indoors to enable you to view the DIRECTV channels on your television.

Some key things to know about DIRECTV satellite service:

• Satellite dish comes with professional installation whereby the dish is usually fixed on your roof. It can be an eyesore to some homeowners and they will do all they can to avoid preparing the dish.

• Provision of a very large number of channels in all categories, sporting events, movies, news, and so on. ENTERTAINMENT is their basic package while there is the PREMIER package with over 340 channels.

• Video quality is high with images captured in up to 4K HDR for those who have compatible TVs or receivers. This leads to sharp and bright picture quality, especially for sporting events and movies.

• Works perfectly when used with the latest Genie HD DVR receiver. Allows you to schedule five recordings while you view a sixth show that has already been recorded. It has over 200 hours of high-definition storage.

• They also prefer to have contracts last for 2 years to gain the best pricing in terms of upgrades and installations of hardware. In the case where you choose to cancel the services before the completion of the agreed contract, then you will be subjected to early termination fees.

• Bundles are available if you’re also interested in AT&T internet service and wireless phone options. As with most satellite TV providers, bundled pricing can provide better prices than single-product DIRECTV.

What is DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM was introduced in 2021 as a rebranding of AT&T TV NOW. DIRECTV STREAM is more of an internet-based service as it transmits live television programs through the internet as opposed to through satellite. This simply means that you enjoy a service with the name DIRECTV STREAM on media players, smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile devices and not in a satellite box.

Some key things to know about DIRECTV STREAM internet TV service: Some key things to know about DIRECTV STREAM internet TV service:

• There are no external satellite dishes that need to be installed in this system. All that is required is to create an account and begin streaming your channels via the DIRECTV STREAM app or website.

• Although it has fewer channels than satellite DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM provides popular cable networks, including news, sports, movies, kids’ shows, and others. Pricing starts from the Entertainment package which offers 130+ channels and goes up to the Ultimate package. They have local channels depending on the zip code of the area one is located.

• Resolution quality increases up to 1080p Full HD which is lower compared to 4K HDR satellite resolution. However, for many people who watch TV, 1080p provides still very good image quality.

• Cloud DVR gives you the ability to watch 20 hours of the shows recorded in the cloud so that you can watch them later. You can choose to pay more to have no limit on the hours of recordings that you make with the DVR. Other features such as the ability to pause Live TV are also valuable additions to the cloud DVR.

• Non-Contractual service provision: There are no long-term contracts with clients. DIRECTV STREAM is a month-to-month service so there is no long-term commitment and the user can cancel whenever they want to. No early termination fees.

Comparing Plans and Packages

DIRECTV and the new service, DIRECTV STREAM, are both structured with tiered channel options. Here is how the plans compare between traditional satellite DIRECTV and streaming DIRECTV STREAM services: Here is how the plans compare between traditional satellite DIRECTV and streaming DIRECTV STREAM services:

DIRECTV Packages:

• ENTERTAINMENT – 155+ channels at the price of $69. 99/month.

• CHOICE – 185 + channels for 84. 99$ per month

• ULTIMATE – 250+ channels for $94. 99/month

• PREMIER – 340+ channels at $139. 99/month

DIRECTV STREAM Packages:

• ENTERTAINMENT - 65+ channels for $69. 99/month

• CHOICE – 90+ channels for $89. 99 per month

• ULTIMATE - This package is available at $104. 99per month with over 130+ channels.

• Additional packages also can be added which are paid and include services like HBO Max, Showtime, etc.

The DIRECTV satellite is also superior in the aspect of packages where the company has more channels and packages for sports, movies, and general entertainment. However, DIRECTV STREAM still offers a good number of standard cable networks at affordable prices. It is therefore advantageous that DIRECTV STREAM has no contracts, meaning that you can swap packages every month or just cancel them.

Pros and Cons Comparison

To recap the key positives and downsides of each service: To recap the key positives and downsides of each service:

DIRECTV Satellite Pros:

• Widest channel selection

• Fourk HDR has impeccable picture quality.

• Advanced Genie DVR boasts many tuners, and hours of storage Cons:

• Contractual agreements and termination charges

• Professional installation required

• Nobody wants a satellite dish in their home because it is an eyesore.

DIRECTV STREAM Pros:

• No contract or installation

• Get more with many devices

• Comes with 20 hours of cloud DVR functionality. Cons:

• Limited channel packages

• Max resolution 1080p HD

• Extra charges for DVR upgrades

Which is Better For You?

All in all, DIRECTV satellite is perfect for passionate sports lovers who desire the largest number of options and the best video quality. DIRECTV STREAM is best for customers who are not interested in the bundled services and want more streaming flexibility with fewer channels. Consider the channel requirements, the need for the best picture quality, whether contracts and equipment problems are acceptable, and whether you need cloud DVR to determine which AT&T TV is right for your home. So, hopefully, this full comparison helps you choose between traditional DIRECTV satellite or online streaming, DIRECTV STREAM, on your TV entertainment.

Looking for top-quality entertainment? Contact us today at  (469) 213-7481 and enjoy Satellite TV at its finest!