Connection to internet

DirecTV does not require internet as is satellite service. You connect to internet for optional features, On Demand, Restart from Beginning, and ordering PPVs from the remote control.

DIRECTV STREAM requires internet as is a streaming-only TV service (think Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.). This is a separate TV provider from DirecTV, though also owned by AT&T.

So if I have Direct TV Satellite I cannot watch on my apps? Seriously? Or am I confused?

There is a DirecTV app for mobile devices (smart phone and tablet). Allows you some On Demand streaming on the go (in-country). Use the same user name and password as the DirecTV website.

Some individual channels have their own app that allows you more content based on who your TV provider is. When you log in on their apps it has you confirm what TV provider you have.

DirecTV DVRs do not have out-of-home streaming. So anything you have recorded can only be watched on the mobile device if it is connected to the same home internet that the DVR is connected to as that is in the same network. The satellite is a one-way transmission, so in-home streaming of DVR does need the home internet connection.

As a note, make sure not to connect your setup to a metered/data capped internet (mobile, hotspot, satellite, etc.). This is because with the initial download, and any bakcground updates, it has high risk of eating up your data allowance. 

Watch what on your apps? What apps? You can watch Directv on demand content using the Directv app on a phone or tablet. As noted above, your Directv receiver does not need to be connected to the internet but you don’t do “app streaming” through your Directv receiver.

I've been trying on my iphone and android tablet apps... always get the message "This channel not available in your selected package" But I know they are... I am watching on my home tvs on satellite.

I presume you mean the Directv app? Not all channels in your package are available to stream from the app. Can you stream any channel from the app?

none of the channels in the CHOICE package are working on the APPs

@jwchancey have you tried any troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the app, signing into your DIRECTV account again, or confirming that you have the latest version of the app?

Yes... many times.. also tried to create new user ID, tried rebooting sat rcvr... been fighting this for about a week now.... 8 hours + on phone tech support... many more than that on chat help..... still nothing.

Since you cannot fix the issue, I would recommend downloading the specific TV channel apps on the Play Store or App Store. Once the specific app is installed (i.e. SYFY app) you will sign into the app through TV provider, select DIRECTV, sign in with your credentials, and you should be able to enjoy a live stream of that specific channel as well as On Demand. This is only true for channels that support TV Everywhere functionality. Provide me with the channels that you regularly watch on your phone or iPad and I will tell you if this feature is supported.