Do I need a receiver with WIFI for Directv Streaming?

Hi @smiller0922. Good question. Your DIRECTV STREAM device can ensure maximum functionality for our streaming service on your Smart TV. However, for an optimal streaming experience, a high-speed internet connection is required. Learn more about compatible streaming devices here Streaming devices compatible with DIRECTV | DIRECTV Support

I'm guessing you're asking about an audio/video receiver?  That device has nothing to do with your streaming video service. If your smart TV has a DirecTV app, then that  might be all you'll need. However, a stand alone device, like Roku, FireStick or DirecTV Stream box, will provide a better experience. 

To clarify, yes, I've got a dated audio/video receiver that my SmartTv is plugged into with HDMI cable. Right now, when I watch NFL Sunday Ticket thru YouTube on my SmartTv, it buffers very badly so I'm looking for a fix and hoping that Directv Stream will do the trick. The question is whether to work effectively and eliminate the buffering, do I also need to replace my old audio/video receiver? In this regard, when using Directv Stream box, does the HDMI from the TV go into the Stream box itself or does it still go directly into the audi/video receiver? And, yes, I've got high speed internet connection and WIFI throughout the house, although the router is upstairs and the TV is downstairs.

Thank you for clarifying. You do not need to change your current device as long as it is included in our list of compatible streaming devices provided in the link. Buffering problems may arise from an unstable internet connection, even if you have high-speed internet. We suggest reaching out to your Internet Service Provider for assistance. We have some fantastic offers just for you, and we are excited to have you join our family. Visit DIRECTV STREAM - Live Stream TV on Mobile & Streaming Devices for additional information.

Also, I see there's Directv Stream and Directv via internet stream. I've currently got a satellite, no ethernet/hard wire connection, and wifi signal is just OK. What is the best option? I presume whatever allows me to use satellite (as I live in LA with almost no weather issues) and internet connectivity could be better?? If so, is the Gemini Air device still an option?

@litzdog911 is correct, the DIRECTV streaming device cannot enhance the internet speed as it is only for streaming. You can download the DIRECTV App and start your free trial here DIRECTV STREAM - Live Stream TV on Mobile & Streaming Devices 

Shania, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Thx @DIRECTVhelp and i understand what you are saying but that doesn't really answer my questions in my last post, i.e., Directv Stream vs. Directv via internet given my current issues and that I have a satellite and my question about compatibility with Gemini Air

Gemini Air is exclusively available to those who subscribe to DIRECTV via Internet. If you choose to signup for DIRECTV STREAM, a compatible streaming device is all that is required. 

@smiller0922 - a stab at answering your question:

The 2 versions of DTV streaming service are DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet.  They are (as best I can tell) technically identical - they offer the same content plans, features, and supported devices (though I guess that could change at some point).  They differ in their business plans.

DirecTV Stream is the original streaming option.  It doesn't have a contract (it's month-to-month, cancel any time) or additional fees, but (as for anything else) there are generally taxes.  You can use any supported device, including the Gemini and Gemini Air, but DTV doesn't offer those to Stream subscribers.  (You can get them - generally used - from eBay and some other sources.) 

DirecTV via Internet is a newer offering that tries to provide a streaming service that is the same as the DirecTV satellite service.  IMO they aren't terribly successful, except for the business arrangements.  Technically (how the DVR works, other features, content packages, etc.) it is the same as Stream, but financially it is (roughly) the same as satellite.  That is, it has a 2 year contract (last I saw, with a 2 year price lock), a number of fees that match the satellite service, and usually comes with single Gemini Air device.  Additional devices can be leased from DTV.  You used to be able to buy them outright but I don't know if that is still true.

It is a little hard to compare the two from a cost point of view.  It varies a bit from package to package, but at "list" prices, Stream is cheaper in most if not all cases.  However, each service comes with some promos (sign up bonuses, discounts for several months, premium channels bundled free for some number of months, etc.) which makes direct comparison difficult, and via Internet comes with the streaming device, so you'd have to dig into the details to see which works better for you.

The Gemini device (and Air, which is the newer device in dongle format) will provide a more satellite-like experience.  It comes up in the service and behaves more like a satellite/cable set top box than the commodity streamers (that is, you don't get dumped into a device home page and need to start the DTV app), it supports direct channel access by channel number (no other device does), and a number of other shortcuts from the remote, which is closer to a satellite or cable remote than the commodity streamers have.  It also offers voice control for the service, which (I think) is also a feature none of the other devices offer.  Downsides: Air is WiFi only, has a somewhat more limited third-party app list than some devices (not everything in the Google Play store's Android TV list is available) though this has gotten much better over time, it may or may not become a doorstop if you drop the service (in theory no, in practice possibly), there are mixed reviews on its speed and picture quality (but many of the negative reports were early - the reported issues may have been overstated or may have been resolved), and you can only get them from DTV if you subscribe to the via Internet service.  As far as I know units bought from eBay, with a few caveats, work fine with either service.  The other supported devices work fine, but are a little (for some people, more than a little) less convenient to use.

(Note: DTV offers only via Internet on their home page, and their online reps seem to act like they are unaware Stream exists.  To get to the Stream page and offering, you need to go to https://streamtv.directv.com/.  As best I can tell, they no longer even have a link to there from the home page.)

Thanks @Jrandomuser appreciate the input on the different offerings. 

I actually don't think I was asking the right question. I currently have a built in surround sound system for our SmartTv that is hooked up through my older model a/v receiver (no WIFI, Bluetooth, etc) and my very old Genie box and my goal is to switch to either Directv Stream or Directv Stream via internet but still be able to use my existing a/v receiver and surround sound system. Also, I don't have a hard wire option so WIFI is my only option. So, my question is whether -- regardless of which streaming platform I go with -- I'll still be able to use my old a/v receiver for surround sound. I believe the answer is yes and that changing to a internet/wifi streaming device should have no impact since there's different cables running audio from the TV but just want to be sure I don't need to also purchase a new a/v receiver with wifi, etc.

Also, in terms of  the best options for the install, I presume I'm just plugging the streaming device directly into the TV HDMI port that currently is connected from the TV to the "monitor" port on the a/v receiver??

Again, being someone who is not technical, any input/advice is very much appreciated!

If you decide to switch to either DIRECTV via Internet and STREAM, you'll no longer be allowed to use your old genie receivers. You can only use either the DIRECTV streaming device or your compatible devices at home. 

Thanks @Jrandomuser .

All makes sense. Already have WIFI extenders all over the house and am having someone reconfigure everything next week to ensure better WIFI coverage throughout the house.