Pixelated and glitchy

What device are you using? DirecTV Stream is very data demanding and need a very good signal to operate efficiently. How far are you from your router? Have you restarted your device and router?

Sony smart television

15 feet maybe

Yes

None of the other streaming apps on that TV have an issue

Sony smart television

So using the smart TV app instead of a dedicated device? If so, that is most likely the problem. They don't work well with DIRECTV STREAM. It is suggested to use Roku, Firestick, the DIRECTV STREAM box (has more traditional remote as well), etc. instead.

There are a lot of issues with the apps for Smart TV's. Most users have learned to go with true streaming devices like Roku and Fire Sticks. The embedded apps for Smart TV are usually under powered and poorly written. Also, comparing other on-demand streaming services to live-streaming services is like apples and oranges. Total different content delivery. Always use an external device. The devices are more powerful and support more apps. They also get more frequent updates. At some point, the TV makers just quit supporting in lieu of selling newer TV's (their business).

I've been watching MASN on DirecTV (channel 640) for 8+ years since moving to NC. It has occasionally been glitchy and pixelated, but for almost a week now it sometimes freezes and I get a message to "Keep Watching" via something-Saver, a streaming option. Selecting that option, however, brings up a message that the content owner has blacked it out in my area. Why is this suddenly happening when I haven't done anything different from what I've done to watch Orioles games for 8+ years?

Are you referring to DirecTV Satellite or DirecTV Stream service? They are 2 different subscription services. What devices are you using?