Streaming in browser is horrible

We understand your frustration, @sidebyside. The DIRECTV video stream resolution may be limited to comply with certain technical and security parameters that are required of DIRECTV by our content providers. Thanks for your understanding. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Team

@DIRECTVhelp what standards changed in the past month or so? Why can other platforms stream at a high quality bitrate/resolution but now DirectTV is severely limited. The stream is virtually unwatchable.

This was a recent change implemented to meet requirements, which only affects web browsers. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Team

@DIRECTVhelp so, this is a permanent change then? A significant downgrade in service? It doesn't seem like this is very viable use of a product then. Why is it apparently reported to be working on Apple computers using Safari (it is what I have read, I do not have access to a Apple PC to test)

Safari users are exempt because of their built-in security features. Only affected browsers are those that are Chromium-based, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, etc. Mohammad, DIRECTV Community Team

I thought that Firefox uses the Gecko engine, not Chromium/Blink, so it would not be affected by this new limitation. But it appears it is too.

@BobL3364 yeah. That just underlines they aren't explaining this properly, or they don't understand what actually the problem is. In the end, they are clearly kneecapping the use/support of browser viewing so I will be shopping elsewhere.

We'd like you to stay. If you need help, contact us at https://www.directv.com/customer-service. Mohammad, DIRECTV Community Team

Then why is the streaming quality just fine if using the content providers' own streaming services (e.g. ESPN or Fanduel Sports Network) in Chrome, using my DIRECTV Stream login? Why would they require DTV to lower the quality on certain browsers but don't limit it on their own service?

This sounds like a cop-out instead of fixing the actual issue for paying customers.

And as someone else mentioned, Firefox is not Chromium-based and as such should not be affected.

@DIRECTVhelp I'd like to stay as well. And I did contact support before posting here and they gave me more or less the same explanation/excuses. It makes zero sense as @civrock said. None of the customers I've seen with this complaint are understanding the situation at all. And we've, in essence, had a significant portion of the product pulled out from under us without a warning or a valid, detailed explanation.

I watch on my PC also, this is unacceptable.    Try to watch a lacrosse game on ESPN, you cannot even see the ball.    I chose Directv Stream when I left DTV satellite due to the 1080p on all platforms.   It was THE game changer for me.   I keep waiting on the image to snap to complete resolution, but it never does.   I have also called about this and got the run around.   I have tried other browsers and have a full gig internet service.   The issue is not on my end.   

I have been trying to figure this out for days.  I am glad I am not the only one with this problem.  The browser thing is a joke.  I use firefox and it is not chromium based.  Firefox on my tablet is excellent.  Only on my pc's is this a problem.  I just upgraded my monitor and my new video card is coming tomorrow.  Not that I think these new pieces will solve the problem, but I want to see.

i just  spoke with their support and got the same run around-- "it's your internet speed (i have 1gig up/down) and have been using a new PC with chrome, now the resolution looks like its 480 or MAYBE 720  AT BEST. They are lying ... nothing has changed on my end as far as set up wise.. this is a slap to the face for users that stream using a computer as their device. (Edited per community guidelines)

It is most definitely not internet speed. What I did find out is the problem is your equipment. I got a new monitor and video card and my picture is crystal clear now.  It was not a cheap fix.

It has nothing to do with monitor or video card. DIRECTV Stream is intentionally limiting the streaming quality (bitrate/resolution) in certain browsers, with a cop-out of a statement as their reason, regardless of internet speed or any other factors on the consumer's end. This is entirely on DIRECTV Stream.