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New Member

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25 Messages

Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 3:06 AM

Direct tv satellite vs direct tv streaming

Which is best, Direct TV streaming or Direct TV satellite. 

we are elderly, and not sure we could navigate the streaming option. But on the other hand, we KNOW that streaming is the new way. ATT no longer supports the Uverse that we have. Lack of support, high prices, have forced a change. 
A change we didn't want. So what I'm getting at, is we want to update to whatever is newest, so we don't have to update again for many years!  We dislike updates and change very much. Thank you for any feedback please. 

Accepted Solution

ACE - New Member

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5.2K Messages

2 years ago

DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV satellite both have their pros and cons.

The pros of DIRECTV satellite are that you don’t need high speed internet for fast and reliable satellite TV, you can bring your TV ANYWHERE you go with a portable dish setup (i.e. camp, RV, boat, SUV), all recordings do not have an expiration date being that they were recorded via satellite, there are features like PiP (not on HS17 newest receiver), and the remote in my

opinion is much easier to use for most people than DIRECTV STREAM.

The pros of DIRECTV STREAM are that there are no extra fees (DVR fee, HD fee, advanced receiver fee, TV access fee) so your bill is less expensive than if you went the DIRECTV satellite route. Additionally, you don’t pay extra for each additional streaming device (DTV satellite requires $7 for each additional TV), there is no price hike the second year, your TV won’t go out in inclement weather, and DIRECTV STREAM is overall more ‘portable’ as far as phones, tablets, and streaming devices than DIRECTV satellite is. 

Now, for the cons. DIRECTV satellite does go out in bad weather, it requires coax to be run to each receiver (unless of course wireless Genie mini clients), you must have a dish mounted to your home or ground to receive service, there are extra fees as stated before, there is a price hike the second year, and all equipment is leased so it must be returned upon cancellation.

DIRECTV STREAM requires a good internet connection at every streaming device (poor connection results in buffering, audio and video issues, pixelating, etc.), you must purchase a streaming device like a Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or DIRECTV STREAM Osprey Box at every location, some channels like NFL network aren’t offered on DIRECTV STREAM, and your recordings have an expiration date so they don’t last ‘forever’ as do on DIRECTV satellite. 

New Member

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25 Messages

2 years ago

Oh my goodness! You are my angel of the day and my new best friend. It's like you read my mind! As to what I wanted to know to help me with my agonizing decision. Hubby and I are getting elderly, change does not come easy. 

You answered everything I was thinking about, and more. 
we have the old u-verse set up, it is phasing out, so support is iffy at best, price is high. We cannot afford it. 
We had no idea that direct tv was just gonna ship these boxes to us, with no install help. Well, I knew the boxes were coming, but I thot if I told customer service we were both disabled, they send help.  That's a big fat NO. 

Anyway, not shocked. Just do not really want to unhook my Uverse alone, and set up new, without some help. I will manage somehow. 

Thank you so much!  
Lastly, we are wondering what the Home Screen looks like, wish we could preview it before I disable my Uverse set up. Hubby will not be very comfortable if it looks like my Roku screen does. We are used to the old fashioned way, menu, guide....that sort of thing. 
do you have DTV Streaming? Are you able to screenshot your Home Screen, we're interested specifically in the home view that shows channel options. 
I know heaven is smiling in you today, for helping me and taking the time to write all of that. You are my hero! 🦸‍♂️

ACE - Expert

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20.8K Messages

2 years ago

DTV satellite is installed by a tech that brings the needed parts.

New Member

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1 Message

2 years ago

Hi! I just ordered DTV streaming service for my elderly parents who are 91 and 84. We currently have DTV satellite service but, like you, I know that streaming is the way of the future.    I ordered a DTV streaming device for each TV because the remote control has a number pad. I do not think my parents would adapt well with the Roku or fire stick. The DTV streaming remote is similar to what they currently use and will allow them to select a channel using the number keypad.

I watched several videos before making the decision to order DTV streaming. I have included a link to a very helpful video that shows the DirecTV streaming device, the remote that comes with it, and what the guide looks like as well as what features/functions are available. I hope this helps answer your question about what the guide looks like on the screen.  The DTV streaming device costs $120 which you can pay up front or in installments. They also offer refurbished devices for about $50. Happy streaming!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dd2Q6PxRCVnY&ved=2ahUKEwiugYW-upD5AhXwlmoFHeJAAKcQz40FegQIJBAe&usg=AOvVaw2htT_mWW0G-M4q1b2DFIuM

New Member

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25 Messages

2 years ago

Detuch,

I understand most of what you were

saying.  Except, when you talked about the

pros of streaming, you said that one must have a Roku or

streaming device. I have a Roku. But I don’t understand why one would have to have it for DTV streaming? Not even sure what DTV is though. 
I have not had the chance to hook up the devices they sent me. The unit/box that was inside is

SO small compared to previous boxes, it’s just super tiny! Is my DVR inside that tiny box also? 

I am super nervous about unhooking my u-verse TV setup! Were so comfortable with it. 😰

New Member

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25 Messages

2 years ago

Why do you say that one needs a

Roku?  Can’t we have DTV streaming without a Roku? I guess part of my problem here, is that I have no idea how DTV works. Yet anyway. I happen to have a

roku, and the m kinda

wondering why I need DTV. EXCEPT that hubby, relies on his favorite channels. Tv is

all he’s got, he’s homebound. 

I haven’t done my hook up. Afraid to disconnect u-verse; we’ve depended on it for so many years. Thank you. 

ACE - New Member

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5.2K Messages

2 years ago

@Rondam66 DIRECTV STREAM is an over the top (OTP) streaming service that uses your internet connection to deliver live TV. Because of this, you’ll need a compatible device. You can think of it as having DIRECTV satellite but needing a DIRECTV receiver in order to enjoy the service. 

You stated that you already have a Roku, and that’s great! All you need to do is go to the Roku Store, install the DIRECTV STREAM application, launch it, enter your credentials (once signed up), and you’ll be good to go!

Here’s an image of what DIRECTV STREAM looks like: 

https://www.directv.com/support/stream/article/KM1222544/

ACE - Expert

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2K Messages

2 years ago

Can’t we have DTV streaming without a Roku?

@Rondam66 Here’s a little “streaming 101”. In order to stream from any streaming service whether it’s Directv Stream or Netflix or Hulu or HBOMax or any other streaming service, you need that streaming service’s app running on some sort of streaming device connected to the internet. You don’t specifically need a Roku but you do need some sort of streaming device. That could be a Roku or Apple TV or Amazon Firestick or a smart TV, etc.

Since you already have a Roku, you should see if any of the other streaming services can deliver your hubby’s favorite channels as they are probably less expensive than Directv Stream.

New Member

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25 Messages

2 years ago

Detuch,

you said go to the Roku store, how do I do that, is that "store" part of my Roku device?  You didn't mean a physical store, did you?  my Roku is pretty new also. 

New Member

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25 Messages

2 years ago

Sandblaster, 

you are right, amd I would be happy with other streaming services that are cheaper. 
But, he's 74, on oxygen, and dying. Loves his certain channels and I don't believe any streaming devices can compare to what he likes.

We will be paying less than we are now in Uverse. I got DTV cheapest plan.  He's like addicted to channel 7, and a few other mainstream channels. He's hooked on cable channels. He also likes trutv a lot. I cannot mess with him at this end stage of life, he won't adapt well. I'm also not wanting to do a lot of research just to save a few bucks, he has to have his channels or misery will prevail! 
Im not even gonna tell hubby that there are other higher priced plans. Hoping he'll be fine. It's a work in progress, he has never streamed, and I've only played around for 2 years with a firestick. That broke 3 times, I was devastated and sick of hassles with fire sticks, so I tried a Roku. 
THANK YOU SO MUCH!  I'm loving this forum so far.  🧚🧚🎊

(edited)

Community Support

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254.6K Messages

2 years ago

Hello @Rondam66 , we're glad to read you're thinking on DIRECTV as an option to stream your favorite content.

We appreciate the prompt and accurate response of @detuch254. You install the DIRECTV STREAM app using your Roku device with the next steps:


1. Press Home on your remote.
2. Scroll to and select Streaming Channels.
3. Enter DIRECTV STREAM in the search box, or scroll through the channels to DIRECTV STREAM.
4. Select Buy to install DIRECTV STREAM. If prompted, enter your Roku PIN.

Additionally, you can review the compatible Roku devices to make sure the one you have is included.


Let us know if you need further assistance. Happy to help!
 
Camila, DIRECTV Community Specialist 

1 Message

1 day ago

Has anyone called into the loyalty department to see what loyalty credits were available for long time customers and got a good discount only to find they will not honor when your next bill comes?  We did this and got our bill reduced $70, have the email stating what our new, ongoing monthly bill was going to be only to find out what we received wasn't going to be honored.  I feel this is deceptive and will be filing a claim with the BBB.  We will also be canceling our service as soon as we find another provider.


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