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4 Messages

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 10:58 PM

Local stations on DirecTV app while traveling

Scenario:  No internet service at home.  DirecTV Satellite service at home.  When traveling to a different region and watching the DirecTV app, are the local stations a) local to home or b) local to where I am?


I have called DirecTV 8 times with this question and the answers are split 50/50.  Additionally, most of the reps start with "I think...", and "I'm pretty sure...", and "Maybe...".  I need a definitive, 100%, bet your life to be correct, answer.  I'm hoping someone has the same scenario and can answer with actual experience.


Before answering, read this article:  https://www.directv.com/support/article/000098544

"Watching local channels when you travel / You’ll see available local channels in the guide from both your home location and the area you’re currently in. However, you’ll only be able to watch local channels in the area you’re currently in."

....the 8th rep I spoke with, just now, said that article is fake news even though it's on their own website!

New Member

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312 Messages

1 month ago

It depends on the device. Roku and FireTV will default to the billing zip code because they have no location services built into the device. Others like AppleTV will show locals for wherever the device is located.

4 Messages

1 month ago

So you're saying that article is pretty much worthless without more information given, and not half but all of the reps I've wasted so much time speaking to have been incorrect.  Have you personally tried this to confirm?

New Member

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312 Messages

1 month ago

That's how they work on DTVi/STREAM, and the Satellite App relies on the same app - I haven't tested myself with my Satellite account. Which device are you thinking about using? Hopefully, an ACE will chime in, they travel a lot, and they have STREAM and some Satellite as well.

4 Messages

1 month ago

Satellite at home, while traveling DirecTV app on a TV as well as an Android tablet.  I just want to understand how this all works as, after 8 calls and I can't even count how many hours, all I have been given is conflicting answers, accusations that other reps don't know what they are talking about, accusations that articles on directv.com are fake, etc.  I cannot have my elderly parents switch to DirecTV if I can't even get straight answers.

New Member

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312 Messages

1 month ago

@rjcochran70, a friend of mine, was able to test this for you on a tablet and a Smart TV. He shared this below. Hope this helps.

Yes, you can stream local channels while traveling with DIRECTV if your TV package includes them and you enable location services on your mobile device: 

How to stream

  • Download the DIRECTV app to a compatible device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV

What to expect

  • You'll see available local channels in the guide from both your home location and the area you're currently in, but you'll only be able to watch local channels in the area you're currently in.

Why it works

  • Access to local networks depends on licensing agreements between DIRECTV STREAM and local market carriers.

You can stream on up to three devices at the same time away from your home network, but only two streaming devices connected to a TV can be accessed out of the home. 

ACE - Expert

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20.8K Messages

1 month ago

The OP is not a DTV streaming customer.

New Member

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312 Messages

1 month ago

My friend who tested this is a satellite sub - and the app itself is the same as the STREAM one. Anyway, I was expecting some other ACEs to chime in as I know a lot travel around. 

ACE - Expert

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20.8K Messages

1 month ago

There is no longer a streaming or sat app, they combine them so there is only one app.

What you posted is nearly the same as the DTV website and seems to say no you can't watch you local channels when out of the region.

4 Messages

1 month ago

I cannot fathom why this is so unbearably difficult to get a strait answer to.  The article 000098544 from the original post states "You’ll see available local channels in the guide from both your home location and the area you’re currently in. However, you’ll only be able to watch local channels in the area you’re currently in."

Simple question:  With a satellite service, as that article if for, is this a true statement?  Or is it FAKE, a lie, like a DirecTV rep told me 2 days ago?


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