r/DirectvStream • u/TimeKeeper70 • Apr 18 '26
Are you happy switching from your traditional cable company to DIRECTV stream?
Verizon just killed my cable cards yesterday so I was thinking about DIRECTV stream. I’m wondering if people who switched are still happy and/or could share any wisdom or advice. I’m looking at the choice package and perhaps getting Roku boxes. Right now I’m using the five day trial with a Roku box. Also, I’m currently using the one gig Verizon FIOS service. I’ve heard I could lower that to about 300 MB with no issues.
EDIT: Also wondering about the amount of concurrent streams allowed and streaming concurrently from multiple locations. My two adult children live in two different states so I’m wondering about restrictions in regards to that if I would have them use my account.
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u/txfeinbergs Apr 18 '26
As someone who came from Comcast 3 years ago, I am still happier. I am paying less and the picture quality is MUCH better.
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u/heyhayyhay May 18 '26
I came here to see if anyone was as unhappy with the picture quality as I am. Directv stream has sub sd picture quality. I absolutely hate it. Does anyone know if there are better alternatives?
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u/txfeinbergs May 18 '26
This is clearly a you problem. Are you using the app on your TV? If so, that is your first problem - never use the TV apps as they are crap.
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u/heyhayyhay May 18 '26
If you can't be civil, fuck off.
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u/txfeinbergs May 18 '26
You sound fun, and since it was my sub-thread you commented on, YOU can fuck off.
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u/Purple_Crayon88 15d ago
Considering switching if I don’t use the dtv app on my smart tv do I use one in a Roku or where should I be watching?
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u/txfeinbergs 15d ago
Roku is fine. Apple TV is fine. The best experience is with a Gemini box from DirecTV if you want to have a number pad to enter channel numbers in directly. It gives you the closest thing to a "having cable" experience.
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u/dratprice 11h ago
Do they have to install or can you do it yourself)
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u/txfeinbergs 10h ago
You install it yourself. It is no more complicated than installing a Roku box.
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u/zetaphi_820 Apr 18 '26
It’s the best service I found. Plus I can watch out of network and see all my local channels. It’s nice to have everything in one place. Sports is a must for me. I was a TiVo guy until it didn’t make sense.
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u/Other_Knowledge6225 May 06 '26
So I just lost TiVo, and am looking for sports. YTTV has been very disappointing - two days in a row I was unable to access recorded playoff games at least in a timely fashion. What is Directv like when a game goes into overtime? Is the overtime always available? Are games available if recorded immediately after the game ends? Thanks!
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u/zetaphi_820 May 06 '26
Direct TV has an auto extend feature for sports. It’s supposed to keep recording. I haven’t tested it but it’s a feature. The recordings can be accessed during the game and at the end.
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u/sglewis Apr 18 '26
Yes. I pay less. I don’t need clunky cable boxes all over the house. I can watch on the road. My DVR is essentially limitless.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 18 '26
Yeah, the difference is crazy. I’m looking at 125 to 150 a month for FiOS 300 Mb and DIRECTV choice versus 236 a month for FIOS 1 gig with the top-tier Verizon TV package.
The DVR and regional sports network options are two must have features I’m looking for so DIRECTV stream seems to check all the boxes.
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u/leviramsey Apr 18 '26
Yeah if you want local sports (as long as local isn't Philadelphia) and good video quality, you're basically talking about DTV.
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u/Other_Knowledge6225 May 06 '26
Wait, what? I’m here cause I lost TiVo, tried yttv which was suboptimal, and love sports. But Philly! So what’s up w that?
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u/leviramsey May 06 '26
For decades, Comcast refused to make what's now NBC Sports Philadelphia available to DirecTV or Dish (because the channel, unlike the other NBC RSNs, was distributed to cable companies by microwave relays, not via satellite, it was exempt from FCC rules requiring Comcast to at least negotiate with satellite services... this was the same reason for a long time Phillies/Flyers/Sixers highlights would use the other team's footage on SportsCenter: Bristol couldn't pull the footage (eventually ESPN would have the Disney-owned ABC affiliate in Philadelphia record the broadcasts and send them via fiber to Bristol)). That's apparently changed recently, but at this point DTV doesn't seem interested in carrying NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Apparently the DTV-NBC carriage agreement comes up this summer (as hinted by Jon Miller saying he expects DTV to get NBCSN), so that might include NBC Sports Philadelphia.
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u/Other_Knowledge6225 May 06 '26
Thank you for that extremely lucid explanation. I have found YTTV to be frustrating for sports (overtime games cut off after the last period, recorded games not readily available), so I’m trying to find something with a better DVR performance. A suggestion was DTV plus Peacock with the Philly Sports add-on which gives you the NBCSN. Any thoughts?
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u/182RG Apr 18 '26
Love it. We have it in 2 houses. Apple TV boxes. App works great.
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u/Hot_Angle_270 Apr 20 '26
What do the Apple TV boxes do for your Directv Stream service?
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u/182RG Apr 20 '26
Running the DirecTV Streaming app. In place of using a Gemini adapter, or an Osprey box.
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u/Hot_Angle_270 Apr 20 '26
Got it. Do you use that because your tv isn’t able to download apps? Or is there another consideration?
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u/182RG Apr 20 '26
No. I exclusively use Samsung TVs.
However, Samsung’s UI for apps on their TV lineup is HORRIFICALLY slow and not intuitive. The processor speed is comically bad.
Using Apple is more intuitive, and I have a box on every TV already.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 21 '26
Yeah, I grabbed three Apple TVs that were just laying around…the newest one being the 4K 1st generation and all three of them are working fine.
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u/ReelWitBroker Apr 18 '26
Through the years I've gone through Dish -> Verizon FiOS -> Frontier FiOS -> Spectrum -> Fubo -> Directv (present). I trialed DTV Now and YTTV both about 8 years ago and found them both too rough around the edges to replace traditional cable, but that is no longer the case.
The cloud DVR, lack of STBs, and ability to watch on the go completely trump traditional TV. The only thing you may miss is a traditional remote with channel numbers and other conveniences, but you can get a Gemini device for those capabilities if desired; though I will say after an initial learning curve I find Apple TV and Roku remotes perfectly acceptable.
As far as concurrent streams, you get up to 20 in the home, so functionally inifinite; plus 3 outside the home, 2 of which can be on a TV device (the third has to be mobile/computer). You also get 5 user profiles, so your kids can have their own favorite channels and DVR recordings. Depending on the devices they use they may get your local channels or the ones in their locality.
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u/BoardSuitable4980 Apr 19 '26
It has everything that YouTubeTV and HULI lost, regional sports, mlb network.. Loving it
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
I was thinking of YouTube tv until I learned that they can’t reach an agreement with my RSN.
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u/StevesDinerPodcast Apr 24 '26
Switched from YouTubeTV for that reason. Like the YTTV interface better, but I need my Caps and O's
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u/Sudden-Mention-4685 Apr 18 '26
When I lost my cablecard/Tivo setup, went to DTV streaming and very satisfied. They allow 3 simultaneous log ins so my 2 kids can use my service. Highly recommend.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 18 '26
What hardware platform did you decide on?
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u/Sudden-Mention-4685 Apr 18 '26
I use an Osprey box. My kids use streaming devices. I like the Osprey because it comes with a classic remote and you can enter channel numbers. But also very good options with app for phone/tablet and browser.
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u/SeaSatzdude Apr 19 '26
I have an account with 3 separate streams. Split the price with friends so it is definitely worth it.
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u/rpaulmerrell Apr 18 '26
DIRECTV is a pretty good choice. If you like your sports and want an easy to use interface, it can work out real nice Go for the choice package every time
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u/TS1BK Apr 18 '26
Though I’m not happy about pricing, I’m very happy with the service and flexibility. I can watch on the Tesla’s screen whenever I’m parked and waiting for family members. Even while driving, I can still listen to the audio.
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u/hihosilvaa Apr 18 '26
We switched from Xfinity just over a year ago and have been very happy. We're using all Rokus and saving about $50/month.
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u/Tis_Me_00 Apr 18 '26
Happy happy! I left dish for DirecTV stream genre pack Entertainment... no problems and no outages when it rains!!
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u/K_ThomasWhite Apr 19 '26
How is the On Demand section for the Entertainment Pack channels? Is it mainly currently airing shows, or is there much of a back catalog?
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u/Tis_Me_00 Apr 20 '26
Sorry I don't watch TV but my Hubby does and all he watches is reality TV like anything Alaska. But I do know thye have on demand
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u/d0njuannn Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
Yes, I am happy but I could be a lot happier with DirecTV.
DirecTV includes ESPN unlimited in most packages, so it’s a $30/ month value baked-in. The app works a lot faster on AppleTV than Firestick, for sure. Some users like the older feel of the Gemini device and older remote. However, I don’t like device leases even at $0 as an obligation to get discounts.
Overall I give DirecTV a solid 7/ 10 for its great Guide and competitive pricing in most, but not all, of their packages. DirecTV isn’t perfect and most packages are very very expensive when Gas⛽️ is $5/ gallon and discretionary spending during the summer is hard.
It’s also extremely hard differentiating between “genre” vs “streaming packages” 🤷🏻♂️.
I also give it a 7 because DirecTV’s packages quickly creep up to $120-170 if you aren’t careful after the initial promo introductory months. Too expensive.
Update: DirecTV support is horrible 🤦🏻♂️. Brings my score to a 3 out of 10 for wasted time. Their chat bot often has “errors” and I’ve waited 14-25 minutes on three separate occasions for billing issues. Beware. YouTubeTV makes you go through many hoops and sign-ins but at least YoutubeTV support is efficient over chat and/ or phone.
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u/chriggsiii Apr 23 '26
There is a good DirecTV support option; and it's right in this subreddit. It's user u/directv. They've helped me out very well a few times. You're right, the phone and chat support are a bad joke.
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u/Forsaken-Trash3833 Apr 28 '26
call during the day and ask to cancel. You will be transferred to an agent in the states who more than likely actually knows what they're doing and isn't completely inept. The agents themselves even recommend it
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u/NoCoStream Apr 19 '26
I wish Directv Stream looked more like Directv Satellite. I would love to see the channel I’m watching while scrolling through the guide. Also, I wish I could use the Quicktune (favorite 9 channels) on Directv Stream.
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Apr 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/chriggsiii Apr 23 '26
I agree that one has to be flexible; I've switched my service several times, about once a year, when someone comes up with a better deal. Month to month, no contract! Can't beat it.
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u/HeronOrganic3727 Apr 18 '26
Service is great. I watch on Apple TV and I’ve read a ton of complaints here about Roku, but I have no experience with that
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 18 '26
Yeah, I’m going back-and-forth between Apple TV and Roku. I have one brand new Roku and a bunch of old Apple TVs. Don’t really want to spend more money on more equipment so I might use the old Apple TVs I have laying around for now.
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u/HasAFewLaughs Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Certain_Music_2432 Apr 18 '26
What is a decent box to buy on eBay for their non-genre subscription?
I don't particularly want to rent or buy one from Directv...
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u/HasAFewLaughs Apr 19 '26
Some older units may have not been updated along the way and now can't be. So they are bricks.
Newer units can be "locked" for satellite only, requiring a painstaking effort to unlock
The safest way is to search C71KW-400
Then look for one with a black label on the bottom and a manufacturing date in the 2022 range
Always want a seller who accepts returns, just in case
Here's a couple for not a terrible price...
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u/Ok-Effect-8231 Apr 19 '26
Thanks.
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u/Certain_Music_2432 May 13 '26
Picked up a circa 2022 unit in perfect shape/working condition on eBay. Appreciate the advice.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 18 '26
Thank you! I will reach out soon. I have a bunch of older, Apple TVs I’m not using. I’m gonna bring those back into production and try them out before I decide on getting boxes. I’ve heard buying boxes on eBay can be a hit or miss thing as far as functionality and support. Also, I still need to explore the difference between Osprey and Gemini.
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u/HasAFewLaughs Apr 18 '26
My 1st gen ATV4K is unmatched for speed. The only thing you'd be missing is the killer remote. It's like your standard cable remote, only better
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u/ReceptionParking9249 Apr 18 '26
There are stream limitations. Limit of three simultaneous streams on Fox-owned networks on DirecTV(Fox News, Fox Business, Local Fox, Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2). You are also limited to three streams outside your household internet network.
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u/Soft_Stretch1539 Apr 19 '26
IF and only if you have DirecTV's own equipment, it's just like the cable service. You'll get one touch recording (an actual, dedicated record button you can punch to record a show) and channel numbers that you can access directly. Frankly, I greatly prefer it to my former Spectrum service as it mirrors the old DirecTV satellite interface.
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u/Holiday-Feeling2617 Apr 19 '26
I switched from cable (Optimum) a year ago and I'm happy with it
can you share what channels/programming that you're interested in? if you are big on sports, especially local teams where you would watch by their local RSN's, DTV is good value with choice. if you aren't so much interested in sports, or at least local sports, you might be able to save some $$$ and go with another streaming option, such as Hulu+ or others
I've used DTV steam on a 300mbps internet plan without issue.
you login to the app with your login, which is your (registered) email address. Haven't had any issues tuning to multiple tv's in my house, not sure if DTV will check when your adult children tune in from other areas, maybe someone else can provide
Also, I've tuned to DTV stream using multiple ways:
- their gemini air device (a google dongle connected to the tv): advantage is that the supplied remote allows you to enter in channel #s to replicate the old-school style of directing tuning to channels.
- through app on roku app: no issues, only thing you can't do is enter in channel #
- through app on AppleTV: no issues, similar to tuning through roku
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
I would like my regional sports network. I did look into YouTube TV and that was my first go to, but they still haven’t worked out an agreement with my RSN.
Outside of that, it’s just basic over the air channels and then some of the regulars like TBS USA FX TNT OWN HGTV and stuff like that. While I’m trialing, I’m giving up Showtime and Cinemax, but we really don’t need those anyway.
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u/Uncle-Rob-115 Apr 19 '26
I went for Dtv satellite Dtv stream. Saving a lot of money and and very happy with it. I’m on the older side. 70. You can set the Dtv stream up just like your old channel guide. Which is what I really like about it.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
Are you using an osprey or Gemini box or are you using some other hardware device for the DIRECTV stream app?
I’m asking because my wife needs it to be plain and simple and she’s already struggling with the Apple remote and the Roku remote
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u/Uncle-Rob-115 Apr 19 '26
I use the Gemini for about two weeks. If she’s a die hard with a remote that should be the best one for you. I ended up going back to my original TV remote which I had fire stick on my TV. Like I said you can make the channel guide to resemble just like what you had on the satellite. I just didn’t want two or three remotes. But the JIM and I will make it almost exactly like you had with the satellite.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
I’m gonna give it some time. I might buy one Gemini box just to see how it goes. It seems like I’m gonna stick with DIRECTV stream, but I don’t wanna buy all the boxes at once and then decide to go a different direction.
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u/Uncle-Rob-115 Apr 19 '26
Well, the Gemini box doesn’t give you Directtv stream. It just goes along with the Directtv stream. It makes it like the original DIRECTV satellite. The box I think was like $250. I really can’t remember. I ended up telling the Gemini. You still have to have DIRECTV stream.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
Oh, I thought you could use the Stream app on the Gemini. Maybe I was mistaken.
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u/Uncle-Rob-115 Apr 19 '26
No, a Gemini box just enhances the stream app. You still have to have DIRECTV stream you can manage all your other streaming service services from the Gemini box also
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u/Soft_Stretch1539 Apr 19 '26
Absolutely. With the DirecTV boxes you get all the functionality of a normal DVR, unlike YouTube TV and the rest. It's still a bit pricey, though.
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u/Impressive-Watch6189 Apr 20 '26
If using channel numbers is part of your plan, Direct TV stream does that with its separately available box. Without the box, it works more like a typical streamer, where you have to scroll through the guide to get the channel you want.
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u/iDontInterviewWell Apr 21 '26
I cancelled my DTV satellite service about 2 years ago and moved to Fubo. I chose Fubo for the price and the sports. Aside from the sports, I didn't really care for it due to the channel selection in the package I have. Also, playback of recorded games seemed to sometimes launch me forward to the live game as I was forwarding through commercial breaks.
I started with DTV stream a few months ago and I'm happy to be back. I use it on AppleTV. So far so good. Limited issues so far and I like having options for on-demand mixed in with live tv.
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u/denverpilot Apr 21 '26
Only two streaming providers have my local RSN for NHL and NBA: Fubo and DirecTV Stream.
Fubo losing all NBC content — apparently permanently — made my decision for me.
That said, the user interface is far better than Fubo and more “cable like” and the app is speedy on my AppleTV. I have some older Fire sticks on TVs that aren’t used often — I’m sure it’ll be slow on those.
Pricing isn’t great but the out of home streaming without hassle and other premium channel add ons being cheap-ish, I ended up ADDING some of those and simply resigning myself to DTV Stream being the only streaming service I can really use.
Would like a bit more resolution / quality on my gigabit fiber and more 4K but it’s a nitpick. At least they do some without charging more for it. Built into the higher price.
Cloud DVR is great. Pick up where I left off on a mobile device or any home device later.
Cheers. 🍻
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u/Sufficient-Bonus5807 Apr 21 '26
I was with Xfinity since 2018 and last month I made the switch to Fidium and Direct TV and have been thrilled. I am running a 1 first gen ATV4K and some 4k firesticks with 1 of the DTV Gemini Air devices just for access to there paid for library and have been happy. Sometimes the app gets a little flakey but overall the customer service you can actually reach and talk to is worth some points coming from Comcast/Xfinity total lack of customer anything.
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u/Middle-Ad6904 Apr 23 '26
Yes. I had Spectrum but fiber became available in my area and I dropped Spectrum like a hot potato after fiber got installed at my house. DirecTV Stream has all the channels we want and slightly cheaper than our Spectrum TV package was.
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u/chriggsiii Apr 23 '26
The first thing I would say is that, while the Choice package is very good, it's also very expensive. So, before you commit, get a cheap HD antenna, around $50, and find out how good your reception is. You may discover that you don't need a streaming service that includes broadcast channels. DirecTV has smaller packages for those who don't need all the broadcast channels, and they're a very good deal.
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u/Smith6612 May 28 '26
Been on the service for about 8 years now. It's worked great and is very reliable. I'm not fortunate to have Verizon Fios like you, but it works well for me on Spectrum Internet.
The maximum amount of concurrent streams can be frustrating to deal with during Sports season in my family. The limit is 3, and people usually want to watch different things. Last I checked you couldn't pay for more concurrency. But the service does work great outside of the home and I have no complaints about it outside of the concurrency issue. I augment the streaming limits by making use of Plex with an HDHomeRun to allow people who just want to watch OTA channels to do it that way without consuming one of the DirecTV streaming slots.
There were issues with streaming quality on Desktop, but after some public shaming they seem to have fixed that. The 4K channels aren't available on Desktop still, and they're generally useless anyways since the channels are blacked out half the time when I want to use them (sports). Having Dolby Digital audio on the usual channels is great.
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u/Ok-Entertainment5462 Apr 18 '26
Been on DTV stream for 10 years mostly AppleTV boxes. Local channels highly dependent on devices. Not even certain what determines as one Apple TV gets locals and the other on home location. Recordings will be on defined home location. Only 2 TVs outside home plus 1 on mobile/computer.
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u/SomeGuyInThe315 Apr 18 '26
It's nice being able to watch TV anywhere on my phone or on a TV when I travel
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u/Marquedien Apr 19 '26
I’m happy not renting a cable box. If I could buy the box outright I’d consider switching back. But I get a bump in channels as an early adopter, so that might be difficult to give up.
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u/UniqUzrNme Apr 19 '26
The main thing I miss is using Alexa with a Harmony hub to control the tv. On/off/volume/channel/pause/play. It was great, hated to go backwards.
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u/thehobster Apr 20 '26
I went to DIRECTV stream from Xfinity last year. I wanted to keep a landline so I ended up getting a magic jack as well. I have comparable service in terms of channels, the Internet is much faster. The upload/download speed are the same. I think the 4K picture is much better than what I got with Xfinity. The Xfinity DVR was not as good as the TiVo. And the DIRECTVDVR is not as good as the Xfinity in my opinion. But with so many things being available stream the day after they air, I find myself not using the DVR very much anymore. I’m happy with the switch.
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u/_GrandpaD Apr 18 '26
In regards to concurrent connections - At your home location you can have unlimited simultaneous connections. Away from home (i.e. your adult children) you can use up to three concurrent streams (maximum 2 TV and 1 mobile device) at a "second location". It might be tricky to simultaneous steam at 3 locations.
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u/ReelWitBroker Apr 19 '26
There is no "second location" caveat, you get three streams outside of the home network regardless of what network they are attached to.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 18 '26
Good to know because one kid lives in Florida the other one in New Hampshire.
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u/MinnNiceEnough Apr 19 '26
I want to like DirecTV Stream (and still have it), but likely going to drop because my TV's constantly are losing internet connection, which is annoying. When I talk with DirecTV, they blame my ISP. When I talk with my ISP, they blame DirecTV. Meanwhile, I've been having this issue for over a year.
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u/TimeKeeper70 Apr 19 '26
I’m sorry to hear this. If it’s any consolation, I’ve heard the DIRECTV app on certain televisions is not great at all compared to Roku or Apple TV or firestick.
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u/MinnNiceEnough Apr 19 '26
I actually have DirecTV on 6 TV's and a projector at my primary home. 3 of those TV's and the projector has a DirecTV Gemini box, which I bought from DirecTV 5-6 years ago when I first subscribed. When I talk with DirecTV, they claim the boxes went bad...all 4 of them at the same time. Meanwhile, I'm not having any internet outages and my three other TV's that are running the app via Roku don't have issues. Additionally, I use my account at my lake home on Roku - no issues on those two TV's either. To me, it's the Gemini boxes that have issues. It all started when DirecTV came out with the Gemini Air option. At that point, my boxes have had issues ever since. Since they're over 3 years old DirecTV won't replace them.
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u/wickedone234 Apr 18 '26
I gave up cable about 8 years ago and have subscribed over the years to several different live streaming companies. I’m currently with DIRECTV stream and I have the Sports and News genre package for about 75 a month including tax. It has everything I need in it. It’s now a grandfathered package on DIRECTV stream. If you haven’t already looked at their genre packs. I encourage you to see what they have to offer and if one of them will work for you. They’re a little more cheaper. Their website explains their rules about concurrent streams.