What is AT&T's newest streaming service?
From AT&T, DirecTV Stream offers a range of channels via DirecTV satellite's comprehensive streaming services.
Originally known as AT&T TV, AT&T has introduced a new live TV streaming service. Since AT&T bought DirecTV in 2015, the new service is called DirecTV Stream, the moniker AT&T used more and more progressively.
What is DirecTV Stream?
Without needing a satellite dish or cable set-top box, DirecTV Stream—an over-the-top streaming service—offers live television programming over the internet Launched, it provides among other more than 140 channels in entertainment, news, and sports. It offers most of the top-notch broadcast and cable networks available in a regular pay TV subscription.
Some of the top channels offered by DirecTV Stream include: Some of the top channels offered by DirecTV Stream include:
- ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV for sports.
- ABC CBS NBC Fox for local broadcast television
- Top cable stations include CNN, MSNBC, HGTV, TNT, USA, FX, Comedy Central and many others
It is also a convenient service to stream on up to 20 devices simultaneously at home and there are no contracts tied to the service. DirecTV Stream can be accessed on computers, smartphones, tablets, and TV-compatible devices such as ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and many others.
Additional DVR functionality is incorporated that enables you to record as many hours of series and movies as you wish and then watch them anytime later. Also, more than 40,000 titles are available for streaming through the DirecTV on-demand content list.
The cost of DirecTV Stream depends on the package, the plan, and the chosen promotions; however, the basic package is $69.99 per month.
DirecTV Stream packages range beginning with the package known as the Entertainment package, which costs $69.99 per month and offers more than 65+ channels. There are also some other packages known as Choice, Ultimate, and Premier that contain more channels and cost up to 140+ for the Premier package and are $149.99 per month.
It should also be noted that there can be additional fees associated with regional sports and any other taxes that are in place. There is an offer going on at the moment, specifically through DirecTV Stream, in which new users can get $10 off their first three months. Extra TVs can also be provided in a household for $5 per additional television set at the basic monthly cost of $60.
Notably, lower-cost basic streaming plans were offered at AT&T TV Now starting from $15/month; however, the cheapest way to stream now is the $70 per month with the Entertainment package with DirecTV Stream after the provider ditched cheaper plans. Also, while subscribers might not be familiar with the name, they will pay more than they would for AT&T TV Now.
Who Knew That AT&T Would Rebrand to DirecTV Stream?
Renaming AT&T TV to DirecTV Stream is meant to help provide a more cohesive image for AT&T's live TV streaming offerings. They had a successful pay TV service company named DirecTV before being bought by AT&T, and they are hoping consumers would be more open to the known DirecTV brand.
AT&T TV is almost identical to the new DirecTV Stream, although it has a different name and offers slightly fewer features in some areas. However, features such as the ‘Get a New Device for $100’ offer and the annual price drop are now available under the DirecTV Stream brand.
This unification also comes as AT&T Internet prepares for its new distinct streaming service, DirecTV Stream CNN, scheduled to launch later this year, catering exclusively to live CNN networks and programs. This is evident from the multiple streaming packages that show DirecTV is not the provider AT&T wants to use to compete in the streaming wars.
Is DirecTV Stream worth the cost?
DirecTV Stream is a streaming platform that provides an assortment of channels similar to the traditional pay-TV without lock-in subscriptions Some of the features include regional sports networks with limited availability. Such features as cloud DVR with no storage space limit are another plus, and watching TV shows or movies on the go with the help of your mobile devices. But, with no more affordable options at the bottom of the bucket, it has become one of the more costly live TV streaming services out there.
The recent rebrand to DirecTV Stream might not affect the majority of existing customers who considered using the prior AT&T TV offerings. However new users will have to weigh whether the high subscription prices are worth the availability of channel options compared to other live streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or other streaming bundles that offer lower starting prices.
Either way, DirecTV Stream seeks to establish AT&T as a first mover in this market for live streaming. They also come with a higher price tag but offer the closest thing to traditional cable yet delivered wholly through the internet. For assistance with regards to finding out whether it might be the best streaming TV option for your home, you can always reach out to any of our TV specialists at the soonest possible time!
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