The best part of the DIRECTV STREAM device is the remote, which can serve as a universal remote (meaning you can program it to work with your TV and other devices, not just with the DIRECTV STREAM box). In fact, the whole experience is contained within the DIRECTV STREAM app - even the menu that lets you switch to outside apps like Netflix and Hulu is contained within the DIRECTV STREAM app interface rather than on a “home page”-style screen of its own. The DIRECTV STREAM device runs a modified version of Google’s Android TV operating system, and it boots up directly to the DIRECTV STREAM app. But this review wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t test out the DIRECTV STREAM device, so I got my hands on one and put it through its paces. I have more than my share of streaming devices at HQ. DIRECTV STREAM Hardware: The DIRECTV STREAM Streaming Box On top of that, there’s the DIRECTV STREAM device, which is an optional streaming box for folks who don’t already have one at home. I was able to test the service on Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android, Chromecast, and the Chrome web browser. What Devices Can You Use With the DIRECTV STREAM App?ĭIRECTV STREAM’s device support is strong. On the other hand, this is a nice way to organize DVR-like on-demand content without using up your recording hours on the DVR. In my testing, this feature felt a little redundant. Not to be confused with the DVR, this feature lets you add on-demand content to a watchlist. While that’s a bummer, it’s also very common - virtually all of DIRECTV STREAM’s competitors have similar limits on their cloud DVR recordings.ĭIRECTV STREAM also has a “bookmark” system. The catch is that DVR recordings eventually expire. Using the DVR feature on DIRECTV STREAM’s web appĭIRECTV STREAM’s DVR is unlimited, which is a nice perk that was added since our last review. Since your recordings are stored in the cloud, you can access them from the DIRECTV STREAM on any device, not just the one that you used to schedule the recording. Recording with the DIRECTV STREAM DVRĭIRECTV STREAM comes with a cloud DVR on board. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key DIRECTV STREAM features. The cloud DVR, 720p-and-up streaming quality, and favorite-channels system are all here. On top of all of the live TV, DIRECTV STREAM includes a healthy selection of on-demand content, including the same sorts of movies and TV shows you might find airing on a network like FX or AMC.ĭIRECTV STREAM Features and Specs: Streaming Quality, Devices, and MoreĭIRECTV STREAM’s core feature set is pretty standard stuff for a live TV streaming service. (Luckily, there are other ways to watch NFL games without cable.) On DIRECTV STREAM, your movie options include on-demand selections as well as films airing on channels like AMC, TNT, and FX. This popular add-on to DIRECTV’s satellite service hasn’t made the jump to the streaming world, which is a shame. One thing that’s not on DIRECTV STREAM is NFL SUNDAY TICKET. However, getting them through DIRECTV STREAM means that you’ll be able to access their programming without leaving the DIRECTV STREAM app.) (Of course, you could also sign up for HBO Max or STARZ through their own stand-alone apps. DIRECTV STREAM also offers premium channels like HBO, which are included in the PREMIER bundle but can also be added to the lower-level bundles for an extra fee. The CHOICE package isn’t just about sports, though - you’ll get more entertainment and news channels, too, which bump the channel count from 65-plus to 90-plus.īumping things up to DIRECTV ULTIMATE or PREMIER unlocks even more channels. Here in New York, I was very impressed with the selection: I could watch SNY (New York Mets), YES (New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets), and MSG (New York Rangers and New York Knicks) on DIRECTV STREAM. RSNs are, as the name implies, regional, so you’ll get only the ones that apply to your area. To get regional sports networks (RSNs), you’ll need to step up to the second-tier DIRECTV STREAM package, CHOICE. Things start strong with DIRECTV STREAM’s cheapest plan, Entertainment, which includes what DIRECTV STREAM calls the “essentials.” I’m inclined to agree: The Entertainment plan includes the major networks ( ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) big-time sports networks like ESPN and FS1 and news networks like CNN and FOX News. All of these streaming cable alternatives - DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and the rest - are only as good as their channel lineups.Īnd DIRECTV STREAM’s channel list is excellent. Live TV channels are what DIRECTV STREAM is all about.
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