DIRECTV has had streaming music for close to 20 years. It’s always enjoyable to me to show people who didn’t know that they had this option. It’s like giving them free money really.
Old-school: Satellite delivered music
DIRECTV has had satellite-delivered music for years. They’ve switched providers several times. Right now they’re using Music Choice. If I had to guess, they’ll stay with Music Choice for a long time. It’s what most cable providers use and it provides a rich experience that includes trivia, text, and even videos.
For those people who just want the same music experience they’ve always had, browse to channels in the 800 range. These channels are available even if you aren’t connected to the internet.
The way we all do it today: the streaming experience
Most DIRECTV receivers are connected to the internet. If you’re not, you probably should be. It’s a very easy process especially on the Genie devices. If you’re not connected there’s probably a message in the menus next to the Settings option:
From there it’s very easy to walk through the process of connecting using a wired or wireless connection.
Once you’re internet-connected, you’ll have the option to use the more modern forms of music streaming. You can get to these by pressing the RIGHT arrow on your remote, or pressing MENU and arrowing down to Apps.
Depending on what else is going on, you might see the streaming apps at the top of this menu. If you don’t, just arrow down.
When you launch Music Choice from the app instead of tuning to a channel, you get the full experience you really want. Once you do it you’ll never want to tune direct to a channel again.
Remember Pandora?
DIRECTV has partnered with Pandora for about a decade. No, they’re not as good or as popular as Spotify. But they do provide a very decent listening experience and it’s totally free with DIRECTV. I know that some folks have asked for Spotify instead of Pandora but I don’t see that happening at the moment.
You’ve probably heard of iHeartRadio…
If you use your radio in your car you’ve probably heard of iHeartRadio. It’s a streaming service that provides tons of radio stations from all across the country. If the station you listen to is part of iHeartRadio they probably tell you so a few times an hour.
iHeartRadio has commercials — lots of them — but if you’re looking for local information it’s really the best. Just like the other two options, there’s no cost to use it on DIRECTV.
Find out more about streaming music options on DIRECTV
We’ve written a complete setup guide for DIRECTV’s music options. Check it out here. You’ll find everything you need for a great music experience and there’s nothing more to pay. That’s great news for people who are drowning in streaming subscription fees.
By the way… commercial customers will generally not have access to anything but the basic Music Choice system, even if they’re internet-connected. This is due to the copyright structure for music. It’s based on the maximum number of people who could potentially hear a song played. Commercial customers can use Music Choice with no problem but any other form of music, even playing the radio, could either have higher costs or technically be against the law.
What did you do to make Matthew Perry so angry?
Just kidding… Now on a serious note. Not only can you stream music on your Directv box, you can also stream CBS using the Locast app. Referencing Stuart’s port on July 15th about the LCC (https://blog.solidsignal.com/tutorials/does-solidsignal-sell-the-directv-local-channel-connector-lcc/) customers that have lost CBS due to the contract dispute can watch soem CBS affiliates.
I’m having a little difficulty getting the app to work properly on my old H24 but I’m sure newer hardware will work much better. Wosrt case simply go to locast.org to watch (or use the Android/Apple iOS/tvOS/Roku/Amazon app). If you happen to be in an area where the local signal is strong enough, grab an antenna and watch it “the old fashioned way”.
I don’t know if opinions on this subject are welcome here but it’s time for broadcasters using public airwaves from holding cable companies hostage and driving up our bills. They’re using a very limited resource and trying to act as a pay-tv service. What’s worse is CBS has been “withholding” programming for their pay streaming service. It’s their right to do so but they shouldn’t expect the public to give them additional revenue for the cable company to retransmit what is freely available OTA. If they feel their product is worth that much, raise your advertising rates. If you want to be a cable/pay service then give back your FCC licenses and let someone else use it. Maybe it’s time for cable companies to say “we’re done” now that linear TV is not the first choice of most viewers these days. If you REALLY want CBS, pay for CBS All Access. It would be better for customers to pay them directly instead of “double dipping” by making us pay through our cable company for only part of their content.
Where’s your proof that local broadcasters are “holding cable companies hostage and driving up … cable bills”?
Cable companies are massively losing video subscribers and if you don’t believe that’s a major factor in why cable bills keep increasing, then you’re truly naive. Also, the grossly incompetent, myopic cable company executives keep demanding more compensation while failing to understand that their model for delivering video to consumers will ultimately fail. So rather than actually innovate, they just raising prices to make up for their failing business model.
Plenty of evidence of increasing retrans fees to be found, John Becker.
I’m not saying that the cablecos aren’t also raking in tons of cash and losing subscribers at alarming rates. What I may have not been clear about is the fact that broadcast networks are “special” in that they are truly “broadcasters” and not simply a company offering a specialized channel that is only offered through cable or direct via the Internet. Broadcasters are using the public airwaves and are licensed to use these airwaves for the public good and are a very scarce resource. I’m sure not many broadcasters have lost their licenses during the renewal period where the public can comment but it’s possible.
https://www.fcc.gov/media/television/broadcast-television-license-renewal
CNN has no choice but to negotiate with the cablecos and they can set their price or choice another method to deliver their content (Hulu, YTTV, direct to customer, etc.) They don’t hold one of those coveted licenses.
CBS and the rest of the broadcasters are obviously losing valuable viewers to all the other options for your viewing pleasure which translates to lower rates for the commercials. They are trying to supplement those losses and one huge way it to get cablecos to pay for the privilege for something that many people (not all) can get for free by sticking an antenna on our TVs.
I would think it’s in the broadcasters best interests to get on the cable dial even at reduced rates because for the most part people aren’t tuning in otherwise. It’s not worth the hassle unless you really need to watch NCIS, The Bachelor and any of the Chicago series on NBC, etc.
Let’s say everyone really can’t live without those broadcasters and you’re lucky enough to be able to stick and antenna on your TV (like me). Problem solved. If I had the option to not pay Spectrum for local channels and save $15/mo. I’d do it as fast I could get through to their 800 number. The only ones who really lose here are the local broadcasters since they can no longer get that extra money they’re charging Spectrum and with ATSC 1.0 I rarely have to play with my antenna and don’t have the horrible signal I had as a kid.
And not all the cableco execs are myopic. It’s obvious they are trying to figure out how to compete in this changing landscape. Integrate the apps people use, produce exclusive content or simply provide fast Internet service to be a dumb pipe. I doubt anyone at those cablecos is going hungry tonight.
The unique nature of Directv is catering to those who can’t get traditional cable. Yes their prices are high but mostly in line with everyone else. I’m rooting for DTV to win this battle but in the end I doubt anyone wins.
I’m more curious what will happen when football season starts and how it may affect Sunday Ticket.