Hard to believe the end of the year is here already. It’s been a busy one for DIRECTV, the newly-independent satellite TV company. As you might remember, AT&T bought DIRECTV back in 2015, only to let it sit for most of five years. There wasn’t a lot of new technology to talk about during that time. However, they spun off DIRECTV last year and the unshackled company has been busy making up for lost time. Let’s take a look at four really big changes in the DIRECTV world in 2022.
DIRECTV gets serious about commercial customers
DIRECTV reaffirmed their commitment to commercial customers in 2022. The first thing they did was launch a special version of the H44 receiver designed just for those customers. The H44 was a receiver originally launched about 7 years ago. It was created to be a single receiver that could be upgraded to a full Genie DVR by the customer. However, the idea didn’t take off. This left DIRECTV with a lot of brand new stock of H44s and nothing to do with them. By changing the software, they have given commercial customers a real lifeline. Those folks couldn’t use Genie DVRs, so they were stuck with rapidly aging H25 receivers. The H44 helps keep the commercial channel going until a truly new receiver can launch. That “might” happen in 2023.
DIRECTV’s app makes a big move
DIRECTV had one of the very first iPhone apps for a pay-TV provider back in 2008. However, in recent days the company hadn’t made the jump to a streaming box app. Competitors like Xfinity and Spectrum did, and as a result they ended up with high customer satisfaction.
DIRECTV took its first steps toward a Genie-client-as-an-app with the release of the new DIRECTV app for phones, tablets, and streaming boxes. They leveraged the technology used for DIRECTV Stream so they could get it done in record time. With this app — which is free and has no monthly fee — you can stream hundreds of channels from your DIRECTV package, watch programs that appear on your playlist, and schedule recordings, all from anywhere including from your TV.
No, it doesn’t access your home DVR. All this magic is due to its access to DIRECTV’s streaming and on demand library. But I have a feeling they’ll take the next step to a true Genie client soon.
The end of standard definition — finally
After promising that 2019 was the end of the line for DIRECTV’s standard definition service, the company finally started turning off SD markets in late 2022. They have been doing their best to inform customers, but keep in mind that they have been pushing people to get HD-capable hardware for six years now. The expectation at this point was that most people wouldn’t even notice the difference.
As SD markets get turned off, that makes room on DIRECTV’s massive T16 satellite for more HD programming at the 101 location. This is great news for RV and marine customers who choose to save money with a single-satellite dish.
The end of standard definition is definitely on the horizon… so if you’re still holding on to SD-only equipment, call the folks at Signal Connect now at 888-233-7563 to get upgraded.
The big news: Dealer of the Year
After years and years of coming in second, Signal Group was finally awarded DIRECTV’s Commercial Dealer of the Year. This award is given to the dealer with the absolute highest customer satisfaction numbers. So, it’s not really an award from DIRECTV, it’s an award from you, our customers. We couldn’t be prouder and we promise to do even more in 2023 to keep you happy!
Looking forward…
2023 looks to be a big year for DIRECTV, with the possibility of new consumer hardware and services just over the horizon. I can’t say much right now but from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be the best year ever to get DIRECTV from Signal Connect!
