DIRECTV Stream is a great option for people who don’t want a satellite subscription for one reason or another. Maybe you are in an apartment and won’t be able to take a 2-year commitment. Maybe you really don’t use a TV much and you watch on your phone. Whatever the reason, it’s something to look into. You get nearly all the same channels and on-demand selection as you get from DIRECTV satellite, but it’s all delivered over the internet wherever you are.
In most areas, DIRECTV Stream gives you 3 or 4 local channels which is enough to cover most of your needs. But, I know, it’s not enough for everyone. When you include subchannels, some cities offer well over 100 channels of live entertainment. Suddenly 3 or 4 doesn’t seem like such a great deal.
The sling model
Sling is a service from DISH that’s a lot like DIRECTV Stream. With it, you can buy a device that hooks up to your home antenna and then to an antenna. The channels from your home are then added to your sling guide. This means the local channels from your house are available anywhere you go. (By the way, if you want sling or DISH service, Solid Signal can help with that too. Call us at 888-233-7563.)
I should also point out that in the past, DIRECTV satellite offered a product that connected to your DVR and let you integrate local channels into your guide and even record them. That product was discontinued many years ago but it will still work with some older equipment. It won’t work with today’s Genie 2, and I don’t think there are plans to change that.
The answer you weren’t hoping for
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to integrate local channel programming into DIRECTV Stream if the service doesn’t offer it. A lot of that same programming is available through apps you may already have like Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. That’s something to think about if you’re using DIRECTV Stream on your phone, or even if you use it on a streaming box. But can you add those channels straight to the guide? I’m sorry, that’s not possible.
I should point out that the reason you don’t see all the possible local channels on DIRECTV Stream (or satellite for that matter) is simple greed on the part of station owners. There are thousands of small and large companies that own local TV stations and DIRECTV tries to negotiate with them for carriage. Most want to charge more than their service is worth, even though the same service is available for free using an antenna. If DIRECTV paid all those fees to all those providers, it would probably double your bill and you wouldn’t want to sign up anyway. It’s not a great system but it’s what we have. It’s also not likely to change.
Want DIRECTV — streaming or satellite?
If you want to get the best programming for your home, business, RV, or boat, you’ll want to talk to the experts. Signal Connect has trained experts who can help you get the service you really want. We’ll explain all the differences between the two services. We’ll let you know what service makes the most sense for you. Then, if you decide to move forward, we’ll make it easy for you! We don’t believe in anonymous call centers or long wait times. When you call us, you’ll get an expert who will give you their direct line. Call them again when you need to, and they’ll take great care of you!
The number you want to call is 888-233-7563. We’re here during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, just fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
