Is DirectTV Stream worth it?

[MrHT]

I feel like I should subscribe to cable tv because it just seems like everyone today has it and that I feel like a loser without it. I mean, who has a TV but doesn't have cable?

I refuse to get cable tv from my cable company to avoid contracts or equipment fees and the like, so I'm looking into cable streaming services. I tried YouTube TV but thought it was a bit weak on Sports and didn't quite have all the channels I wanted. So I looked at the Direct TV Stream channel lineup and see that their "Choice" plan has a nice channel lineup and all the regional sports channels I need. But it's $85/month, which seems kind of high.

Given the fact that the $85/month price tag seems a bit steep, is it really worth it? I mean, I guess since almost everyone has cable tv, then I guess maybe it is. But I figured I'd ask here and hear people's opinion.

[MrHT]

No one has Direct TV? I was expecting that almost everyone today has cable TV of some sort, with a good number subscribed to Direct TV, so I was expecting quite a number of responses and feedback...

[sfmarine]

I'll chime in but I just have regular DirecTV as we do not have cable in my area. $85 does seem steep and that's without their cloud DVR service which is another $10 per month.

Sounds like you do not want to be tied down to a contract (which is completely understandable), but I enjoy their classic satellite service. Pay about $115 per month for two 4K clients and a Genie including taxes and their protection plan. I've seen very good deals for new subscribers but they get you once that promotion period ends.

I say go for it if they don't require a contact. They do have the best sports packages. I get all the Yankees games, so no complaints.

[beefytwinkie]

They changed their name again? I used to have them when they were called DirecTV Now. This was in 2018 and I managed to score two Apple TV 4Ks for free. Useless info, I know.

If you want the sports it looks the Choice package would be a good one. Plus, no contract so if you’re not satisfied it is easy to cancel. Seems like a win/win to me.

For what it’s worth, when I had their service, I never had any service outages or have any sort of streaming issues. It was a flawless streaming experience for me. They appear to have a very capable infrastructure to handle all the demand of their collective customers.

[suitechicguy]

Its like Hulu with Live TV or Youtube TV. My parents currently have it but it can be clunky sometimes. The only real issue is when there is a threat of a blackout of certain channels because of them not being able to strike a deal with certain companies to keep the channels. It almost always gets resolved though lately.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by beefytwinkie

They changed their name again? I used to have them when they were called DirecTV Now. This was in 2018 and I managed to score two Apple TV 4Ks for free. Useless info, I know.

If you want the sports it looks the Choice package would be a good one. Plus, no contract so if you’re not satisfied it is easy to cancel. Seems like a win/win to me.

For what it’s worth, when I had their service, I never had any service outages or have any sort of streaming issues. It was a flawless streaming experience for me. They appear to have a very capable infrastructure to handle all the demand of their collective customers.

I believe it changed to AT&T stream and now they just call it DirecTV Stream lol. Very confusing for the consumer. Prolly change again..especially if they merge with Dish.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by sfmarine

I'll chime in but I just have regular DirecTV as we do not have cable in my area. $85 does seem steep and that's without their cloud DVR service which is another $10 per month.

Sounds like you do not want to be tied down to a contract (which is completely understandable), but I enjoy their classic satellite service. Pay about $115 per month for two 4K clients and a Genie including taxes and their protection plan. I've seen very good deals for new subscribers but they get you once that promotion period ends.

I say go for it if they don't require a contact. They do have the best sports packages. I get all the Yankees games, so no complaints.

Thanks. How much do you pay for regular Direct TV? I’m curious to know if the stream version is more or less expensive then regular cable.

[y2jman]

I got direct tv I think it's either choice or extra but I hardly watch any streaming stuff that involves log into direct tv I just dvr a lot of stuff these days

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Thanks. How much do you pay for regular Direct TV? I’m curious to know if the stream version is more or less expensive then regular cable.

I pay roughly $115. The stream version is cheaper, but not by much. You'll have the weigh the pros and cons. The two-year contract can definitely be disconcerting but if you plan to keep even the streaming service for that long, you likely won't even care at that point.

How many televisions do you have? That could be a major deciding factor. You mentioned sports. By going with a traditional dish, you'll have access to 4K content. The Streaming option does not have that capability. I've seen new subscriber deals in the $55-60 per month range, but that was before the pandemic. Just do your research and shop around when it comes to the plans if you decide to go the satellite route.

FYI: If you have a Sam's Club account they are currently doing a deal for $59 per month for the first year with a 2-year agreement. They also throw in a $250 gift card.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by sfmarine

I pay roughly $115. The stream version is cheaper, but not by much. You'll have the weigh the pros and cons. The two-year contract can definitely be disconcerting but if you plan to keep even the streaming service for that long, you likely won't even care at that point.

How many televisions do you have? That could be a major deciding factor. You mentioned sports. By going with a traditional dish, you'll have access to 4K content. The Streaming option does not have that capability. I've seen new subscriber deals in the $55-60 per month range, but that was before the pandemic. Just do your research and shop around when it comes to the plans if you decide to go the satellite route.

FYI: If you have a Sam's Club account they are currently doing a deal for $59 per month for the first year with a 2-year agreement. They also throw in a $250 gift card.

I only have one TV. I live alone.

Satellite is out of the question since I live in a co-op building that doesn’t allow it so if I’m going to get cable tv, it would be RCN or Time Warner. Those are my only options. And I don’t like either cable company because both are crooks that try to increase your rates and charge all sorts of fees, like equipment, DVR, tax and surcharge and that keep increasing.

Cable streaming just seems better as I can pull the plug anytime. That’s not so easy with cable tv.

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by MrHT

I only have one TV. I live alone.

Satellite is out of the question since I live in a co-op building that doesn’t allow it so if I’m going to get cable tv, it would be RCN or Time Warner. Those are my only options. And I don’t like either cable company because both are crooks that try to increase your rates and charge all sorts of fees, like equipment, DVR, tax and surcharge and that keep increasing.

Cable streaming just seems better as I can pull the plug anytime. That’s not so easy with cable tv.

How dare those cable companies not give you equipment for free. The nerve of them, charging you tax. Do you get how ridiculous you seem?

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Hitman Horton

How dare those cable companies not give you equipment for free. The nerve of them, charging you tax. Do you get how ridiculous you seem?

Oh wow, what's with the attack? I meant to say that the Direct TV stream, you can use your own streaming box rather than the cable company's equipment, which saves on fees. And when I cancel, I don't have to deal with the hassle of returning the equipment. And with all those fees, you are looking at around $100 or so per month which would be higher than the streaming counterpart. And you will likely pay a lot more than $100/month in no time since cable companies like to keep ever increasing their rates at a rapid pace.

You can defend cable companies all you want but my parents pay $90/month for only 50 mbps speed internet. It started out as $40 a few years ago, but that bill blew up in no time because if you don't constantly fight the bill, cable companies will take advantage of you. The internet rate goes up, surcharge goes up, fees go up, etc. If they play that game on internet, then I'm very much positive they will have a blast messing around with the bill even more when you have cable tv, where there will be more fees and surcharges to play around with...

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Oh wow, what's with the attack? I meant to say that the Direct TV stream, you can use your own streaming box rather than the cable company's equipment, which saves on fees. And when I cancel, I don't have to deal with the hassle of returning the equipment. And with all those fees, you are looking at around $100 or so per month which would be higher than the streaming counterpart. And you will likely pay a lot more than $100/month in no time since cable companies like to keep ever increasing their rates at a rapid pace.

You can defend cable companies all you want but my parents pay $90/month for only 50 mbps speed internet. It started out as $40 a few years ago, but that bill blew up in no time because if you don't constantly fight the bill, cable companies will take advantage of you. The internet rate goes up, surcharge goes up, fees go up, etc. If they play that game on internet, then I'm very much positive they will have a blast messing around with the bill even more when you have cable tv, where there will be more fees and surcharges to play around with...

It's not an attack. It's an observation. My quote is based on exactly what you DID say and it was ridiculous. I'm not defending cable companies at all. I have a satellite dish because cable was too expensive. My point was that you, a guy that's NEVER had cable, said they were crooked companies because they charged you for equipment rental and tax.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Hitman Horton

It's not an attack. It's an observation. My quote is based on exactly what you DID say and it was ridiculous. I'm not defending cable companies at all. I have a satellite dish because cable was too expensive. My point was that you, a guy that's NEVER had cable, said they were crooked companies because they charged you for equipment rental and tax.

Both me (using RCN cable) and my parents (who have Spectrum) have had terrible experiences with cable companies where they try to find every reason to increase your rates substantially, through service, equipment, fees, and surcharges. And with cable TV, you won't have the option to buy your equipment. You are stuck paying an extra $10-15 per month for equipment rental, and that will very likely go up $1-2 per year. So you're looking at a crazy rate if you factor that in.

Here's an example. I call Spectrum and I inquire about a cable tv package. And they'll be like, ok we have a special... only $50 for the first year. Fair enough. Then you get your bill and here is what it looks like...

Cable Service- $50
Cable Box Rental Fee- $10
Remote- $1
DVR Fee- $10
Surcharge $8
Tax- $5
TOTAL BILL= $84

Then comes 2023. Guess what? You're promotion ended, so your cable service went up from $50 to $60. And our rental fees have went up by $1 each. And to bring you better service, our surcharge will go up another $3. So here's your new bill...

Cable Service- $60
Cable Box Rental Fee- $11
Remote- $2
DVR Fee- $11
Surcharge $11
Tax- $6
TOTAL BILL= $101

Congratulations, your bill went from $84 to $101 in just one year because you got conned with all the fees that the cable company took advantage of and they increased your rates. And this is going to happen EVERY year until you pick up the phone and negotiate with your cable company. And if you have a cable + internet package, then you are giving your cable company more reasons to up your cost since there are fees and surcharges associated with the internet as well.

This has happened to my parents and has happened to me. So please don't defend equipment charges. They are a way for cable companies to play games so they have a reason to inflate your rates.

With Direct TV Stream, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live TV, the ONLY thing that can increase is the subscription. That's it. No fees or surcharges for them to play with and con more money out of you.

Now if you never had these issues with your cable company, then that's great. I, on the other hand, have and that's why I'm looking into streaming live TV rather than getting cable TV.

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Both me (using RCN cable) and my parents (who have Spectrum) have had terrible experiences with cable companies where they try to find every reason to increase your rates substantially, through service, equipment, fees, and surcharges. And with cable TV, you won't have the option to buy your equipment. You are stuck paying an extra $10-15 per month for equipment rental, and that will very likely go up $1-2 per year. So you're looking at a crazy rate if you factor that in.

Here's an example. I call Spectrum and I inquire about a cable tv package. And they'll be like, ok we have a special... only $50 for the first year. Fair enough. Then you get your bill and here is what it looks like...

Cable Service- $50
Cable Box Rental Fee- $10
Remote- $1
DVR Fee- $10
Surcharge $8
Tax- $5
TOTAL BILL= $84

Then comes 2023. Guess what? You're promotion ended, so your cable service went up from $50 to $60. And our rental fees have went up by $1 each. And to bring you better service, our surcharge will go up another $3. So here's your new bill...

Cable Service- $60
Cable Box Rental Fee- $11
Remote- $2
DVR Fee- $11
Surcharge $11
Tax- $6
TOTAL BILL= $101

Congratulations, your bill went from $84 to $101 in just one year because you got conned with all the fees that the cable company took advantage of and they increased your rates. And this is going to happen EVERY year until you pick up the phone and negotiate with your cable company. And if you have a cable + internet package, then you are giving your cable company more reasons to up your cost since there are fees and surcharges associated with the internet as well.

This has happened to my parents and has happened to me. So please don't defend equipment charges. They are a way for cable companies to play games so they have a reason to inflate your rates.

With Direct TV Stream, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live TV, the ONLY thing that can increase is the subscription. That's it. No fees or surcharges for them to play with and con more money out of you.

Now if you never had these issues with your cable company, then that's great. I, on the other hand, have and that's why I'm looking into streaming live TV rather than getting cable TV.

As usual, you struggle with reading comprehension. Example: You mention my cable company, even though I specifically said that I have a satelllite dish. I've made my point and you either don't 't get it or you're pretending that you don't. Others do, and they've thanked my posts.

[beefytwinkie]

Surcharges are fees passed-through to the customer which the cable companies must remit to the local channels like ABC, FOX (in NYC it would be like channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11). The law allows local channels to charge this fee to cable companies. Cable companies do not get a cut of this.

Taxes are remitted to the government. I hope I don't have to explain this one.

Internet service is exempt from sales and use taxes under the IRS tax codes. If you see an offer for $39.95, that's how much you will pay unless there is some local law that overrides federal law. I signed up for Verizon Fios for $39.95 a month and that is how much I pay. Not a penny more.

The cable service charge is not all profit for cable companies either. A portion of that goes to the channels you subscribe to. Maybe a buck here, fifty cents there, etc.

The only charge cable companies can get you with are equipment charges because they are essentially renting them to you.

It's like going to the movies. Movie theaters cannot always negotiate how much of a cut they get of the ticket prices, but they are in full control of their concessions which is were they make the bulk of their net revenue.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by beefytwinkie

Surcharges are fees passed-through to the customer which the cable companies must remit to the local channels like ABC, FOX (in NYC it would be like channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11). The law allows local channels to charge this fee to cable companies. Cable companies do not get a cut of this.

Taxes are remitted to the government. I hope I don't have to explain this one.

Internet service is exempt from sales and use taxes under the IRS tax codes. If you see an offer for $39.95, that's how much you will pay unless there is some local law that overrides federal law. I signed up for Verizon Fios for $39.95 a month and that is how much I pay. Not a penny more.

The cable service charge is not all profit for cable companies either. A portion of that goes to the channels you subscribe to. Maybe a buck here, fifty cents there, etc.

The only charge cable companies can get you with are equipment charges because they are essentially renting them to you.

It's like going to the movies. Movie theaters cannot always negotiate how much of a cut they get of the ticket prices, but they are in full control of their concessions which is were they make the bulk of their net revenue.

Then why do I get charged surcharges for my internet (which keeps going up annually) and my co-worker who has Fios says he doesn't have surcharges on his internet bill?

All I have to say is that cable companies are not honest. It's not like YouTube TV where you know it's $65/month. With cable TV, you will never get an upfront answer like that. When you sign up, they will give you a nice cheap promo package and then will keep significantly increasing the price periodically. I'd rather not deal with that, which is why I'm inquiring about Direct TV Stream in this thread.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Hitman Horton

As usual, you struggle with reading comprehension. Example: You mention my cable company, even though I specifically said that I have a satelllite dish. I've made my point and you either don't 't get it or you're pretending that you don't. Others do, and they've thanked my posts.

Ok, I'm not going to prolong it because it's getting off topic.

Let me get back on topic and rephrase the question... is cable (whether it be streaming or cable tv/satellite) worth the $85? Curious to hear your input since you have satellite.

[Hitman Horton]

Originally Posted by MrHT

Ok, I'm not going to prolong it because it's getting off topic.

Let me get back on topic and rephrase the question... is cable (whether it be streaming or cable tv/satellite) worth the $85? Curious to hear your input since you have satellite.

I can't really comment on the price because I'm Canadian. This is what I'll say. We used to have cable but made the switch to Bell Satellite because cable kept going up in price but they weren't offering any new services or channels. That was probably at least 15 years ago and we're very happy. I know satellite isn't an option for you. Here's my advice.

Here's the most important part. Read the fine print. That's where all the important information is.

Sit down and decide what you need to have. Write it down and then look around and find the package that fits your needs. Cable is extremely flexible. With my satellite dish, they have four or five package options and a ton of addons available. We can change our channel line up online without needing to call anybody or have anybody do a service call. We've done it many times.

Do your research and find the package that works for you and the price you're willing to pay.

[gafool]

i have the direct tv stream service, no issues so far i pay the 65.99 price, they have the bally sports channels which i can watch my local sports on like baseball, ive had youtube tv it was fine, just depends on what channels you want and watch?