Fees

Are you already subscribed to DirecTV Via Internet? Then yes you have a contract.

No - I’m still deciding what to do.

Several neighbors purchased the box with a voice remote to avoid the monthly fee.  I think they paid $50 via eBay.

no issues so far and they say their picture quality is better than cable.

@nik3161 

The $23 is for legacy DirecTV (satellite) customers on the legacy billing model such as yourself.

New customers for DirecTV and DirecTV via Internet, pay $15 for the receiver services (as HD is now hidden instead of a listed cost), but pay $7 for the Primary TV (that you get that charge waived). Because of that, newer customers have essentially $22 in place of your $23.

DirecTV via Internet has a 24 month service agreement and requires being provided the Gemini which remains owned by DirecTV.

DIRECTV STREAM is the bring your own device (BYOD) model. There are no receiver services or contract, or even an RSN fee. It is up to you to purchase the streaming device(s) of your choice, even getting the Gemini (DirecTV's proprietary streaming box) from Authorized Retailers if you prefer.

Your Genie is only for satellite service, not interchangeable with either streaming service. And there is no rental. That $23 would be paid even if you owned the equipment as explained in the other thread.

I have had a gemini for WAY longer than 24 months and when I asked if I could own my equipment if I went with the streaming service? I was told no on several request. If I went streaming without their equipment I would be unable to record or have  a list to keep recordings. I have been with Directv 29 years, they started in 1994 and I started as a customer in 1995. If you can tell me who I  need to talk to with Directv to  get the directv app on my roku stick without paying for equipment, I would appreciate it.

Could you give me a little more info about using my voice remote to access directv?

@nik3161 

If you have DirecTV (satellite) with one TV, than you have the Genie (HR34, HR44, HR54) not the Gemini (C71KW).

The Genies have never had a purchase to own option. Shortly after the launch of the original (HR34), they removed purchase to own options for all other models. Lease or owned had no affect on the monthly cost. With owned you paid $499 for an HDDVR and only had a 1 year warranty. Box owned by DirecTV has an ongoing warranty where you only pay $19.95 delivery to ship a replacement if the box goes bad.

To not pay additional monthly fees would require DIRECTV STREAM. This is separate from DirecTV via Internet which is essentially the satellite billing model for a streaming customer. With the STREAM version you can purchase the Gemini (their proprietary streaming box) from Authorized Retailers if you want a more traditional experience with channel numbers.

Otherwise, you just want an app on compatible devices: https://streamtv.directv.com/ 

I have an app on my tv. It allows me to watch the same channels that I pay for in the entertainment pkg

Yes, the app allows you some streaming perks. But you don't have access to everything as it is not the primary setup for the satellite service.

It sounds like you would be more comfortable with DIRECTV STREAM (the bring your own device version) where you just pay monthly for programming package, but no receiver service fees or contract. Just the one-time cost for any (compatible) streaming device you purchase. I would check the channel lineup to be sure as it is not exactly the same as DirecTV (different carriage agreements).

I asked that and was told that since I am a sat. customer I would have to receive the stream through the box. The only thing I could think of was to quit Directv for a couple of months and then buy the streaming service as a new customer.

You were either told flat wrong or there was confusion between which service does what.

You can have both DirecTV and DIRECTV STREAM at the same time. Whether you do so or not, one important detail is do not use the same email address for the sign-up or it causes login issues.

It is DirecTV via Internet that requires their box, a 24 month agreement, and your fees are about the same as satellite.

DIRECTV STREAM is the one where you just download the app on whatever device you want and sign up. You can get their box from Authorized Retailers if you want. Just a one-time purchase (each) but doesn't affect the monthly bill.

I suspect part of it is agents are going to suggest options they get some sort of reward for as both DirecTV and DirecTV via Internet deal with that service agreement. But DIRECTV STREAM is a pick and drop service like Netflix, Hulu, etc. Just use the compatible device of your choice.

What programming would I receive with directv streaming? I mean, about how many current directv sat channels would be available on the streaming?

To check channels: https://streamtv.directv.com/channels/

Make sure zip is correct for locals and any RSNs.

Be aware some local channels are exclusive to the satellite service as they don't have an agreement for DIRECTV STREAM. So if you have them now, but not listed on the other list, then they are for satellite only.

Thanks