Observer
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24 Messages
Changing from DirecTV satellite service to DirecTV Stream service
What DirecTV customer service contact phone number do I call to change from Satellite service to Stream service?
In changing from SAT to STREAM will I get to keep all my reward Perks accumulated while subscribed to the SAT service (15+ yrs),
as well as my appreciation packages that I had while a satellite subscriber?
Does the DTV Stream service provide me with a free Gemini device
(either Gemini TV set top box or Gemini Air dongle device)? Assuming I am a customer in good standing.
Will I be charged a monthly usage fee for the Gemini device, even if device is owned outright by me (i.e. not leased)?
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.2K Messages
4 days ago
There is not one number to change. They are separate services so are under different departments. As DIRECTV STREAM is a bring your own device (BYOD) model, you could set it up and if it works for you then call to cancel DirecTV (satellite when you are ready).
As such, any discounts, packages, etc. on the satellite account itself are lost. They do not transfer to Stream.
Depends on models of each box you have if you have to send any back. If you already have a Gemini, it is not transferable as there is different firmware between the satellite and stream service with no option to update from one to the other.
You can purchase a Gemini retail to use with DIRECTV STREAM. Be aware that there is also DirecTV via Internet which is a very similar model of billing to satellite where they provide you a box they still own and you get the 24 month service agreement.
Be aware that in the event you do cancel DirecTV, service and billing are valid through the end of your service month. It is not prorated. So be aware of your billing cycle on when it would be best for you to make the change.
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.4K Messages
4 days ago
Hey, @pinballtom. @Juniper is right that any discounts, packages, promotions on the satellite account are not transferrable. We're sending you a DM, so our specialist can provide more details about our Streaming service. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Team
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JefferMC
ACE - Expert
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37.1K Messages
3 days ago
I would also expect that if you are under a 24-month commitment that they won't waive the ETF just because you've begun one of the other services.
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mbpc
New Member
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1 Message
10 hours ago
I was a DirecTV satellite customer for a good number of years and the Genie DVR service was the greatest feature. But when their price increases (Edited per community guidelines) me off, I went over to Dish Network for a better price. I never liked the Dish DVR interface so I finally dropped them after my 2 year contract. I'm now back with DirecTV, but I'm with the 'Streaming' service and I'm somewhat impressed although I really miss various 'satellite features'!
The simplicity of the streaming service with the 'Cloud DVR' is pretty amazing. You only need the 'app' loaded on your smart TV or streaming box to access a real 'TV Guide' and record shows, BUT I found that using my TV remote to control the 'Cloud DVR' was very difficult and confusing, so I'm leasing the Gemini dongle w/ dedicated remote ($10/mo). Here's the features from the satellite service that are missing from the 'streaming service'
1) When you select a show to record, you CANNOT specify additional minutes before or after the show, so you'll miss the ending of those golf or tennis matches if they go overtime.
2) Once you establish a 'series recording', I cannot find any way to go back in and select "new episodes only" or "all episodes".
3) The monthly subscription price doesn't appear much cheaper than satellite. With the "Choice" package and (2) Gemini dongles, my cost is $114/mo which includes a mandatory $14 'regional sports fee' that I don't need!
4) I never watch 'live tv' (I pay too much money to sit thru commercials) so I often start watching a recorded show while it is still being broadcast. With the satellite DVR, the 'recording timeline' always showed how much 'buffer' you had before catching up to the live broadcast. The Cloud DVR does not show this.
5) DirecTV satellite would provide the "Mix channels 901-906" during the major tennis and golf tournaments. Not sure why these couldn't be added to the streaming TV guide.
Overall I'm pretty happy with the streaming service and maybe some of these 'missing features' will be added. I do like the portability of this system, since I can just take my Gemini dongle and remote when I'm on an extended vacation and easily watch my recorded shows.
Mark
(edited)
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.2K Messages
7 hours ago
As a note, the RSN Fee you get with satellite as well. Choice or above include the Regional Sports Networks and is not optional. Years ago this cost was 'hidden' in the package cost. When costs increased but each region was so different, DirecTV chose to itemize it making it transparent in general but also clarifying the cost the teams in your specific region are costing you.
Wish they would add the Preferred Xtra package to STREAM. It came out at the same time RSN Fee was itemized. No RSNs or most other sports channels, a few non-sports channels added in that Choice didn't have, and without the RSN fee the end cost was similar to Choice. More bang for your buck for those not very interested in sports.
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