New Member
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9 Messages
Why is DirecTV requiring you to buy a device or constantly log in every time?
so I have a Samsung TV. I have had DirecTV for several years. I never rented the streaming box. I was told I didn't have to. Now, mostly just this year, they are requiring you to sign in EVERY TIME to get into the DirecTV streaming APP. I don't want another box or dongle like the fire stick or roku device. I was told when I signed up that I could just stream the app.
Not so anymore. I've been on 2 different conversations over the phone & chat with their support people. All they keep saying is sorry, you need to use the app to not have to sign in every time. That just changed. To rent their device, an additional $5 a month to an already high bill that just went up AGAIN. They have no solution and no apologies. just a money grab.
I asked if this was going to be fixed and they just say, we've elevated it up as far as we can. Sorry.
Seriously? There are lots of ways to stream TV these days, not just DirecTV. They don't care either. When I said about switching, he said, do you want me to walk you through how to cancel your DirecTV? NOPE. I definitely know how to cancel the service.
So, what gives?? Why all the sudden are they forcing streaming to go through a device? I thought that was the point of direct streaming through the app on your "smart" TV?
bcbsncjlj
ACE - Expert
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6.2K Messages
5 months ago
You don't have to buy the device. DirecTV Stream (the service - bring your own device) does not even offer the device. Now, DirecTV (the service via satellite or via internet) offers the device. That service has fees, and a contract. If you can download the app to your TV, then it is supported. Not all Smart TVs and models are supported.
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trish77064
New Member
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9 Messages
5 months ago
You do have to buy the device if you don't want to have to sign in to DirecTV app every time you turn on the TV. I just spoke with them and that's what they're telling me. Otherwise, you must put in your user ID & PW every time you turn the TV on. It's a new thing with them because they want you to buy their new Gemini device.
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bcbsncjlj
ACE - Expert
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6.2K Messages
5 months ago
Not me. Never have on streaming devices. I use fire sticks and Roku. Of course on tablets, phones, and PC you do.
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trish77064
New Member
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9 Messages
5 months ago
Well, lucky you. I never had to before either, just this year it started. I'm not using a fire stick or roku. That's the point of having a "smart" TV that utilizes apps so you don't have to use a fire stick or roku. I have the amazon app and don't have to utilize the fire stick. Again, that's the point of having a smart TV to use the apps and not have to use a "stick" or anything other mechanism for signing into what you want to watch.
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bcbsncjlj
ACE - Expert
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6.2K Messages
5 months ago
I would never use a Smart TV app. External devices are always more powerful and perform better. They also receive more updates and support. Smart TV makers are only interested in selling TVs, not supporting what has already been sold. The DirecTV Stream app for Smart TVs is probably the worst app in the industry.
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trish77064
New Member
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9 Messages
5 months ago
I agree completely. DirecTV stream is the worst!
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bcbsncjlj
ACE - Expert
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6.2K Messages
5 months ago
DirecTV Stream is a good streaming service. Just not for a Smart TV. It has always been inferior since its conception, with very little support and enhancement. DirecTV prefers to invest in their proprietary device for the future, not continuing to heavily support streaming devices.
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Ludwick577
ACE - New Member
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3.3K Messages
5 months ago
Directv Stream is the best live tv streaming service I have ever used. You have use the Samsung TV app which is the worst. I used the Samsung app the first few days I had Dtv Stream. That was it. It's very glitchy. ....and I bought a Dtv Stream box (now called Gemini) I've also used a firestick and tivo stream 4k. Both are also better than the Samsung app.
Also people in here are trying to help. There's no reason to snap back at people. We don't own Directv stream. We are users like you.
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trish77064
New Member
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9 Messages
5 months ago
not sure why you think I was "snapping back" at anyone. They said they never would use and haven't used the smart TV's apps... I said Lucky you. You just inferred that I was snapping back. this was supposed to be a help forum. that person only told me what they do, not how to help my situation.
So thanks to everyone for their suggestions to get a streaming device. Not snapping back, just a thanks for the sensitive people out there.
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bcbsncjlj
ACE - Expert
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6.2K Messages
5 months ago
There is nothing you can do to resolve your problem. It is what it is!
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HeNiHu
1 Message
5 months ago
I've used the DirecTV Stream app on several devices, Samsung TV, Amazon Firestick, etc and the interface was horrible and it runs very slow. I have fiber optic internet so it wasn't that varying the slow down. Using the dedicated device from Directv has made all the difference, it was well worth the cost just for the remote alone. I don't even use my Firestick anymore because my Gemini does it all.
I agree with Juniper about the substandard apps provided by tv manufacturers. They are basic and don't get the same updates. Don't be surprised if it disappears altogether in time. My mom's Samsung TV got rid of its Spotify app completely once it hit a certain age because they didn't want to update the older versions anymore.
Side Note - When I signed up in November 2021 they offered installment plans for the Stream Device (what is was called back then). It was $5/month for 120 months. It wasn't a rental fee per se, but there was a monthly charge option.
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