Welcome to the DIRECTV Community Forums

New to the Community? Visit the Community How-To and Guidelines to get started.

nanckopf's profile

Mentor

 • 

45 Messages

Monday, August 19th, 2024 5:53 PM

Directv app use on non-home network?

We have a satellite receiver my husband refuses to part with....but we're replacing a rec room TV with a Roku that as I understand it, will be able to use the Directv app to watch all our package channels. My question is, will be be able to download and use the app on a TV with a Roku device at our vacation home that is, of course, not on our home network?

ACE - Expert

 • 

22.6K Messages

4 months ago

The DirecTV app will be limited. This is because your service is by satellite so you pay for each authorized TV on the service and is specifically for one residence. So to prevent account sharing (using app at another home), or avoiding paying for the TV connections, the app will not give you the full service you get on the receiver. Not all package channels are available on the app, and some that are have their content limited.

As for the box your husband "refuses" to part with, were you trying to stop satellite and go with streaming-only? What is your husband's concern? And is that box an H or HR model (matters as DirecTV has moved away from SD-only setups). Just in case anything else you should be aware of.

(edited)

ACE - Expert

 • 

22.6K Messages

4 months ago

As a note, some people setup a 2nd account for a vacation home. They suspend one account at a time as needed (max 6 months within a 12 month period). That way you could have the full satellite experience that your husband is more accustom to.

Be aware that Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) and their professional teams, local channels available, and taxes you pay are based on the physical service address. So with the expectation the vacation home is in a different Designated Market Area (DMA) you may have some differences in those 3 categories between the main home account and the vacation one.

Community Support

 • 

254.6K Messages

4 months ago

Hi, @nanckopf. @Juniper is right. You can download the app and watch using a compatible Roku device but please note that not all channels/programming are available for streaming. Learn more about it here: https://www.directv.com/support/article/000084350 Thank you for choosing DIRECTV. Alameen, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Mentor

 • 

45 Messages

4 months ago

Thank you for your replies.  If we ditched satellite and went with streaming, that also does not have all the channels or they are charged extra, correct? I'd actually like to move to a different streaming service, but husband doesn't want to. I don't want to go into why he wants to keep satellite and our current setup. 

(edited)

Community Support

 • 

254.6K Messages

4 months ago

Good question. Some channels are exclusive to DIRECTV via Satellite due to broadcasting restrictions and agreements, so they won't be available regardless if you're on your home network. DIRECTV appreciates you. 💙


Christian, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Expert

 • 

20.8K Messages

4 months ago

DTV via internet AKA DTV streaming provides whatever channels are in the package you choose.

Mentor

 • 

45 Messages

2 months ago

Juniper said: As a note, some people setup a 2nd account for a vacation home. They suspend one account at a time as needed (max 6 months within a 12 month period). That way you could have the full satellite experience that your husband is more accustom to.

Wouldn't we need a dish at both locations?

ACE - Expert

 • 

22.6K Messages

2 months ago

Yes you would need a dish at the 2nd location. It cannot receive the satellite service without it.

To your earlier inquiry about going streaming-only (sorry I didn't respond at that time), not all channels in the satellite service are available in DIRECTV STREAM. You would have to check the packages on that service to see if what you want is available.

Rereading the posts, I think that was a Roku TV instead of a regular Roku streaming box. I would caution as the DirecTV app doesn't function as well with the "smart" TV app version instead of for a dedicated streaming box.

Community Support

 • 

254.6K Messages

2 months ago

Yes, you would need a dish on both location in order to have a full satellite service. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Mentor

 • 

45 Messages

2 months ago

"Rereading the posts, I think that was a Roku TV instead of a regular Roku streaming box. I would caution as the DirecTV app doesn't function as well with the "smart" TV app version instead of for a dedicated streaming box."

We actually have both....a Roku TV in our rec room at home, but are considering getting one at our cabin. However, we are probably going to be dumping Directv completely. Our bill is $215 a month and can do much better than that with lots of other streaming options.

(edited)

Community Support

 • 

254.6K Messages

2 months ago

We'd be sad to see you go, @nanckopf. DIRECTV aims to provide you with the best programming at a fair price. Unfortunately, as content costs increase, so do our monthly rates, which the programmers set in line with the rest of the industry. We're sending you a DM to explore cost saving options.


Rizza, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Expert

 • 

20.8K Messages

2 months ago

Streaming services with live TV have to pay the content providers just like DTV so while they are cheaper now it will go up just like DTV.

ACE - Expert

 • 

22.6K Messages

2 months ago

Just make sure before you switch that the channels you want are in the service and available where it will be used. And just like traditional pay TV (satellite, cable, etc.) channels are subject to change at any time. And overall cost goes up as they catch up to those other providers.

Staying or switching, make the choice with all the info and proper expectations so you don't get surprised later. Hope you find what works best for you.

Mentor

 • 

45 Messages

2 months ago

I've done the research. Streaming will be much cheaper, even with 2-3 services combined. Under $100 compared to $215 for standard package with no premium or movie channels. 


NEED HELP?