Feature Request: Better Samsung Smart Remote Support in DIRECTV App

Feature Request: Better Samsung Smart Remote Support in DIRECTV App

I recently switched to DIRECTV Stream and am using the native DIRECTV app on a Samsung Smart TV. I am currently running DIRECTV app version 5.0.134.

The app works well for watching television, but the limited integration with the Samsung Smart Remote makes basic TV and DVR navigation unnecessarily difficult. I would like to request better support for Samsung remote functions, particularly the following:

1. Numeric channel entry

My Samsung remote has an on-screen numeric keypad. I can enter a DIRECTV channel number and press Done, but the DIRECTV app does not respond to the number.

It would be extremely helpful if the DIRECTV Samsung app recognized numeric input so, for example, entering 206 would tune to ESPN or 634 would tune to MSG.

This is especially important for DIRECTV because, unlike some streaming services, DIRECTV already assigns channel numbers to its networks.

2. Better fast-forward and rewind controls

DVR and live-TV playback controls are awkward with the Samsung Smart Remote. When the progress bar is displayed, the directional controls should allow intuitive fast-forward, rewind and skip functions.

For example, after pausing live television, there should be an easy way to fast-forward through the buffered program until catching up to live TV.

3. Previous-channel function

Please provide a simple way for Samsung Smart Remote users to toggle between the current and previously watched channel. This is particularly useful when switching between two sporting events.

4. Better overall Samsung Smart Remote integration

DIRECTV offers an excellent traditional-TV interface when using Gemini and the DIRECTV remote, but customers using the native Samsung Smart TV app should not need an additional HDMI streaming device simply to get basic television-navigation functions.

One of the advantages of owning a Smart TV is being able to use native apps without additional streaming boxes, power supplies, HDMI inputs and remotes.

I understand that a Samsung Smart Remote has fewer physical buttons than a DIRECTV remote. However, Samsung provides an on-screen numeric keypad and directional/select controls that could potentially be better utilized by the DIRECTV app.

I hope DIRECTV will consider improving Samsung Smart Remote support in a future app release. I suspect these improvements would be valuable to many customers who prefer using the native Smart TV app rather than adding a Gemini or other external streaming device.