DirecTV Now Reaches 1M Subscribers While AT&T Continues to Promise DVR, 4K, and More Coming in 2018

[hipnetic]

As a couple of others have alluded to, these subscription numbers are inflated (by how much, I don't know) by the people taking advantage of the current offer to get a "free" Apple TV 4K. I signed up twice (so I count as 2 subscriptions) to get the discounted ATV 4K and with the intention of cancelling both subscriptions before they renew. I haven't even started up the app yet, though I may do so at some point to check out HGTV or ESPN (the only two channels I would occasionally like to watch that I don't get with my current Comcast subscription).

I have used NFL Sunday Ticket, which I suspect is using the same stream source for football, and I can tell you that the video frequently gets very low-res and blocky, and when I check my internet speed I see that it's just fine (over 50Mbps). So the problem isn't on my end.

BTW, they screwed up the free ATV 4K offer initially by allowing online customers to choose "pick up in store" which they did not intend as an option. It took me about 2 weeks to get my first ATV because of that screwup, and I wouldn't have gotten it at all if I hadn't been a thorn in their side by having daily chat sessions asking them to escalate the issue.

 

[shareef777]

I've had 0 issues over the last, say, 6 months. So, the promises they have been putting out with fixes and such have been working. Quite well I might add.
[doublepost=1512495570][/doublepost]

Also have 0 issues with pausing live shows. I paused the MNF game multiple times last night. Had no issues resuming right where it left off.

Good for you. Read DTN's twitter feed and forums. The issue stands for plenty of people. As for their promises, you're content with them promising to fix what we paid for in the first place (streaming HD service)? No, they promised features (like cloud DVR), that after a year still don't exist.

 

[mthomas184]

Good for you. Read DTN's twitter feed and forums. The issue stands for plenty of people. As for their promises, you're content with them promising to fix what we paid for in the first place (streaming HD service)? No, they promised features (like cloud DVR), that after a year still don't exist.

Oh I didn’t realize you didn’t get HD service with it. Everyone else does.

And as for the DVR, it’s in beta. As promised. But must not be good enough for you.

 

[tonyr6]

Sorry I mean $140 dollars.

 

[npmacuser5]

I almost tried PS Vue. Then I realized none of the channels had anything better than stereo sound. So I assumed I could find Dolby Digital television programming on one of the others. Nope. Personally, I don't think saving $10 or $30 or so a month is worth the compromises like surround sound, limited or lack of DVR, etc.

So I thought I would stick with DISH because it seemed to have the best of all of the individual features I covet at a good price. However, since I also had the Comcast option (partially paid for anyway by being forced into the HOA fee), I looked into and discovered the combination of HD HomeRun boxes + the incredible Channels App on TV. Long story short: Channels App brings the on-screen (unified) guide, a full-featured DVR and the CableCard option with one HDhomerun box getting me a full cable package with HD and surround sound without having to rent even 1 Comcast/Xfinity box.

Attach TVs to however many TVs I want in the house and I can share the Comcast channels (and DVR) with every TV (no lease boxes). Comcast does have a pretty good free app for streaming channels to mobile screens but Channels (app) also has theirs for iOS devices too. DVR is fully functional, whole home and has however much storage I choose to attach rather than being limited to some hard cap decided by DISH or Comcast equipment builders. Add HDHomeRun boxes and I can have however many tuners I want rather than being limited to the decisions of DISH or Comcast box builders. OTA channels merge with Cable channels in a single, unified guide instead of having to hop app-to-app to find programming.

Savings appears to be about the same as the usual cord cutter claims without compromising video quality, sound quality, traditional DVR functionality, etc and/or the technical hurdles of hopping app-to-app (though the app options are also generally available with a Comcast subscription).

Lastly, since I'm using a cable subscription for the video instead of broadband, all that video doesn't count 1 byte against the broadband cap... and it's get me "triple play" discounts for the other services (broadband + voice), which makes it overall cheaper than going broadband only and then subscribing to something like this DirecTV NOW or PS Vue for television services and something else for VOIP/Phone... or even Comcast broadband + Now + (free) GoogleVoice option for phone (landline phone is needed for home alarm system connection).

Is this for everyone? No. But those longing for TV boxes instead of cable or satt-company leased boxes but not wanting to compromise on basic niceties like surround sound might want to look into the same. I consider this option far superior to ANY of the current streaming service choices (because I care about picture & sound quality, full-featured DVR functionality, etc) and yet I don't perceive I'm paying much more than going that way. Yes, it still involves paying the dreaded Comcast (but most of the cord cutters are not actually cutting the cord anyway- still paying for broadband from the same entities).

In this setup, I use Comcast video service without Comcast hardware (except a CableCard). Most of the cable fee is already in the HOA fee, though I do pay a little extra to get an additional tier of channels above the HOA choice. A DVR fee goes to the Channels App team. I get all the TV programming I desire (including live sports, all local channels, etc) all inside of a single app that feels like the traditional experience of using a good service like DISH.

It does take jumping through some hoops (getting Comcast to get the CableCard working right is the biggest) but once it is functional, it all works great: HD quality, Dolby Digital surround sound, full-featured DVR, unified guide (all of the locals + cable channels), etc. And this one app and this setup makes the TVs in the home far more useful (and used).

Comes down to defining Cord Cutter. Your definition of and why not just stay with traditional TV like Comcast, valid. For me, the definition defines the whole media consumption environment from the Phone, Tablet, Streaming Devices, to the Content. Notice costs not mentioned. Unlike yourself, I am finding more and more media consumption outside of the large screen environment. Thus, cord cutting means more No cord watching everywhere. Secondly, quality content over quantity at the same price more then acceptable. Watching less traditional TV shows, more curated shows, for example. Therefore, I am not inclined to purchase products like Direct TV Now. Good news, we now have choices that were not available just a short time ago.

 

[ksnell]

I wonder how much the subscribers would DROP after the 4-month prepaid period for signing up and getting the AppleTV 4K

Count me as 1. Already got my 4k ATV delivered and canceled auto renewal.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

I miss DirecTV Now. If only Comca$h didn't have a monopoly on my complex's internet and cable, I'd have brought my cheaper, faster FiOS with DTVN with me.

For me, it's cheaper for meh-to-ok internet and 220+ channels through Comca$h than it would have been for meh-to-ok internet +$35/mo promo-priced DTVN.

 

[WarHeadz]

I'm on the West coast and I'm still receiving channels in East coast time. Been this way since I signed up 4 months ago and they still haven't resolved it.

 

[Dizbuster]

I'm about 90% happy with DirecTV now. The only real issues I have are the same as a couple mentioned here. Specifically the channel guide could be a lot better. Sometimes when I scroll my cursor disappears and I have to back out and go back to the guide; sometimes the cursor moves back-and-forth across different times. The other problem I have is with some NFL games, mostly the late games for some reason. It locks up or the resolution just becomes garbage. I know it's not my Internet connection because the other channels are fine. Outside of that, I couldn't be happier. I'm looking forward to the DVR but I can wait a little for that. It costs me $40 a month with HBO so I can't complain.

 

[ep2002]

I was on PS Vue earlier this year, but in all honesty, I was getting more for my money with comcast - shocking I know.

Can I ask how? I was excited to get a new  TV 4K and thought the single sign in with Comcast (Xfinity) would be an easy task. I was wrong. Comcast intentionally crippled the experience. They won’t even allow their own app to AirPlay. Also several apps are locked because they don’t show up as a provider. Examples are Comedy Central, and Hallmark. Don’t even get me started on the stupid business model that CBS is experimenting with.
So I’m actually sincerely wondering what you think Comcast is better because (funny enough) I was thinking about switching to AT&T.
Thanks!

 

[shareef777]

Oh I didn’t realize you didn’t get HD service with it. Everyone else does.

And as for the DVR, it’s in beta. As promised. But must not be good enough for you.

Read their twitter feed and other comments here. HD drops out frequently. If you’re happy with it good for you. I’ll spend MY money elsewhere thank you very much.

 

[CjonesHouston]

You can only stream on two devices simultaneously. Not acceptable for my size family. Maybe in the future with included DVR. Then I would lean towards the Now plan over my current Direct Tv Genie plan.
[doublepost=1512527943][/doublepost]

Can I ask how? I was excited to get a new  TV 4K and thought the single sign in with Comcast (Xfinity) would be an easy task. I was wrong. Comcast intentionally crippled the experience. They won’t even allow their own app to AirPlay. Also several apps are locked because they don’t show up as a provider. Examples are Comedy Central, and Hallmark. Don’t even get me started on the stupid business model that CBS is experimenting with.
So I’m actually sincerely wondering what you think Comcast is better because (funny enough) I was thinking about switching to AT&T.
Thanks!

Yep. I have AT&T cell service. So Direct Tv takes $50 off my bill. I thought about switching to Xfinity for tv. Since they provide my home internet. I’ve heard too many complaints. From Xfinity customers. I’ve seen Xfinity picture quality and it is not as good as Direct Tv.

 

[Dimwhit]

I'm really surprised that PS Vue doesn't have more subscribers. To me, they appear to be the most polished streaming service of the bunch.

I've only tried PS Vue, but I canceled it after a couple months because I couldn't stand it. I thought the interface was terrible. But I suspect it's all a matter of taste. I also hate the HULU Live interface, but my friend loves it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I just signed up for the 4 month AppleTV 4K deal. With my 1GB fiber internet from AT&T, streaming has been smooth thus far.

 

[macinsanity]

I never have problems with buffering during a NFL game. Must be your connection
[doublepost=1512487547][/doublepost]I’ve had DirectvNow since it was launched and I love it. Except the menu on Apple TV 4K can get stuck when scrolling to another channel. It happens every day. Still hasn’t been fixed.

I have 1 Gb download speeds and I’m hardwired with cat6 with Ubiquiti Unifi hardware. Tons of similar complaints on ATT forums. Only happens on NBC.

 

[maflynn]

Can I ask how? I was excited to get a new  TV 4K and thought the single sign in with Comcast (Xfinity) would be an easy task. I was wrong. Comcast intentionally crippled the experience

My internet with Comcast cost me 80 bucks, PS Vue 40 dollars, so I'm paying 120 bucks.

For that 120 dollars I was not getting all the networks , PS' Vues channel line up didn't have the channels like Nick that my kids missed, PS VUE's DVR while nice is not robust as Comcast's. My wife and I was not liking the inability to randomly select stations, we had to scroll through them. Want ESPN, scroll to the "E"s, then want to scroll to the science channel, well, not I have scroll even more. Yes, PS Vue has favorites and that helps but I then had to start scrolling through them as well.

So for 10 dollars more month, I'm getting more for my money if that makes sense. I don't have any need for 4k, and tbh, I'm not using my apple tv any longer now that I'm on comcast. Maybe I'll fire that bad boy up, but so far I've not needed it.

 

[ep2002]

My internet with Comcast cost me 80 bucks, PS Vue 40 dollars, so I'm paying 120 bucks.

For that 120 dollars I was not getting all the networks , PS' Vues channel line up didn't have the channels like Nick that my kids missed, PS VUE's DVR while nice is not robust as Comcast's. My wife and I was not liking the inability to randomly select stations, we had to scroll through them. Want ESPN, scroll to the "E"s, then want to scroll to the science channel, well, not I have scroll even more. Yes, PS Vue has favorites and that helps but I then had to start scrolling through them as well.

So for 10 dollars more month, I'm getting more for my money if that makes sense. I don't have any need for 4k, and tbh, I'm not using my apple tv any longer now that I'm on comcast. Maybe I'll fire that bad boy up, but so far I've not needed it.

I agree with you completely. The box that Xfinity gave us is WAY more user friendly than the  TV 4K (disclaimer: this is using Comcast/Xfinity as a sign in to take advantage of the features of the  TV).
I initially assumed that you figured out how to maximize the usage of your  TV with Comcast as the sign in. The ability to “talk” to the Xfinity remote is by far my favorite feature.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

The issue I have with DirectTVNow is that when it launched a year ago, we were promised DVR functionality would come later in 2017. Now after waiting for literally a year they kick the can even further down the road and say next year? Hmmm, where have I heard that song before?

For a company of their size, these delays and their horrible buggy software shouldn't be issues. The new interface sounds great, but it should have had that to begin with. The fact that they are having to reinvent the wheel only a year after launching shows that they did not know what the heck they were doing to begin with. Total amateur hour, when it shouldn't be. They must start doing better.