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DirecTV Now?

tromboneaholic

tromboneaholic

Suspended
Original poster
Jun 9, 2004
3,706
3,024
Clearwater, FL
I have seen the channel lineup for the $35 promo package, and it's better than what my cable company offers for the price (excluding local channels in my market). CBS is not something I'm interested in, so I don't mind its exclusion.

I still have a few questions. I'm hoping as people sign up we can get some of these answered.

1. Is it a fully functional and current-gen Apple TV with the 3 month pre-pay? (I assume so. I can't see Apple allowing a third party to control their products by locking it down in any way, but a channel for the previous-gen Apple TV could be created even though it's officially discontinued)

Edit: deal includes a 32 GB 4th-gen Apple TV. No indication is locked down.

2. Since there is no DVR function or pause until a "later date," can you log into third-party apps with your DirecTV Now credentials and perform those functions as if you logged in with a standard cable TV account (as you can now)?

3. Single Sign On?

4. TV app support?

5. If there is TV app support, will we get recommendations to download third party apps that are part of the package?

6. If there is no TV app support, does the DirecTV Now app have a built in guide of its own?

7. If you sign up for the free trial, does that screw up your chances of getting the "free" Apple TV, due to "while supplies last" fine print after a week (or glitchy UI that doesn't let you take advantage of two offers)?

Edit: when you sign up, you get a "free" week added to your three month prepay if you choose the Apple TV offer.

These are my "first impression" thoughts right now, and I think I'm not alone, so hopefully we can get some more details in the coming days.
 
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tromboneaholic said:
I have seen the channel lineup for the $35 promo package, and it's better than what my cable company offers for the price (excluding local channels in my market). CBS is not something I'm interested in, so I don't mind its exclusion.

I still have a few questions. I'm hoping as people sign up we can get some of these answered.

1. Is it a fully functional and current-gen Apple TV with the 3 month pre-pay? (I assume so. I can't see Apple allowing a third party to control their products by locking it down in any way, but a channel for the previous-gen Apple TV could be created even though it's officially discontinued)

Answer: Yes it is a fully functional ATV 4 32gb.

2. Since there is no DVR function or pause until a "later date," can you log into third-party apps with your DirecTV Now credentials and perform those functions as if you logged in with a standard cable TV account (as you can now)?

Answer: Unknown at this point but I highly doubt it.

3. Single Sign On?

Answer: Yes! there was an article (that I can't find right now) that said that the app will support both single sign on and the new TV app

4. TV app support?

Answer: see above

5. If there is TV app support, will we get recommendations to download third party apps that are part of the package?

Answer: Unknown but doubtful.

6. If there is no TV app support, does the DirecTV Now app have a built in guide of its own?

Answer: Yes the DTV app will have a built in guide and favorites page

7. If you sign up for the free trial, does that screw up your chances of getting the "free" Apple TV, due to "while supplies last" fine print after a week (or glitchy UI that doesn't let you take advantage of two offers)?

Answer: It should not but I don't have a concrete answer on that.

These are my "first impression" thoughts right now, and I think I'm not alone, so hopefully we can get some more details in the coming days.
Click to expand...

Expand the quote to see answers.

The nail in the coffin for me was the 2 stream limit... In a household of 4, only 2 simultaneous streams would be a nightmare.
 
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Zackmd1 said:
Expand the quote to see answers.

The nail in the coffin for me was the 2 stream limit... In a household of 4, only 2 simultaneous streams would be a nightmare.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the classifications. It's just me and my wife, so two streams fit us.

Inability to pause would be our issue. That's why I'd be interested in using DirecTV Now to authenticate third party apps.
 
tromboneaholic said:
2. Since there is no DVR function or pause until a "later date," can you log into third-party apps with your DirecTV Now credentials and perform those functions as if you logged in with a standard cable TV account (as you can now)?
Click to expand...
I'm hoping they'll offer on-demand access to most or all of the content, so no need for a DVR function.
6. If there is no TV app support, does the DirecTV Now app have a built in guide of its own?
Click to expand...
Yes it has a guide and a recommendation system. You can see this in the launch video.
[doublepost=1480446170][/doublepost]
Zackmd1 said:
Answer: Yes! there was an article (that I can't find right now) that said that the app will support both single sign on and the new TV app
Click to expand...
You are probably thinking of this:

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/22/directv-single-sign-on-tv/

But I believe this only refers to the DirectTV satellite service, not DirectTV Now.
[doublepost=1480446318][/doublepost]
tromboneaholic said:
Inability to pause would be our issue. That's why I'd be interested in using DirecTV Now to authenticate third party apps.
Click to expand...
You will be able to pause (this was mentioned during the demo).
 
You will be able to pause (this was mentioned during the demo).
Click to expand...

I think the restriction on the pause feature may only be for live tv.

Also, I believe I read that shows would only be retained for 72 hours after they originally aired, which is much shorter than most of the third party apps.
 
1. I assume it has to be a 4th gen Apple TV. As noted above, no way does Apple give up control over their hardware and this simply doesn't fit the 3rd gen paradigm, even if a "channel" could be created.

2. Initial indications are no, except for ESPN and HBO

3. Probably not, see #2

4-7. *shrug* no idea
 
IMG_0799.PNG
adrian348 said:
Does anyone have a link or picture of package lineups?
Click to expand...

I think this is it.
 
What about NickToons and TeenNick? I don't see them in any package.

Nevermind the previous post shows them. I hope all the channels are in HD unlike Vue which has channels not in HD.
 
To answer the question about third party app support. I saw posted on reddit that Directv stated they were supported during a later Q&A session. Also DVR is coming in 2017.
 
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my only concern is local channels. It appears that they will only have it in select cities and mine is not one of those
 
Login to apps is limited to Watch ESPN, Disney, Freeform and a couple others. Local channels only in 5 markets. I live in a smaller city in the Midwest, so will never locals. I do OTA and DVR to a Tablo system. OTA is trus HD and condensed like satellite TV.
 
I am doing this for the free Apple TV which I will end up re-selling. So it's like trying the service out for free for three months while I still hold on to Vue.

But I still think Vue is the better overall value. For ten dollars more than the package that Directv offers you can get ninety channels with Vue. Plus I can DVR everything, NFL redzone availability, access to tv everywhere logins for almost everything, and five streams at one time.

So to me it is worth the ten dollars more a month to use Vue instead. If it weren't for the free Apple TV, I wouldn't even bother trying out Directvnow.
 
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Childs said:
Where did you see this?

This?

https://www.att.com/deals/directv-iphone-offer.html
Click to expand...

In the fine print it says excludes streaming only service. So I don't think this offer is for Directvnow.

"$0 APPLE IPHONE 7 32GB OFFER: Limited-time offer (ends November 30, 2016, in Puerto Rico). Port-in: From eligible carriers (excludes Cricket and select others) only. Must buy eligible device within 7 days of port. Eligible Device: New Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus on 0% APR AT&T Next (30-month) or AT&T Next Every Year (24-month) installment agreement. $0 down for well-qualified credit or down payment may be required. Retail price is divided into monthly installments. Tax on full retail price due at sale. After all credits, get iPhone 7 32GB priced $650 ($21.67 or $27.09/month) for free. May apply max credit towards other eligible devices priced up to $970, which will be discounted but not free. Wireless: Monthly postpaid voice and data required (existing customers can add to eligible current plans). DIRECTV: Excludes streaming only services. If new customer, 24-month agreement required. Must be installed within 30 days of device activation. Bill Credit: Applied in equal amounts over entire agreement term. Both services must remain active and in good standing for up to 30 months and device must remain on its agreement for entire term to get all its credits (if cancel wireless service you will owe remaining installment balance of up to $970). If upgrade or pay up/off agreement early your credits may cease. Offer Limits: 1 per wireless acct; 2 wireless accounts per TV account. 1 free device per wireless account per 12 month period. Return: Restocking fee up to $45 may apply. See store or att.com/TVAppleoffer for offer details."
 
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