DirecTV Now?

[tromboneaholic]

Lack of video on demand content is still disappointing. I'm able to log into the ABC app using DirecTV Now, but ESPN and Disney are useless for our viewing habits in my home. If we could log into more apps to get VOD content, it would make DirecTV Now useful to us. Live TV is too narrow. We've gotten used to watch what we want, when we want it.

 

[satcomer]

Lack of video on demand content is still disappointing. I'm able to log into the ABC app using DirecTV Now, but ESPN and Disney are useless for our viewing habits in my home. If we could log into more apps to get VOD content, it would make DirecTV Now useful to us. Live TV is too narrow. We've gotten used to watch what we want, when we want it.

If you really want to type into apps with a streaming service look at Playstation Vue.

 

[mattopotamus]

Right now I only use it in my bedroom and I could never use it as a full blown cable replacement. Not really directTV Now's fault, but I still find navigating a pain with the simple remotes these steaming boxes come with. I always, always experience issues from around 8pm on: freezes, complete time outs, or certain features just flat out not working.

Glad I tried it to get the free ATV, but I personally could never replace cable with this service. Also, the NBC sports channel makes no sense to me. Sunday night it did not show Sunday night football so I downloaded the NBC sports app which did show the game.

 

[IndianBird]

Right now I only use it in my bedroom and I could never use it as a full blown cable replacement. Not really directTV Now's fault, but I still find navigating a pain with the simple remotes these steaming boxes come with. I always, always experience issues from around 8pm on: freezes, complete time outs, or certain features just flat out not working.

Glad I tried it to get the free ATV, but I personally could never replace cable with this service. Also, the NBC sports channel makes no sense to me. Sunday night it did not show Sunday night football so I downloaded the NBC sports app which did show the game.

NBC Sports Network is an entirely different channel than NBC, much like CBS Sports Network is entirely different than CBS.

The App shows the game because the app includes streams from NBC broadcasts as well.

 

[Spankey]

I'm going to stick it out with my DirecTV Now sub. I'm going to give them at least 6 months, maybe more. Things will eventually improve (DVR added, glitches fixed, VoD improved, single sign on support expanded). I think at $35 locked in for the number of channels there won't be much regret in the long run. Maybe it's garbage now, but this isn't a startup we're talking about here. They will eventually fix these issues. Sling was a hot mess for quite a while, it didn't stay that way forever. I'll happily gamble for the early adopter price.

As aggravating as this experience has been so far, I do agree that this service will not be broken forever. I have seen major PQ improvements on my local networks. Ok, Fox, since ABC is still broken in my area. There have been nights an days where I did not see any freezing. PQ may be a bit down rezzed for now, but it is still light years ahead of cable and when switching back and forth between satellite any differences are negligible. Sat may have a hair more sharpness that is revealed as depth to the image. Also, it seems like the stream is now much more in sync with satellite where it used to be almost two minutes behind. Software updates to the app have been forthcoming. A lot of subs may cancel after the three months are up. That should alleviate some of the capacity issues as well.

Bottom line. We are in the three month beta period. We were all given devices to test run the service for three months. I've gained an Apple TV I was going to buy anyway for $50 off. If all works as expected I will be grandfathered in with a great price and drop my $100 plus satellite service soon.

 

[mic j]

Although I won't be continuing my subscription to Directv Now because the cost of my U-Verse package very competitive with the service...and give me DVR, 5.1 Dolby, and even more channels (that I will never watch), I do think the service will improve. I subscribed to Directv for more than 15 years. When I first got their service the Guide and DVR was terrible. It was slow and poorly organized and was not full featured. Over a few years, they improved the whole system. I seen a real commitment to improvement and they delivered...although at times it was frustrating slow improvement. They finely got there. I would still have the service if it were feasible where I currently live. I thing their Guide, DVR, picture and sound is the gold standard. If they show the commitment to the Directv Now service that they showed for the satellite service, I have faith it will improve and continue to develop into a very nice package. Let's hope!!!

 

[nburwell]

Also, the NBC sports channel makes no sense to me. Sunday night it did not show Sunday night football so I downloaded the NBC sports app which did show the game.

I believe DIRECTV needs some agreement with the NFL to stream the games on FOX, NBC, CBS, etc. since when I flipped to my local FOX channel, the game was blacked out, but I could stream on the FOX Sports Go app.

I would still love if DIRECTV Now added NFL Sunday Ticket to their service though.

 

[Spankey]

I believe DIRECTV needs some agreement with the NFL to stream the games on FOX, NBC, CBS, etc. since when I flipped to my local FOX channel, the game was blacked out, but I could stream on the FOX Sports Go app.

I would still love if DIRECTV Now added NFL Sunday Ticket to their service though.

That was an issue Directv had a few weeks back. Unless you are watching on a phone (Verizon has that exclusivity) you can watch local and National games on your local stations.
[doublepost=1482942381][/doublepost]BTW, my PQ has been outstanding the last few days. Fix the bugs, get. Y remaining locals and RSN's and this is a winner.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

For anyone that wants to get in on the 100 channel for $35 rate, you better hurry. That promotion is ending January 9th per their Facebook ad. Not sure if the Apple TV deal is ending then too or if it continues. I had heard March on that one, but not sure.

 

[Spankey]

For anyone that wants to get in on the 100 channel for $35 rate, you better hurry. That promotion is ending January 9th per their Facebook ad. Not sure if the Apple TV deal is ending then too or if it continues. I had heard March on that one, but not sure.

If that date holds, all these beta testing issues better be resolved by then. Charging full price for a broken service seems like fraud.

 

[psylence2k]

Anyone know if the Apple TV deal and the 100+ channel discount is limited to just one purchase ? or can you pay to get two or more of each ?

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

Anyone know if the Apple TV deal and the 100+ channel discount is limited to just one purchase ? or can you pay to get two or more of each ?

Their website isn't set up for more than one, so to do that you'd have to set up another seperate account with another email I'd say. Or, maybe get lucky and pickup one in the store while they send a duplicate one, something they seem to be doing a lot!

 

[psylence2k]

Their website isn't set up for more than one, so to do that you'd have to set up another seperate account with another email I'd say. Or, maybe get lucky and pickup one in the store while they send a duplicate one, something they seem to be doing a lot!

So they have no problem with you using two separate e-mails to get two Apple TV deals and two $35/100 + channel deals ?

like they wont cut you off or try to cancel it or anything ?

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

So they have no problem with you using two separate e-mails to get two Apple TV deals and two $35/100 + channel deals ?

like they wont cut you off or try to cancel it or anything ?

Considering they only allow two streams at once, having two accounts is really the only way a family of four or five can realistically watch the TV they want. So they kind of have to be cool with it as it is the system they set up!

 

[psylence2k]

Considering they only allow two streams at once, having two accounts is really the only way a family of four or five can realistically watch the TV they want. So they kind of have to be cool with it as it is the system they set up!

That's exactly the scenario was thinking of also and would use as an example if I ever called customer service.

Do they even have a customer service number ? All I see on their site is an online chat link but I think someone in here already said they didn't have much luck with it.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

That's exactly the scenario was thinking of also and would use as an example if I ever called customer service.

Do they even have a customer service number ? All I see on their site is an online chat link but I think someone in here already said they didn't have much luck with it.

They do not. I think one way they are keeping the price low is to do away with phone support and rely only on web chat sessions which sucks, but I guess that's the price we "pay". At least right now. Perhaps that will change in the future.

 

[east85]

It's already been covered here by other users but here's an article about how the $35 is officially ending on Jan 9th.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I bought 3 months to get the AppleTV deal, but I will probably cancel. No local channels and the lack of being able to watch some shows after they air (The Walking Dead in particular) are my main gripes. Still glad I got the Appletv at a discount, though.

 

[eyeseeyou]

I only have one tv in our house and already own a 4th gen atv.

I figure even if I sell the atv for $100 I'd be getting most of my money back anyhow.

Still keeping an eye on slingtv due to single sign on and the apple tv app recognizes slingtv channels.

Also bracing myself for a price increase or service decrease once improvements are made.

 

[Richard8655]

I wouldn't be surprised if they add a $5 "fee" increase after Jan. 9 to bring the package cost up to $40. Then again later in the year. AT&T is known to be pretty sneaky. I decided not to go with these guys for this reason as well as lack of customer phone support.

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

I wouldn't be surprised if they add a $5 "fee" increase after Jan. 9 to bring the package cost up to $40. Then again later in the year. AT&T is known to be pretty sneaky. I decided not to go with these guys for this reason as well as lack of customer phone support.

Eventually yeah. But not that quick. Way too soon. Will not happen even from them. Now, they might roll out their DVR feature and charge extra for it. That I could see as a possibility.

But you have to remember, there are other competitors on the horizon like Google and Hulu that they are trying to stave off as more and more get into this space. Thus I don't think they will do too much pricing wise that drives people to the competition.

 

[TheIntruder]

I expect a price increase at some point.

But with services like these, not bound by contracts, or the vagaries of installation and truck rolls, incentives like grandfathering in a lower price is one of the few tools they have to generate any kind of loyalty and customer retention.

Especially for a market of cord cutters that has greater propensity to switch services in response to changing market conditions.

If AT&T is serious about the business, they'll have to tread carefully.

 

[mac.cali]

More than likely I'll be cancelling my Directv satellite and sticking with Now. I only watch a handful of networks which are all included, except for NFL Network (seasons over). I wouldn't say I'm problem free, but it's been getting better... stability wise. Hopefully they add the NFL networks soon.
[doublepost=1483235721][/doublepost]

ATT does the same thing. You can use your internet to login to the apps for the local channels. The only exception is CBS.

I wonder what logins apply for Charter Spectrum?

 

[lederermc]

People will always complain. It's a great deal for $35 and free Apple TV. Bugs will be worked out.

When bugs are worked out att will creep up the cost to be what sat/cab currently charge.

 

[GizmoDVD]

When bugs are worked out att will creep up the cost to be what sat/cab currently charge.

Nice assumption.