DirecTV Now?

[MadeTheSwitch]

The app really sucks right now, though. Constant lost connection and freezing. And what I thought I would like the best from the service (dvr function like netflix etc.) is awful. Hopefully, though, will get better.

Yep, and streaming freezes are becoming much more frequent for me. Have tried killing all other apps on ATV4, rebooting, and issues persist. If I stream with Netflix, Hulu, or any other app, no issues. So, it is either the DTVN tvOS app, or the server side that is failing. Sure hope they can work that out, coupled with the lack of locals and DVR, this is likely to be a showstopper for me.

Question for both of you. DTV has come out with several updates to the app since launch. Are you running the latest version of the app?

Am I able to decline the free Apple TV now and within the 7 day trial get the free TV?

Nope. Unfortunately you cannot. You got to pick just one. 7 day trial, or 1 month pay (for the Roku Fire Stick) or 3 month pay for the ATV. One of those 3 choices.

 

[IndianBird]

Question for both of you. DTV has come out with several updates to the app since launch. Are you running the latest version of the app?



Nope. Unfortunately you cannot. You got to pick just one. 7 day trial, or 1 month pay (for the Roku) or 3 month pay for the ATV. One of those 3 choices.

Just sign up for the trial with one email and then if you like it, sign up for three months with another email.

 

[mallbritton]

Yes, there is no a la carte yet (unfortunately).

Not from the cable/satellite providers, but I think we are starting to see the beginnings of a la carte on the streaming boxes. We can already subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video (on non-Apple OTT boxes), HBO, Showtime, Starz, CBS All Access and other, new movie streaming packages (Shudder, Warner Bros., etc). Pair these with a subscription to Sling, PS Vue or DTVN and we generally will get access to the WatchESPN app. It can be as cheap or as expensive as we want it to be.

Sure our choices don't include everything forward looking cord cutters like ourselves might want, but we're starting to get there. Hopefully Disney will allow us to subscribe to a stand-alone ESPN for a reasonable price in the near future. And let's not forget that we can still, generally, get the original-style networks via an antenna for no charge.

 

[psylence2k]

Yeah it's your sign in. You can't choose another name as far as I know.

can you ever change the sign-in e-mail afterwards ?

 

[d21mike]

Just sign up for the trial with one email and then if you like it, sign up for three months with another email.

Of course this promo ends in 6 days.
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Question for both of you. DTV has come out with several updates to the app since launch. Are you running the latest version of the app?



Nope. Unfortunately you cannot. You got to pick just one. 7 day trial, or 1 month pay (for the Roku) or 3 month pay for the ATV. One of those 3 choices.

I believe you mean Fire Stick since the Roku is not yet supported.

 

[Bmoreguy03]

How do yall feel about the service since the last couple of updates?
Im still having an issue with it freezing up around primetime and that is pissing me off honestly

 

[Richard8655]

Not from the cable/satellite providers, but I think we are starting to see the beginnings of a la carte on the streaming boxes. We can already subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video (on non-Apple OTT boxes), HBO, Showtime, Starz, CBS All Access and other, new movie streaming packages (Shudder, Warner Bros., etc). Pair these with a subscription to Sling, PS Vue or DTVN and we generally will get access to the WatchESPN app. It can be as cheap or as expensive as we want it to be.

Sure our choices don't include everything forward looking cord cutters like ourselves might want, but we're starting to get there. Hopefully Disney will allow us to subscribe to a stand-alone ESPN for a reasonable price in the near future. And let's not forget that we can still, generally, get the original-style networks via an antenna for no charge.

Yes, very true. But I really meant a la carte for live channel programs. And the free programming via antenna aspect can't be emphasized enough. Also add that PBS via antenna is a great intelligent alternative to many of the low level channels in the streaming packages. Interesting also that they never include PBS in their packages.

 

[DavidStaples]

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.

Here's the Unboxing video I just made for the one I received and opened last night:

1. It appears to be a fully functioning Apple TV.

2. I haven't been able to log into other third party apps with my DirecTV Now account like I have previously been able to do with cable / satellite subscriptions. Hopefully that's coming soon?

3. SSO? Haven't noticed anything, though it does suggest my e-mail address as having been previously used for different things.

4. Yep

5. I haven't noticed any recommendations to download third party apps as of yet.

6. Yes, the DirecTV Now app does have a built in guide.

7. I have no idea

 

[RadioGaGa1984]

typical Direct and AT&T BULL, got an email to sign up for one month full service to include HBO and Cinemax, however the code never works.
SO thanks but no thanks I'll stick to a provider that actually works.

 

[IndianBird]

typical Direct and AT&T BULL, got an email to sign up for one month full service to include HBO and Cinemax, however the code never works.
SO thanks but no thanks I'll stick to a provider that actually works.

I got that and it worked fine.

 

[east85]

can you ever change the sign-in e-mail afterwards ?

I believe you can. I haven't tried it yet, though. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.

How do yall feel about the service since the last couple of updates?
Im still having an issue with it freezing up around primetime and that is pissing me off honestly

Yes, it is pretty irritating. The way I see it, I got an Apple TV for $45 off, roughly. The rest of it is just being a beta tester for the service. I don't rely on DTV Now for the majority of my video entertainment, if I did (or tried) in what seems to be very much a beta period I'd be pissed off though.

I still get glitches on live TV occasionally. The only thing that's particularly unreliable to the point of frustration is the on demand content.

Here's the Unboxing video I just made for the one I received and opened last night:

1. It appears to be a fully functioning Apple TV.

2. I haven't been able to log into other third party apps with my DirecTV Now account like I have previously been able to do with cable / satellite subscriptions. Hopefully that's coming soon?

3. SSO? Haven't noticed anything, though it does suggest my e-mail address as having been previously used for different things.

4. Yep

5. I haven't noticed any recommendations to download third party apps as of yet.

6. Yes, the DirecTV Now app does have a built in guide.

7. I have no idea

You can find supported apps here. The list is pretty short right now, but I imagine it will expand over time.

 

[psylence2k]

Anyone have TWO or more Direct TV now accounts ? I know you have to use separate e-mails but is there no problem with using the same payment method for multiple accounts ?

 

[Bmoreguy03]

I believe you can. I haven't tried it yet, though. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.



Yes, it is pretty irritating. The way I see it, I got an Apple TV for $45 off, roughly. The rest of it is just being a beta tester for the service. I don't rely on DTV Now for the majority of my video entertainment, if I did (or tried) in what seems to be very much a beta period I'd be pissed off though.

I still get glitches on live TV occasionally. The only thing that's particularly unreliable to the point of frustration is the on demand content.



You can find supported apps here. The list is pretty short right now, but I imagine it will expand over time.

I haven't even tried the Ondemand video yet. What type of problem are you having ?

 

[jca24]

Anyone have TWO or more Direct TV now accounts ? I know you have to use separate e-mails but is there no problem with using the same payment method for multiple accounts ?

Doubt it, try it and find out. I may be signing up for another account soon, will chime back in if so.

 

[mpetrides]

I gave up on the app after about a week--once my Apple TV arrived. But even on the Apple TV I got freezing, lost connections, annoying as heck. The connectivity issues plus the fact that I can't get my local channels--you know, the ones most people get for free over the air, those channels--made me cancel my subscription. I will still have service until my prepaid three months is up, but after that I'm gone.

I might reconsider if the fix the connectivity issues and get local channels. For now, though, it's good riddance...

 

[d21mike]

I think expectations are really important. I am not having most of the problems others are having. I have seen the FREEZE but not very often. However, I do not use it in Prime time that often. I mainly use it when I want to just watch something LIVE like news. For shows during prime time I use CBS All Access or Hulu (NBC, ABC, FOX) with No Commercials. I also watch Netflix and HBO for some shows. So for me the net cost of $25 per month (HBO $15 - $5) and the free Apple TV is well worth the cost for the first 3 months. I have zero regrets.

At this time I expect to continue after the 3 months (again net $25) unless something comes along much better at a good price. I am really happy with the Hulu (no commercial tier) and very interested to see what they come up with for a full tv service. Hulu is also adding Profiles like Netflix. No Commercials is huge for me.

I would like to see them add a DVR Feature and a couple more channels my wife must have. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and the Up Channel. What is crazy is that Hallmark Movies is part of the cheapest tier only. The Up Channel is not on any of the OTT Services so not sure of that one. Both Hallmark's are in a $5 add on package with Sling but neither are on Vue. Vue seems to be a really good option with DVR and 5 Streams but they are missing two many channels for me. OH, would like DIRECTV Now to add at least 1 more stream for a total for 3 or maybe even 4.

 

[east85]

It's going to be nice once they fix the problems and integrate into Apple's TV app, along with adopting single sign on. That's what I'm looking forward to. Like a $35 package with that kind of content, with the apps and the on demand content it will be basically a steal.

All of this is still in its infancy though (including Apple's own tv app) and it's glaringly obvious I suppose.

I'm trying to look at this a little more long term, maybe 6-9 months out to give services time to mature.

I haven't even tried the Ondemand video yet. What type of problem are you having ?

Just a lot of errors that will stop a show/movie and bring up a black screen. I've had to load live tv and navigate back to the networks tab (in the overlay when you swipe up) when I get these errors, navigate back to the network and select the tv show, multiple times just to get through one show. FX has been really horrible with it. FXM as well. Comedy Central. Almost all of them have been a mess for on demand in my experience. That's not to say I think they won't get around to fixing it, though.

 

[d21mike]

Regarding the On Demand that most talk about. I will not watch commercials so really not a big deal to me. I would much prefer a DVR over On Demand. But I do use CBS All Access and Hulu, both without commercials.

 

[east85]

Regarding the On Demand that most talk about. I will not watch commercials so really not a big deal to me. I would much prefer a DVR over On Demand. But I do use CBS All Access and Hulu, both without commercials.

I'll have to check more channels, but so far I've noticed that you can fast forward through commercials on a few channels (specifically with their On Demand content). If memory serves me, IFC & FXM for sure.

I agree though that a full out DVR would be a much better solution over On Demand content. It almost always has been as long as On Demand has been a thing.

 

[TheIntruder]

They'd make users happier regarding the VOD issues, even if only temporarily, by expanding the agreements they have to allow access to each programmer's own apps. For example, it's just easier and more reliable to use HBO Now than attempt to use their own service.

Expanding access to locals would be more difficult. It's simpler to negotiate a single agreement to cover all the markets where the network owns and operates the affiliate. Even then, they have to deal with someone like CBS, who wants to do their own thing, or NBC, where locals are restricted to portable devices and not on ATV.

It's not as simple for the majority of markets where franchisees provide the network programming, and those contracts must be taken into account.

In terms of basic service, I've seen more glitches during the holiday period.

This is still very much a work in progress.

 

[d21mike]

They'd make users happier regarding the VOD issues, even if only temporarily, by expanding the agreements they have to allow access to each programmer's own apps. For example, it's just easier and more reliable to use HBO Now than attempt to use their own service.

Expanding access to locals would be more difficult. It's simpler to negotiate a single agreement to cover all the markets where the network owns and operates the affiliate. Even then, they have to deal with someone like CBS, who wants to do their own thing, or NBC, where locals are restricted to portable devices and not on ATV.

It's not as simple for the majority of markets where franchisees provide the network programming, and those contracts must be taken into account.

In terms of basic service, I've seen more glitches during the holiday period.

This is still very much a work in progress.

HBO Go is pretty much the same as HBO Now. I cancelled HBO Now in favor of DIRECT NOW $5 for HBO Go. Maybe you meant HBO Go.

 

[psylence2k]

What are the payment methods accepted besides credit card ? Paypal ? In store ?

 

[Spankey]

What are the payment methods accepted besides credit card ? Paypal ? In store ?

I signed up with PayPal.

 

[TheIntruder]

HBO Go is pretty much the same as HBO Now. I cancelled HBO Now in favor of DIRECT NOW $5 for HBO Go. Maybe you meant HBO Go.

You're right, I meant HBO Go. Brain fade.

Such apps already have established past and current libraries. For DTVN to try to replicate them, is kind of redundant.

 

[2010mini]

It's intriguing that Mac Rumors have had no stories on the on going Directv Now widespread issues. Yes it's not an Apple product, but they did multiple stories on Samsung Note issues. So what's the deal? The fact that ATT offered a free Apple TV should make the ongoing issue news worthy as it does affect the Apple community.