By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.
Former editor of Satellite DIRECT magazine. Reported on DIRECTV for 30 years.
TV Answer Man, what’s up with this new commercial from DIRECTV on streaming? It’s not for DIRECTV Stream. It’s for that Gemini thing. Why is that? Don’t they want to promote DIRECTV Stream? I have it and it’s pretty good. — Tom, town withheld.
Tom, DIRECTV yesterday launched a new advertising campaign, called For the Birds, in which two pigeons (voiced by Steve Buscemi and Henry Winkler) say there are fewer satellite dishes to perch on because more people are watching DIRECTV via streaming. However, the ad promotes DIRECTV’s via Internet service, not DIRECTV Stream.
What’s the difference?
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DIRECTV Stream offers the majority of DIRECTV’s satellite channels over the Internet using a Smart TV device such as Roku, Apple TV or Amazon’s Fire TV. Unlike DIRECTV’s satellite plans, there are no contracts with DIRECTV Stream; you can cancel anytime without a termination penalty. (Although you do have to pay for the current month when you cancel.) As noted, you can also use any streaming device you want, so long as the DIRECTV Stream app is included.
DIRECTV via Internet, however, requires a 24-month contract with a $20 a month termination penalty if you cancel within that period. There are also other fees including a $15 a month advanced receiver fee because you can’t watch DIRECTV via Internet unless you use the DIRECTV-supplied Gemini set-top. (And because you are using a DIRECTV-supplied set-top, the company is able to collect the data on your viewing choices which can be used by said company in a variety of ways.)
So I think you know now why DIRECTV is promoting DIRECTV via Internet over DIRECTV Stream. The former is a better deal for the company while the latter offers the consumer a better deal.
It’s that simple.
Now you may wonder why DIRECTV offers DIRECTV Stream at all if it’s a better consumer choice than DIRECTV via Internet. The answer: Because there are several other live streaming services that offer the same consumer-friendly options, such as YouTube TV and Sling TV. DIRECTV needs DIRECTV Stream to attract savvy consumers who’ve had enough of contracts and fees.
But it wants to promote the service (DIRECTV via Internet) that’s tilted in favor of the company.
Tom, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
