Forum Discussion

Rbertalotto's avatar
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Feb 13, 2017

DirecTV NOW...internet video streaming...More

I've been a DirecTV NOW subscriber since the service went live a few weeks ago. I've had the opportunity to test it using all sorts of internet connection schemes.

I have three hotspots, Verizon, Sprint and recently T-Mobile.

All work great from New Hampshire down to Washington DC.

This week I'm on a cross country trip from Massachusetts to Arizona. I've used my Iphone, my Ipad Mini and an Amazon Fire Stick to access. All work great.

In my trailer I'm using an Apple adapter to send the signal from my Ipad Mini and my Iphone to my TV via HDMI. This works OK, but sometimes the video has glitches and a few times it has locked up.I believe this is an HDMI edid issue and not much you can do about it.

So far, easily the best combination has been the T-Mobile hotspot with unlimited streaming and using the Amazon Fire Stick plugged into HDMI with the DirecTV NOW app and WiFi to the T-Mobile hotspot. Fantastic video quality and zero glitches or lock ups. PERFECT!

I was able to grab the 6g T-Mobile hotspot offer for $35 a month before it sunsetted on January 22.

$35 a month for T Mobile unlimited streaming and $35 a month for DTV-NOW and 100 channels.

I also added "Curiosity Stream" app for a ton of science programs and Netflicks for movies.

So my total monthly cost for on the road entertainment is:

$35 T-Mobile
$35 DVT-NOW
$10 Curiosity Stream
$10 NetFlix

$90 Total (and I have 6g of general internet access. Last month I didn't use 4g so 2g gets put in my bank for future use.)

So far I've not found any place that T Mobile doesn't work. In fact, I used it on this trip of nearly 2000 mile to run Google Maps as I was driving along. Never lost signal once. Very impressive!

I'll be staying in an RV park north of Deming NM and then in a park north of Phoenix. We'll see how well T-Mobile works in these more remote areas.

Hope this helps others with the "entertainment" decision.

subject title edited for clarity
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Feb 16, 2017
    Jersey Jim
    Problems with directv NOW service, the internet streaming service

    No harm done, just trying to not drift off into hardware, dish, box
    Problems

    I'm sure there are others that did not realize the difference
    Bringing it to attention makes it easier to stay with the Now streaming service topic
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Feb 16, 2017
    you are going to see more and more of the Directv Now type services in the future, I think streaming services like this will be the future. ATT is using this service to lure in more cell customers by offering to have the DirecttvNow data not count against your data package.

    My biggest concern with these services is can you get good enough cell service in campgrounds to make it work. The campgrounds we've tried it in have been about 50-50 on having adequate cell service.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2017
    MRWIZARD: Sorry....I thought I WAS on topic. These posters are telling about their PROBLEMS with DirecTV....I was just telling about MY lack of problems (thankfully).
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Feb 15, 2017
    Let's keep this thread on topic

    Directv Now is an internet service , No dish, No box
    Just a subscription and a app/ program on your device , tablet, phone, pc
    It's internet and software, like Netflix, or hulu, or Amazon video

    That is what is being discussed

    There are plenty of other threads regarding satellite service
    Satellite and boxes are not being discussed and not needed in this thread
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    I (PERSONALLY) have no idea(s) of what the problems are with DirecTV. I've had it in my house for a good 10 years.Once...the (SD) LNB went bad. Service was there the next day. Fixed.
    I get great reception (SD or HD in the house)....rain and snow don't bother it....only HEAVY cloud cover ( like a thunderstorm) interrupts the signal. But who do you blame that on? God? Just about the ONLY thing I don't like is the 8 minits it takes for the HD box to boot up. In this age of "instantaneous" my question is "why"? EIGHT minits !

    With the SD box.. .(in the bedroom) the "boot up" is instant. Plus this is the box I take and put in the RV when, say, on a 3 month snowbird run. I give up the "networks"...no biggie, but have all the other stations. Dish, tripod, strength meter and compass. 10-15 minits to set up. Pay the bill on time.
  • chuckbear's avatar
    chuckbear
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    While Roy has been promoting DirecTV Now on every RV Discussion Forum about how great it's working for him, the reality is that for many, many, many other folks using the service, it's having lots of problems. From the inherent limitations to days of no service to a multitude of other issues, the reviews are in and they are not good. I only say this because I have no horse in the race and it would be sad if too many of us jump in and cancel our current service and expect DirecTV Now to be the latest and greatest. Especially since it's far from it. I just hope anyone will do their due diligence and make the decision based on unbiased and extensive research before making a decision. Especially since most of us in the RV category are exposed to many, many limitations and challenges when it comes to streaming services compared to traditional forms of entertainment options. A Google search of honest reviews will bring up a wealth of information. Here is just one example. Chuck
  • Rbertalotto's avatar
    Rbertalotto
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    "So the DTV data is free? Confused. "

    As I posted, $35 a month for 100 channels (introductory offer, a few $$ more now)
  • Rbertalotto's avatar
    Rbertalotto
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    "Do you ever go OUTSIDE and enjoy the read world?"

    Yes, I sit outside and read often...............
  • Bigbird65's avatar
    Bigbird65
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2017
    Using the DirecTV app, my DirecTV subscription, and my AT&T subscription I have great coverage in my travel trailer with no data charges. I connect my Android phone (Samsung GS5) to the TV using an MHL/HDMI converter.

  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2017
    lbrjet wrote:
    So the DTV data is free? Confused.


    AT&T offers "unlimited" streaming if you're a DTV customer (because they own DTV). In an interesting turn of events, TMO countered with the same offer by offsetting your DTV subscription with a bill-credit (an offer that has now expired). I believe the "unlimited" streaming offer is the same - 22 Gbps limit and the right to throttle speeds after that (doesn't mean they will, but they can).

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