DIRECTV Supports Amazon Alexa

[Scott Greczkowski]

Just got this in my inbox.

We’re excited to announce that the Amazon Echo, a voice-controlled entertainment device, can now be used by AT&T DIRECTV customers to perform certain DIRECTV remote control functions.

By enabling an Amazon Echo to work with a DIRECTV Genie receiver (HR44 and above models with at least software version xFEC) or Genie Mini client (must be connected to eligible Genie receiver), customers will be able to use voice-activated phrases such as “Alexa, tune to channel…” to switch channels, search for content, schedule recordings, and turn the TV on/off. If a customer asks about using an Echo device with the DIRECTV system, technicians can direct them to either the Amazon Alexa mobile app or amazon.com/alexa to enable Echo’s DIRECTV functionality.

The below steps detail how to enable Echo’s supported DIRECTV functions:

1. Go to the Amazon Alexa mobile app or amazon.com/alexa and log in. If the customer has yet to set up the Echo device, they should do so before attempting to enable DIRECTV functionality.
   • If they have not already done so, the customer will also need to create DIRECTV user credentials by visiting either the DIRECTV mobile app or directv.com.

1. Select the Music, Video, & Books option from the left-hand menu.

1. Select DIRECTV from the video section of the ensuing options.

1. Click ENABLE. The customer will be presented with a link to AT&T DIRECTV’s Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy if they would like to review the agreements.

1. Once enabled, the customer will need to log in with their DIRECTV user credentials to pair the Amazon Echo with the chosen DIRECTV receiver/client. Note that if a customer wants to control multiple set-top boxes across the DIRECTV system via Echo, each STB will need its own paired Echo device.

 

[EchostarFan]

A little bit too late for D*, considering that they were bought by the dreaded Ma Bell.....

On the Alexa side, E* really beat them to it earlier, this year.

 

[Jimbo]

This is for the people that are too lazy to use the remote.

 

[cpalmer2k]

Not showing up for me as a provider option either through the web interface or the app. It must be exclusive to the Amazon Echo (and not available on the Echo Dot I have) or they're rolling it out slowly.

 

[ejb1980]

A little bit too late for D*, considering that they were bought by the dreaded Ma Bell.....

On the Alexa side, E* really beat them to it earlier, this year.

Dish Network: It's not all in the Dish because Dish hates sports. Who needs Alexa to do ANYTHING for them, let alone change TV channels for them?

 

[raoul5788]

This is for the people that are too lazy to use the remote.

Or people that can't use the remote because they are handicapped.

 

[FLASAT007]

Not showing up for me as a provider option either through the web interface or the app. It must be exclusive to the Amazon Echo (and not available on the Echo Dot I have) or they're rolling it out slowly.

I have the echo and directv provider isn’t showing up in the app either. So I’m not sure how the op has it in the app??

 

[rad]

Add me to the list that doesn't have DIRECTV showing up in the iOS app.

 

[ejb1980]

This many people have the Alexa? I am shocked.

 

[Jimbo]

Or people that can't use the remote because they are handicapped.

When's the last time D* did anything specifically for a particular group of people ?

 

[Brad Meier]

I spoke to Directv and Amazon and both didn’t know what I was talking about. Are you sure about this. Hope it can be straighten out

 

[raoul5788]

to Satelliteguys Brad!

If Scott says it, it's most likely true.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

The note is directly from DIRECTV.

I just post them when I get them. Perhaps they ran into an issue and pulled it down temporarily.

The good news is however we now know it’s coming.

 

[goaliebob99]

They have been testing this for a while. I'm surprised that it hasn't rolled out sooner.

 

[Brad Meier]

I can’t wait for Amazon echo to be able to control Directv and soon as possible. It’s going to be cool. Did you get this email from Directv as a customer?

 

[Brad Meier]

Directv customer service doesn’t even know what an amazon echo is.

 

[Jimbo]

I can see it now, Echo is taking to long to change channels .... Wahhhh

Echo (or whichever device the hook to ... I'm sure there will be more) changed to the wrong channel.

 

[GooberedUp]

I find it convenient to have with E*. I can never remember the HBO VOD channel number and find it annoying to scroll through the guide. So I ask Alexa to tune to HBO, which it does instantly. HBO VOD is the channel above that, which is easy with the remote then. I like it!

 

[Smicon]

I dont have it either

 

[HIFI]

I can see it now, Echo is taking to long to change channels .... Wahhhh

Echo (or whichever device the hook to ... I'm sure there will be more) changed to the wrong channel.

Can you imagine the worthless truck rolls on this?