DIRECTV UNIFIED BRAND COMING APRIL 6th.

[Jimbo]

There aren't any RSN fees, there are RSNs.

Enjoy it while it lasts ....

 

[DS0816]

Unified DIRECTV Brand – Launching April 6, 2023

Overview

DIRECTV is streamlining the brand to create a simpler and more seamless customer experience.

In the current state today, DIRECTV’s products are divided by their method of delivery: DIRECTV is a Satellite product and DIRECTV STREAM is a Streaming product.

As DIRECTV’s Marketing teams have learned more about the STREAM customer base, they’ve seen different behaviors and values between those who are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) DIRECTV STREAM customers and those who have DIRECTV STREAM using the Osprey Device. STREAM with Device customers are often coming from a Cable provider, and they’re looking for a service that aligns with what they’ve had in the past, with similar pricing/offers, but with a better experience overall.

New Unified Brand

To solve for the needs of these customers and to create a more unified DIRECTV brand, as of April 6, 2023, Device customers will both fall under the “DIRECTV” Brand. DIRECTV Satellite will become a sub-brand called, “DIRECTV via SATELLITE”, and DIRECTV STREAM with Device will become a sub-brand called, “DIRECTV via INTERNET.”

BYOD STREAM customers will stay with the “DIRECTV STREAM” brand.

View attachment 161237

With the rebrand, DIRECTV (both via SATELLITE & via INTERNET) will align in price, they’ll both come with a 2-year price protection for 24 months, and they’ll both offer an included device for the customer at no additional cost.

One major benefit with Satellite is that there is still a larger variety of content available, and more channels available for the same price. The customer channel lineups will be available online for the customer to compare. Sales agents will also receive training that there is more content available via SATELLITE.

DIRECTV STREAM for BYOD will continue to be a month-to-month offer as it is today. DIRECTV via INTERNET will also be month-to-month, but will offer a new price lock for 24 months.

What Customers Can Expect – As of April 6

New Customers with Equipment

• Customers ordering any type of DIRECTV service with equipment will experience one DIRECTV ‘umbrella’ brand.
• There will continue to be two technology delivery options for DIRECTV service.
• Based on the type of technology delivery method, service will be called via SATELLITE or via INTERNET.

New Customers Without Equipment (BYOD)

• New customers that do not order DIRECTV service with equipment (BYOD) will be directed to com for the DIRECTV STREAM service.
• DIRECTV equipment gives customers the BEST experience & customers should only be referred to directvstream.com after DIRECTV via SATELLITE and/or DIRECTV via INTERNET have been offered as a solution.

Existing Customers

• Existing DIRECTV STREAM customers with & without a DIRECTV STREAM device will continue with services under the DIRECTV STREAM name for now.
• Account management functions on com will continue.

I have three words, for now, to describe this:

Out of touch.

 

[John2021]

I was going by Non Discounted pricing ...
The Regular Sat D* doesn't have the NFL ST anymore either .. are you talking the NFL Network ?
If so thats a Strike against Streaming, I have that on now in the background.

They should have done away with the Recvr fees and the other BS fees long ago, but D* is on the decline already.

Now IF, someone had the money, they COULD build new Sats and recvrs and Revive the industry.

i get inflation but also the FCC needs to step in and regulate what station owners can charge!!! like that would ever happen!!!

 

[NashGuy]

unless I'm missing something the current promo rates for satellite base price make it less than streaming
Entertainment is 64.99 sat 74.99 stream
Choice is 89.99 sat 99.99 stream
The other 2 are the same price but it looks like satellite requires auto pay or its $10 more

Its the fees that makes streaming a better option for folks. No $15 advance receiver fee. No RSN fee. No extra receiver fee. So 2 boxes with stream is the price listed. Sat it was almost $30 more with Choice in my market (RSN fee was like $8), $15 advance receiver fee and $7 extra receiver fee

I know streaming doesn't get NFL network or the music channels (but since you're streaming, why need the audio only stations)
No religious stations (sans Daystar), no knock off shopping channels and only a handful of shopping (QVC, HSN, Jewelry, ShopLC)

Yeah, that's all correct. Looks like new sign-ups for the sat packages automatically include one "advanced receiver," i.e. Genie HD DVR, so you really have to tack on another $15 to the stated prices. (If the FCC gets their way, DTV and other cable TV providers would no longer be able to advertise prices that don't include unavoidable fees like that.)

If DTV via Internet is truly going to cost the same as DTV via Satellite -- same equipment rental charges, same RSN fees, same price increase of $20 or more after the first 2 years -- basically everything the same except no contract and no fat Visa gift card -- that looks to me a bit like they're giving up on their internet-delivered service. I just can't see many folks taking it.

DTV Stream is already losing the race against YTTV and Hulu Live because it charges higher prices for fewer channels. IDK, maybe DTV Stream couldn't turn a profit if they compete just on price. And if they're now going to take away the option of purchasing their custom streaming device to use with DTV Stream, so that it's purely a BYOD (bring your own device) service, then that takes away one of the reasons that many customers would be willing to pay more. Now they're asking those customers to go with DTV via Internet, with even higher long-term pricing, just the same as satellite.

Maybe DTV sees the writing on the wall, that their customer base will continue to dwindle and they may as well get as much profit out of them as they can. In other words, concentrate more on profit margin than on subscriber numbers.

 

[navychop]

If the FCC gets their way, DTV and other cable TV providers would no longer be able to advertise prices that don't include unavoidable fees like that.

AND the problem with this is.......?

 

[navychop]

In other words, concentrate more on profit margin than on subscriber numbers.

And this is different how from past years? Didn't they dump low margin subs and declare they were concentrating on their more valuable subs? And stay a bit costlier than Dish?

 

[CSM]

Yeah, that's all correct. Looks like new sign-ups for the sat packages automatically include one "advanced receiver," i.e. Genie HD DVR, so you really have to tack on another $15 to the stated prices. (If the FCC gets their way, DTV and other cable TV providers would no longer be able to advertise prices that don't include unavoidable fees like that.)

If DTV via Internet is truly going to cost the same as DTV via Satellite -- same equipment rental charges, same RSN fees, same price increase of $20 or more after the first 2 years -- basically everything the same except no contract and no fat Visa gift card -- that looks to me a bit like they're giving up on their internet-delivered service. I just can't see many folks taking it.

DTV Stream is already losing the race against YTTV and Hulu Live because it charges higher prices for fewer channels. IDK, maybe DTV Stream couldn't turn a profit if they compete just on price. And if they're now going to take away the option of purchasing their custom streaming device to use with DTV Stream, so that it's purely a BYOD (bring your own device) service, then that takes away one of the reasons that many customers would be willing to pay more. Now they're asking those customers to go with DTV via Internet, with even higher long-term pricing, just the same as satellite.

Maybe DTV sees the writing on the wall, that their customer base will continue to dwindle and they may as well get as much profit out of them as they can. In other words, concentrate more on profit margin than on subscriber numbers.

Would they being willing to pay more because DTV Stream BYOD has more channels than YoutubeTV and Hulu+Live TV? If not, maybe they see that DTV Stream isn't turning a profit and the want to replace with DTV via the Net? However, who do they think will want to sign up for that?

 

[NashGuy]

AND the problem with this is.......?

Oh, I fully support it! It's crazy to me that these services can advertise deceptively low prices that don't include the broadcast TV fee or RSN fee or mandatory equipment rental. It's fine that they don't include government-imposed taxes (e.g. sales tax) since that's never been included in American retail pricing, but anything charged by the company itself which isn't optional/avoidable should be required to be included in the advertised price.

 

[slice1900]

I find it interesting, a few short years ago when the Streaming all started, they touted that the prices were GREAT and MUCH cheaper than Cable /Sat , and they were ..

When it has basically the same channels why would you expect anything else? The way streaming MVPDs negotiate for locals is different which has held their prices down relative to cable/satellite but there's increasing pressure to change it so streamers won't have a sweetheart deal for locals for much longer.

The only difference in the long run will be the cost of the devices you're renting - having a DVR in your house vs a cloud DVR. The cost of delivery is tiny compared to the monthly bill so there's no room for price differences there.

 

[NashGuy]

And this is different how from past years? Didn't they dump low margin subs and declare they were concentrating on their more valuable subs? And stay a bit costlier than Dish?

You're right, that's really always been the DirecTV way. But when AT&T was developing what would become AT&T TV, the idea conveyed by the CEO was that the savings they got from lower installation and equipment costs on the streaming service would be passed on to the consumer in the form of lower everyday pricing. I always said that the low pricing of their original streaming product, DirecTV Now, was unsustainable -- they were basically selling it below cost to lure in beta testers.

But still, it looked like there was a long-term plan to be more aggressive on pricing, balanced against quality and profitability, in order to draw in customers. I think that vision has been gradually abandoned.

 

[NashGuy]

Would they being willing to pay more because DTV Stream BYOD has more channels than YoutubeTV and Hulu+Live TV? If not, maybe they see that DTV Stream isn't turning a profit and the want to replace with DTV via the Net? However, who do they think will want to sign up for that?

DTV Stream doesn't really have more channels than YTTV or Hulu Live except for the RSNs, plus either the A+E or AMC nets. (YTTV lacks A+E, Hulu Live lacks AMC.) Both of those services give you a package that's pretty much comparable to the Choice package minus those specific channels. But you're spending $100 for DTV Stream Choice versus $70 for Hulu Live (which includes both Disney+ and ESPN+) or $73 for YTTV.

Based on comments I read from DTV Stream customers who use their own streaming devices, I'd say that Choice is the most popular package and folks are opting for it, as opposed to YTTV or Hulu, just because they really want their local RSN(s) and are willing to pay an extra $30/mo for it.

I'm not sure why a BYOD customer would subscribe to DTV Stream's Entertainment package at $75/mo and get fewer channels/less content than YTTV or Hulu Live offer for a little less money. Some may do so because of better picture or sound quality (although YTTV seems to be catching up there). Some may prefer the UI because it's more like what they had grown used to on DTV Sat. But generally speaking, DTV Stream's Entertainment package seems overpriced relative to the competition.

It's kinda funny how this service has been in almost constant branding flux for the past few years. As they divide it out into DTV via Internet versus DTV Stream, it reminds me of how for awhile they had AT&T TV (with contract and streaming box) versus AT&T TV Now (contract-free BYOD). AT&T TV Now didn't end up lasting as a separate brand very long. Frankly, at this point, it wouldn't surprise me if a year from now they decided to cease selling DTV Stream to new customers and simply sell DTV, both via Internet and via Satellite, with the same premium pricing either way. At that point, they'd be completely waiving the white flag and giving up on trying to compete against YTTV, Hulu Live, Fubo, Sling, etc. and just go back to being a full-priced replacement for traditional cable TV.

 

[CSM]

DTV Stream doesn't really have more channels than YTTV or Hulu Live except for the RSNs, plus either the A+E or AMC nets. (YTTV lacks A+E, Hulu Live lacks AMC.) Both of those services give you a package that's pretty much comparable to the Choice package minus those specific channels. But you're spending $100 for DTV Stream Choice versus $70 for Hulu Live (which includes both Disney+ and ESPN+) or $73 for YTTV.

Based on comments I read from DTV Stream customers who use their own streaming devices, I'd say that Choice is the most popular package and folks are opting for it, as opposed to YTTV or Hulu, just because they really want their local RSN(s) and are willing to pay an extra $30/mo for it.

I'm not sure why a BYOD customer would subscribe to DTV Stream's Entertainment package at $75/mo and get fewer channels/less content than YTTV or Hulu Live offer for a little less money. Some may do so because of better picture or sound quality (although YTTV seems to be catching up there). Some may prefer the UI because it's more like what they had grown used to on DTV Sat. But generally speaking, DTV Stream's Entertainment package seems overpriced relative to the competition.

It's kinda funny how this service has been in almost constant branding flux for the past few years. As they divide it out into DTV via Internet versus DTV Stream, it reminds me of how for awhile they had AT&T TV (with contract and streaming box) versus AT&T TV Now (contract-free BYOD). AT&T TV Now didn't end up lasting as a separate brand very long. Frankly, at this point, it wouldn't surprise me if a year from now they decided to cease selling DTV Stream to new customers and simply sell DTV, both via Internet and via Satellite, with the same premium pricing either way. At that point, they'd be completely waiving the white flag and giving up on trying to compete against YTTV, Hulu Live, Fubo, Sling, etc. and just go back to being a full-priced replacement for traditional cable TV.

What about this line in that document?

"One major benefit with Satellite is that there is still a larger variety of content available, and more channels available for the same price. "

 

[NashGuy]

What about this line in that document?

"One major benefit with Satellite is that there is still a larger variety of content available, and more channels available for the same price. "

Yeah, there are still a few channels (NFL Network, a few minor locals here and there, the Sports Pack of out-of-market RSNs), along with 4K content, that are available on Satellite but not Stream. Though I suspect that NFL Network will be available on DTV via Internet (and maybe DTV Stream too) this fall because I think DTV will be under a new carriage contract with the NFL at that point (which no longer includes Sunday Ticket, at least for residential customers).

By offering more content via Sat for the same price as via Internet, and instructing their reps to tell customers that, it seems to me that DTV may prefer new customers to come in on satellite now. Maybe because of the 2-year contract, I guess.

 

[CSM]

Yeah, there are still a few channels (NFL Network, a few minor locals here and there, the Sports Pack of out-of-market RSNs), along with 4K content, that are available on Satellite but not Stream. Though I suspect that NFL Network will be available on DTV via Internet (and maybe DTV Stream too) this fall because I think DTV will be under a new carriage contract with the NFL at that point (which no longer includes Sunday Ticket, at least for residential customers).

By offering more content via Sat for the same price as via Internet, and instructing their reps to tell customers that, it seems to me that DTV may prefer new customers to come in on satellite now. Maybe because of the 2-year contract, I guess.

Why direct them to Satellite when it will be gone by 2034? Same with installing DTV via the Net or DTV Stream would be easier.

 

[NashGuy]

Why direct them to Satellite when it will be gone by 2034? Same with installing DTV via the Net or DTV Stream would be easier.

I don't think they're worried about that far off. Any customer who signs up via sat today could be switched over to internet in the future (assuming they have home internet).

DTV Sat recently rolled out the Osprey box under the new Gemini branding as a next-gen replacement for the C-61 Genie Mini, working in tandem with either the Genie 2 (HS-17) or HR-54. But it's been a pretty limited rollout so far. I suspect that they're just about sold out of those C-71 Osprey/Gemini boxes and will switch to the new P-21 dongle soon, around the time of the upcoming rebranding early next month.

Maybe they'll dub the P-21 dongle "Gemini," using it as the standard receiver for both the Sat and Internet versions of the service. For Sat, of course, they'd also have to include the HS-17 or HR-54, as that's what's actually tuning in the sat channels and recording to the local DVR hard drive.

The P-21, with its slicker UI, support for 4K and Dolby Vision, voice remote with Google Assistant, and support for tons of Android TV apps, would be quite an upgrade over existing DTV satellite receivers. Combining it with the Genie 2 server, which has several tuners and a big DVR hard drive, would definitely help DTV sat become more competitive with Dish on the hardware front. And if all new Sat customers got a P-21 for each of their TVs, it would also make it very easy for those customers to transition over to the Internet version of the service in the future for whatever reason.

 

[John2021]

Why direct them to Satellite when it will be gone by 2034? Same with installing DTV via the Net or DTV Stream would be easier.

all they would have to do is convert people over to streaming. or if they don't have good internet or internet at all then they would have to let em walk. they can't uphold a contract for services not received!!!

 

[CSM]

It's interesting that DTV thinks customers are coming from Cable to DTV Stream want to pay the same price as cable for DTV via the Net? Customers were coming to DTV Stream because you got a cable like experience for less than cable. However, I guess if DTV added all the channels that DTV over SatelliteTV has they would have to raise the prices but not sure how much?

 

[cpalmer2k]

Personally I wish they would've combined DirecTV Internet with Osprey and Satellite into one, and allow customers to mix and match boxes on one service. For example, there are locations in my house I'd love to have an Osprey box for streaming only because I don't have a satellite drop there. For those that want to BYOD leave that service separate as it is now.

 

[cypherstream]

Yeah, the osprey box is great for that remote/direct channel entry. There are still loads on ebay. So after April 6th will you even be able to use one on a DirecTV Stream plan?

The BYOD stream service is ok, but for whatever reason, even if the client equipment has a number pad or voice commands - they are just not recognized. My Sony TV number pads or google assistant do nothing for the DirecTV stream app. My LG TV doesn't even have a DirecTV app in its app store. Would have to go YouTubeTV, Xfinity or Sling on LG, which is odd because that's a premier OLED with some of the highest picture quality ratings. Strange DirecTV didn't port their app to a flagship TV model.
Then there's the Tivo Stream dongle... that has numbers on its remote too and its android based. Just seems like a lost opportunity. Even Apple TV and Roku have voice remotes. Why not "ask it" to tune to channel XX, and have it go.

I guess forcefully limiting its capability is to suggestively sell to DirecTV via Sattelite or the Internet side of things. Must have been the plan all along.

It's still cheaper than Cable in my market. Those RSN and Broadcast TV fees both Cable operators in my area are insane. You price out their services and think you're getting a deal, but when you get to the end and see the extra fees for DVR / equipment / Broadcast / RSN / FCC Franchise Fees / Local and State Taxes - you're worse off! I was looking AT A MINIUM of $40 added on to the advertised price for one TV box - apps elsewhere - with Cable.

I've been with DirecTV Sattelite since 2010. Have 2 receivers and then use the app on Roku's in 3 other rooms. I hope the app still works after April 6th.

 

[CSM]

Yeah, the osprey box is great for that remote/direct channel entry. There are still loads on ebay. So after April 6th will you even be able to use one on a DirecTV Stream plan?

The BYOD stream service is ok, but for whatever reason, even if the client equipment has a number pad or voice commands - they are just not recognized. My Sony TV number pads or google assistant do nothing for the DirecTV stream app. My LG TV doesn't even have a DirecTV app in its app store. Would have to go YouTubeTV, Xfinity or Sling on LG, which is odd because that's a premier OLED with some of the highest picture quality ratings. Strange DirecTV didn't port their app to a flagship TV model.
Then there's the Tivo Stream dongle... that has numbers on its remote too and its android based. Just seems like a lost opportunity. Even Apple TV and Roku have voice remotes. Why not "ask it" to tune to channel XX, and have it go.

I guess forcefully limiting its capability is to suggestively sell to DirecTV via Sattelite or the Internet side of things. Must have been the plan all along.

It's still cheaper than Cable in my market. Those RSN and Broadcast TV fees both Cable operators in my area are insane. You price out their services and think you're getting a deal, but when you get to the end and see the extra fees for DVR / equipment / Broadcast / RSN / FCC Franchise Fees / Local and State Taxes - you're worse off! I was looking AT A MINIUM of $40 added on to the advertised price for one TV box - apps elsewhere - with Cable.

I've been with DirecTV Sattelite since 2010. Have 2 receivers and then use the app on Roku's in 3 other rooms. I hope the app still works after April 6th.

The Tivo Stream dongle won't even let you use the channel numbers on the remote with the DTV Stream APP?