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Sprint's offering a year of free service for DirecTV customers
DirecTV and AT&T are sitting in that proverbial tree, but that isn't going to stop any telecom competitors from throwing rocks their way. Case in point: Sprint is running a promo that gives DirecTV customers a year of free cell service by switching to the Now Network. Of course you need to either be a new customer or adding an additional line of service through the telco, and even then it has to be either a Sprint Lease, iPhone Forever, Easy Pay or you have to cough up full retail price for a phone to take advantage of this. If you qualify for this sweet action you'll need to upload your recent satellite bill to the carrier's website. A $36 activation fee applies as do taxes and service charges that accrue on a monthly basis. Should you want in on this deal it'd be wise to hurry as it ends September 30th.
DirecTV's first 4K set-top box works with any screen
DirecTV only kinda-sorta launched 4K programming last year. You had to own both a specific DVR and a compatible Samsung TV to watch those extra-crispy documentaries and movies, which left many 4K TV owners 'stuck' with 1080p. It's going to be a lot easier after today, though -- the newly AT&T-owned provider has trotted out its first 4K set-top box, the 4K Genie Mini. The tiny device (roughly the size of a paperback) will deliver 4K to any set that can handle the higher resolution, not just DirecTV 4K Ready models. It'll handle Dolby Digital Plus audio, too, if you happen to have an eligible surround sound setup. This is still a long, long way from watching regular TV in 4K, but it should give you more to watch on that super-sharp display than the occasional Amazon or Netflix show.
AT&T offers DirecTV customers $500 to change phone service
Now that AT&T has finalized its acquisition of DirecTV, the carrier isn't wasting any time trying to bring in new wireless customers. Today, AT&T announced a promotion for people who are already subscribed to the satellite television provider, which includes up to $500 in bill credit. It's simple: DirecTV customers can get $300 applied to their account for every phone line switched over to AT&T, though each requires a device purchased through Next, the company's monthly installment plan. To make the deal more enticing, AT&T's also offering $200 for "eligible" smartphone trade-ins -- altogether, this could end up saving users a few hundred dollars if they decide to jump ship. "But what about me? I have U-Verse," you may be asking... There's nothing to be upset about, since these credits are available to you as well.
AT&T's first DirecTV plans include a $200 phone-and-TV combo
AT&T isn't waiting long to take advantage of its DirecTV acquisition. The telecom giant is introducing its first plans that incorporate the satellite TV provider, including a promo plan that could save you money if you need to get both cellphone and TV service at the same time. The offering gives you basic TV service for four receivers (through either DirecTV or U-verse) and four phone lines with 10GB of shared data for $200 per month over the first year. You'll need to agree to a 1- or 2-year TV contract and sign up between August 10th and November 14th, but you could save up to $600 in those initial 12 months -- no small amount, even though the rate is likely to change in the long run.
AT&T has the FCC's permission to buy DirecTV (update: done)
Just a couple of days after the DoJ said the deal could go through and FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler recommend its approval, the FCC voted to make the $49 billion AT&T / DirecTV combo official -- with a few conditions. As we'd heard, the approval comes with strings (in place for four years) including a requirement AT&T expand its fiber network, hook up gigabit internet to eligible schools and libraries and provide affordable standalone internet for low-income customers in its service areas. Another requirement is aimed at AT&T's data usage caps, saying it can't use them to discriminate against other video services. The other net neutrality requirement says AT&T will have to disclose any interconnect agreements -- the ones Netflix is so concerned about -- to the FCC so it can monitor the terms. Are those requirements enough to make the deal worth it? Consumer advocate like the Free Press say no, but with the FCC's blessing the deal should be done soon. Update: And it's done. AT&T has announced the completion of the acquisition, and has an FAQ for current customers of either service with any questions. TL;DR version: No Sunday Ticket for U-verse, your current plans, channels and pricing won't change, but new cross-bundles are coming soon.
The FCC is set to approve AT&T's DirecTV acquisition (update: DoJ too)
As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the FCC is gearing up to approve AT&T's $49 billion acquisition of DirecTV. Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler confirmed that he is set to call a vote on the matter with the FCC's other four commissioners. According to Wheeler, the proposal will "directly benefit customers" by increasing competition in the broadband marketplace. Most importantly, the FCC's approval comes with strings: AT&T will not be permitted to exclude affiliated video services and content from data caps on its fixed broadband connections, and it must submit all interconnection reports to the FCC, as well as reports on network performance. If the deal passes their vote, it will be clear to close. The deal will transform AT&T into the nation's largest pay television provider as well as its second largest telecom, combining AT&T's U-verse and DirecTV's satellite offerings. Update: The Justice Department also announced tonight that it "will not challenge" AT&T's acquisition of DirecTV, clearing the path for it to go through once the commission votes. For AT&T's part, it says "We hope the order will be approved by the Commission quickly and we expect to close shortly thereafter."
Report: AT&T will accept net neutrality if it gets DirecTV
AT&T previously called the FCC's new net neutrality rules "a tragic step in the wrong direction" and even filed a lawsuit to block them. However, it would obey at least some of the new stipulations if its $49 billion purchase of DirecTV is approved by regulators, according to the Washington Post. That's a big reversal from before, when it specifically said it would not tie any net neutrality promises to the merger. It also contrasts sharply with Comcast, which vowed it would walk away from its (now-moot) TWC merger before bending on net neutrality.
DirecTV launches a kid-friendly video app
DirecTV saw what YouTube and Netflix were doing with their kid-focused apps, and decided that it, too, wanted a piece of that action. After many months of toil, the company has busted out DirecTV Kids, an iOS app that lets your rugrats consume content from your cable package at no extra cost. Designed for 5-10 year-olds, the offering lets your kids watch shows anywhere, and can be used on up to five devices at once. It's available for free from the App Store, and is likely to be a bit safer than YouTube's rival, at least as far as parental groups are concerned.
DirecTV's app is ready to stream 90 channels anywhere you go
We haven't seen many updates for DirecTV's streaming services in a while, but this week it added a slew of new channels for customers to watch live even when they're away from home. The 22 additions include MTV, TNT, Nickelodeon, BET, Cartoon Network and more ready for viewing on computers, tablets or phones. DirecTV also has the Genie DVRs that can shift recordings to your mobile device, but as the competition with internet TV services heats up the satellite company is finally ready to push a few more updates. All of those features work through the DirecTV apps, but it's worth noting that recently DirecTV has cut deals so its subscribers can use their logins to stream channels (on their own apps) that its app doesn't support yet, like Disney and ABC.
FTC accuses DirecTV of using deceptive advertising
In an awkward twist on AT&T's proposed purchase of DirecTV, now both companies are in hot water with the FTC. The Federal Trade Commission sued AT&T a few months ago over its data throttling, and today charged DirecTV with deceptive advertising -- an accusation DirecTV calls "flat-out wrong" and says it will fight. At issue are DirecTV's ads that prominently feature a discounted price that only applies for the first year of a two year contract -- in the second year, prices increase by $25 per month. DirecTV's promises of premium channels like HBO and Showtime are also cited, with the commission claiming they don't do enough to explain the channels cost extra after a trial period. The premium channel offer is set up as "negative option billing" (remember Columbia House?) and the FTC says DirecTV violated the Restore Online Shopper's Confidence Act (ROSCA) by not laying out the terms clearly on its website. Depending on how this goes, at least if DirecTV eventually needs any advice on how to restore trust with the public then it can just ask spokesman Rob Lowe.
TV makers and Hollywood team up to save 4K from themselves
We've seen at past CES how overzealous money grabs by electronics manufacturers can turn the public off to new technology (hello 3D), but it appears the industry might be learning. A long list of big names just announced they're joining the "UHD Alliance" to "set the bar" for next-generation video. That list includes Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony Visual Product, DirecTV, Netflix, Dolby, Disney and Fox, and they altogether claim it's put together with the consumer in mind first. We've already seen a slew of content agreements and services that only work with a particular manufacturer's devices (DirecTV and Samsung, Sony's UHD streaming box), but things are slowly getting better. The new team-up promises to work on 4K video, High Dynamic Range (which Netflix announced during LG's press conference earlier), Wide color Gamut and Immersive Audio -- we'll see if that's enough to keep the UHD goose laying golden eggs.
'The Interview' spreads to cable VOD, DirecTV, Vudu and more theaters
In the space of a few days, Sony Pictures' The Interview has gone from unreleased to impossible to avoid. Cable video on-demand operator inDemand has added the movie to its roster, so for $5.99, pretty much anyone with pay-TV service can rent it right now instead of needing one of Google's video services, Xbox or iTunes. It's also popped up on WalMart's video service Vudu in the past day, is available via DirecTV, and according to Variety, as of Friday the number of theaters where its playing will grow to 580, compared to 331 on Christmas Day. If you're still on the fence about viewing you can use our opinion or that of others, but the movie that couldn't be stopped by North Korea (and/or company insiders) has already reportedly brought Sony $15 million through its unconventional release.
DirecTV's new deal lets you watch ABC, Disney and ESPN online
If you subscribe to DirecTV, you're about to get a few more ways to tune in online. As part of a renewed deal with Disney, the satellite TV provider will get Watch ABC, Watch Disney and WatchESPN streaming services in early 2015. You'll also see more viewing features on regular channels, and the two companies will "explore new opportunities" for internet-only offerings. There's no question that DirecTV is a bit late to the party when it comes to embracing Disney's more advanced services, but better late than never, right? [Image credit: Associated Press]
DirecTV launches internet TV for $8 per month, but it's all in Spanish
Our world isn't quite ready for internet TV providers that compete with traditional cable and satellite packages, but what about markets that aren't as well served? DirecTV is diving right into internet TV, beating Dish Network and Sony's PlayStation Vue to the punch with its new Yaveo streaming service that exclusively features Spanish-language programming for customers in the US. Currently it's available on PCs, Macs and Android, with clients for iOS, xbox 360 and other platforms soon. So what can you watch? It sources content from beIN sports, MTV and its Spanish-language network Tr3s, Univision and several others, all for $7.99 per month. There's even live TV feeds from beIN Sports en Español, Cine Sony Television and ¡Hola! TV. The only thing stopping us from breaking out Rosetta Stone and opening an account is it current lack of the Breaking Bad remake Metástasis. But if you do speak the language, then the future of TV is here, and there's evne a free trial month to start.
DirecTV rolls out 4K programing, but only for those with Samsung TVs
Early last year, DirecTV registered a slew of 4K-branded trademarks to slap on its eventual UHD content roll out. None of those trademarks bubbled to the public eye, but the content, at least, is finally here: starting this week, customers with the Genie HD DVR will be able to stream 20 movies from Paramount Pictures and K2 Communications in 4K. The list is a mishmash of blockbusters and documentaries (including things like Forrest Gump, Star Trek (2009) and Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs) but there's a catch: you can only watch them if you own a Samsung 4K TV.
NFL Sunday Ticket stays on DirecTV for the next eight years
Wondering if the NFL would take its supersized Sunday Ticket viewing package to another provider, or even to an internet company like Google? You can stop now -- the league and DirecTV have "extended and expanded" their exclusive agreement for an unspecified number of years. According to Darren Rovell, it's an eight year deal worth some $1.5 billion annually -- more than the previous four year agreement that cost DirecTV about $1 billion each year. The big takeaway here? Things are staying mostly the same (DirecTV will stream NFL Network to its subscribers mobile devices), and AT&T's agreement to purchase DirecTV is still on. This season DirecTV changed up its marketing for Sunday Ticket streaming to target apartment dwellers and college students that can't get satellite dishes. That's what a passage in the press release promising "expanded streaming rights" refers to, so for now, it doesn't look like we'll see a full online-only offering for football fans that only want to pay to watch out of market games every weekend.
Political TV ads will soon know who you are
Like it or not, another US election is almost upon us -- and this time around, the incessant political advertising may cut a little too close to home. Both Democrats and Republicans are using a new TV ad targeting system from DirecTV and Dish that takes advantage of voter records to put personalized campaign ads on your DVR. If you tend to swing between both parties, you may get different commercials than lifelong supporters. You may also get reminders to vote early if you frequently cast absentee ballots. And unlike conventional targeting methods, which run ads on shows they believe certain demographics will watch, these promos will automatically appear on any show you record as long as there's a free slot.
Peel doesn't need any extra hardware to make your iPhone a Dish and DirecTV remote
The ability to turn iPhones into remote controls is something Peel has done before, but this time out it's doing things slightly different. With its new iOS app, Peel now lets you use your iPhone, iPod touch and/or iPad as a smart remote for Dish Network and DirecTV boxes, without the need for additional hardware -- which was the case with the Fruit, a $99 peripheral the startup introduced about three years ago. Peel's iOS application isn't just a remote, however; it also comes with discovery features that bring you personalized recommendations on stuff you should watch. In addition to that, Peel acts as a TV guide too, allowing you to easily find shows or movies even if you're not a Dish or DirecTV subscriber. Peel Smart Remote and TV Guide is compatible with the Dish Hopper and Hopper with Sling (excluding some models), as well as any WiFi-equipped DirecTV box.
NFL Sunday Ticket streaming on PlayStation, Xbox platforms this season
A promotion page for DirecTV's new NFL Sunday Ticket packages surfaced this week which appears to offer streaming-only options without the need for satellite service. The catch, as Engadget points out, is that the packages for NFL Sunday Ticket.TV are limited to viewers who live in an area where DirecTV service is not already available, who live in the New York City, San Francisco or Philadelphia metro area or who attend one of ten specific universities. Last year, NFL fans were able to enjoy NFL Sunday Ticket by pre-ordering a copy of Madden NFL 25's special anniversary edition, as opposed to DirecTV offering standard streaming options through game consoles. This year's packages start at $200 for those using a computer, tablet or phone, increasing to $240 for those looking to stream live, out-of-market NFL games through their Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3 systems. Neither of those packages includes access to the NFL RedZone channel however, which is available in the $330 NFL Sunday Ticket.TV "Max" package, in addition to its Fantasy Zone service and the ability to stream from any compatible device. [Image: DirecTV]
'NFL Sunday Ticket without satellite' sounds too good to be true, and for many it is
Today AppleInsider uncovered a promotion page for DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket package that proudly promises what many cord-cutting football fans have been waiting to hear: "Stream NFL Sunday Ticket live online. No satellite required!" Sounds simple, sign up for the exorbitantly-priced package, sit back and wait for all the out-of-market football games you can handle, right? Not so fast -- as it turns out, this package is set up the same way NFL Sunday Ticket has worked online since DirecTV started offering it that way back in 2010. While the bold text promises football without a DirecTV account, digging into the FAQ reveals it's only for people in "select areas, residence types, and enrolled in select universities."