Latest news with #CordCuttersNews
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DirecTV Will No Longer Offer Satellite Subscriptions For New Customers as a Trial Run in Some Markets
DirecTV is experimenting with removing the option to subscribe to its satellite offerings in some markets. Under a trial run, DirecTV is currently experimenting in certain locations with only allowing new subscribers to sign on to its streaming service. The website Cord Cutters News first reported of the DirecTV experiment. That means in some zip codes, new customers — when attempting to sign up for DirecTV — are only given the option to purchase the company's streaming service. More from Variety One of the Best Way to Watch TV Is With DIRECTV DirecTV Launches 'MySports' Streaming Package With 40 Channels, Priced Less Than Its Cheapest Pay-TV Plan DIRECTV Is Paving Its Way as the Premier One-Stop Shop for Live TV and On-Demand Streaming - Particularly for Sports Coverage A note now appears on DirecTV's website for customers attempting to sign up for the once-standard satellite dish: 'DirecTV Satellite is not currently available in all areas. Check your service address by entering the ZIP code of the address where you want DirecTV service. Want the same package without the satellite? Switch to DirecTV Streaming App now by selecting that option.' A rep for DirecTV stressed that this was not yet a permanent move. Said the company in a statement: 'In select markets this limited-time trial will increase awareness and adoption of our satellite-free streaming service, which has quickly become the preferred solution for new consumer customers.' DirecTV declined to share how many or which markets are a part of the trial run where streaming with a device is currently the only option for new customers. Outside those trial markets, new customers can still choose between streaming or satellite. Cord Cutters News wrote that 'it seems to be mostly large cities with robust high-speed internet access are the primary focus for the streaming-only model. Rural areas with limited broadband availability may still have access to satellite service for new customers, though the company encourages even these users to explore streaming options where feasible.' The test comes as DirecTV continues to expand in the streaming space, having launched a new FAST streaming service, dubbed 'MyFree DirecTV,' in November. That offering includes at least 105 channels, according to DirecTV. Earlier this year, the company also launched a 'MySports' streaming package with 40 channels, as part of a move to what it calls 'Genre Packs' — smaller collections of channels based on interests like news, sports and entertainment. DirecTV is available to stream via devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, or the company's Gemini device. Between satellite and streaming, DirecTV is believed to currently have around 11 million subscribers. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
‘Critical' warning for millions of Brits over list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that leave you with broken TV
A "CRITICAL" warning has been given to millions of Brits over a list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that can leave you with a broken TV. Streaming sticks provide access to the biggest apps around, as well as some hidden gems packed with free TV and channels to watch instantly. 3 Many legacy Roku devices have reached the end of their lifecycle and users need to face a critical decision about upgrading. Because Roku and its channel partners, including Netflix, have ceased providing software updates and support for these models. This means that a growing number of apps are either malfunctioning or completely incompatible. This leaves users with outdated devices unable to access the full streaming experience they once enjoyed. With streaming technology evolving rapidly, these older players lack the processing power and software capabilities to keep up with modern app requirements. Roku has therefore recommended upgrading to newer models for a seamless experience reports Cord Cutters News. The decision to end support for older devices stems from the increasing complexity of streaming apps. Which requires more robust hardware to deliver high-definition video, enhanced user interfaces, and new features like 4K resolution and HDR. Without updates, the devices are stuck on old versions of the Roku OS, causing apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube to buffer endlessly, display errors, or fail to load entirely. For instance, Netflix, ESPN+ and more will fail to load, citing compatibility issues with its updated app. Owners of dodgy Fire Sticks for illegal streaming warned of unexpected danger that's already affected 2.7million people Other services have followed suit, and the list of unsupported apps continues to grow, leaving these devices increasingly obsolete. The following Roku models are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc: The Roku HD (pre-2011), Roku HD-XR (pre-2011), Roku SD (pre-2011), Roku XD (pre-2011) and the Roku XDS (pre-2011). The Roku LT (Model: 2700X), Roku 1, Roku 2, and the Roku 2 HD/XD/XS (2011) and the Roku Streaming Stick (Model: 3500X). Roku Models No Longer Supported The following Roku models are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc. Roku has encouraged affected users to upgrade and now is a great time with many Roku players are on sale. Upgrading to a newer Roku device, such as the new Roku Stick 4K or Roku Ultra, ensures access to the latest Roku OS, support for 4K and HDR, and compatibility with modern apps. For those who want the best picture quality, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus brings you 4K and vivid HDR colour and costs £39.99. The streaming gadget giant also claims that its sticks are among the most compact around, coming in at 35 per cent smaller than rivals "without compromising performance or speed". These devices also offer features like universal search and enhanced remotes, which are absent on legacy models. While older devices may still function for some apps, the risk of further service disruptions makes upgrading a necessity for those that want to enjoy their streaming. 3
