Skip to Content

Add The Streamable as a preferred source on Google to see more streaming news and deals.

DIRECTV STREAM, DIRECTV Via Internet Updates DVR Capabilities, Customers to Get Unlimited Episode Recordings

DIRECTV STREAM, DIRECTV Via Internet Updates DVR Capabilities, Customers to Get Unlimited Episode Recordings

DIRECTV previously limited customers to recording 30 episodes of a single show, but that is changing soon for most viewers.

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
DIRECTV STREAM and via Internet customers will soon be able to download unlimited episodes of favorite shows.

DIRECTV STREAM is already one of our top live TV streaming services to recommend, but the service has announced an improvement that will make those recommendations even heartier. Previously, while DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV Via Internet customers were able to receive unlimited Cloud DVR with their plans, they were still unable to record more than 30 episodes of any given series or sporting category. However, the company has informed The Streamable that a phased rollout of unlimited episode downloads is now underway and will eventually become standard for all subscribers with the unlimited DVR as part of their plan.

Key Details:

  • Less than 1% of DIRECTV STREAM and Via Internet customers will see the change initially, but it will launch for more customers before the Olympics.
  • Legacy customers without unlimited Cloud DVR will continue to have a 10-episode cap on recordings.
  • DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV Via Internet recently added new channels, showing a commitment to bringing viewers more content and better features.

The ability to record shows and movies digitally is one of the best features of any live TV service, and DIRECTV STREAM has offered unlimited recordings to new customers for years. But the 30-episode limit has always been inconvenient for some, especially for those who like to DVR major sporting events and tournaments, such as international competitions with start times that aren’t optimized for American viewers.

Fewer than 1% of DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV Via Internet users will see the new, uncapped DVR in its first wave of distribution, but the company has promised that many more would see the capability unlocked before the upcoming Summer Olympics begin at the end of July.

“Other existing unlimited DVR customers will have the feature added in time for the world to turn its focus to one of the planet’s major international sporting competitions,” a DIRECTV spokesperson told The Streamable.

Related: What's the Difference Between DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV Via Internet?

DIRECTV’s nine-month lifespan on recordings will remain intact following the change. Legacy DIRECTV STREAM and Via Internet users with 20 hours of DVR will continue to see their DVR capped at 10 episodes of the same show or sporting event.

What Other Improvements Are New to DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV Via Internet?

DIRECTV STREAM added the Women's Sports Network for all customers earlier this month.

DIRECTV is continuously making updates to its internet-delivered services in order to ensure customers get the best value from their accounts as possible. Earlier this month, DIRECTV announced that STREAM and Via Internet subscribers would start receiving five new channels, including three sports-related options at no additional monthly cost.

The company also informed subscribers in June that before 2024 ends, it will roll out user profiles on DIRECTV STREAM. This will allow for a much more personalized user experience, as viewers will be able to keep their watch histories, recommendations, and recorded titles separate from other watchers in their household.

DIRECTV is grappling with the same pressures that every other provider is worrying about these days, as channel retransmission fees and other programming costs are going up, and subscribers are continually on the hunt for cheaper options. Instead of reacting by simply raising prices, however, the company appears committed to actually providing its viewers with new reasons to keep their service for the long term.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

…

Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

Add The Streamable as a preferred source on Google to see more streaming news and deals.

DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.