AT&T TV Now – confusing but cuts the cord.

The streaming service formerly known as DirecTV Now has been changed to AT&T TV Now. We wanted to clear up the confusion and briefly review. It’s now easy to use, with a great interface, but a with mandatory HBO and fewer channels.

DirecTV used to be a logical choice for folks cutting the cable cord. For $35/month you’d get over 100 channels – all you’d need is to install a dish on the roof. But as it became a streaming service the confusion began. Also, the average consumer doesn’t get the connection with DirecTV and AT&T. Although this is confusing for those who know DirecTV, new customers may should have an easier time with it.

With the inclusion of HBO makes AT&T TV Now a sweeter deal. But, at it’s new rate of $65 per month it’s more expensive than all of the other premium options, including Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue, offer more channels and better cloud DVRs. So, we’re still trying to find a reason to buy it.

In its favor the interface is fun, with a unique swiping channel-change mechanic, and if you own an Apple TV the service everything works as you’d expect. It also has channels not available on competing premium streaming services. The NBA LEAGUEPASS PREMIUM is a great addition. The best advantage for some may also be you can package AT&T TV Now with your AT&T phone and Internet services.

3 Types of AT&T TV

AT&T offers three similarly named products which can also be confusing.

• AT&T WatchTV: A budget service offering a similar experience but with fewer channels fewer options. AT&T Unlimited & More mobile customers can use the service for free while everyone else can sign up for $15 a month.
• AT&T TV Now: The streaming TV service we’re reviewing here, it requires no contracts or proprietary boxes and you can cancel at will without penalty. 
• AT&T TV: The only one that still requires a contract and a set-top box supplied by AT&T – basically traditional cable. AT&T TV Now is available nationwide, since it’s streaming TV, but this is only offered in select areas (just as all traditional Cable TV). Both this and AT&T TV Now use the new AT&T TV app.

What You Need to Know

1. AT&T Offers Cloud DVR and Multiple Streams

AT&T TV Now has added 500 hours of cloud DVR to its Plus and Max packages as of January 2020. You can also now stream from three devices at a time. This is an awesome feature. Meanwhile, AT&T’s cheaper streaming TV service called WatchTV doesn’t include DVR – so if that’s a factor you might consider upgrading.

2. Compatible Devices with AT&T TV Now

No cable box or satellite is required for AT&T TV Now, but you must have a reliable high-speed internet connection. You can watch it on your laptop or hand-held device, but to watch AT&T TV Now on your big screen TV you’ll also have to get a compatible device, such as Google Chromecast, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV. Find the full list here.

AT&T TV Now does not work on Roku. Roku users should note this message posted on AT&T’s website:

“Starting January 1, 2020, you won’t be able to add the AT&T TV channel to your Roku device. Already have AT&T TV on your Roku device? You can keep using it as long as you don’t delete the app. We’re actively working on a new agreement with Roku and hope to resolve this soon.”

3. Special Offers

Like all of its competitors, AT&T TV Now has a free trial period. You have seven days to try out the service before being charged, so you can always cancel if you don’t like it. Always check back with ISP Genie for special limited-time offers. But, thus far we have found no special offers.

4. Channels!