AT&T TV Now: Your Ultimate IPTV Streaming Solution

Table of Contents

AT&T TV Now Overview

AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now) was a live TV streaming service offered by AT&T that allowed users to stream live TV channels via the internet. It provided access to a wide range of channels, including local broadcasts, sports, news, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for cord-cutters looking for an alternative to cable. However, as of 2021, AT&T TV Now has been rebranded and integrated into DirecTV Stream, making it part of AT&T’s larger streaming strategy.

Key Features of AT&T TV Now (Before Rebranding)

Live TV Streaming: AT&T TV Now provided access to live TV channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and others, covering everything from news and sports to movies and family entertainment.
Cloud DVR: The service included a cloud DVR feature, allowing users to record up to 20 hours of content that could be stored for 30 days.
Multiple Device Support: Users could stream AT&T TV Now on various devices, including smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
No Annual Contracts: Like most streaming services, AT&T TV Now offered month-to-month plans without any long-term contracts or early cancellation fees.
Premium Add-Ons: Users could add premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax to their base package for an additional monthly fee.

Pros of AT&T TV Now

Strong Channel Lineup: AT&T TV Now featured a robust channel selection, including both local and national networks.
No Equipment Required: The service operated entirely over the internet, meaning users didn’t need cable boxes or satellite dishes.
Flexibility with No Contract: Month-to-month subscriptions made it easy for users to try out the service without long-term commitments.
Multiple Streams: It allowed users to stream on multiple devices at the same time, making it suitable for households with multiple viewers.
Access to Premium Channels: Popular premium networks could be added to customize your viewing experience.

Cons of AT&T TV Now

Price Increases: Over time, the price of AT&T TV Now steadily increased, making it one of the more expensive streaming options available.
Limited Cloud DVR: With only 20 hours of recording capacity and a 30-day storage limit, the DVR feature was quite restrictive compared to other services.
Performance Issues: Users often reported buffering and lag issues, especially during live events, which was a major drawback for sports fans.
No Offline Viewing: Unlike other services, AT&T TV Now did not offer an option to download content for offline viewing.
Complicated Branding: Frequent rebranding and changes in service names (from DirecTV Now to AT&T TV Now, then merging into DirecTV Stream) led to confusion for many users.

Pricing for AT&T TV Now (Before Integration)

Plus Package: $65/month – Included over 45 channels, such as HBO, local broadcasts, and popular networks like ESPN and Fox.
Max Package: $80/month – Included over 60 channels, with more sports content and HBO included.
Premium Channels: HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax could be added for an additional fee, ranging from $10 to $15 per month per channel.

Conclusion

While AT&T TV Now offered a solid channel lineup and the convenience of streaming without the need for equipment, its pricing and limitations on features like DVR storage made it less competitive compared to other iptv services. Frequent rebranding and eventual merging with DirecTV Stream added to the confusion surrounding its offerings. Today, AT&T TV Now is no longer available as a standalone service, and customers are directed to DirecTV Stream, which carries many of its features forward.