TV is changing… sort of. Sling TV was the first big service to offer a streaming-only option that would let cord cutters subscribe to live television that was streamed online instead of over cable or satellite. This way, people who only subscribe to internet can still access live television. Well, actually, anyone and everyone can get live network TV in full 1080p HD for free, but services like Sling TV add in other channels in an effort to sweeten the pot. In Sling’s case, subscribers get 25 channels for $20 each month, about 40 channels for $25 per month, or 50 channels including
Details surrounding AT&T and DirecTV’s upcoming DirecTV Now TV streaming product haven’t yet been announced or even fully finalized, but a new leak has uncovered 24 of the channels headed to the service when it finally launches in the coming weeks.
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Here’s what we know so far: DirecTV Now will offer a paid TV streaming service starting at $35 per month that will include more than 100 channels. That package will include basic channels and there will be additional channels and bundles available at higher monthly rates. A free 7-day preview available and once the preview period runs out, subscribers will have to pay to continue their service. They can also opt to use a free tier of the service called DirecTV Freeview, but it will offer a number of limitations and will feature more ads than the paid options.
But which channels will be included? We don’t have a confirmed full lineup just yet, but BGR sister site Variety has seen documents that list 24 different channels expected to be offered by DirecTV Now. Things could change ahead of launch, of course, but all of the channels you would expect to see are present and accounted for. Among them are CBS, Fox, Univision, UniMas, MundoFox, HDNet Movies, the Hallmark Channel and the Sony Movie Channel.
Here’s the full list:
As Variety noted, we also know that AT&T has struck deals with the likes of A&E Networks, Discovery, HBO, Starz and Disney, though it’s unclear which channels will be included in the $35 bundle and which will cost extra. Also of note, DirecTV Now will support a “72-hour catch-up window,” which virtually records all shows and movies, making them accessible for on-demand viewing for up to 72 hours after they air.