DIRECTV vs DISH

DIRECTV Quietly Improves Streaming Picture Quality

DIRECTV has quietly rolled out a significant improvement to picture quality across its streaming service, raising the bitrate on live channels over the past week. The change was implemented without a formal announcement, marketing campaign, or update to app settings screens. Customers began noticing cleaner images on standard televisions before industry observers could document the shift. The higher data rate applies to internet-delivered linear streams, covering news, entertainment, and sports channels. The improvement is most visible in motion, reducing blocky patches, smearing, and color banding. Static details also benefit, with hair, fabric, and on-screen text appearing sharper. The gain depends on home bandwidth; viewers on stable connections will see the fullest image. Cloud DVR recordings made after the change inherit the improved stream. DIRECTV has not announced specific target rates or the extent of the rollout.

• DIRECTV increased bitrate on live streaming channels in the past week.
• The change was implemented without formal announcement or marketing campaign.
• The improvement applies to internet-delivered linear streams including news, entertainment, and sports.

DIRECTV Tests Next-Gen Gemini Streaming Device

DIRECTV is conducting a limited, invitation-only trial of its next-generation Gemini streaming player. The trial includes existing Gemini device users and customers who primarily use the DIRECTV app on third-party hardware, to evaluate performance and user experience. The company aims to assess speed, stability, and interface improvements. Regulatory filings earlier this year hinted at a more powerful chipset and newer Android TV software. No public launch date, pricing, or availability details have been announced. Results will shape decisions on broader rollout and whether the device will replace current models or serve as a premium option.

• DIRECTV is conducting an invitation-only trial of a next-generation Gemini streaming device.
• The trial includes existing Gemini device users and app-only customers.
• The purpose is to evaluate device performance and user experience.

DIRECTV Launches Military Makeover FAST Channel

DIRECTV is launching a new free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel dedicated to the series 'Military Makeover with Montel' across its MyFree DIRECTV, Genre Packs, and Signature streaming packages. The channel will feature over 200 episodes spanning 44 seasons of the show, which focuses on transforming homes for military families. The rollout begins today, September 22, 2026. DIRECTV's chief marketing officer, Vince Torres, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting veterans through partnerships with organizations like the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The expansion of FAST channels is part of DIRECTV's strategy to offer diverse, ad-supported content to its streaming customers, enhancing its free tier and genre-specific offerings.

• DIRECTV is adding a new dedicated FAST channel for 'Military Makeover with Montel'.
• The channel will be available on MyFree DIRECTV, DIRECTV Genre Packs, and Signature streaming packages.
• The channel features over 200 episodes spanning 44 seasons of the series.

Sling Discontinues Short-Term Passes

Sling TV has discontinued its short-term 'Sling Passes,' which allowed users to subscribe for one to seven days. Introduced in August 2025, the passes included Day, Weekend, and Week options, priced at $4.99, $9.99, and $14.99 respectively. The launch aimed to attract cord cutters during football season, but faced legal challenges from Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, who sued Sling's parent company DISH for breach of contract over the unapproved packages. The lawsuits likely influenced the decision to retire the passes, though no official reason was given. Sling now returns to its standard lineup: Orange, Blue, combined Orange & Blue, and the newer Basic plans ($19.99/month).

• Sling TV discontinued its short-term Sling Passes as of October 5, 2026.
• The passes, launched in August 2025, included Day Pass ($4.99), Weekend Pass ($9.99), and Week Pass ($14.99).
• Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery filed lawsuits against DISH over the passes for breach of contract.

DISH Teams Up with United Airlines to Provide Live Football at 35,000 Feet

Passengers on United airplanes with Starlink-enabled seatback screens have access to live college and pro football games starting this week across ...

Sling TV's Future Uncertain After DISH Bankruptcy Filing

Sling TV — one of the first over‑the‑top live multichannel services, launched February 9, 2015 — faces an uncertain future after its parent’s prepackaged Chapter 11 filing. DISH DBS Corporation (an EchoStar subsidiary) filed for Chapter 11 on June 30, 2026 after a delay in closing a large spectrum sale to AT&T left the company short of cash to repay $2 billion in notes. Sling peaked near 2.6 million subscribers around 2020 but reported 1.707 million subscribers as of the end of June 2026. The restructuring aims to clean the balance sheet and wind down DISH’s wireless build; industry observers expect EchoStar may consider selling or spinning off DISH satellite and Sling assets once the process concludes.

• Sling TV launched on February 9, 2015 as an over‑the‑top live multichannel television service in the U.S.
• Sling reported 1.707 million subscribers as of the end of June 2026, down from a peak near 2.6 million around 2020.
• On June 30, 2026, DISH DBS Corporation (an EchoStar subsidiary) filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 case in Houston.