DirecTV just added this killer YouTube TV feature

DirecTV is one of the best live TV streaming services I've tested — and I've tested all the cable alternatives. Yes, it can get expensive, but if you can stomach the high price on the Signature Packages, you get tons of channels for your money. That's a good thing, especially since now, DirecTV is letting you watch four channels at the same time.

Yes, DirecTV is officially adding multiview to its live TV service. The feature is possibly the most popular feature on YouTube TV, and no small reason why we dub it the best live TV streaming service out there. DirecTV has offered versions of the feature in the past, though, and now it's offering customers seven new multiview "mixes" that allow you to watch four channels at once. Here's the full list:

• Sports Mix: Watch ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and NBC Sports simultaneously (also available to MySports subscribers)
• League Sports Mix: Watch MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network and NHL Network simultaneously (also available to MySports subscribers)
• News Mix: Watch CNN, Fox News Channel, Fox Weather and MSNBC simultaneously (also available to MySports, MyNews and MyEntertainment subscribers)
• Business Mix: Watch Bloomberg Television, Cheddar News, CNBC and Fox Business simultaneously (also available to MyNews subscribers)
• Kids Mix: Watch Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney XD and Nickelodeon simultaneously (also available to MyKids subscribers)
• Locals Mix: Watch local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC channels simultaneously. This is only in select markets (also available to MySports and MyNews subscribers)
• Sunday Sports Mix: Watch local CBS, local Fox, ESPN and FS1 simultaneously. Available starting Sept. 7 (also available to MySports subscribers)

As you can see, it's not just Signature Package customers who are getting this new feature. If you're subscribed to an eligible Genre Pack, you can also watch multiview Mix Channels, provided your Genre Pack has the required channels. DirecTV launched Genre Packs back in February, and they allow you to subscribe to slimmed-down, genre-focused live TV streaming plans for less than a Signature Package. Genre Pack subscribers get access to the DirecTV app, unlimited DVR recording and MyFree DirecTV, the company's free streaming service.

DirecTV does sometimes charge additional taxes and fees for its services, including Genre Packs.

DirecTV multiview mix channels still need work

DirecTV adding multiview for most of its customers is a win if you're a subscriber. Full stop. But it's already starting off behind YouTube TV's multiview offering in terms of what you can do with the feature.

Like DirecTV's new multiview mix channels, YouTube TV offers some multiview channels that are curated for subscribers. But starting earlier this past May, YouTube TV has allowed users to build custom multiviews, allowing them to create four channel combinations that include Bravo, ESPN, USA and more.

I'm surprised DirecTV didn't offer this functionality to its customers as well. I get that building multiviews is a fairly new feature even for YouTube TV, but given DirecTV was already playing catch-up, why not put out an industry-leading product, rather than something that's already an inferior offering? It's still great that customers are getting this feature, but it clearly should be more.

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Malcolm McMillan

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.

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