DirecTV can now quickly switch from satellite to broadband to avoid TV disruptions

DirecTV introduces a new feature today called SignalSaver, which is designed to maintain TV reception even during times of satellite interference. Available at no additional cost to residential DirecTV subscribers with an Internet-connected set-top box, SignalSaver automatically prompts you to switch from a satellite signal to Internet-based TV when an outage is detected.

“After a few seconds of signal calibration, and with the appropriate high-speed Internet connection, customers can enable SignalSaver to enjoy a high-quality viewing experience of up to 720p,” the company explained in its press release. DirecTV broadcasts at home at higher between 720p and 1080i, so you don’t lose much in terms of quality.

At launch, SignalSaver is available to 83 national networks, including CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and The Weather Channel. “We focused on TV channels that offer a lot of live programming as well as four locals in most markets at launch,” said spokesman Nicolas Amazalurso. the edge by e-mail.

In fact, switching from satellite to internet based TV takes a few seconds.

GIF: DirecTV

There are a few asterisks to consider that come with this new backup method. Perhaps most important to subscribers is that “full DVR functionality is not available” when SignalSaver is started. DirecTV says this is “expected soon along with some other important features”.

Also, once you switch to the internet signal, DirecTV will not automatically return to the satellite if the signal is cleared. You will be sent back to the satellite immediately if you change channels, and it will also switch after four hours on the same channel. SignalSaver is only available to residential DirecTV subscribers at this time, so it will not be a viable backup for sports bars or other commercial customers. Dish, the primary competitor to DirecTV satellite TV channels in the US, does not currently offer a feature similar to SignalSaver.

DirecTV again became an independent company last year when AT&T completed its subsidiary operations. The business is jointly run with TPG Capital, and apart from the satellite component, it also includes legacy U-verse TV (which is no longer accepting new clients) and DirecTV Stream. The latter is the DirecTV broadcast TV entity that competes with YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and other services.

Originally published at San Jose News Bulletin