DirecTV Invites Skinny Bundles with Streaming ‘Genre Packs’

DirecTV is competing in the budget streaming service space with new Genre Packs available now via streamtv.directv.com and, in the coming months, through device partners. The three new Genre Packs — MyEntertainment, MyNews and MiEspañol — are available starting at $35 a month. They join other new streaming offerings, MyFree DirecTV and DirecTV’s MySports, released in November and January, respectively. Subscribers to any Genre Pack gain access to 100+ channels available through MyFree DirecTV. Only MySports customers can also bundle two new Mini-Packs — MyCinema for $10 a month or MySports Extra for $13 monthly.

Genre subscribers can only add MyCinema. MySports subscribers gain an added perk — ESPN+ rolled into the umbrella package, shaving off the extra $12 monthly subscription fee.

“Genre Packs are available to customers as standalone options or together, without the need for a satellite TV subscription,” writes CNET, explaining that “the company’s move aims to give consumers more choice and convenience when watching live TV cord-free.”

MyEntertainment offers more than 40 channels, among them Bravo, Food Network, FX, HGTV, Syfy and the History Channel as well as the Disney+ and Hulu basic bundle. DirecTV says in a press release that it “plans to add Max Basic with ads soon at no additional cost.”

MiEspañol has more than 60 channels, including ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, Nat Geo Mundo, Telemundo and Univision.

MyNews delivers U.S. and global news from more than 10 national channels including CNN, CNBC, FOX News and MSNBC, adding “select local channels where available.”

“If you canceled YouTube TV after the latest round of price increases, these smaller, cheaper streaming packages from DirecTV Stream might be just what you’re looking for,” reports ZDNet, noting they’re “no contract, and you can try them for free.”

While most streaming packages consist of “nearly identical bundles of 50 or more cable channels,” ZDNet says “the dream is an a la carte option, where you can pick and choose which channels you pay for and leave out those you’re not interested in, building what dedicated cordcutters call a ‘skinny bundle.’”

Even traditional “cable” companies like Spectrum and Comcast offer economy streaming packages, Xumo and Xfinity StreamSaver, respectively.

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