DirecTV just copied my favorite YouTube TV feature for a fraction of the price

Just in time for the start of the NFL season, DirecTV is launching a new multiview feature for its streaming service. The feature, called Mix Channels, lets subscribers of DirecTV’s Signature Pack and Genre Packs watch up to four channels at the same time on one screen.

At launch, DirecTV is offering five different channel mixes, including two that should attract sports fans: a Sports Mix and a League Sports Mix. The Sports Mix includes ESPN, ESPN2, F1, and NBC Sports. The League Sports Mix features the MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, and NHL Network.

So, if you want to catch every second of the game and all the analysis of your favorite sports, DirecTV’s multiview feature will be a great way to do it — if you can handle all that content showing up on your screen at once. Additionally, in September, DirecTV will introduce another sports Mix Channel called Sunday Sports Mix, which will feature CBS, Fox, ESPN, and FS1.

DirecTV’s new Mix Channels feature is similar to YouTube TV’s multiview feature. However, you can access some of DirecTV’s Genre Packs for as low as $20 a month. It’s MySports Genre Pack, in particular, costs $70 a month, which is lower than YouTube TV’s $83 a month price tag.

“DIRECTV has innovation in our DNA and is proud to have pioneered multi-channel viewing nearly two decades ago,” said Vikash Sharma, head of product at DirecTV, in a press release. “Now we’re bringing the next generation of multiview to streaming with new mix channels to give consumers more flexibility and control over how they watch and discover their favorite programming — whether it’s four games, four news channels, or a mix for everyone in the house.”

DirecTV has other Mix Channels aimed at different audiences

It offers a News Mix, Business Mix, and Kids Mix

If sports channels aren’t your thing, DirecTV also offers several other Mix Channels in its initial lineup that might interest you.

The first is a News Mix, which includes four of the biggest news channels in the US, including CNN, Fox News Channel, Fox Weather, and MSNBC. The News Mix is available to a variety of DirecTV subscribers, including those with Signature, MySports, MyNews, and MyEntertainment packages.

For those wanting to stay updated on market developments, DirecTV also offers a Business Mix, featuring Bloomberg Television, Cheddar News, CNBC, and Fox Business. And for kids, DirecTV’s Kids Mix includes Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney XD, and Nickelodeon. Additionally, DirecTV provides a Local Mix in certain markets where it holds streaming rights for local stations. The Local Mix includes ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC local stations.

To check out DirecTV’s new Mix Channels, you can find them now on the “Your TV” carousel on DirecTV’s Gemini device, and on its app on Roku, Fire TV, and Android TV. DirecTV states that its Mix Channels will be available on Apple TV and Samsung Tizen “in the coming weeks.”

Earlier this year, DirecTV introduced its Genre Packs, which are essentially streaming versions of skinny TV bundles. Currently, it offers MyEntertainment, MiEspañol, MyKids, MyNews, and MySports Genre Packs. In 2024, DirecTV also launched a FAST streaming service called MyFree DirecTV.