DIRECTV FAQ

DIRECTV FAQ's Answered

DIRECTV is America's leading provider of digital satellite entertainment service. DIRECTV provides over 225 channels of television programming to homes and businesses. DIRECTV equipment (small satellite dish, a digital receiver, and remote control) is required to receive DIRECTV programming. DIRECTV offers a wide assortment of television programming sure to please every member of the family - all programming is 100% digital-quality picture and sound.

DIRECTV FAQ: DIRECTV have Local Channels?

DIRECTV offers local channels in 143 U.S. cities and their surrounding areas and seems to add cities almost weekly. Check our listings of DIRECTV local channels by city or state. You'll find that DIRECTV offers local channels in HD for a rapidly growing number of US cities.

FAQ: Will cable wiring work for DIRECTV?

If the cable TV wiring in your home is RG-6 coax cable, you can probably use it to connect your DIRECTV receiver to your satellite dish. If the cable TV wiring is not RG-6 coax cable, the DIRECTV installer will run new wiring. It is important that you use RG-6 coax cable, due to the frequency of the digital signals the cable must carry.

FAQ: Phone line connected to my DIRECTV receiver?

DIRECTV customers must connect their receivers to a "landline" phone for billing and pay per view purposes. This connection sends DIRECTV purchase information from the receiver to the DIRECTV computer system. With the phone connected, DIRECTV customers can order Pay-Per-View movies and special event programming with their remote control. DIRECTV customers can also get popular sports subscriptions such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET, and can have the programming subscription on their main receiver "duplicated" to your other receivers that are connected to the same phone line.

Phone line is plugged into my DIRECTV receiver can I still make calls?

Yes. The modem inside of your DIRECTV receiver makes a toll-free call to the DIRECTV computer system usually in the middle of the night and this call only lasts a few seconds, so if you're using the phone, the modem will dial the call again later.

FAQ: Connect multiple TV's to DIRECTV?

Yes. each television set in your home can get separate DIRECTV receiver. This gives you the flexibility of watching different DIRECTV programs on different television sets. If all of your DIRECTV receivers must be connected to the same landline phone and it's only $4.99 a month for separate programming on the second and each additional television set in your home.

DIRECTV FAQ: If I have more than one DIRECTV receiver, do I pay the full monthly subscription for each receiver?

No. You can connect more than one television set in a single household to DIRECTV services. If your receivers are connected to the same phone line, it's only $4.99 a month for separate programming on the second and each additional television in your home. The programming you request for the primary access card in your receiver is copied for all of the access cards in the other receivers and you are authorized to receive this same level of programming on these televisions.

Does Weather Affect My DIRECTV Signal?

During your professional installation, expert installers will optimally place your dish, minimizing lost signals during inclement weather. DIRECTV reception is highly reliable year-round, nationwide. DIRECTV service is only minimally affected by weather, under extreme conditions, but it always returns quickly and clearly. On average, DIRECTV customers only lose signal for 9 minutes a year, that's 99.83% uptime, total - compared to cable outages which can last hours or even days at a time.

What Kind of Programming Does DIRECTV Offer?

1. What are my programming choices with DIRECTV service?
2. Does DIRECTV offer channels on an a la carte basis?
3. Does DIRECTV offer music channels?
4. Are DIRECTV packages affected by sports blackouts?
5. Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
6. Does DIRECTV offer a Foreign-language programming service?
7. Can you explain the Locks & Limits (parental controls) feature the DIRECTV System offers?

What are my programming choices with DIRECTV?

DIRECTV’s English satellite TV programming also has numerous programming packages; DIRECTV FAMILY, over 40 channels of programming for all ages including children’s networks, news, and religious and faith-based television entertainment. DIRECTV CHOICE, in excess of 140 channels with more sports, movie, travel and music channels including XM Satellite Radio. DIRECTV PREMIER, with a variety of over 250 channels including 31 premium movie channels, 30 sports networks, music, documentary, educational, family and specialty programming also includes XM Satellite Radio. Your local television channels are available in most cities.

Does DIRECTV offer channels on an a la carte basis?

DIRECTV typically bundles their programming together into different packages, so that customers can receive the best value possible. However, select channels are available on an a la carte basis. See the programming section for details.

Does DIRECTV offer music channels?

Yes. DIRECTV offers access to up to 36 commercial-free music channels through Music Choice. Ranging from Jazz and Country to Classical and Hit List, there is music available for every musical taste.

Are DIRECTV packages affected by sports blackouts?

DIRECTV has a significant edge in Sports satellite TV programming with it’s long standing exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket™, NFL Super Fan™, NFL SuperCast™ programming. Additional sports programming includes; NHL Center Ice™, NBA League Pass™, ESPN FULL COURT, MEGA MARCH MADNESS, ESPN GamePlan™, NASCAR HotPass™, HOTPASS Zone, MLB Extra Innings™, MLS DirectKick™, Setanta Sports™, CricketTicket and Local Sports Network programming.

Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?

DIRECTV Latino satellite TV programming services are available across the US. With 4 television programming packages to choose from, you’re sure to find the package that’s right for you. DIRECTV BASICO, gives you over 65 channels, including more than 40 Spanish language channels. DIRECTV FAMILIAR, delivers more than 140 channels, includes 40 Spanish Language channels available in the Basico package plus more than 100 English programming channels. With DIRECTV FAMILIAR ULTRA, you’ll be able to watch over 200 channels and finally DIRECTV LO MAXIMO gives you over 260 channels including 30 premium movie channels, 25 specialty and regional sports networks.

Does DIRECTV offer a Foreign-language programming service?

DIRECTV International programming services are available in Arabic, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, South Asian, and Vietnamese.

Does DIRECTV have parental controls?

The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system, pay per view spending limits, and block the viewing of entire channels. This is a great feature for parents who wish to control what their children watch on DIRECTV programming.

Parental Controls Explained

DIRECTV offers access to over 225 channels of programming entertainment. If you are a parent, you may want to limit the channels that your children are watching. Let's face it, you can't always watch what your children are doing. Maybe you want to order HBO programming, but you don't want your children watching it - or - maybe you have young children in the house and you don't want them to watch programs you deem unsuitable for their age. DIRECTV has a perfect solution!

The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment allows you to restrict unsupervised television viewing however you want to. You can block specific movies based on their MPAA rating, lock out entire channels, set limited viewing hours, or even establish spending limits on pay per view programming. This is a great feature for parents who wish to limit the programming that their children watch on DIRECTV, but don't want to limit their programming options, when they pick their programming packages.

With the Locks & Limits feature, you can protect your children from flipping to channels that are inappropriate for their age group. There is no limit to the amount of channels that you can lock out from your children's view, and when it's time to watch what you want to watch, you can easily access the programming you like by entering your personal identification (PIN) number (see your owner's manual for details).

Answers about DIRECTV Billing

1. How are customers billed for DIRECTV programming?
2. How do I pay my DIRECTV bill?
3. Can I pay my DIRECTV bill online?

1. How does DIRECTV bill customers? Customers are billed by DIRECTV for the programming package that they purchase, plus any pay per view programs, and sports packages you order. We bill in advance for most programming. Pay per view movies are automatically charged to your bill after you order them, if you maintain a continuous phone connection to your receiver.

2. How do I pay my DIRECTV bill? Customers may pay their bills by using electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment service that automatically deducts your DIRECTV payment from a checking account or credit card. Another payment method is to mail their payment in.

3. Can I pay my DIRECTV bill online? Yes. When you register with DIRECTV.com, you can manage your account online. In addition to paying your bill, you can view your current and past DIRECTV billing statements, view recent transactions and set up automatic billing plans - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DIRECTV Guide

DIRECTV

It’s no secret that DIRECTV is an industry leader. Over 15 Million DIRECTV Customers will tell you, DIRECTV offers consumers a superior alternative to cable television. Quality programming and services are delivered via a 100% Digital Satellite TV Platform, with DIRECTV's award wining customer service.

What is DIRECTV?

DIRECTV Exploded on to the television scene in 1994 and was the first company to deliver 100% Digital television programming using a small dish. DIRECTV has more than 250 channels of 100% digital programming and the most advanced technology. You can see why DIRECTV is the nation’s No.1 digital satellite TV provider.

DIRECTV Programming

DIRECTV offers access to local channels and more than 250 100% Digital channels of television entertainment, including; The Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN, TNT. Professional and collegiate sports packages including; DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, ESPN GamePlan & ESPN Full Court. DIRECTV also offers multicultural programming in Spanish, Chinese, South Asian, and more.

Free Satellite TV System

Every DIRECTV Satellite TV System comes complete with: FREE professional installation, an 18” DIRECTV Dish to receive programming from the satellite in space. A digital set top receiver, choose from DIRECTV receiver, Digital Video Recorder (DIRECTV DVR) receiver, High-Definition (DIRECTV HD) receiver or (DIRECTV HD DVR) receiver. All receivers include a remote control so you can customize your on-screen program guide.

Satellite TV vs Cable

Why have over 15 million cable television customers switched to DIRECTV? With DIRECTV you get more television for your dollar. DIRECTV offers exclusive programming like NFL Sunday Ticket offered only by DIRECTV. Most importantly, DIRECTV has a higher customer satisfaction rating than cable television for the last 7 Years and counting (The American Customer Satisfaction Index). Statistics show that the average annual outage rate for cable television to be between 3%-5%, compared to DIRECTV’s less than 1%

DIRECTV preferred by over 15 million customers over cable television. With quality programming, state of the art technology and service second to none, you won’t be disappointed in DIRECTV. You be the judge, find out for yourself get a DIRECTV deals.

Dish Network Guide

Dish Network Guide

The results are in. Dish Network satellite TV offers consumers an excellent alternative to cable. More than 13 Million Dish Customers are receiving 100% Digital Programming and Award winning customer service for a cost less than cable. With Dish Network satellite TV you’ll get more TV for Less Money.

What is Dish Network?

Dish Network entered the TV scene in 1987 and for or more than 25 Years has been a leading provider of advanced digital satellite TV products and services. Using the most advanced technology, offering more than 250 channels of 100% Digital programming available via a small satellite TV antenna mounted to your home or office. You'll be able to see why Dish is the fastest growing digital satellite TV provider.

Dish Network Programming

Dish Network Satellite TV Programming Packages include Local Channels and over 250 100% Digital Channels (The Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN, TNT, USA, WGN, TBS, HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Statrz and much more), 70 High Definition Channels (Over 200 hours of programming per day) and Sports Programming (ESPN GamePlan, NHL Center Ice, NBA League Pass, NASCAR). International programming (South Asian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and more) and Pay-Per-View Programming is also available from Dish, “You pick your package and Pick your price”.

Free Satellite TV System

Each Dish Network Satellite TV System comes with FREE Professional Satellite TV Installation, a FREE 24” Satellite TV Dish. You will need the antenna to receive programming from the satellite in earth’s orbit. A Digital set top box similar to your cable box. You'll be able to choose from Dish Network satellite TV receiver, DVR (Digital Video Recorder) receiver, HD (High Definition) receiver or HD DVR (High Definition Digital Video Recorder) receiver. Using the remote to program the on-screen TV guide couldn't be easier.

Satellite TV vs Cable

Dish Network has over 13 Million satisfied customers, Why have so many cable TV customers switched to Dish? The answer is easy, you get more TV for less money with Dish Network. Plus you’ll receive award winning customers service. Dish Network has a higher customer satisfaction rating than cable TV, with a lower annual outage rate of less than 1% compared to Cable TV’s 3%-5%.

You'll get quality programming, leading edge technology and service second to none, you be the judge. Find out for yourself why over 13 Million Customers prefer Dish to Cable TV.

Satellite TV FAQ

Satellite TV FAQ

Confused about Satellite TV? Or need some answers to your satellite tv faqs, Dish Network faqs or DIRECTV faqs?You've come to the right place, we have over 20 faq articles, a FREE Satellite TV Buyers Guide, faq videos and a faq blog. Your sure to find the answers to your satellite TV faqs, Dish Network faqs or DIRECTV faqs. We hope you find this site a valuable FAQ resource and refer your friends and family.

Satellite TV FAQ Dish Network & DIRECTV Answers

These articles deal with the background on the two largest satellite tv companies and will answer your general Dish Network FAQ's and DIRECTV FAQ's.

Dish Network FAQ As the cost of living soars, more and more people are choosing home entertainment as their primary means of entertainment. Dish Network fills this need by offering diversity and quality at affordable prices for both services and programming choices.

DIRECTV FAQ There is a ferocious battle raging on out there in the entertainment service. On one side is DIRECTV, which is the biggest player in the industry in America, and on the other side are cable TV providers.

Dish Network, EchoStar Communications Corporation, Dish Network (Nasdaq:DISH) serves more than 11.3 million satellite TV customers and is a leading U.S. provider of advanced digital tv services.

DIRECTV, A digital tv industry leader, DIRECTV delivers outstanding content, technology, service and value to more than 15 million customers.

Satellite Television The Basics

Basic FAQ's on satellite tv, Dish Network and DIRECTV. These articles will introduce you to satellite tv and how satellite tv works. We'll look at what you need to know before you make the decision to switch to satellite tv and the truth about HDTV (high definition TV). We've also included a glossary of DBS tv terms to make it easier.

Introduction to Satellite TV Satellite tv is a fairly recent technology that allows a household to receive tv content via transmission from a communications satellite.

How Does Satellite TV Work? Satellite TV is a tv system whereby a broadcast center sends a program signal to a satellite in a stationary orbit above the earth and then to your tv.

What Do I Need To Know? You finally decided to make the switch from outdated over-the-air TV to satellite TV? Looking for an alternative to high-priced cable TV? Here's the information you need to know before you make the switch.

What Is HDTV? Satellite TV HDTV (high definition TV) opens up a whole new world of entertainment. When you watch satellite TV in high definition, the tv picture and sound are so realistic you feel like you're part of the action.

Glossary of Satellite TV Terms Access card, A removable credit-card-sized plastic card included with each satellite receiver. The card identifies each individual receiver and provides billing information each month to your program provider.

Why Satellite TV?

Satellite tv programming FAQ's for; Dish Network and DIRECTV. These articles deal with satellite tv programming, the difference between satellite tv and cable tv and why 100% Digital TV is important.

Satellite TV Channels At first glance DIRECTV and Dish Network seem pretty similar. But when you take a closer look and compare the two you'll see some big differences when it comes to satellite TV programming and prices.

Satellite TV vs. Cable TV The choice between satellite tv and cable tv can often seem overwhelming if you do not possess all the information required to make an informed decision. In this article we will provide faq's about each tv service in order to help you make the best choice.

What Is 100% Digital Picture? Good news digital TV is here! What is so great about digital TV, you wonder?

Satellite TV Internet That day is here. In the age of satellite TV and the internet, a few companies have risen to the challenge to solve the problem of getting internet service through your satellite TV dish.

Will Satellite Television Work at My Home?

Installation faq's for satellite tv, Dish Network and DIRECTV. These articles deal with installation basics of satellite tv, covering an overview of installation, mounting and wiring your dish and a check list.

Where Do I Mount My Dish? If you've chosen a satellite TV provider over your local cable tv company, one issue you might be having difficulty with is the installation of the dish itself.

Wiring Your Satellite TV Here's a step-by-step guide to satellite TV installation: 1.First, you need to mount your satellite tv dish on your roof or on a south-facing wall. Pick a location where there are no trees or tall buildings nearby.

Satellite TV Checklist Finally decided to make the switch from outdated over-the-air TV to satellite TV? Looking for an alternative to high-priced cable TV? Here's the information you need to know before you make the switch to DBS tv.

Satellite TV Installation After you've ordered your new satellite TV system your next step is to install it. Here you have the option of installing your satellite TV system yourself, or letting a professional do it for you. Here's what's involved ...

Satellite TV FAQ: How Does Satellite TV Work?

How Does Satellite TV Work? That’s the first question over 28 Million Satellite TV Customers (DirecTV has over 15 million and Dish Network has 13 million) asked themselves before they chose satellite TV as an alternative to cable TV. There are many articles giving technical explanations on How Satellite TV works, we’ll take a little different approach. We’ll look at the Basics, and then we’ll look at equipment and finally satellite tv programming. This article will give you a better understanding of How Does Satellite TV Work?

How Does Satellite TV Work? The Basics

Satellite TV is a vast improvement from your fathers’ traditional broadcast television. So how does satellite TV work? A Satellite TV system consists of 5 components; the programming source, the broadcast center, the Satellite, the satellite TV dish and the satellite TV receiver. The programming source (Programming examples: HBO, ESPN) delivers programming to the Broadcast center (usually by satellite transmission). Broadcast center (Dish Network or DIRECTV) compiles all the separate programming sources and re-transmits those signals to a satellite in geosynchronous orbit in outer space. The satellite then sends the radio signal to the satellite dish located at your home and finally to the satellite TV receiver (set-top-box) on your television.

How Does Satellite TV Work? The Satellite TV Dish

You’ve probably noticed that those 8-10 foot satellite TV Dishes that took up a good portion of your yard have gotten a lot smaller. A Satellite TV Dish has a parabolic surface or a surface that is shaped like a bowl that reflects the incoming radio waves onto the central feed horn (both Dish Network and DIRECTV have small foot print dishes approx. 18-24”) The feed horn passes the signal on to the satellite TV receiver and from the receiver to your Television set. The Satellite TV Dish is focused in the direction of the transmitting satellite in outer space. Hopefully we’ve started to answer How Does Satellite TV Work? Next let’s move on to satellite TV Receivers.

How Does Satellite TV Work? Satellite TV Receivers

Both DIRECTV and Dish Network Satellite TV Receivers are an electronic set top box similar to your current cable TV box. The receiver does several things, first it decodes the satellite signal; it then converts that decoded signal into audio and video signals. That signal is then sent to your television set where you can now view programming or change the channel.

In addition to the basic 100% Digital Receiver, both Dish Network and DIRECTV offer DVR’s (Digital Video Recorders) which allows you to record, rewind and replay your favorite programs, HD (High Definition) Receivers allow you to watch HDTV and HD DVR (High Definition Digital Video Recorder).

How Does Satellite TV Work? Programming Sources

Direct Broadcast Providers like Dish Network and DIRECTV buy programming rights from broadcast networks like USA, TBS, ESPN, Disney, HBO and others. The programming source delivers programming to the Broadcast center (usually by satellite transmission) and then the Direct Broadcast Providers retransmit that signal to their satellites for distribution to the dish at your home or business.

Introduction to Satellite TV DIRECTV or Dish Network

Satellite TV FAQ: Introduction to Satellite TV Dish Network and DIRECTV

This article will provide you with a basic Introduction to Satellite TV. How does satellite television (Dish Network and DIRECTV) compare to Cable TV and why satellite television gives you more TV for less money than cable TV. First we’ll look at cable TV and how it works, and then we’ll look at Satellite TV DIRECTV and Dish Network and the differences between cable TV that makes satellite television the best deal in town.

Introduction to Satellite TV (Dish Network or DIRECTV) and How Cable TV Works

In this basic introduction to satellite TV (DIRECTV and Dish Network) we’ll look at how cable TV works. First there are television programmers who sell the rights to broadcast their programming. The Television programmers send their programming via radio signal to satellites to be transmitted around the world. From the satellites the radio signals are sent to broadcast centers, in the case of cable television they are sent to the local head end (Local Broadcast Center) that process the satellite signals and combines them to offer you the television programming you watch. Cable TV Companies then deliver these signals via the many miles of coax cable that are installed underground or on utility poles and delivered to your home for viewing.

Introduction to Satellite TV (DIRECTV or Dish Network) and How Satellite TV Works

Now in this introduction to satellite TV let’s look at how Satellite TV works. Satellite TV companies like Dish Network and DIRECTV; basically work in the same way. They buy the rights to broadcast programming just like cable TV companies. Television programmers send the programming by radio signal to satellites and from the satellites to broadcast centers just like cable TV. However, here’s where the similarities end. Unlike cable TV companies that have broadcast centers in most cities and towns, Satellite TV companies only have a couple of broadcast centers that re-transmit the radio signals to satellites positioned above the earth and from there send the radio signals to your home. No need to dig and destroy the environment or to cut down trees to run cable lines on utility poles.

Introduction to Satellite TV (Dish Network or DIRECTV), why do I save money with Satellite TV?

So, what’s the secret to satellite TV’s success? Satellite TV companies like DIRECTV and Dish Network, don’t have to string or lay miles and miles of cable to deliver television programming to you. Dish Network and DIRECTV don’t have head end or broadcast centers in every city with duplicate equipment. This saves you money because satellite TV is less expensive to maintain and up-grade their broadcast centers, no re-laying cable to up-grade services. If your local cable TV broadcast center has a problem, you don’t have cable TV. With satellite television, if the primary broadcast center has a problem, the secondary broadcast center automatically takes over broadcasting. That’s why satellite TV companies have a less than 1% outage rate compared to 3-5% for cable TV. The facts are in, Satellite TV companies rate significantly higher in customer satisfaction than cable television companies. Find out why over 28 million former cable television customers are watching satellite TV instead of cable. Get more TV for less money with satellite television.