Satellite TV F.A.Q.
All over the internet you will find
frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about satellite tv in general.
On this page we will only focus on the FAQ's that pertain to Dish
Network and Directv® services, since that is the main focus of
this website.
Directv® FAQ's
What is the DIRECTV Plus® DVR?
The DIRECTV Plus DVR is a digital video recorder that allows you to
to digitally record up to 100 hours of programming on your television
set. You can even record two shows at the same time or pause and rewind
live TV. There are other benefits, options and limitations so be sure
to see the DVR pages when you sign
up for Directv® online.
Is DIRECTV as good as cable?
If you sign up with Directv®
you will get more choices and more quality entertainment than you
could ever get with cable. For instance, with the Directv®
CHOICE package, you can get over 140 digital channels for around $50
per month. With the price of cable television these days, you would
typically get about 60-90 analog channels. So you get more channels
for less money plus the channels are all in the superior digital format.
What does standard professional installation
include?
A very well trained installer will properly mount, align and peak
your dish. He or she will make this installation on your roof, balcony
or other location within 100 feet of your TV. The qualified and authorized
Directv®
installer will only use materials which have been approved by Directv®.
These include RG 6 cable plus the official switches and any connectors
that are needed in order to connect your receiver(or receivers) to
your television set and any other components that you may have such
as a DVR, VCR or DVD player. Your professional installation technician
will also connect your receiver(s) to the main phone line in your
home and also ground your satellite tv system so that it meets with
the local/NEC requirements.
How long before my
satellite tv equipment arrives?
Your installer will bring your satellite tv equipment with him on
the installation date that you have scheduled. Installation dates
are generally available within 24 and 72 hours of when the order is
placed. These times are subject to change and depend upon the volume
of installations that have been scheduled in your area.
Where will my satellite
dish be installed?
Your satellite tv dish will need to be installed somewhere on your
property where there is a clear view of the southern sky. The installation
location will need to be unblocked by trees, buildings or other obstacles.
A majority of dish installations are done on a roof or balcony. However,
other arrangements can be made in order to accommodate your home and
your personal preferences.
Can I use just one
dish for the whole house?
Most Directv® customers will only need one dish. Your one dish
can feed several different satellite tv receivers. You can have satellite
tv receivers in multiple rooms. Each receiver will get it's signal
from your one satellite dish.
Can I use my existing wiring for satellite
TV?
If the cable in your house happens to be RG 6 coaxial cable, then
it will work with your DIRECTV Receiver. Your home needs to have RG
6 cable because of the frequency of the digital signals it must carry.
If your existing coax cable features splitters, then it cannot be
used in most cases. It is best to have a direct RG 6 cable line from
the dish to each receiver in your house where you would like to have
satellite tv programming.
Why is the Directv®
equipment leased?
Leasing allows the satellite tv company to be able to continue to
provide the very latest equipment to the customer at the lowest cost.
By leasing you can get affordable upgrades when new technology becomes
available and you can also get free replacement receivers.
How many channels will I be able to get?
You'll have access to over 250 digital-quality channels. Where available,
this will include your local network affiliates. There are over 30
premium movie channels that will be at your fingertips. You can select
from up to 55 Pay Per View movies and events every day. Depending
on your package selection, you may be able to get up to 67 XM Satellite
Radio channels.
After I sign up can
I change my programming choices?
You will have the ability to change your programming choices online.
As an alternative, you can call one of the freindly Directv® customer
representatives toll-free at 1-800-531-5000 in order to make changes
to your programming. If you are downgrading your premium programming
services within 30 days of adding a new service to your account then
you might have to pay a $10 fee.
Can I get my local
channels with Directv®?
Local channels are available in most major U.S. cities and their surrounding
areas. If you live in an area that is eligible then you can order
Directv® packages that include local channels.
Why do I have to connect my satellite tv
receiver to my telephone line?
The phone connection allows DIRECTV customers to be authorized so
that they can order Pay Per View movies and events with their remote
control and get popular sports subscriptions. Please keep in mind
that you cannot connect with a cell phone. It has to be a land-based
phone line.
When I move will I take my equipment with
me?
You can, yes! All you have to do is call Directv® toll-free at
1-866-WAY-U-MOVE (1-866-929-8668) before you move. There is a special
program in place especially for those customers who are moving. It
is called the DIRECTV MOVERS CONNECTION™. This is a free program for
existing customers who are changing their location but still want
to keep their Directv® services in tact.
Dish Network FAQ's
Do I really need to
have a phone line connected to my receiver?
In order to pay for and receive pay-per-view services you need to
have a phone line connected to your receiver. However, Dish Network
has several options for subscribers who don't happen to have access
to a phone jack in their home. 1) You can order online (This is assuming
that you have internet access that is not dependent upon a phone jack.)
2) Use the automated telephone system with a pay phone or your cellular
sevice. Just call (1-877-DISH-PPV or 1-877-347-4778)
Can I substitute one channel for another
in my basic package?
Channel substitutions are not allowed. In order to make satellite
programming as affordable as possible, the Dish Network programming
packages have been set up so that they are the most cost effective
for the average subscriber. Keeping the programming costs low means
providing stations in packages. Individual selections would be much
more costly.
Is it possible to get only International
Programming?
It is possible to only order purchase International programming services.
There is a $5.00 monthly charge that goes along with this service.
The $5 charge is an access fee that is charged because it costs more
to rebroadcast the International channels. However, this fee can be
waived if you purchase a basic programming package such as America
’s Top 60 or Great Wall TV.
Can I get a printed TV guide or Channel
Lineup?
Ther is access a printable channel lineup card on the Dish Network
website. There is also an electronic program guide that is available
on your Dish Network receiver as well as an online channel guide on
the Dish Network site. It should be noted that Dish Network also offers
2 monthly programming guides that are called "DISH Entertainment
Magazine" and "DISH Flicks".
Can I get my local
weather forecasts?
Yes, there are a few different ways to get this. One option is to
use "DISH Instant Weather". You just need to have a satellite
tv receiver that has Interactive TV. With this you can instantly view
your local weather or the weather in any major city you choose. Another
option is to simply tune into your local news channel if you happen
to subscribe to Local Channels. You can also visit The Weather Channel.
Will local channels
be availble to me?
Dish Network offers local channels in more than 155 cities and surrounding
areas. This amounts to 95% of TV households across the United States.
What is SAP and how
can I find out if I have it?
SAP stands for Secondary Audio Programming. Simply put, it means that
there is another language track available on the program. The other
language is most often Spanish. The SAP feature can be activated on
most television stes and also on your Dish Network receiver in the
“Settings” menu.
Will I Have Control
Over the Pay-Per-View Programming My Family Views?
Yes, you can activate the 'Adult Guard' feature on your satellite
tv receiver through the Locks menu. This feature hides the adult pay-per-view
channels from your on-screen guide.
What are Movies On
Demand?
Movies On Demand are simply movies that you can watch at your convenience.
Just choose a movie from the 'Featured Movie's or 'Now Showing' program
listings and then follow the simple ordering instructions. You will
be able to view your movie immediately.
Can I watch separate
shows on two different tv's with one receiver?
This is possible with the newest receivers including the DISH 322,
the DISH Player-DVR 522, the DISH Player-DVR 625 & the DISH Player-DVR
942. The dual-tuner lets you to watch programming on two televisions
and adds DVR functionality. This makes it possible for you to record,
pause and replay live TV. The DISH Player 942 offers DVR plus High
Definition capabilities.
