Direct TV FAQ

General
1. What is DIRECTV?
2. Does DIRECTV offer Local Network Channels?
3. How does DIRECTV service compare with cable?
4. Can I get Internet access from DIRECTV?

Installation
5. Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?
6. If I install my satellite dish outside, will it get stolen?
7. Can I paint the satellite dish?
8. Can I use my existing wiring for DIRECTV?
9. Why do I need to connect my receiver to my phone line?
10. Will the phone connection interfere with regular phone usage?
11. Can DIRECTV be connected to more than one TV set in my house?
12. If I have more than one receiver, do I pay a full monthly subscription for each receiver?
13. Will bad weather conditions interfere with my reception?

Programming
15. What programming does DIRECTV offer?
16. Does DIRECTV offer channels on an a la carte basis?
17. Does DIRECTV offer music channels?
18. Are DIRECTV SPORTS packages affected by sports blackouts?
19. How do I order pay per view movies and special events?
20. Why is my regional sports network territory different from my cable Regional Sports Network?
21. Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
22. Does DIRECTV offer a Chinese-language programming service?
23. I have two receivers. Can I order pay per view movie on one receiver and watch it on both TVs in my house?
24. Can you explain the Locks & Limits (parental controls) feature DIRECTV offers?

Billing
25. How are customers billed for DIRECTV programming?
26. How do I pay my bill?
27. Can I pay my bill online?

What is DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is one of the nation's leading digital satellite entertainment services. It provides access to over 225 channels of programming to homes and businesses that have DIRECTV receiving equipment (small satellite dish, a digital receiver, and remote control). DIRECTV offers a wide variety of programming for every member of the family - all 100% digital-quality picture and sound.

Does DIRECTV offer Local Network Channels?
DIRECTV now offers local channels in most major U.S. cities and their surrounding areas.

How does DIRECTV service compare with cable?
DIRECTV has created a programming service specifically driven to offer customers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. The DIRECTV service combines America's favorite network channels, other popular networks not available from many cable services, a pay per view service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events a day, local channels in many markets, and an unprecedented sports subscription lineup.

Can I get Internet access from DIRECTV?
For those without a land-based phone connection, DIRECWAY® satellite-based Internet service is offered through HUGHES. You can also get Internet content on your TV with some of their advanced products, which requires a land-based phone connection.

Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?
In order to receive the signal, the dish must have a direct line of sight to the south through a window. However, many types of window glass degrade the satellite signal. Therefore, it's strongly recommended that you install your satellite dish outside in a suitable location.

If I install my satellite dish outside, will it get stolen?
The satellite dish is the least expensive component of the DIRECTV System and is basically useless without the set-top receiver. Also keep in mind that the dish is small enough to be placed in an inconspicuous location on your home or property.

Can I paint the satellite dish?
It's okay to paint your dish if you don't use lead-based or glossy paint. Glossy paint could damage the Low Noise Block (LNB) converter by increasing the signal reflection. You should not paint the LNB itself.

Can I use my existing wiring for DIRECTV?
If the existing wiring in your house is RG-6 coax cable, you can use it to connect your DIRECTV Receiver to your satellite dish. If your existing wiring is not RG-6 coax cable, you will need to have the installer run new wiring. It is important that you use RG-6 coax cable, due to the frequency of the digital signals it must carry.

Why do I need to connect my receiver to my phone line?
Customers need to connect their receivers to a landline phone for billing and pay per view purposes. The connection sends purchase information from the receiver to DIRECTV's computer system. With the phone connection, DIRECTV customers can order Pay Per View movies and events with their remote control, get popular sports subscriptions such as NFL Sunday Ticket, and can have the programming subscription on their main receiver "mirrored" to other receivers that are connected to the same phone line.

Will the phone connection interfere with regular phone usage?
No. A modem inside of your receiver makes a toll-free call to DIRECTV's computer system in the middle of the night. The modem's call only lasts a few seconds and if you are using the phone, it will try again later.

Can DIRECTV be connected to more than one TV set in my house?
Yes. You can get separate DIRECTV Receivers for the number of TV sets in your home that you want to hook up. This gives you the flexibility of watching different DIRECTV programs on different television sets. If all of your DIRECTV Receivers are connected to the same landline phone, it's only $4.99 a month for programming on the second and each additional receiver in your home.

If I have more than one receiver, do I pay a full monthly subscription for each receiver?
No. You can connect more than one TV 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 programming on the second and each additional receiver 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.

Will bad weather conditions interfere with my reception?
On very rare occasions in some areas, severe weather conditions may interrupt your signal for a moment, but it always returns quickly and clearly. 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 15 minutes a year, total - compared to cable outages which can last hours or even days at a time.

What are my programming choices with DIRECTV?
DIRECTV offers more than 225 channels of programming. With access to popular networks such as CNN, ESPN, Lifetime, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, HGTV, 31 commercial-free music channels, as well as up to 55 pay per view choices a day including hit movies and special events. DIRECTV also offers a variety of professional and collegiate sports, including NFL Sunday Ticket (exclusive to DIRECTV) and much more.

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 prices possible. However, select channels are available on an a la carte basis. See our DirecTV programming section for details.

Does DIRECTV offer music channels?
Yes. DIRECTV offers up to 31 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 SPORTS packages affected by sports blackouts?
DIRECTV is the provider of the most comprehensive sports programming lineup in the digital home entertainment industry, and they pay close attention to sports blackouts and restrictions. As these restrictions are sometimes complicated, please refer to directv.com's sports blackouts page for further details.

How do I order pay per view movies and special events?
You can order online, with your remote, or by phone. You'll pay only $3.99 for each movie. A $5.00 order assistance fee applies to all pay per view movie phone-in orders.

Why is my regional sports network territory different from my cable Regional Sports Network (RSN)?
The companies that provide the RSNs to DIRECTV, such as FOX Sports Direct, determine the area of in-market availability for each regional sports network. The constraints of C-band satellite systems, cable systems, and their system, differ slightly, which is why RSN territories differ from one system to another. Most people get the same Regional Sports Network from DIRECTV as they would from cable. But in some areas of the country, there are differences. This is because FOX Sports Net bases RSN service on zip codes for satellite customers, but on county boundaries for cable customers. This difference is necessary because of the technical difference in how the satellite and cable signals are distributed.

Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
Yes. DIRECTV Para Todos offers customers, interested in Spanish-language programming, access to more than 45 Spanish-language channels and 210 English - language channels.

Does DIRECTV offer a Chinese-language programming service?
Yes. Exclusively from DIRECTV, Jadeworld is a multi-channel service that delivers the very best Chinese-language programming in both Cantonese and Mandarin. DIRECTV is proud to offer five unique channels from Jadeworld's programming lineup. DIRECTV also offers Phoenix TV, where you can enjoy premier Chinese-language programming featuring up-to-the-minute news, current affairs, financial market updates, variety shows and dramas from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

I have two receivers. Can I order pay per view movie on one receiver and watch it on both TVs in my house?
No. Each pay per view order is specific to the receiver on which it is ordered. When you place a pay per view order, the receiver on which you placed the order begins displaying the signal, "authorizes you for the purchase," and stores the record of your purchase on the access card in the receiver.

Can you explain the Locks & Limits (parental controls) feature DIRECTV offers?
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.

How are customers billed for DIRECTV programming?
Customers are billed by DIRECTV for the programming package that they purchase, plus any pay per view programs, and sports packages you order. You will be billed 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.

How do I pay my bill?
Customers can pay their bills by using DIRECTV's 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 your payment in.

Can I pay my 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.