DIRECTV Frequently Asked Questions

Across the country, cable companies are airing commercials containing false and misleading information about DIRECTV satellite TV. It's time to set the record straight.

About DIRECTV
Q: Who is DIRECTV?
A: With more than 16 million customers, DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital satellite entertainment service provider. They offer access to quality programming delivered to homes, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, office buildings, airplanes, automobiles and portable electronics.

Q: What is the DIRECTV System? 
A: The DIRECTV System refers to the equipment that customers need to receive DIRECTV programming from their orbiting satellites. Every DIRECTV System includes three components: a satellite dish, a digital set-top receiver and a remote control. Every DIRECTV Receiver enables access to more than 265 digital-quality channels.

Q: What programming does DIRECTV offer?
A: DIRECTV programming and service features access to more than 265 available channels of entertainment. They enhance their programming with interactive services like those in their exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan package. They even produce their own entertainment programming: CD USA, Championship Gaming Series and others. Plus, their HDTV service gives you the most robust programming lineup in the US.

Q: Does DIRECTV offer channels on an a la carte basis?
A: You may add individual premium services to your DIRECTV CHOICE or PLUS package. DIRECTV offers these premium options: HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, Cinemax, and DIRECTV's SPORTS PACK. Adult channels like PLAYBOY TV are also available on an a la carte basis. The PREMIER base package includes all premium services available on DIRECTV

Q: Is the DIRECTV signal compatible with surround-sound technologies?
A: The DIRECTV System is compatible with Dolby Pro Logic Surround-Sound and Dolby Digital. To get true surround-sound, you will need a Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital surround sound processing unit.

Q: What if I Live in an Apartment or Condo?
A: You don't need to own a house to enjoy DIRECTV service. Our professional installers will mount the DIRECTV Satellite in the most appealing location for your home, apartment, condominium or townhouse. You may need to ask permission before getting a DIRECTV System installed.

Q: If I move, can I take the receiving equipment with me?
A: Yes. DIRECTV distributes programming across the continental United States. You will receive more info on how to transfer your equipment in your new customer packet.

About Direct Satellite TV
Q: Where is Direct Satellite TV located?
A: Direct Satellite TV is an authorized DIRECTV retailer located in Anaheim, CA. Our mailing address is PO Box 27700, Anaheim, CA 92809.

Q: What are your call center hours?
A: Our call center is open for phone calls M-F 5:00AM - 8PM, Sat 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, SUN 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

Q: I have another satellite service. How do I convert to the DIRECTV service?
A: We can get your system converted to DIRECTV. Call us at 1-800-201-5113. We'll send you new equipment and install it for you free of charge (for up to 4 rooms).

Q: I had DIRECTV service in the past. How can I restart it?
A: Call Direct Satellite TV at 1-800-201-5113 and we will help you get connected again.

Equipment
Q: How long will it take to get my equipment? 
A: Your installer will deliver your equipment on the scheduled installation date. Installation dates are generally available within 24 and 72 hours of when the order is placed.

Q: Can I use just one dish for the whole house? 
A: Most DIRECTV customers need just one dish, no matter how many rooms have DIRECTV service.

Q: How large is the dish? 
A: There are six different DIRECTV dishes, which range in size from 18" round to 36" x 22" oval.

Q: Can the DIRECTV Plus DVR record two shows at once? 
A: Yes! In fact, it can even record two shows while you watch a third, previously recorded show.

Q: How long are programs stored once they've been recorded? 
A: The DIRECTV Plus DVR service will only delete programs when the recorder has reached its full recording capacity and needs to make room for other shows you've scheduled it to record. When this occurs, the DIRECTV Plus DVR will first delete the oldest recorded programs not marked "Keep Until I Delete." You can easily control how long programs are stored when you use the DVR's on-screen menu. It's also easy to save a program on tape using a VCR or DVD recorder.

Q: How will I know when the DVR's memory is getting full? 
A: The DIRECTV Plus DVR service will tell you if there isn't enough memory left to record the program you've requested. Then you can delete older recorded shows to make room for newer ones. (If you want to save any of the old shows, you can first transfer them to tape with a VCR or to DVD with a DVD recorder.)

Q: Can I keep using the DIRECTV equipment I have now once I add HD? 
A: Your current standard DIRECTV equipment will not display HD programming, but will provide access to DIRECTV's standard-definition digital-quality programming for as long as you have the system. For example, if you get a DIRECTV HD Receiver to use with a new HD television set, the standard receiver you already have can be connected to another TV in your house.

Q: What is the purpose of connecting my receiver to my telephone line? 
A: With this phone connection, DIRECTV customers are authorized to order pay per view movies and events with their remote control and get popular sports subscriptions such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET. You cannot connect a cellular phone to your receiver; it must be a land-based phone line.

Q: My receiver is not near a phone jack, and I don't want to install a line near it. What should I do? 
A: We recommend you buy a wireless phone jack, which will allow you to connect your receiver to a nearby phone line without wires. The jacks are carried in electronics stores.

Q: Will the telephone connection interfere with regular telephone usage? 
A: You won't notice any difference in your phone calls. Though the telephone connection does use your regular phone line, the only time our modem makes a call is in the middle of the night. If the modem senses that you are using the phone, it will try again later. The modem's call lasts just a few seconds.

Q: Why do I need to have a land-based phone line connected to receive sports programming? 
A: In order for us to comply with the blackout rules established by each professional sports league, we require our sports customers to have a continuous land-based phone connection to their DIRECTV Receiver.

Q: What differentiates high-definition television from "analog" and "digital"? 
A: Here are some characteristics that distinguish these formats:

• Analog television:
  • Analog TV has been used to transmit conventional TV signals to consumers for many years.
  • Standards for analog color TV broadcasts and equipment were set by the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC).
  • Analog TV is more susceptible to degradation due to ghosts, interference or noise.
• Digital television:
  • DTV is a new technology for transmitting and receiving broadcast television signals.
  • Some local TV stations are now broadcasting via digital transmissions.
  • Standards for digital TV broadcasts from local stations are set by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).
  • Digital TV encompasses High Definition Television (HDTV), Standard Definition Television (SDTV) and other applications transmitted in digital form.
  • DIRECTV uses digital TV technology for both SD and HD broadcasts.
• High-definition television:
  • HDTV provides significantly improved picture quality with more visible detail than SDTV.
  • HD typically broadcasts in wide-screen format (16:9 aspect ratio).
  • HD channels often have surround sound available.

Installation
Q: Because DIRECTV is not local, will I have to wait a long time for installation or service? 
A: Not at all. We always use local installers to serve you, so DIRECTV is part of your neighborhood.

Q: Where do you install the satellite dish? 
A: To receive DIRECTV programming, your home needs a clear view of the southern sky, unblocked by trees or buildings. Most dishes are installed on a roof or balcony, but other arrangements can be made to accommodate your structure and preferences.

Q: What should I expect when a professional installer comes to my home? 
A: The DIRECTV installer will completely install your DIRECTV System for you. This includes installing a satellite on your roof, balcony or other location, connecting your receiver to your TV, and a brief lesson on using your system.

Q: I scheduled an installation, but now I need to change the date or time. 
A: If you need to change the date or time, just call us at 1-800-201-5113.

Q: Is installation included on additional receivers that I order? 
A: Yes, free standard professional installation is included for each receiver (up to 4).

Q: Can I get an extended warranty for my equipment and installation? 
A: For a low monthly fee, the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN covers your entire DIRECTV System.

Billing
Q: How do I pay my bill? 
A: DIRECTV makes paying your bill as easy and painless as possible with convenient options.

• Credit/Debit Card
  DIRECTV accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Novus/Discover. You can choose to make a one–time–only payment or set up Auto-Bill-Pay recurring payments.
• Recurring Checking Account Payments
  Pay your bill from your checking account every month. This service is free, and will save you time, hassles and late fees. It's easy to enroll. Register or Sign In to get started with Auto Bill Pay today.

Q: Which credit cards does DIRECTV accept for payment? 
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Novus/Discover. They can bill your credit card each month automatically, so you won't have to write checks and mail payments.

Q: When will I be billed for my DIRECTV service? 
A: Your billing cycle date is the day your service is first activated and your first bill shows charges for the next 30 days. Starting on that same date every month, you are billed for the next 30 days of service.