Here you'll find the most
frequently asked questions we receive regarding DIRECTV®
programming, services and equipment. Just browse the relevant
category below to find the answers to your questions. |
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DIRECTV® System Basics |
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Whom
can I call for assistance?
General
Information
Getting Started
Using Your DIRECTV® System
Online Hardware Ordering
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Installation & Equipment |
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Installing Your DIRECTV®
Satellite Dish
Installing Your DIRECTV® Receiver
Features of Your DIRECTV® Receiver
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DIRECTV® Programming |
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General Programming
DIRECTV® Packages
Local Channel Programming
Sports Programming
Programming in Other Languages
DIRECTV PARA TODOS™
Programming in Hawaii
DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL™ program |
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Q: |
Whom
can I call for assistance? |
A: |
Hardware and
Installation
Orbitsat.com 1- 800- 57-ORBIT
SONY 1-800-838-7669
RCA 1-800-679-4776
Hughes 1-800-274-8995
Orbit Technical Support
1-978-440-8899 Press 6
Programming orders 1-800-D531-5000 Before activating your
DIRECTV® service sure to logon to
your account online and obtain your pending DIRECTV
account.
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Q: |
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What
is DIRECTV? |
A: |
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DIRECTV is the nation's #1 digital
satellite entertainment service provider. Using the most
advanced satellite technology, DIRECTV delivers access to more
than 225 channels of programming to homes and businesses that
have DIRECTV® receiving equipment, which features a small
satellite dish, a digital set-top receiver and a remote
control. The DIRECTV® service
offers an incredible selection of entertainment for every
member of the family all in the digital-quality picture and
sound that DIRECTV is known for.
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Q: |
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What programming does DIRECTV
offer? |
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DIRECTV®
programming and service features access to more than 225
available channels of entertainment. Customers have access to
popular networks like Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN and TNT, as
well as up to 55 pay per view choices a day, including major
Hollywood films and special events. Hit movies start as often
as every 30 minutes and they cost only $3.99 each when you use
your remote control to order. DIRECTV also offers an
unprecedented professional and collegiate sports subscription
lineup, including NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NHL®
CENTER ICE®, MLB EXTRA INNINGSSM, MLS/ESPN SHOOTOUT™, ESPN GamePlan and ESPN FULL COURT. There's even more!
DIRECTV's SPORTS Pack
premium service and TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER package deliver
sports action from across the nation. Plus, adult channels
like PLAYBOY TV are available on an a la carte basis.
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Q: |
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How much will DIRECTV® service cost me each
month? |
A: |
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It's more affordable than you might think. Our basic TOTAL CHOICE® with Local Channels programming package, which includes over 115 channels, is just $37.99 per month. The cost to "mirror" that service to additional receivers in your home is $4.99 per receiver (as long as you keep all your receivers continuously connected to the same land-based phone line). If your state charges a sales tax, we'll add that to your bill. That's it. But of course, you can select from many other packages as well.
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Q: |
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How does DIRECTV® service compare with cable?
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A: |
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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. No other system
offers as many quality program options.
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Q: |
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Where can I purchase a DIRECTV® System? |
A: |
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You can
buy on this website by clicking
here or by calling us at 1-800-576-7248 (9 a.m. -8
pm ET Monday thru Saturday).
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Q: |
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Can I get Internet access from
DIRECTV? |
A: |
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For those without a land-based phone connection, we offer satellite-based Internet service through DIRECWAY®. You can also get Internet content on your TV with some of our advanced products.
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Q: |
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Does DIRECTV® offer programming in other
languages? |
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Yes!
DIRECTV® offers a Spanish-language programming service and a
Chinese-language programming service.
The DIRECTV PARA
TODOS™ service features more than 45 Spanish-language
channels*, including sports, movies, news, music and
educational networks. DIRECTV is also proud to offer Phoenix
TV, a 24-hour channel broadcast in Mandarin.
(*Includes
English-language broadcast channels with alternate
Spanish-language audio access.)
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Is DIRECTV®
service available in Canada or Mexico? |
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DIRECTV ®
is legally prohibited from offering service outside the United
States.
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Q: |
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Is DIRECTV®
service available in Alaska? |
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DIRECTV
does offer programming in Alaska. However, because of Alaska's
location in relation to DIRECTV's satellites, you may need a
larger satellite dish. For example, viewers in Anchorage or
Fairbanks may need an eight-foot dish to get good reception.
In the Juneau area, a four-foot dish may do the trick. Areas
north and west of these locations will experience an even
greater reduction in signal acuity. Residents of Alaska should
check with their local DIRECTV retailer for more information
and programming availability.
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Is DIRECTV®
service available in Hawaii? |
A: |
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Yes!
Hawaii residents can enjoy select DIRECTV® programming.
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Q: |
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I have another satellite service. How do I
convert to the DIRECTV®
service? |
A: |
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DIRECTV
advises new customers to use DIRECTV equipment only. DIRECTV
hardware has been designed to meet DIRECTV's service quality
standards. Please visit our product section
for more information.
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Q: |
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Where is DIRECTV located? |
A: |
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The
DIRECTV corporate office is located in El Segundo, California. It serves as the
headquarters to many of their regional sales offices and two
broadcast centers located in Los Angeles, California, and
Castle Rock, Colorado.
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How can I contact DIRECTV® ? |
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Please
see DIRECTV's contact list.
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Q: |
Can I install the DIRECTV® System myself or
should I hire someone? |
A: |
DIRECTV's® customers who use professional
installers typically have fewer technical concerns later on,
and professional installation is quite affordable. If you're
purchasing an oval-shaped satellite dish, that installation is
more complicated so you'll definitely want a professional to
take care of it. For more information on installing the dish
yourself, please visit our online self-install
section, which explains how to position your dish for the best
reception. |
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Q: |
How can I arrange for a professional
installation? |
A: |
To purchase professional installation
please Click
Here |
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Q: |
Can I install the satellite dish inside my
house? |
A: |
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, we strongly recommend that you
install your satellite dish outside in a suitable location.
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Q: |
If I install my satellite dish outside,
will it get stolen? |
A: |
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. |
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Q: |
Can I use my existing wiring for DIRECTV® ?
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A: |
If the cable in your house is RG-6 coax
cable, you can use it to connect your DIRECTV® Receiver to your
satellite dish. If your cable is not RG6 coax, you will need
to run new cable. It is important that you use RG6 cable due
to the frequency of the digital signals it must carry.
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Q: |
How do I install the DIRECTV® System on my
RV or boat? |
A: |
You can either purchase a
self-installation kit or hire a professional installer.
Contact your local satellite TV, RV or boat dealer for more
information about professional installation. |
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Q: |
Can I paint the satellite
dish? |
A: |
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. |
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A: |
It's a free service available on select
DIRECTV® Receivers that gives you access to up-to-the-minute
news, sports and weather information, plus the ability to
interact with programs and order products and free samples right from
your television using a remote control. The technology is made
possible through a partnership between DIRECTV® and Wink
Communications, Inc., a leading developer of
interactive television applications. |
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Q: |
How does the DIRECTV®
INTERACTIVE service work? |
A: |
The service works through special
"enhanced" programs and commercials on select DIRECTV®
channels. You'll know a program is enhanced when you see this
symbol on your screen:
Then you simply use your remote control to
request information from the program on your TV screen. The DIRECTV® INTERACTIVE service will
also offer exclusive interactive channels that deliver
additional entertainment and electronic shopping services.
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Q: |
What channels have enhanced
programs? |
A: |
You'll find enhanced programs on popular
DIRECTV® channels like The Weather Channel, ESPN, CNN, TBS
Superstation, CNBC, USA Network, TNT and E! Entertainment
Television. Some of these networks offer enhanced programs
throughout the day, while other channels offer the enhanced
features during select programs. |
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Q: |
How secure is my personal information when
I shop through the DIRECTV® INTERACTIVE
service? |
A: |
Your personal information is always
protected by your Personal Identification Number that you set.
If you make a purchase, the merchant will use your DIRECTV®
customer address, phone number and the credit card information
you provide to process your order. You'll also have an
opportunity to request that the merchant not share your
information with other companies. |
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Q: |
How much does the DIRECTV ®
INTERACTIVE service cost? |
A: |
There's no monthly charge to use the
DIRECTV® INTERACTIVE service. All you need is a DIRECTV
programming subscription and an appropriate receiver. You're
only responsible for products you buy through the interactive
shopping service. |
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Q: |
What equipment do I need? |
A: |
You need a DIRECTV ®
INTERACTIVE - enabled digital set-top receiver, a
mini satellite dish antenna and a continuous land-based phone
connection. |
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Q: |
What
programming does DIRECTV® offer?
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A: |
The DIRECTV service features more than 225
available channels of entertainment. Customers have access to
popular networks like Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN and TNT, as
well as up to 55 pay per view choices a day including major
Hollywood films and special events. Hit movies start as often
as every 30 minutes and they cost only $3.99 each when you use
your remote control to order. DIRECTV® also offer an
unprecedented professional and collegiate sports subscription
lineup, including NFL SUNDAY TICKET, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NHL CENTER ICE, MLB EXTRA
INNINGSSM,
MLS/ESPN SHOOTOUT, WNBA SEASON PASS, ESPN GamePlan and ESPN
FULL COURT. There's even more! DIRECTV's SPORTS Pack
premium service and TOTAL
CHOICE PREMIER programming deliver sports action
from across the nation. Plus, adult channels like PLAYBOY TV
are available on an a la carte basis. |
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Q: |
How can I find out what programming is
coming up? |
A: |
There are four easy ways:
1. You'll find
complete monthly listings in the SEE section right here at
DIRECTV.com. You can also check out the online program guide,
which is customizable when you register on DIRECTV.com.
2. The on-screen
guide lists programs up to 36 hours ahead of time.
3. Your monthly
DIRECTV® bill contains an insert with a listing of upcoming
movies and special events.
4. DIRECTV® - The Guide is published
monthly and offers more than 350 pages filled with in-depth
listings of the thousands of movie, sports and entertainment
choices available using the DIRECTV® System. Plus you can use
DIRECTV® - The Guide as a companion to your on-screen program
guide and even plan your viewing. Call 1-877-669-7334 to order
DIRECTV® - The Guide. |
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Q: |
What programming is available in my RV or
boat? |
A: |
DIRECTV® offers select programming for RV
and boat owners. However, DIRECTV® requires that your DIRECTV ®
System be continuously connected to a land-based phone line to
be eligible for some programming services (such as seasonal
sports subscriptions), for ordering with your remote control
and for 'mirroring' subscriptions to additional receivers.
Therefore, most RV and boat customers are not eligible for
these benefits.
Distant NetworkService for Recreational
Vehicles (With Residential
Accounts Only)
DIRECTV® is pleased to offer our mobile
customers DNS (distant network service) programming of ABC,
CBS, FOX and NBC stations from New York and Los Angeles (eight
channels) for $4.68 per month. One national PBS service may
also be available, depending upon your location, for an
additional $1.08 per month.
Commercial Trucks please
call.
Before DIRECTV® can add the DNS networks to
your DIRECTV® programming,
federal law requires that you send DIRECTV® the following
information:
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Photocopy of your
vehicle registration. |
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This Mobile Vehicle Affidavit Declaration
of Intent form (please print and
complete). |
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Photocopy of commercial
driver's license (if you're requesting service for a
commercial vehicle such as a tractor
trailer). |
Here's what you
need to know before you send DIRECTV® this information:
To take advantage
of some DIRECTV® services, you
must keep your DIRECTV® System receiver continuously connected
to a land-based phone line. Since this isn't possible while
your system is in your vehicle, you won't have access to these
services:
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All professional and
college sports subscriptions, such as NFL SUNDAY
TICKET, NBA LEAGUE PASS, MLB EXTRA INNINGSSM and NHL CENTER ICE. |
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Your local regional
sports network, if you subscribe to a TOTAL CHOICE® package or the SPORTS
Pack. |
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Ordering pay per view
movies by remote control. |
When you return the
Declaration of Intent form, DIRECTV® will review your account
for these services. If you currently have any sports
subscriptions, you will no longer be able to watch them from
the receiver in your mobile vehicle. The sports and other
programming you watch on receivers in your permanent residence
will not change.
However, if your permanent residence
account lists more than one receiver and one of these is
located in your vehicle, you will no longer be able to
"mirror" the services on the additional receiver in your
vehicle. DIRECTV® will need to charge you the full monthly
programming package price for this additional receiver,
instead of the $4.99 a month programming mirroring fee you may
be paying currently.
If these terms and conditions are
acceptable, please send your information to:
DIRECTV® Attn: Mobile Network Services P.O. Box 92600 Los
Angeles, CA 90009
After DIRECTV® receives your paperwork,
DIRECTV® will need 11 to 14 days to verify that the information
is complete and to activate your DNS programming package.
It is important
for you to know that your dish must be
pointed to the satellite located at 101 degrees West
longitude at the time DIRECTV® activates the package, or
your system will not be able to receive the signals.
If you are not
receiving DNS programming after 14 days, first check to make
sure your dish is pointed to the correct position and then
call us to request activation.
Please note that boats and other marine
vessels are not eligible to receive distant network service
from DIRECTV® . According to federal regulations, DIRECTV® may
offer this service only to specific types of recreational
vehicles. Only residential accounts are
eligible.
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Q: |
Why doesn't DIRECTV® present every channel
I want to see? |
A: |
Programming commitments are driven by
customer preference. They are designed to balance the
interests of adults, children, and the whole family. DIRECTV ®
regularly polls customers to determine their interests.
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Q: |
Does DIRECTV® offer channels on an a la
carte basis? |
A: |
You may add individual premium services to
your TOTAL CHOICE® or TOTAL CHOICE® PLUS base package.
DIRECTV offers these premium options: HBO, STARZ Super Pak SM, SHOWTIME UNLIMITED , Cinemax, and DIRECTV's SPORTS Pack. Adult
channels like PLAYBOY TV are also available on an a la carte
basis. To find out more, click here.
The TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER base package includes all
premium services available on DIRECTV® so you don't have to
worry about missing any of your favorite programs.
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Q: |
Does DIRECTV® offer music channels?
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A: |
Yes! Through an alliance with Music
Choice, DIRECTV® offers up to 30 different audio-only channels
that range from choices like Soft Rock, Jazz and Country to
Hit List, Easy Listening and many more. Visit DIRECTV®'s Music Choice page for more information
about this service. |
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Q: |
What channels will DIRECTV® be offering in
the future? |
A: |
It is a DIRECTV® policy not to disclose
information about any pending or potential programming offers.
However, DIRECTV® does speak with a wide array of programming
providers and constantly evaluate services based on the level
of customer interest. Customer feedback is very important to
us and, in the past, this feedback has led to the addition of
new programs and channels. |
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Q: |
How do I order pay per view movies and
special events? |
A: |
The easiest way to order is with your
remote control. Just make sure that you have a DIRECTV®
subscription and that your receiver is continuously connected
to a land-based phone line.
You can also order pay per view right here on
DIRECTV.com. If you call DIRECTV Customer Service to order,
DIRECTV® has to apply a fee of up to $5 to each phone order to
cover handling costs. |
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Q: |
What is a letterbox movie? |
A: |
The shape of a theater screen is wider
than the shape of a TV screen. So, when movies appear on TV,
the left and right sides of the image are usually cut off and
you miss about 30 percent of the film's original picture. The
letterbox format, preferred by many film buffs, displays
movies on a television screen as originally intended by the
films' directors. That's why you see black bars at the top and
bottom of the screen when you watch a letterbox movie on your
television. The TV screen has been adapted to accommodate the
film's entire picture. In order to fit the whole picture on
the screen, the image has to be reduced. There is no extra
charge for letterbox movies with DIRECTV PAY PER VIEW DIRECTV's pay
per view movie service. |
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Q: |
Why do pay per view movies come out later
than home videos? |
A: |
What are the advantages of ordering pay
per view movies? Movie studios release films to the video
rental market before making them available to pay per view
services. However, the period between the home video release
and pay per view release now can be as little as 30 days.
And DIRECTV® is not
just another pay per view provider! DIRECTV PAY PER VIEW
offers a great selection of the latest pay per view
movies well in advance of premium cable and broadcast
television networks. You can even preview the first five
minutes of non-adult movies so you can make an informed
"rental" decision. DIRECTV® PAY PER VIEW brings you
the most exciting events like boxing, wrestling, soccer, music
and more. With as many as 55 different movie and event choices
a day, DIRECTV® PAY PER VIEW services offer
you more viewing options than cable or any other satellite
service. |
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Q: |
Can weather interfere with my reception?
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A: |
Television reception on the system is
highly reliable year-round and nationwide. During heavy rain
or snowfall, however, some DIRECTV® customers may experience a
temporary loss of picture quality. This phenomenon also can
occur if the dish or low noise block converter (LNB)
accumulates too much wet snow. When snow accumulates on the
dish, the service is not lost but the strength of the signal
can be weakened by the snow's water content. This "signal
fall-off" occurs when water content is at its highest. During
colder winter months, when snow is drier, dishes usually do
not experience such problems, even if there is substantial
snow buildup.
So what can you do? Wait for the bad
weather to pass and your signal should return to normal. If
the signal doesn't return, re-set your receiver by turning it
off, unplugging it for at least 15 seconds, then plugging it
back in. If snow has built up on the dish or LNB, wait for it
to melt. Or, if you can safely get to your dish, lightly brush
it off with a broom. If this is not practical, you may
consider installing an accessory designed to prevent snow
buildup.
DIRECTV® has conducted tests of several
different products, including dish covers, spray-on coatings,
LNB covers, and heated dishes, which work very well and are
quite reliable.
For more information about specific
products to reduce snow-related outages, please consult with
an Orbit Communication Representative |
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Q: |
I've heard of Dolby AC-3 Audio. What is
it? |
A: |
Dolby AC-3, more commonly known as Dolby
Digital, is the latest generation of surround-sound encoding
from Dolby Laboratories. While Dolby Pro Logic was an analog
encoding scheme, Dolby Digital uses digital encoding to
produce five discrete full-range channels of surround
information plus a bandwidth-limited subwoofer channel.
DIRECTV® currently broadcasts many pay per view movies and
other events with Dolby Digital formatted audio for those
customers who have a special Dolby Digital audio receiver.
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Q: |
Is the DIRECTV® broadcast 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. Basically, you will be
able to experience surround-sound with DIRECTV® programming if your home theater
system has surround-sound capability. If you have more
questions, contact your equipment
manufacturer or salesperson. |
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