DIRECTV BAR
 

Back to the Top of this pageDIRECTV THE BUSINESS 

What is DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is the nation's first high-power direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service to deliver more than 185 channels of digital-quality programming to homes and businesses that are equipped with home receiving units, which feature an 18-inch dish. DIRECTV offers a spectacular selection of entertainment, giving consumers the ultimate in convenience, choice and control. The near laser-disc and CD-quality signal delivers picture and sound that are unsurpassed by other home entertainment systems. DIRECTV is The Leader In Digital Entertainment, with unprecedented programming choices to suit the needs of each individual, and it is all accomplished by installing the low-cost and easy-to-use system.

I hear that DIRECTV and USSB are merging. Is this true? If so, how will it affect me?
On December 14, 1998, Hughes Electronics Corporation (the parent company of DIRECTV) announced its intention to merge the business and assets of USSB into Hughes. As a result of this merger, the operations of USSB and DIRECTV will be under one roof, making it much easier for the companies to combine many operational functions. We hope to have the necessary regulatory approvals by mid-1999. DIRECTV will notify their customers as the plans are finalized. For now, DIRECTV and USSB customers will not be directly affected. Continue to deal with DIRECTV and with USSB as you always have.

Among the benefits DIRECTV and USSB customers can expect to see after the merger are the convenience of a single monthly bill and customer service number and enhanced programming options. For more information on the merger, go to our press release dated 12/14/98.

Can I get internet access for my PC from DIRECTV?
DirecPC, a satellite-based internet service, is offered by Hughes Network Systems, a sister company of DIRECTV. DirecPC offers internet access directly to your PC desktop at connection rates up to 400kbs. DirecDuo, also from Hughes Network Systems, can deliver DIRECTV programming and DirecPC services. For more details, visit our
DirecPC Section.

What type of satellite does DIRECTV use?
Hughes Electronics built three high-power Ku-band satellites featuring 16 120-watt transponders that operate from the 101 West longitudinal position. These satellites are among the most powerful commercial satellites ever built. The first satellite, DBS-1, was launched in December, 1993. DIRECTV sold five-sixteenths (5 transponders) of the first satellite to USSB (U.S. Satellite Broadcasting). The second satellite, DBS-2, was launched on August 2, 1994 and the third satellite, DBS-3, was launched June 9, 1995 as an in-orbit spare and to increase the channel capacity of DIRECTV. DBS-2 and DBS-3 are solely owned and operated by DIRECTV.

Back to the Top of this pageHARDWARE AND EQUIPMENT

What is the DIRECTV system?
The system consists of an 18-inch dish, digital set-top decoder box and remote control. Hardware currently is available under the following brand names: RCA, ProScan, GE, Sony, Hughes Network Systems, Toshiba, Uniden, Panasonic, Magnavox, Hitachi, Memorex and OPTIMUS (RadioShack). Equipment features an innovative on-screen guide that lets users scan and select programming choices order pay per view movies, set parental controls and spending limits and customize their own channel lists with the remote control and an on-screen menu. The system receives programming from DIRECTV and USSB, a complementary direct broadcast satellite service.

What is a "Slave" receiver?
A "Slave" receiver is just a stand alone receiver and remote that can be used in conjunction with a dual LNB system so that you can watch a different satellite channel in an additional room in the home. It is the same receiver that comes in a complete system.

Where is the system uplink? 

The system uplink is located at the Castle Rock Broadcast Center (CRBC) which is North America's first all digital broadcast facility. Located in Castle Rock, Colorado, the Broadcast Center is one of the most sophisticated television transmission facilities ever built, and is the hub of the DIRECTV entertainment service. All DIRECTV transmissions originate at the DIRECTV Castle Rock Broadcast Center. The CRBC is a 55,000 square-foot center with eight satellite receiving stations and four 13-meter transmit dishes.

Programming is delivered to the uplink facility via satellite, over fiber optic cable and through the use of digital videotape. All programming is digitally compressed and encrypted, then transmitted to the DBS satellites.

How much does the equipment cost?
Pricing for systems will vary. Contact your Orbit Communications representative @ 1-800-576-7248 for the latest pricing.

Can I install it myself or should I pay someone?
The hardware is easy to install. The dish can be installed in almost any outdoor location as long as it has an unobstructed view to the south. See the dish pointer on this website for information about how to orient the dish at your location. Orbit COmmunications also provides Professional installation call 1800-576-7248 to schedule your installation. This can also be done by handy do-it-yourselfers. A helpful on-screen satellite locator and signal strength meter simplifies the dish positioning process. We find that our customers who use professional installers have fewer technical concerns and the price of today's installations can be quite reasonable. The dish receives all programming from one position in the sky. Thus, the dish remains in one place, minimizing maintenance and eliminating the need for satellite tuning and repositioning.

Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?
Yes, as long as it has a direct line of sight to the South through a window. If it is an older glass window, you may want to check for it for lead content with an inexpensive lead home-test kit available at many hardware stores and home centers. If the glass contains too much lead, the signal will not penetrate the window.

If I mount my dish outside, will it get stolen?
The dish is the least expensive component of the system and is basically useless without the decoder box. Additionally, the dish, being only 18-inches in diameter, is small enough to be placed in an inconspicuous location on your home or property.

My homeowners' association has some rules about what's placed outside our house. Are there regulations that supersede these restrictions?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a rule that generally forbids local governments and homeowners associations from preventing installation of DBS dishes one meter or smaller in size (in Alaska, the dish size limit does not apply).

For more information, please check our website or the FCC's website at www.fcc.gov.

What is the purpose of connecting my receiver to my telephone line?

We ask customers to connect a phone line to the receiver for billing and ordering purposes only. This connection transmits programming purchase information from the receiver. This important link authorizes DIRECTV subscribers to order pay per view movies and events with their remote control and get popular sports subscriptions like NFL SUNDAY TICKETTM and NBA LEAGUE PASSSM. Customers who don’t have a continuous telephone connection are not authorized to receive certain sports programming and must call us when ordering pay per view offerings. To cover the costs of handling phone requests, we apply a $5 service charge on phone orders for pay per view movies and events.

Will the telephone connection interfere with regular telephone usage?
No. This connection does not interfere with your phone. A modem inside your receiver makes a toll-free call to our computer system in the middle of the night. If the receiver’s modem senses that you are using the phone, it will try again later. The modem’s call lasts just a few seconds.

Why does the system require an access card? How does it work?
The access card, which comes with each system, acts as a "license plate" for your system. It provides security and encryption information and allows you to control the use of your system. The access card also allows DIRECTV to capture billing information that is specific to your account. The card contains a microprocessor that enables the card to act as an auxiliary processor for your satellite receiver.

Can I paint the 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. Also, do not paint the LNB itself.

How do I hook up the satellite dish to my RV?
There are two ways to hook up the satellite dish to your RV:
1) using professional installation, or
2) purchasing a self-installation kit and installing it yourself. Contact your Orbit Communications representative for more information about professional installation.

How do I receive my local stations?
A.  There are 2 easy ways:

1. Use an outdoor or an attic-mount antenna. With any of these options, use your remote control to easily switch between your local stations and DIRECTV. You'll find that many of our technologically-advanced antennas can bring you outstanding performance.
2. Ask your local cable company about "lifeline" cable service.

Back to the Top of this pageDIRECTV SERVICE

Can DIRECTV be connected to more than one television set in my house?
Purchasing separate DIRECTV System receivers for the various television sets in your home allows the flexibility of watching different DIRECTV programs on different television sets. To do so, you will need to purchase an upgraded DIRECTV System. The upgraded DIRECTV System allows you to use additional receivers so members in your household can watch different channels or pay per view programs in different rooms at the same time. The second room receivers are sold separately. If all your DIRECTV System receivers are connected to the same phone line, then DIRECTV can mirror your subscription package for a nominal fee for each additional DIRECTV outlet. Take a look t our
Dual receiver combos Prices

I live in an apartment. Can I get DIRECTV?
In 1997, we started a major effort to bring our service to residents of apartments, cooperatives, and condominiums. We refer to these customers as the MDU (multiple dwelling unit) segment. We are working with owners and managers (including homeowners associations) of MDU properties and with companies in your area that serve as system operators to ensure that DIRECTV service is maintained to our standards.

We have material that explains this exciting new service option. If you'd like this information, please call 1-800-383-4388.

I bought a used system from a friend. What should I do to get the system installed and activate programming?

  1. The person who gives up the DIRECTV System should call DIRECTV (and USSB, if applicable) to de-activate the DIRECTV System access card. This is for the original owner's protection.
  2. The new owner should call 1-800-DIRECTV to order a new access card. We charge the new owner $89 for the new access card, but we issue a $50 credit if the new owner returns the old access card and the card is in good condition. So, after the credit, the new owner has only paid $39 for the new card. We send the new card via Federal Express, along with postage paid envelope to make returning the old card easy.
  3. The new owner can install the equipment or can call a professional installer for help. The installation manual and owners' manual, and any other information that came with the equipment can be especially helpful in this process. Equipment manufacturers will usually send replacement manuals. Our website lists manufacturers’ toll-free numbers.
  4. When the new access card arrives, the new owner can instantly start DIRECTV service by calling 1-800-DIRECTV. The new owner should tell our representative that he or she has pre-owned equipment and wants to start programming.

Can you explain the Locks & Limits (parental controls) feature DIRECTV offers?
The "Locks and Limits" feature built into the equipment lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system or block the viewing of entire channels. This lock-out feature has been available on DIRECTV since we began service in June 1994.

Can I send email through my system?
At this time the email feature can only be used to send information from DIRECTV and USSB to our customers. We use email to tell you about new services and important account information.

What is Virtual Pause?
DIRECT TICKET movies start as often as every half-hour. If you are interrupted when watching a movie, you can use our Virtual Pause feature. With Virtual Pause, you can watch the next scheduled broadcast of the same movie if the next viewing starts before the end of the movie you originally purchased. All this and you don't have to travel to the video store to rent or return movies.

Is DIRECTV available to commercial establishments?
DIRECTV has several commercial programming packages for exclusive use by business establishments such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In addition to a cable network package called Commercial ChoiceTM, up to 200 professional football games are available with the NFL SUNDAY TICKETTM. In addition, DIRECTV offers NBA LEAGUE PASSSM, NHL CENTER ICE and MLB EXTRA INNINGSSM. Other sports network channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and The Golf Channel are available on an a la carte basis. Digital audio music selections are also available with the Music Choice package, featuring 37 channels of music presented in a variety of formats. Prices for DIRECTV commercial services are higher than residential rates and several packages, including the NFL SUNDAY TICKET, are determined according to the firecode occupancy limits of each establishment. Orbit Communication Corp. is a Commercial Solution provider Call 1-800-576-7248 to see how your business can qualify for a FREE system.

Is DIRECTV available to Private Offices?
Private offices also have access to DIRECTV through a variety of programming packages, including Office InformationTM and Office ChoiceTM. Office Information features a selection of news and industry-related channels for $39.95 per month, and Office Choice provides up to 40 channels of popular entertainment and informational programming for just $59.95. A host of a la carte programming is also available to private business establishments. Please call DIRECTV at 1-800-576-7248  for more details on ordering commercial packages.

Can I buy DIRECTV for my RV?
Yes. DIRECTV is pleased to be able to provide our great programming and services to RV customers. call 1-800-576-7248 For our DIRECTV RV Systems.

How does DIRECTV compare with C-band satellite services?
C-band and DIRECTV appeal to two very different audiences. C-band is more of a specialized product that appeals mostly to enthusiasts and video hobbyists who want unlimited access to all forms of television transmissions. In contrast, DIRECTV is designed to be a mass-market television delivery system. For the average television viewer who wants the benefits of a multi-channel broadcast system without the higher cost and size of a conventional satellite system, DIRECTV offers significant advantages over traditional C-band services. Benefits include:

How does DIRECTV compare with cable?
DIRECTV has created a programming service specifically driven to offer consumers more choice and value for their entertainment dollar. DIRECTV combines America's favorite cable networks, other popular networks not available from most cable services, a pay per view movie service with up to 55 choices of movies and special events every night, and an unprecedented sports subscription lineup.
No other system offers as many quality program options.

How does DIRECTV compare with Echostar?
We have put together a chart that compares cable and other DBS services to DIRECTV. Please refer to the DIRECTV comparison chart in the website's About DIRECTV programming section.

Who can I call for help?
Orbit Communication Customer Service 1-800-576-7248
Orbit Communications Technical Support Dept. 978-440-8899 (Free for our Customers)
Refer to the number that is printed on your bill or call 1-800-531-5000.
(billing, programming orders, general questions, dealer referrals)
1-800-DIRECTV

Back to the Top of this pageDIRECTV HIGH-DEFINITION TV SERVICE (HDTV)

What makes DIRECTV’s HDTV announcement different from other recent HDTV announcements?
DIRECTV will be the first satellite TV service whose receiving system will be built into HDTV sets. This means that owners of digital TVs will have easy access to DIRECTV. TVs will also offer local digital terrestrial channels via a rooftop antenna.

What equipment will I need to receive high definition programming on DIRECTV?
There are two ways to receive our high definition programming. One is to purchase an HDTV set enabled with the DIRECTV satellite receiver, initially available from RCA and PROSCAN. Or, purchase a HDTV-enabled DIRECTV receiver that connects to your current analog TV for high quality standard definition programming or to a new HDTV monitor for the total HDTV viewing experience. In either case, a compact elliptical satellite dish will receive DIRECTV programming from both orbital locations at 101 and 95 degrees west longitude. An off-air antenna will receive local analog and digital broadcast signals.

Why is DIRECTV broadcasting high definition programming from the satellite in orbit at 95 degrees west longitude rather than its satellites at 101 degrees west?
Using this strategy, we won’t have to divert satellite transponder capacity from our current standard definition programming or impede future expansion plans. This means we will bring this great new technology to our consumers who want it, but our customers who choose not to buy HDTV equipment in the short term won’t be inconvenienced. Though high definition broadcasts consume more bandwidth than standard definition programming, we believe that offering high definition programming is an important step for growth and technology advancement since interest in HDTV will gradual at first.

I am already a DIRECTV subscriber. Can I still use the equipment I have?
DIRECTV customers who purchase a DIRECTV-enabled HDTV set can still use the DIRECTV equipment they already have to receive standard definition DIRECTV programming on their other televisions. However, they will need the new elliptical satellite dish to receive high definition programming on the DIRECTV-enabled HDTV set.

What type of high definition programming is DIRECTV broadcasting?
The first DIRECTV-enabled HDTV sets are available for in-store demonstration purposes only. We are now broadcasting special programming for those demonstrations. That programming shows how amazing high definition programming is with movie clips, sports, nature and documentary footage, concerts and event highlights, as well as programming from HBO via the USSB service. We will expand our HDTV programming once consumers can take delivery of HDTV sets in 1999.

What format of HDTV will DIRECTV broadcast in?
DIRECTV will accept high-definition programming in a wide variety of industry-standard formats and broadcast in any or all of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) and other industry-standard broadcasting formats - essentially remaining "format agnostic."

Will I be able to get my local channels with HDTV-compatible DIRECTV equipment?
With a DIRECTV-enabled HDTV set, an off-air antenna and a compact elliptical satellite dish, viewers will receive DIRECTV programming from the satellites in orbit at 101 degrees west longitude, DIRECTV high definition programming from the satellite at 95 degrees west, and local, over-the-air digital broadcast. This offers consumers a convenient, all in one and easy-to-use television entertainment package.

Back to the Top of this pageDIRECTV PROGRAMMING

What programming does DIRECTV offer?
DIRECTV features a selection of more than 185 available channels of the most popular entertainment and informational programming. Customers have access to some of the most popular channels such as Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN and TNT, as well as up to 55 pay per view movie choices a night featuring titles from every major Hollywood studio. DIRECTV schedules hit pay per view movies as often as every 30 minutes. You can order these movies for only $2.99 each on impulse with the touch of a button from your remote control. We 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™, ESPN GamePlan™ and ESPN FULL COURT™. There’s even more. DIRECTV offers Total Choice GOLD and PLATINUM packages that deliver sports action from across the nation. Plus, special interest channels such as PLAYBOY TV and SPICE are available on an a la carte basis.

Are local broadcast networks available on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV does not offer local feeds of the networks in our lineup. We are a national programming provider. Most DIRECTV customers are able to receive local broadcast networks by using off-air antennas.

Does DIRECTV offer a current listing of what movies will be showing during the month?

Yes. You can view upcoming movies and special events in four different ways:
1. The on-screen guide lists pay per view movies and events 72 hours ahead of schedule.
2. Your monthly DIRECTV bill contains a listing of upcoming movies and special events.
3. SEE, our own programming guide, has daily pay per view listings. Call 1-800-496-8273 to order SEE.
4. Our website features an on-line program guide.

How does the on-screen guide work?
Access the guide by pressing a button on your remote control. You can navigate around the guide using the arrow buttons on the remote. The guide lists all DIRECTV and USSB programming with descriptions of most programs. The on-screen program guide lets you look ahead to the next day’s programming by selecting hour increments (such as +5 and +33).

Why doesn't DIRECTV present every channel I want to see?
Programming commitments are driven by customer preference. They are designed to balance the interests of adults, children, and the whole family. We regularly poll subscribers using statistically valid random samples to determine their interest.

What channels will DIRECTV be offering in the future?
It is a DIRECTV policy not to disclose information about any pending or potential programming offers. However, we do speak with a wide array of programming providers and constantly evaluate services based on the level of subscriber interest. Subscriber feedback is very important to us and in the past, this feedback has led to the addition of new programs and channels.

How do I order pay per view movies or special events?
You can order DIRECT TICKET with your remote control or by calling DIRECTV customer service. To cover the costs of handling phone requests, we apply a service charge to phone orders for most pay per view events or movies.

What is a letterbox movie?
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 on DIRECT TICKET.

Why do pay per view movies come out later than home videos? 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 service. 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! Our DIRECT TICKET Pay Per View service offers a great selection of the latest movies well in advance of premium cable channels such as HBO and Showtime and broadcast television networks--as many as 55 different movie choices a night. That’s dozens more than you can see on cable or any other satellite service offers. Also, DIRECT TICKET lets you preview the first five minutes of non-adult movies so you can make an informed "rental" decision.

DIRECT TICKET movies start as often as every half-hour. If you are interrupted when watching a movie, you can use our Virtual Pause feature. With Virtual Pause, you can watch the next scheduled broadcast of the same movie if the next viewing starts before the end of the movie you originally purchased. All this and you don’t have to travel to the video store to rent or return movies.

I have two receivers. Can I order a 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 for which it is ordered.

If I own one receiver that is hooked up to more than one TV, can I watch the same PPV program on each TV without an additional charge?
Yes. All TVs that are hooked up to a common receiver will receive the same satellite signal.

Are DIRECTV sports packages affected by sports blackouts?
As a provider of the most comprehensive sports programming lineup in the digital home entertainment industry, DIRECTV must pay close attention to sports blackouts and restrictions. As these restrictions are sometimes complicated, we suggest that you refer to our website’s sports section, which includes a detailed description of how blackouts work.

I believe I am outside of the sports blackout area. Why am I still getting blacked out from games?
You may have been blacked out from a game even though you seemed to be outside the blackout area. This can happen if a TV station near the team’s home stadium has networked the games to a TV station nearer to you. For example, a person who lives near Houston, more than 150 miles from a San Antonio Spurs station’s territory, might be blacked out from a game if the San Antonio television station networked the signal to a station in Houston.

Unfortunately, we generally do not control blackouts of sporting events. In our agreements to carry games produced by various leagues and associations, we are subject to classes that keep us from carrying events near where the game is played, aired or broadcast locally. In addition, networks like ESPN and TNT have signed contracts with certain cable TV operators that prevent some events from being distributed by anyone else in their franchise area.

In some cases, if a game is blacked out from certain DIRECTV channels, you may be able to see it on another DIRECTV channel, or on one of your local broadcast channels. We suggest that you refer to our website’s sports section, which includes a detailed description of how blackouts work.

Can Weather interfere with my reception?
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 five minutes, 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 been conducting tests of several different products.

The most effective in our testing to date has been the heated dish. We have seen virtually no problems with a heated dish, regardless of the snow type. We also have tested dish covers, spray-on coatings, and LNB covers, but these do not seem to enhance reliability as well as the heated dish.

For more information about specific products to reduce snow-related outages, please consult with your local consumer electronics or satellite TV dealer.

Why can't I get DIRECTV in Canada?
We are legally prohibited from offering service outside the continental United States.

Does DIRECTV offer programming in other languages?
We do offer programming in languages other than English, but we are only a programming distributor. It is up to the program originators to decide whether to provide a program in another language. We do have a foreign language option, so if a program is available in an alternate language, just select "Alternate Audio" from the on-screen menu guide.

Is the DIRECTV broadcast compatible with various surround-sound technologies?
The system is compatible with Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound and Dolby Digital. To get true surround sound you will need a Dolby Pro Logic decoder or an AC3 adapter in your audio/video receiver. 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 hardware manufacturer or salesperson.

Why do pay per view movies come out later than home videos? What are the advantages of ordering pay per view movies?

I have two receivers. Can I order a pay per view movie on one receiver and watch it on both TVs in my house?

If I own one receiver that is hooked up to more than one TV, can I watch the same PPV program on each TV without an additional charge?

Back to the Top of this pageBILLING

Why are your prices on complete satellite systems so much lower than my local stores offer?
As an authorized Sales Agent for DIRECTV we are paid a commission for first time DIRECTV customer activation's. We in turn pass the majority of this commission along to our customers by buying down the cost of your hardware. You get a great price, we get high volume, and DIRECTV gets a new customer, so everyone wins!

Why are "Slave" receivers more than complete systems?
A.  Because the commission mentioned above is only paid on the primary system that we activate and not on stand alone models. You will find our prices are still below retail. Some stores may advertise a lower price on stand alone receivers but you will usually find that they are tied to the purchase of a much more expensive primary system.

What is the monthly fee for DIRECTV?

DIRECTV offers several programming packages, starting at $5.99 per month. Total Choice, our most popular programming package, includes more than 75 channels for just $29.99 per month, including Disney Channel East and West and 31 audio music channels that play uninterrupted digital-quality music in a variety of formats. For more details please refer to the programming packages listed in this website.

How are customers billed for DIRECTV programming?
DIRECTV bills customers on a monthly basis according to the programming package you purchase plus any pay per view programs and sports packages you order. Pay per view movies are billed automatically through the satellite receiver if you maintain a continuous phone connection to your receiver.

What do I need to know about my Orbit Communication Invoice ?
After your purchase you will receive a fax copy of your invoice. Within 7 days you will receive the original one. Please sign a copy and return it to Orbit at the address below. This is important for you equipment warranty.

Where should I mail my bill?
You should Mail your Orbit Communications bill to:

Accounts Receivables
P.O Box 74
Sudbury, MA 01776

How secure is my on line transaction?
A.  A VeriSign certificate is your assurance of the authenticity of the Orbit's Web sites and your guarantee that your communications with us through Orbit's Web sites are encrypted for your privacy and protection. Based on the same technology used to protect nuclear missile codes, VeriSign Secure Server IDs provide the strongest security available today.

If I have more than one receiver, do I pay a full monthly subscription for each receiver?
No. DIRECTV allows you to connect more than one television in a single household to our services. If your receivers are connected to the same phone line, we can 'mirror' your subscription. In other words, 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 or programming on these televisions. Instead of charging you a separate monthly subscription for each receiver, we simply charge a $4.99 monthly service fee for each additional receiver.


Back to the Top of this pagePHONE NUMBERS

Whom can I call for assistance?

Hardware and Installation
Orbitsat.com 1- 800- 57-ORBIT
SONY 1-800-838-7669
RCA 1-800-679-4776

Orbit Technical Support
1-978-440-8899 Press 2

Programming orders 1-800-DIRECTV

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