DIRECTV THE BUSINESS
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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.
HARDWARE 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 dont 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 receivers
modem senses that you are using the phone, it will try again later. The modems 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?
Its okay to paint your dish if you dont 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.
DIRECTV 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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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An 18-inch dish
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Easy installation
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Affordable price
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Digital-quality picture and sound quality
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Simple operation from a fixed satellite dish
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
DIRECTV HIGH-DEFINITION TV SERVICE (HDTV)
|
What makes DIRECTVs 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 wont 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 wont 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.
DIRECTV 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.
Theres 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 days 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 films original picture. The letterbox format, preferred by many
film buffs, displays movies on a television screen as originally intended by the
films directors. Thats 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 films 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. Thats 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 dont 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 websites 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 teams 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 stations 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 websites 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 snows 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 doesnt 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?
BILLING |
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.
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 |